How to Make Fabric Waterproof

Created on 08.03

How to Make Fabric Waterproof

Summary

With the rising demand for functional clothing, outdoor equipment, and home textiles, waterproof fabric has become a key trend in the modern textile industry. Compared to DIY methods, industrial-grade waterproof fabrics offer significant advantages in protection, durability, breathability, and eco-friendliness. This article explores the types of waterproof fabrics, highlights the production processes such as coating and lamination, and showcases how we manufacture high-performance waterproof nylon fabric and waterproof clothing fabric through an integrated production system. A performance comparison table is also provided to help buyers and brand clients choose the best waterproof fabric solution.

Why DIY Waterproofing Isn’t Enough

DIY waterproofing methods—such as sprays, waxes, and silicone coatings—may offer temporary solutions, but they often lack uniformity, durability, and compatibility with all fabric types. These limitations make them unsuitable for bulk production, long-term use, or eco-conscious product lines.
For commercial applications in apparel, outdoor gear, pet supplies, and home textiles, the most reliable solution is to source professionally engineered waterproof fabrics from specialized suppliers.

Industrial Production of Waterproof Fabrics

1. Coating Technology

Water-repellent coatings are applied to the surface of the fabric to create a waterproof barrier. Common coatings include:
  • PU (Polyurethane)
: Soft, durable, ideal for jackets and bags
  • PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
: Excellent water resistance, often used in tarpaulins, raincoats, and industrial uses
  • Silicone
: Offers flexibility and temperature resistance for high-end applications

2. Lamination Technology

A functional membrane (e.g., TPU, ePTFE) is laminated onto the fabric to form a multi-layer composite with excellent waterproof, breathable, and moisture-wicking performance. Widely used in outdoor waterproof fabrics, ski wear, and performance outerwear.

3. Fluorine-Free Durable Water Repellency (DWR)

We apply eco-friendly DWR finishes to fabrics, which provide basic water resistance without using harmful fluorochemicals—an ideal choice for sustainable fashion.

Our Waterproof Fabric Portfolio

We offer a diverse range of industrial-grade waterproof functional fabrics that serve clients across apparel, outdoor gear, pet products, home furnishings, and more.

Fabric Types and Applications

Fabric Type
Waterproof Level
Breathability
Suggested Use
TPU-Laminated Nylon
Very High
High
Jackets, raincoats, sportswear
PU-Coated Polyester
High
Medium
Tents, backpacks, pet mats, ponchos
PVC-Coated Oxford Fabric
Very High
Low
Furniture covers, industrial use
Fluorine-Free DWR Cotton
Moderate
High
Casual jackets, children’s wear
3-Layer Softshell Composite
High
High
Skiwear, windbreakers, outdoor gear

Integrated Manufacturing: From Yarn to Finished Functional Fabric

As a specialist in functional fabrics, our in-house factory offers end-to-end production, covering everything from raw material processing to advanced finishing and testing.

Key Production Capabilities

  1. Raw Material Selection:High-tenacity nylon, polyester yarns, functional fibers
  2. Weaving Process:Using air-jet looms, circular knitting machines, and shuttle looms
  3. Dyeing and Finishing:Includes reactive dyeing, disperse dyeing, and waterless dyeing solutions
  4. Functional Finishing:Waterproof, oil-repellent, stain-resistant, flame-retardant, UV-resistant
  5. Post-Processing and Quality Control:Surface calendaring, lamination, cutting, and four-stage quality inspection

Certifications & Testing

  • Certified by
Oeko-Tex Standard 100, ISO9001, GRS, and more
  • Equipped with in-house lab for
hydrostatic pressure, breathability, and peel strength testing

How to Choose the Right Waterproof Fabric?

Choose your fabric based on specific usage requirements:
Application
Recommended Fabric Type
Key Features
Raincoats/Windbreakers
TPU-Laminated Nylon
Lightweight, breathable, skin-friendly
Tents/Outdoor Covers
PU or PVC-Coated Oxford
High strength, superior waterproofing
Pet/Home Textiles
DWR Cotton or PU Fabrics
Eco-friendly, easy to clean
Industrial Protection
Heavy PVC Coated Fabrics
Abrasion-resistant, anti-corrosive
Winter Sportswear
3-Layer Softshell Fabric
Windproof, waterproof, breathable, warm

FAQs

Can waterproof fabrics be machine-washed?

Yes, but use cold water with gentle settings. Avoid harsh detergents or fabric softeners. For long-term use, DWR finishes may need to be reapplied periodically.

What's the difference between water-repellent and waterproof fabrics?

  • Water-repellent
fabrics resist light splashes but can become saturated over time
  • Waterproof
fabrics withstand higher water pressure and are suitable for prolonged exposure

Do waterproof fabrics block breathability?

Not always. Advanced fabrics like TPU-laminated or ePTFE membranes provide both waterproofing and breathability. In contrast, PVC-coated fabrics are waterproof but less breathable.

Conclusion

Choosing the right waterproof fabric impacts the comfort, durability, and functionality of the final product. Compared with DIY solutions, industrially manufactured waterproof fabrics offer superior reliability, performance, and consistency.
At our company, we are committed to delivering high-quality waterproof fabric solutions to global clients. Our fully integrated production—from raw yarn to functional finishing—ensures excellent quality, fast delivery, and flexible customization. Whether you are a clothing brand, outdoor gear manufacturer, or industrial textile buyer, we can provide stable supply and technical support.
👉 Learn more about our product range and factory capabilities on our official website: https://www.xxx.com/
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