What type of fabric is waterproof

Created on 2025.12.11

Why Waterproof Fabrics Matter in 2026

As outdoor lifestyles continue to grow worldwide—even in urban regions—demand for waterproof fabric is increasing sharply. Consumers expect clothing, bags, tents, and home products to withstand rain, humidity, and extreme weather. At the same time, sustainability and green manufacturing have become top priorities for global buyers, pushing suppliers to adopt eco-friendly waterproof coatings and membranes.

Before exploring the full list of waterproof fabric types, it is important to understand that waterproof is not the same as water-resistant. Waterproof materials prevent water penetration completely under pressure, while water-resistant fabrics only delay or reduce moisture absorption. This article will present a complete, structured overview of waterproof fabric, including types, technologies, performance testing, applications, and buying guidelines for 2026.

What Is a Waterproof Fabric?

In technical terms, waterproof fabric refers to any material that prevents water from passing through, even under hydrostatic pressure. Fabric performance is measured using the hydrostatic head test:

0–1,500 mm

: Not waterproof

5,000–10,000 mm

: Waterproof for daily use

10,000–20,000 mm+

: High-performance waterproof fabric for outdoor gear

Waterproof, water-resistant, and water-repellent fabrics are often confused:

Waterproof fabric

: Blocks water completely

Water-resistant fabric: Slows down water penetration
Water-repellent fabric: Surface-treated to bead water

A waterproof fabric usually relies on three principles:

Tight weave construction
Waterproof coating (PU, PVC, acrylic)
Waterproof membrane (Gore-Tex, eVent, PU membrane)

Regardless of the method, the goal is the same—ensure that the waterproof fabric performs consistently in demanding environments.

Waterproof vs Water-Resistant Fabric: Key Differences

Feature	Waterproof	Water-Resistant	Water-Repellent
Construction	Coating or membrane	Tight weave + light finish	Surface finish (DWR)
Protection level	High	Medium	Low
Breathability	Depends on membrane	Good	Good
Applications	Outdoor, marine, tents	Jackets, bags	Daily clothing

A waterproof fabric must maintain performance even under pressure, which is why technologies such as PU lamination, TPU film, and membrane bonding are essential.

Types of Waterproof Fabrics (With Examples)

1. PU-Coated Fabrics (Polyurethane Coated)

PU-coated waterproof fabric is lightweight, flexible, and widely used in commercial and consumer applications. Polyester or nylon base fabrics are coated with polyurethane to create excellent resistance against rain. PU-coated waterproof fabric nylon is especially common in backpacks, raincoats, tents, and various protective covers because of its strength and versatility.

2. PVC / Vinyl-Coated Fabrics

PVC is one of the strongest forms of waterproof fabric, offering outstanding durability for heavy-duty industrial purposes. PVC-coated tarpaulin is widely used in truck covers, awnings, marine equipment, and construction sites. While PVC has lower breathability, it provides unmatched waterproof performance.

3. PUL (Polyurethane Laminate)

PUL is a soft, flexible, and lightweight waterproof fabric widely used for baby products, mattress protectors, and washable medical items. Because PUL is both waterproof and breathable, it is ideal for products requiring comfort as well as protection.

4. TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

TPU is a more eco-friendly waterproof solution than traditional PU. TPU-based waterproof fabric is soft, resilient, and suitable for sports bags, medical textiles, and baby products. Many brands prefer TPU because it has a lower environmental impact and better recyclability compared to PVC.

5. Waterproof Membrane Fabrics (Gore-Tex / eVent / Similar)

Membrane-based waterproof fabric is popular for high-performance outdoor garments. These fabrics use micro-porous membranes that block liquid water but allow vapor to escape, creating true breathable waterproof fabric. This balance of protection and comfort is essential for hiking jackets, climbing apparel, and ski wear.

6. Waxed Cotton

Waxed cotton is a traditional waterproof fabric, created by impregnating cotton with paraffin or beeswax. While not as waterproof as membranes or coated textiles, it offers a vintage aesthetic and is widely used for jackets, workwear, and accessories.

7. Rubberized or Neoprene Fabrics

Neoprene is completely waterproof and used in wetsuits, immersion suits, medical supports, and industrial protective gear. Rubberized textiles are heavy but offer excellent waterproof integrity.

How Waterproof Fabrics Work: Technologies & Principles

1. Tight Weave Technology

High-density nylon or polyester can function as natural waterproof fabric when woven tightly enough to resist moisture. Although not fully waterproof, this structure improves performance when combined with coatings.

2. Waterproof Coating

PU, PVC, and acrylic coatings form an impermeable layer on the surface of the textile. Coating thickness directly affects the hydrostatic rating of the waterproof fabric. Knife coating and roller coating are the two primary application methods.

3. Waterproof Membrane

Waterproof membranes are the key to creating premium breathable waterproof fabric. Micro-porous membranes (e.g., ePTFE) allow sweat vapor to escape while blocking water. Breathability is measured using MVTR (moisture vapor transmission rate) from 5,000–20,000 g/m²/24h.

4. Seam Sealing & Construction

Even the best waterproof fabric will fail if the seams leak. Seam sealing tapes, ultrasonic welding, and bonding technology are essential for waterproof garment construction.

Characteristics of High-Quality Waterproof Fabrics

A reliable waterproof fabric usually includes the following performance features:

Hydrostatic head rating of 5,000–20,000 mm
High breathability
Strong tear and tensile strength
UV resistance for

waterproof fabric for outdoor applications

Abrasion resistance
Environmental certifications (Oeko-Tex, GRS)
Lightweight structure for comfort

For example, high-density waterproof fabric nylon offers an excellent balance between strength, waterproofness, and softness.

Applications of Waterproof Fabrics

Outdoor & Garments

A large portion of waterproof fabric for clothing is used in jackets, ski trousers, outdoor suits, and windbreakers. Membrane-based materials are ideal for alpine and adventure gear.

Bags & Luggage

Backpacks, duffel bags, and sports gear use waterproof fabric nylon due to its durability and performance.

Home Textiles

Mattress protectors, shower curtains, and sofa covers rely on lightweight waterproof fabric for daily protection.

Industrial & Commercial

PVC tarpaulin, truck covers, and marine textiles are forms of heavy-duty waterproof fabric engineered for extreme conditions.

Baby & Medical Products

PUL and TPU are important types of waterproof fabric used in diapers, baby pads, and medical bedding.

Benefits of Waterproof Fabrics

Using waterproof fabric in product development offers numerous advantages:

Complete water protection
Windproof performance
High durability
Adaptable for outdoor, industrial, and fashion needs
Available in breathable and non-breathable structures
Customizable through lamination, printing, and coating

How to Choose the Right Waterproof Fabric

Businesses evaluating waterproof fabric should consider:

Application environment
Required waterproof level
Need for breathability
Fabric weight
Sustainability requirements (GRS, recycled polyester)
Cost-performance ratio

If you are producing outdoor jackets, breathable waterproof fabric with membrane technology is essential. For industrial covers, PVC-coated waterproof fabric is a better option.

For more guidance, you may review our factory capabilities here: https://www.hawwintex.com/factory

Waterproof Fabric in Sustainable Textiles (2026 Trend)

Sustainability continues to reshape the waterproof fabric industry. The latest innovations include:

Bio-based TPU film
Recycled polyester (rPET waterproof fabric)
PFAS-free water-repellent treatment
Solvent-free coating processes

These greener solutions not only reduce environmental impact but also meet the requirements of major international brands.

Conclusion

Choosing the right waterproof fabric depends on your product purpose, performance target, and sustainability requirements. From PU and PVC coatings to membrane-based breathable waterproof fabric, each option provides unique advantages for clothing, outdoor gear, home textiles, or industrial applications. As demand increases in 2025, businesses need reliable waterproof fabric suppliers with strong testing capabilities and stable production quality. Whether you require waterproof fabric nylon, TPU laminates, or high-performance outdoor textiles, selecting the right material ensures durability, comfort, and long-term product value.

Explore Waterproof Fabrics With Hawwintex Fabric

Hawwintex is a trusted B2B manufacturer specializing in high-quality waterproof fabric for global apparel, outdoor, and industrial brands. We support OEM/ODM solutions and offer PU, TPU, PVC, membrane laminates, and custom-designed materials.

Learn more about our products, factory, and testing capabilities below:

👉 Visit our homepage: https://www.hawwintex.com/

👉 Contact us: https://www.hawwintex.com/contact-us

Let’s create better fabrics together — contact us for samples and solutions.

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