We may take waterproof clothing for granted these days, but the road to get to where we are now was not easy or fast. In fact, having reliable, waterproof fabric to keep our bodies dry when out in the elements is a product that is less than 200 years old.
As defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary, waterproof means it is “impervious to water; especially: covered or treated with a material (as a solution of rubber) to prevent permeation by water.” The idea behind waterproof fabrics is to offer protection from natural elements such as rain, wind, or snow. It must be breathable, water resistant, warm, and insulated.
In this blog, we’ll dive into its history, what makes a fabric waterproof, as well as various examples of waterproof fabric.
From Tar to GORE-TEX: a Brief History of Waterproof Fabrics
Long ago, before we had the use of special technology or chemicals to create our modern waterproof materials, people had to use what they found in nature to create a waterproof barrier on their fabrics. These substances included things such as pitch, wax, oil, or tar as they exhibited waterproof attributes. For example, tar and pitch were commonly used on wooden boats to keep them watertight and able to float and sixteenth-century sailors would grease their sails with oil so that the fabric would hold up against the harsh sea environment.
Mayans used rubber trees to create specialized boots. They would extract latex from trees and then coat their feet in this several times until it formed a thick covering that acted like a waterproof boot. Innuits created waterproof clothing from seals and whale intestines. Moisture couldn’t permeate the material, but the skin underneath could still breathe.
Wax found its popularity as a waterproofing agent at the end of the 19th century. People would wax coat fabric threads and then weave these together to create a waterproof fabric.
The 1820s saw the invention of the first raincoat, but not without some drawbacks. G. Fox in London invented the Aquatic Gambroon Cloak in 1821. While it was great at keeping water out, it had no breathability and the wearer was often damp and overheated underneath the coat. Charles Macintosh also invented a raincoat during this time while trying to find a use for naphtha, a byproduct of coal-tar distillation. When used as a solvent for rubber, Macintosh was able to fuse two layers of wool together. Drawbacks of his coat included stiffness in cold weather and stickiness in hot weather. The problem was not rectified until vulcanized rubber was implemented to provide a temperature-tolerant solution.
The next big invention in the history of waterproof technology was GORE-TEX®. Invented in 1969 by W.L. Gore & Associates, GORE-TEX proved to be a waterproof, lightweight fabric that was thin, durable, breathable, and windproof.
How a Fabric Becomes Waterproof and the Four Main Fabrics
The benefits of waterproof fabric are multiple. It is resistant to mold and mildew growth, resistant to wear and tear, and one does not have to worry about shrinkage or damage occurring due to the washing and drying process.
As we can see through the history of waterproof fabrics, these fabrics are usually natural or synthetic that are laminated or coated with waterproof materials. This treatment of the fabric can be done during or after the fabric manufacture. Waterproofing spray is the third method.
The finishing that makes fabric waterproof has two categories:
- Waterproof Finishing – a continuous film coated on the surface of the fabric to block the pores of the fabric so that neither air nor water can penetrate.
- Water-Repellent Finishing – apply a layer of water-repellent film on the fabric fibers that cannot be wetted by water, but does not close the gaps of the fabric, so that it can be water-repellent but also breathable.
There are two types of water repellents used in water repellent finishing: hydrophobic and hydrophilic. These are both used to block gaps in the fabric to create a waterproofing finish. These finishing agents include various rubbers, paraffin, grease, wax, or various types of thermoplastic resins.
An example of a water-repellent finished piece of apparel would be PROPPER’s Packable Waterproof Jacket. It fits over clothing for quick-and-easy, on-and-off when one needs it. Waterproofed with sealed seams and a DWR (durable water repellent) finish, the jacket will keep one dry while the nylon material wards off the wind.
Four types of fabric are mainly used as waterproof fabrics. These are:
- Natural Rubber/Latex – a very stretchy, stress-resistant material with many uses. It is popular for certain types of clothing.
- GORE-TEX – as previously discussed above, this fabric is both waterproof and breathable. It’s effective at keeping moisture out and is popular for all-weather jackets and clothing for the outdoor market.
- Vinyl – usually waterproof, strong, and durable. Available in many colors.
- Fluoropolymer Fabrics – resistant to heat and chemicals, non-stick, and typically transparent. Often used in protective garments in factories.
An example of GORE-TEX in use is Bates 8” GX Side Zip GORE-TEX Boot. A durable, waterproof side zip booth, it is perfect for all seasons. Featuring a strong, waterproof, and breathable GORE-TEX lining, feet will stay protected, comfortable, and dry. The lining allows moisture vapor to escape while eliminating liquid penetration. It features waterproof full-grain leather and performance nylon upper with protective panels.
Final Thoughts: The Common Thread
From the beginning of time, man has tried to find a way to keep himself dry and comfortable in all elements. While our methods have improved since the days of the Mayans and Innuits and even that of Charles Macintosh, the goal has always been the same: provide a breathable fabric with water-repellent attributes that allow an individual to perform their task no matter the weather. Today’s many inventions, such as GORE-TEX, continue this mission by keeping our first responders’ feet and bodies dry and comfortable while on duty. From tar to fluoropolymer fabrics, the common thread has always been there since the beginning and will continue to be the common thread in the future as new waterproof fabrics continue to be discovered and invented.