What is DWR? Learn about the properties and care of this hydrophobic coating.

A DWR (Durable Water Repellency) coating is a key element of outdoor clothing. Why? It provides high protection against moisture and can therefore prevent water absorption. Finally, you'll have clothing that allows you to enjoy physical activity even in harsh weather conditions. Learn what a DWR coating is and how to properly care for DWR-treated clothing.

DWR coating – what is it?

Start by understanding what a DWR coating actually is. It's a special protective layer applied to the surface of a fabric. Its primary purpose is to protect clothing from moisture. It causes moisture to bead up on the fabric's surface and roll off, rather than soaking into it. This allows Women's or men's ski jackets , as well as other items of clothing, remain dry - that's why DWR coating is popular in the outdoor industry.

The presence of a DWR coating on the fabric surface is particularly appreciated by active people who spend a lot of time outdoors, regardless of the weather. However, it's worth emphasizing that DWR impregnation does not make the clothing fully waterproof.

How does DWR coating work?

DWR coatings work by changing the surface properties of fabrics, creating a hydrophobic, or water-repellent, layer. This prevents raindrops from soaking into the fabric, but instead remains on the surface as spherical droplets and rolls away under gravity. This mechanism relies on the use of special chemicals, such as fluoropolymers, which reduce the surface tension between water and the fabric.

A DWR coating provides both moisture protection and improved comfort, as the material remains lightweight and dries faster. It's worth noting that DWR effectiveness can diminish over time due to washing, abrasion, and soiling. This causes the material to lose its hydrophobic properties, and water begins to penetrate its structure. Therefore, regular DWR treatment is crucial.

What are the benefits of DWR-coated clothing?

Clothing with a DWR coating is very popular among outdoor enthusiasts. The DWR (durable water repellent) coating allows water to roll off the material's surface, and Women's and men's ski pants stay dry. But these aren't the only benefits of outdoor gear with a DWR coating. Discover the additional benefits of regular DWR impregnation.

Moisture resistance

Water resistance is one of the most important advantages of jackets, trousers or Ski jackets with a DWR coating. This technology allows water to roll off the fabric's surface instead of soaking in. This reduces the risk of getting wet, for example, during a mountain hike.

Thermal comfort

Dry material better insulates the body from the cold, which is very important during physical activity such as skiing or mountain hiking. Although it will still be necessary ski underwear , however, clothing with a DWR coating will allow you to stay warm – even when the temperature drops significantly.

Easy to care for

Did you know that fabrics with a DWR coating are less susceptible to staining? This is because dirt and mud don't penetrate the coating's structure. This not only makes cleaning easier, but also extends its lifespan. This means your clothes will last for years to come – you'll just need to re-impregnate them regularly to ensure they retain their water-repellent properties for a long time.

Keeping clothing lightweight

Another advantage is that DWR-coated clothing prevents water absorption, which helps keep jackets, pants, sweatshirts, and other items lightweight. This makes them even more functional, allowing you to enjoy maximum freedom of movement. This additional layer also ensures the material retains its breathability and promotes sweat wicking. This is a crucial advantage for those who engage in sports or hike in the mountains.

Caring for DWR coatings – how to do it properly?

How can you ensure that DWR-coated clothing retains its water-repellent properties for a long time? Proper care is essential. Fortunately, caring for Ski equipment with a hydrophobic coating is not difficult at all – the key is that you follow the rules below.

1. Choose dedicated detergents – use specialized products designed for outdoor clothing that won't damage the coating. Avoid regular detergents and fabric softeners, which can reduce water-repellent properties.
2. Avoid high temperatures – before washing your jacket, make sure you use a low wash cycle. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Also, remember that high temperatures can damage the coating and affect the durability of the fabric.
3. Regularly refresh the DWR coating – after a few washes, DWR impregnation will be necessary. You can use a spray or liquid to restore the outer fabric's water-repellent properties.
4. Dry according to the manufacturer's instructions – some DWR-treated garments can be tumble-dried, but only on a low setting. This helps activate the water-repellent properties.

DWR impregnation – what is it and how does it work?

DWR impregnation applies a special hydrophobic coating to the surface of a material. This makes outdoor clothing resistant to water penetration.

Want to renew the DWR coating yourself? It's really easy, as you can find such products at specialty stores. Just follow the instructions below.

1. Choose a product designed for clothing with a DWR coating – it can be in the form of a spray or a washing liquid.
2. Prepare your clothing so that it is clean before applying the waterproofing.
3. Apply the waterproofing agent – ​​spray evenly over the entire garment or add the liquid to the washing machine. If using a spray, it's best to use it outdoors and wipe off any excess waterproofing agent with a dry, clean, soft cloth.
4. Activate the coating – Some waterproofing products require heat activation. You can tumble dry the garment or use an iron.
5. Perform a performance test to see if water beading or wet marks appear on the garment's surface. If not, the DWR treatment has been applied correctly.