{"id":51149,"date":"2026-06-15T08:51:04","date_gmt":"2026-06-15T08:51:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ecojersey.com\/blog\/?p=51149"},"modified":"2026-06-15T08:51:30","modified_gmt":"2026-06-15T08:51:30","slug":"best-fabrics-used-in-waterproof-jackets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ecojersey.com\/blog\/best-fabrics-used-in-waterproof-jackets\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Fabrics Used in Waterproof Jackets"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Choosing the best fabrics used in waterproof jackets is critical as they can impact performance in rain, wind, and the cold. Certain fabrics determine the longevity of the respective performance and how the jacket will stand up to the elements and the tests of time (i.e., how the jacket will withstand the effects of repeated, long-term, external, and internal wash cycles, etc.). The materials used to manufacture waterproof jackets have advanced greatly over the years and expanded the boundaries of performance and sustainability. As a result, the options have become incredibly diverse, making it very exciting for brands developing new collections, as well as for buyers as you now have premium options available. The goal of this document is to educate you on what makes a waterproof jacket ultimately superior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Understanding Waterproof Jacket Construction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before we can differentiate the types of fabrics available for waterproof jackets, we need to understand how they\u2019re constructed. Most of today’s dry, technical waterproof fabrics begin with a combination of a 3 component structure, which consists of a face, a membrane, and a lining. These three are combined as a part of a 2, 2.5, or 3 layer laminate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Role of the Face Fabric<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The outermost layer of a jacket is the face fabric. Treated with a DWR finish, water beads and rolls off. The face fabric also protects not just the waterproof membrane from abrasion, and, damage from the elements but also from UV exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nylon and polyester are the two most popular face fabric materials. Both are good at accepting DWR treatments and are balanced in strength and weight. Both provide a good variety of choices in different weights and weave structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Role of the Waterproof Membrane<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The membrane is the most important part of a waterproof jacket. It is the layer that face fabric and lining jackets the waterproof fabric. It plays the role of blocking water and allowing water vapor to escape in either direction. A good membrane is waterproof and still allows the user to stay dry from the inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Role of the Inner Lining<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The inner lining is the layer closest to the membrane and protects it from abrasion from the outer fabric. In two layer jackets, the inner lining is the outer layer and is often made from a lighter mesh or taffeta. In three layer jackets, the inner lining is bonded to the membrane which then forms a single layer. The three layer design is advanced and durable but heavier and more costly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Best Fabrics for Waterproof Jackets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Knowing what fabrics contribute to superior performance assist brands in making more informed sourcing decisions as well as helping buyers know why premium waterproof jackets have a higher price tag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gore-Tex<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Gor-Tex is a premium waterproof fabric and an industry standard. Gore-Tex is a developed a a product of W. L. Gore and Associates. Gore-Tex is comprised of a membrane of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene which has approximately nine billion micropores in a square inch. Each of those pores are 700 times larger than a water vapor molecule yet 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet. Gore-Tex membrane has an extremely thin layer which is an excellent moisture barrier but still lets vapor pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each product in the Gore-Tex line has a tier. Gore-Tex Pro are for the more extreme and rugged pursuits, Gore-Tex Performance Shell is for general outdoor activities, and Gore-Tex Active is for more strenuous activities where breathability is the main concern. Gore-Tex Pro is the standard for alpine hardshell jackets. Gore-Tex Pro is the industry standard for jackets in alpine conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

eVent Fabric<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

eVent is another industry-standard waterproof membrane fabric. It uses a different technology from Gore-Tex which places an coating on the membrane. eVent has a membrane that is breathable and vapor-permeable. Gore-Tex is an industry standard for a reason, and is hard to compete with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thus, eVent has more breathability than regular Gore-Tex, which indicates that eVent is better for high-output activities. Gore-Tex cannot manage this level of moisture for continuous exertion. eVent is consistent for a wide range of breathability. eVent breathes even when the environment is cold and dry, and also when it is warm and wet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For its breathability, eVent is better than competing membranes. This is why many brands making waterproof jackets for trail running, ski touring, and other high-aerobic activities use eVent for their products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pertex Shield is a membrane that is lightweight and easy to pack. This membrane is designed to be waterproof and breathable. It is lightweight and easy to pack, meaning it is preferred in ultralight hiking jackets and excellent on the trails. Because it is lightweight, it is an excellent membrane to be used on packable windbreakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For additional packable windbreakers, we can utilize Pertex Shield in the various forms, including other high waterproof and breathable forms. Packable waterproof windbreakers are easy to pack in a bag, making them excellent for hiking. If you want a waterproof outerwear for hikers, get in touch with us and we will help you use the best membranes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nylon Face Fabrics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to fabrics used in the construction of waterproof jackets, nylon has a lot going for it. It has a great strength-to-weight ratio. It can easily be treated with durable water repellent (DWR) treatments, and nylon fabrics can be found in a ripstop weave. Ripstop fabrics, as the name suggests, help prevent tears from worsening, and do so at no additional weight expense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In scenarios where a jacket is subjected to extended periods of rain, the ripstop Nylon fabrics dry the quickest, even after getting completely soaked. For premium outdoor jackets<\/a>, processed with a higher denier, nylon provides the needed resistance to abrasion from rocky and rugged trails of the utmost concern while maintaining a lightweight jacket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ripstop nylon is a woven fabric that has an overbearing reinforcing structure that halts the spread of tears. It is preferred in the construction of waterproof jackets especially the hardshells, as the jackets must balance weight and durability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Polyester Face Fabrics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Polyester face fabrics are a great value alternative to construction of waterproof jackets using nylon. Since polyester is more UV resistant than nylon, polyester jackets can be used in environments where there is a lot of sun without degrading as quickly as a nylon jacket would.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brands designing rainwear<\/a> and waterproof jackets for the more general consumer, as opposed to the specialized outdoor consumer, can use polyester face fabrics as a value alternative that doesn’t sacrifice performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recycled polyester, using post-consumer plastic bottles, is a fabric used by many brands to create waterproof jackets that are environmentally friendly and are of good performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Softshell Composite Fabrics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Softshell fabrics do not create a fully waterproof membrane. However, they offer a new waterproof solution that deserves consideration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Softshell Composite Fabrics combine a woven outside layer and a fleece or jersey inner layer. The result is a single layered fabric that is fast and easy to combine. Softshell Composite Fabrics are also stretch, making them ideal for a variety of activities. Because of this, Softshell Composite Fabrics are highly appropriate for Softshell Jackets that are designed to be used for ski touring, trail running, or fast and aggressive hiking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Softshell fabrics also eliminate the need for a separate mid-layer in many conditions. This decrease in fabric requirement is convenient and simplifies the layering system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recycled and Sustainable Waterproof Fabrics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Recently, sustainability has become more important when selecting fabrics for waterproof jackets. Fortunately, the selection of fabrics has also improved. Both recycled nylon and recycled polyester can now be used to construct waterproof fabric that is both environmentally friendly and non-sustainably sourced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, flap and DWR finishes have become more environmentally friendly and can be substituted in the place of traditional, environmentally persistent and harmful, fluorocarbons. Waterproof jackets can be constructed using certified eco-friendly fabrics and membranes, and in doing so can fulfill both a customer and design requirement for high performing fabrics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If sustainability matters most for your supply of waterproof jackets, our waterproof clothing manufacturing<\/a> team can help you with your best certified sustainable fabric for specific product requirements. Contact us for more info.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Key Fabric Properties in Production of Waterproof Jackets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When analyzing fabric options for the production of waterproof jackets, target the following properties for actual performance in the field:<\/p>\n\n\n\n