The Difference Between Waterproof and Water Resistant Gear

The two main differences between waterproof and water-resistant gear are the fabric’s construction and the level of protection it gives from outside moisture. Understanding how the features of waterproof, water-resistant, and water-repellent clothing will help you stay warm and dry when training outdoors.

Whether you’re cycling in winter storms or running in spring showers, finding gear that keeps water at bay will help you move comfortably and perform at your best. This guide will take you through each type of material so you can choose the best option for your needs.

What are the Types of Rainwear for Outdoor Gear?

There are three main terms used to describe fabric that protects against moisture: waterproof, water resistant, and water repellent. They indicate how effective a material is at stopping wetness from penetrating and being absorbed into a garment. In short, they tell you how likely water is to get from the outside into your clothing and stay next to your skin. Looking for these in clothing descriptions will help you choose the right gear for your training needs.

Waterproof

Waterproof clothing guards completely against wet conditions. These fabrics are designed to stop moisture from getting onto your skin and causing discomfort. They’re the ultimate barrier against extreme weather, including rain and snow.

Water Resistant

Water-resistant kit offers a good first barrier against moisture. These materials can stop some water from getting in, but they will start to absorb wetness when exposed to high levels of moisture suddenly or consistently over a long period.

Water Repellent

Water-repellent materials are treated with substances like wax or durable water-repellent (DWR) agents. These treatments make any water droplets gather and then roll off the fabric's surface. This stops a certain amount of wetness from getting into a garment.

Waterproof Fabric Technology: High-Level

Waterproof materials are designed to create a complete barrier against wetness. Fabrics like GORE-TEX are engineered to protect athletes from the worst weather conditions.

GORE-TEX is a membrane that is used in various ways on a product. Some will have an outer material but not an inner, and vice versa. This thin layer has over nine billion pores per square inch of fabric. These pores are 20,000 times smaller than water drops and 700 times larger than water vapor. This means the membrane stops moisture, such as rain, from entering a garment while letting sweat out.

With this inside-and-out protection, GORE-TEX Materials stop wetness from building up in any clothing items. Plus, GORE-TEX Garments are lightweight, so athletes won’t be weighed down as they move, even if the rain is pouring.

Specially designed items like SPINSHIFT and CONCURVE Jackets are also body-mapped, giving complete freedom of movement. As a result, athletes can work hard in any weather without becoming uncomfortable.

Benefits

Waterproof running and cycling gear brings a range of benefits, including:

• Complete protection against extreme weather like heavy rain and snow, meaning athletes will stay warm and dry

• Breathability that stops the build-up of internal moisture, helping athletes avoid dampness and chaffing

• Being lightweight, with no wetness being absorbed, leaving runners or cyclists free to move

• Durability, making it ideal for everyday training and wear

• Easy care instructions, for example, GORE-TEX Garments can be machine-washed with liquid detergents at 40C, but it is always advisable to check the washing label as products may differ.

Perfect for Stormy Weather

GORE-TEX Jackets are ideal for all-weather athletes who aren’t afraid to head out in heavy rain. Completely waterproof, they keep cyclists and runners dry and warm in the snow, as the membrane protects against the moisture in sleet or powder. GORE-TEX Materials are also windproof, keeping athletes protected against blustery weather.

Water-Resistant Fabric Technology: Medium-Level Resistance

Water-resistant materials are designed to give some protection against external moisture. Just like waterproof sportswear, this kit is designed to keep athletes warm and dry when they’re out in light rain or damp conditions (such as puddles on roads or trails).

For example, WINDSTOPPER® Products by GORE‑TEX LABS materials are made using a membrane that’s layered between a face and backer fabric. This membrane has pores large enough to let sweat out. As per information on the official GORE-TEX website:

“The totally windproof, reliably breathable characteristics of WINDSTOPPER® products endorsed by GORE‑TEX LABS come from a laminate of selected textiles and an ultra-thin membrane. In addition to our membrane technology, a PFC-free DWR treatment is used on most products. It penetrates the outer face textiles, so water beads and roll off. It reduces water accumulation for less windchill and lower weight.”

WINDSTOPPER® Products by GORE‑TEX LABS items stop wetness from building up on the inside while resisting wind and water from the outside. Garments using these materials help athletes stay comfortable as they move, particularly when combined with extra insulation or designed with sport-specific coverage, like an over-the-helmet hood.

Benefits

If you’re an all-weather runner or cyclist, then having water-resistant items will help you:

• Stay protected from the dampness of light rain, mud, and puddles

• Avoid an uncomfortable build-up of moisture and heat next to the skin

• Move freely without being weighed down by wet materials, with minimal amounts of water absorbed into the fabric

• Keep warm when training outside in spring and fall, with WINDSTOPPER® Products by GORE-TEX LABS items preventing both wind and light rain from making you cold

• By being lightweight and easily packable, making them a great layer to have in your training bag just in case

Perfect for Light Showers and Puddles

Water-resistant technical clothes will help athletes stay warm and dry when training in spring, fall, or unpredictable summer weather. They will protect against light rain or damp conditions, such as running on damp trails. WINDSTOPPER® Products by GORE-TEX LABS will also protect from the wind while still being breathable, stopping any internal moisture build-up.

Water-Repellent Fabric Technology: Low-Level Resistance

Water-repellent materials are designed to stop moisture from building up on their surface. Treated with special coatings, any water that lands on the fabric forms into droplets that are rounded and heavy. These then fall off the material easily. This stops wetness from building up in the fabric, weighing down athletes and making them feel damp or cold.

Coatings are applied to textiles to make them water-repellent. One polymer used to create materials with these properties is DWR. This is applied to the outer layer of an item and reduces the surface tension of the fabric. When water lands on this coating, it won’t soak into the item. Instead, it’ll gather into droplets which then roll off once heavy enough.

DWR is effective at repelling moisture. However, wear and tear means the coating needs to be restored regularly to maintain its high performance. Outerwear can be restored by following a garment’s specific care instructions. Usually, this is done by machine washing and tumble drying.

If athletes notice that water is pooling rather than beading on the surface of a garment, this is a sign that DWR needs restoring.

Benefits

Having some water-repellent items in your wardrobe will help you perform better by:

• Offering a protective outer shell that can be worn comfortably with other layers

• Being easy to pack and carry, meaning they’re useful to have in your training bag in case there’s a shower

• Preventing moisture from building up in the garment and causing discomfort or added weight

• Protecting from rain or other moisture effectively over short training sessions

• Having quick-dry and easy-care features, meaning items can be used for multiple training sessions in a row

Waterproof vs Breathability

Waterproofing stops moisture getting from the outside into an item. However, if an athlete’s clothes aren’t made from breathable fabrics, sweat can start to create dampness next to the skin as they work. This can cause overheating and discomfort such as chaffing or rashes, particularly with the repeated movements of running or cycling.

Choosing items made from materials that are both breathable and waterproof will help athletes stay dry and regulate their temperature as they move. The GORE-TEX Membrane offers both these benefits. Its pores are small enough to stop outside moisture from getting in and large enough to let water vapor (sweat) out.

For endurance athletes who spend hours spinning or striding outdoors, investing in jackets and other outerwear made from waterproof, breathable materials will help them stay comfortable as they train in all weather conditions.

How to Choose Between Waterproof and Water-Resistant Gear

To decide whether it is best to wear fully waterproof kit or water-resistant items, you need to consider what the weather conditions are and how extreme they’ll be. For example, waterproof items will be more suitable for heavy, consistent rain. Water-resistant outerwear or bottoms will be enough to protect athletes while running or cycling in damp conditions.

The length of your training will also be a factor. If you’re heading out for a springtime technical or track session, then water-resistant items will be enough to keep you dry for that short time. For long winter runs or cycles, where adverse weather is frequent, waterproof and windproof outerwear is a must to keep you warm and protected from rain or cold winds.

Searching for clothes with extra features will give athletes extra protection from the elements. These include:

• Added insulation or thermal fabrics that offer extra warmth

• Protective features, such as sealed seams and zip pockets, that stop moisture from seeping into your other clothing

• Sports-specific designs that support you as you cycle or run, including streamlined, close fits and over-the-helmet hoods

• Lightweight materials that are easy to pack and carry in a training bag or rucksack

• Breathable fabrics that stop sweat from building up and causing discomfort

Looking for items with the above features means they’re of the highest quality and will help you perform at your best. So whatever weather you’re training in, they’ll help you stay comfortable, dry, and free to move.