Waterproof surface

The hydrophobic surface treatment (DWR or WR) of the fabric protects against soaking and dirt

March 12, 2021 ·2 min read

Vodovzdorný povrch

If drops of water fall on the surface of the clothing, splash and then slide down the material, it means that your jacket or trousers have a functional hydrophobic treatment - a water-repellent surface.

Hydrophobic treatment of the surface of textile materials is usually ensured by chemical treatment directly during the production of the materials. This treatment is one of the conditions of waterproofness/water resistance materials. This is the first level of protection of the surface layer against soaking and soiling, under which there is a waterproof membrane.
Hydrophobic treatment increases the functionality of elastic knitwear and single-layer breathable materials. It provides them with resistance against external moisture and increases protection against soiling.

DWR and WR
Marking Functional clothing manufacturers use the abbreviation DWR (durable water-repellent) or WR (water-repellent) as a sign that that the surface of the clothing has a hydrophobic treatment.
The more durable DWR treatment is most often part of the surface of waterproof laminated materials with a powerful membrane. WR surface treatment is part of softshell materials, but also knitwear, where it takes care of secondary functionality. The functionality of the WR treatment decreases faster and needs to be renewed more often.

Functional Durability 
The hydrophobic surface treatment of the material is not permanent and must be renewed in certain cycles. As clothing is used, cleaned and washed, the ability to resist surface wetting decreases. It happens most intensively in critical places with increased pressure (shoulders - shoulder straps) or friction (thighs, forearms and edges of clothing) or in places of contact with the skin.

Renewal of the water repellency of the material in the case of DWR must be carried out regularly, at least once a year. Even more often when the clothes are used more intensively. Rely on proven detergents or sprays and carefully read the instructions for use before applying them.
NORTHFINDER markets clothes that are treated exclusively with PFC-free substances.