Design 101

The Difference Between Waterproof & Water Resistant Fabrics

March 20, 2023

If you are about to organise some outdoor cushions and need help deciding on your fabric choice, you may come across many fabrics that either say waterproof or water resistance. Waterproof and water-resistant fabrics are both used to protect against water, but they don’t offer the same level of protection. Waterproof fabric is designed to keep water out completely, while water-resistant fabric is designed to be resistant to water but will still allow some water to penetrate the surface.

Understanding the Difference Between Waterproof and Water-resistant Fabrics

When it comes to protecting items from water damage, it’s important to understand the difference between waterproof and water-resistant fabrics. Waterproof fabrics are made from synthetic materials and are completely impermeable to water, while water-resistant fabrics are less permeable and typically made from natural fibers.

Water-resistant fabrics, on the other hand, are designed to be less permeable than waterproof fabric. They are often made from natural fibers such as cotton or wool and are used for items that need to be protected from light rain or splashing water, such as jackets and coats. They are also commonly used for items such as umbrellas and rain boots.

The difference between waterproof and water-resistant fabrics is in the level of protection they offer. Waterproof fabric is designed to keep water out completely, while water-resistant fabric is designed to be resistant to water but will still allow some water to penetrate the surface. This means that waterproof fabric is best for items that need to remain completely dry, such as electronics, while water-resistant fabric is better for items that need to be protected from light rain or splashing water.

Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Needs

When selecting a fabric for your outdoor cushions, it’s important to consider the level of protection needed and the environment in which the cushions will be used. If the cushions will be permanently outdoors, a waterproof fabric is the best choice to keep them completely dry. However, if the cushions will be brought inside the home, a water-resistant fabric is a good option.

It’s also important to be careful when purchasing fabrics online, as some may be advertised as waterproof but are actually only water-resistant. Contacting the supplier and asking for written proof or ordering fabric samples to conduct a water test can help avoid any misunderstandings.

When choosing a fabric for a particular application, it’s important to consider the level of protection needed and the environment the fabric will be used in. Waterproof fabric is the best choice for items that need to stay completely dry, while water resistant fabric is best for items that need to be protected from light rain or splashing water.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

One common mistake to avoid is washing cushion inners that haven’t fully dried before placing them back inside the waterproof cushion. Any dampness trapped inside the cushion can lead to mold growth due to the inability of the water to escape through the fabric.

Another mistake is leaving food in a firmly closed lunch box for long periods of time, leading to mold growth due to the moisture from the food being unable to escape through the plastic. These examples demonstrate the importance of understanding the properties of different fabrics and how they interact with moisture.

In conclusion, the best choice for any outdoor cushion fabric that you intend to keep permanently outdoors would be a waterproof fabric. My advice before purchasing any waterproof fabric is to make sure to contact the supplier and confirm that it is waterproof and have some kind of written proof or you can also do a water test by ordering fabric samples before purchasing. If you are going to have outdoor cushions that will be brought inside the home, a water resistant fabric would be a good choice.

Remember to check carefully when searching for waterproof fabrics online or even outdoor waterproof cushion covers because some may be advertised as waterproof but when you read the finer description of the fabric or item, it will mention the words “water resistance”.

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