Understanding Waterproof Clothing: A Guide to Wet Weather Workwear for Arborists

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Working outdoors means the weather is often as much a challenge as the job itself. Whether climbing, carrying out ground work or operating machinery, reliable wet weather clothing helps keep arborists comfortable, protected and focused throughout the day. However, not all outdoor clothing offers the same level of protection, and understanding the terminology can make choosing the right equipment much easier.

Terms such as waterproof, weatherproof and water-resistant are frequently used, but they each describe different levels of protection. Equally important is knowing how to care for technical garments once you've invested in them. Regular maintenance helps preserve their performance and ensures they continue to work effectively in wet conditions.

This guide explains the most common waterproof clothing terminology, how modern technical fabrics work and the simple maintenance routines that help keep wet weather clothing performing at its best.

Quick Summary

• Waterproof and water-resistant clothing offer different levels of protection.
• DWR coatings help water bead and roll away from the fabric.
• Hydrostatic Head measures waterproof performance.
• MVTR measures how breathable a garment is during active work.
• Cleaning and reproofing help maintain waterproof performance over time.

Why Waterproof Clothing Matters

For professional arborists, forestry workers and grounds teams, wet weather clothing is about far more than staying dry. Spending long periods working in rain, damp vegetation or changing weather conditions places constant demands on clothing, making both protection and comfort essential throughout the working day.

Quality waterproof garments are designed to keep rain out while allowing moisture generated by the body to escape. This balance helps reduce overheating during physically demanding work and improves overall comfort during long shifts outdoors.

Understanding how waterproof clothing works also helps when choosing new workwear. Once you know what the different technical terms mean, comparing garments becomes much simpler and you'll be better equipped to select clothing that's suitable for the conditions you regularly work in.

Waterproof, Water-Resistant and Weatherproof Explained

Waterproof

Waterproof garments are designed to provide the highest level of protection against rainfall. They typically use waterproof membranes, specialist coatings and sealed seams to prevent water from penetrating through the fabric during prolonged exposure to wet conditions.

This makes waterproof clothing suitable for prolonged outdoor work where heavy or persistent rain is expected.

Water-Resistant

Water-resistant fabrics repel light showers and surface moisture but are not intended for continuous exposure to heavy rain. Although they offer useful protection during short periods of wet weather, they will eventually allow water to penetrate if exposed for long enough.

Water-resistant clothing is often lighter and may be more suitable where occasional showers are expected rather than sustained rainfall.

Weatherproof

The term weatherproof is often used to describe garments that combine protection from rain with good breathability and comfort in changing outdoor conditions. Rather than focusing purely on waterproof performance, weatherproof clothing aims to provide balanced protection for everyday outdoor use across a range of weather conditions.

What Is DWR?

DWR stands for Durable Water Repellence, a treatment applied to the outer surface of many waterproof garments. Its purpose is to encourage water to form droplets that bead and roll off the fabric rather than soaking into the outer material.

When the outer fabric remains dry, the garment continues to breathe more effectively, helping moisture generated during physical work escape more easily. This improves comfort while reducing the heavy, saturated feeling often associated with worn waterproof clothing.

Over time, everyday wear, dirt, abrasion and repeated washing gradually reduce the effectiveness of the DWR treatment. Fortunately, cleaning and reproofing can help restore its performance as part of routine garment maintenance.

Understanding Hydrostatic Head

Hydrostatic Head is one of the most common ways manufacturers measure how waterproof a fabric is. The measurement is expressed in millimetres and represents the height of a column of water that the fabric can withstand before water begins to penetrate.

As a simple example, a fabric with a Hydrostatic Head rating of 10,000 mm is designed to withstand a ten-metre column of water before leakage occurs during laboratory testing.

Although higher figures generally indicate greater water resistance, they should always be considered alongside other features such as garment construction, seam sealing and overall design.

Understanding MVTR

MVTR stands for Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate. In simple terms, it measures how much moisture vapour generated by your body can pass through a fabric over a 24-hour period. The higher the MVTR, the more breathable the garment is likely to be.

Breathability is particularly important for arborists and forestry professionals carrying out physically demanding work. Even during cold or wet weather, climbing, dragging brash or operating equipment generates body heat and perspiration. A breathable waterproof garment allows this moisture to escape more effectively, helping you stay comfortable throughout the working day.

Waterproofing and breathability should work together rather than compete. A well-designed garment aims to prevent rain from getting in while allowing excess heat and moisture to escape from the inside.

Looking After Waterproof Clothing

Even the best waterproof clothing requires regular care to maintain its performance. Mud, sawdust, oils and everyday dirt gradually reduce the effectiveness of water-repellent treatments and can affect how well technical fabrics breathe.

A simple maintenance routine helps preserve the garment's protective properties and can significantly extend its useful working life.

Before Washing

Brush away loose mud, sawdust and debris before placing garments in the washing machine. Fasten all zips, close Velcro fastenings and check the care label before washing.

Removing surface dirt first helps prevent unnecessary wear on the outer fabric during the wash cycle.

Choose the Right Cleaner

Use a cleaner specifically intended for technical waterproof clothing. Household detergents, fabric softeners and bleach can reduce the effectiveness of waterproof treatments and should be avoided unless the garment manufacturer specifically states otherwise.

Always follow the care instructions supplied with the garment as well as those provided with the cleaning product.

Wash Carefully

Wash waterproof garments at a maximum temperature of 40°C unless the care label states otherwise. Once the wash cycle has finished, rinse thoroughly to help remove any remaining cleaner from the fabric.

Dry Naturally

Allow clothing to air dry completely before storing it. Unless the care label specifically permits it, avoid tumble drying. Proper drying helps maintain the condition of the technical fabrics and prepares the garment for reproofing if required.

When Should You Reproof Waterproof Clothing?

One of the easiest ways to tell if a waterproof garment needs attention is to watch how water behaves on the surface of the fabric. When the DWR treatment is working correctly, rain forms droplets that bead and roll away.

If the fabric begins to darken as it absorbs water rather than allowing it to bead, it is usually time to clean and reproof the garment. Applying a suitable wash-in or spray-on waterproofing treatment helps restore the outer water-repellent finish while supporting breathability.

Regular reproofing forms an important part of maintaining technical waterproof clothing, particularly for garments used frequently in demanding outdoor environments.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Leaving mud and dirt on garments after use.
• Using household detergents or fabric softeners on technical fabrics.
• Ignoring the care instructions provided by the manufacturer.
• Storing clothing before it has fully dried.
• Waiting too long before restoring the water-repellent finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should waterproof clothing be reproofed?

When water no longer beads on the surface of the fabric and instead begins to soak into the outer material, it is generally time to clean and reproof the garment.

Can I use normal washing detergent?

It is recommended to use a cleaner intended for technical waterproof clothing. Household detergents and fabric softeners can reduce the effectiveness of water-repellent treatments.

Does waterproof clothing stay waterproof forever?

No. The waterproof construction remains, but the outer DWR treatment gradually wears through use, washing and abrasion. Regular maintenance helps restore performance.

What is more important, waterproofing or breathability?

Both play an important role. Waterproof protection keeps rain out, while breathability allows moisture generated during physical activity to escape, helping maintain comfort throughout the day.

Key Takeaways

• Understand the difference between waterproof, water-resistant and weatherproof clothing before choosing your workwear.
• DWR treatments help water bead on the fabric and should be maintained through regular cleaning and reproofing.
• Hydrostatic Head measures water resistance, while MVTR measures breathability.
• Use specialist cleaners designed for technical fabrics and always follow the garment care label.
• Regular maintenance helps maximise the performance and lifespan of waterproof workwear.

Further Reading

Explore our range of All Weather Trousers & Jackets or browse our complete selection of PPE & Workwear for professional arborists and forestry workers.

To learn more about ARB Surplus, visit our About Us page, browse our Frequently Asked Questions, or contact us if you need further advice.

About This Guide

This guide has been prepared by the ARB Surplus team using manufacturer guidance and industry knowledge gained through the Fletcher Stewart group. It is intended to provide practical information on understanding and maintaining waterproof workwear. Always follow the care instructions supplied with your garment and any cleaning or waterproofing products used.

About ARB Surplus

ARB Surplus specialises in genuine surplus, clearance and end-of-line arborist equipment from trusted brands. As part of the Fletcher Stewart group, ARB Surplus combines decades of industry experience with exceptional value on professional equipment, helping arborists, forestry workers and outdoor professionals access quality products at competitive prices.