Waterproof or Water Resistant?

One of the most common questions we get here at Academy Crests, is which is more appropriate, Water Resistant or Water Proof?

Here’s a little of the fitting behind the fashion……….

Simply put, a waterproof jacket (3 layers of material) offers the highest level of protection from rain and snow. While a water-resistant (2 layers of material) jacket offers a good, but lower level of protection.

But, there’s a little more to it than that…….

Water- Resistant material is so tightly woven that water struggles to get through, meaning that the water beads on the surface of a material prevents the fabric from saturating, offering you protection from the elements for a period of time but, water beads will eventually soak through the panels.

An added solution we offer to this possible drawback is that many of the Jackets we supply have an added durable water repellent finish. Together with the water-resistant fabric, this provides a higher quality level of protection from rain and snow.

In comparison, Water-proof material provides a complete barrier to water, letting nothing in or out.

A consideration to this, especially if you are involved in strenuous work/ activity outdoors regularly, ?is that you could potentially overheat, getting wet from the inside out – from your own sweat!!!

The solution we can offer here is various options of breathable, durable & lightweight water-proof material jackets, allowing for a little more breathing space for a time as you work.

Another possible drawback of Water-proof materials is that any damage or holes in the material, even through embroidering, breaks this protective barrier, allowing water through and rendering the jacket completely void of being Water-proof.

The solution we provide in this instance involves an extra panel of material, allowing for branding and embroidery so you're company is alwasy visible while also ensuring the product remains 100% waterproof with its 3ply design intact.

So when do you really need a waterproof vs water-resistant jacket?

If you want to stay completely dry and SEEN, inside and out, when active in the winter, opt for one of our waterproof jacket options, some of which are lightweight & breathable, branded with your organisation with zero compromise in the jacket’s material.

If you’re active for shorter periods of time in the elements, then a water-resistant jacket is totally adequate.?