If you are shopping for a waterproof work jacket, ensure it has fully taped seams and membrane lining for maximum performance.
Modern rainwear typically employs a two, two and a half or three layer construction with the outermost layer treated with durable water repellent (DWR) finish to help raindrops roll off of fabric more quickly and “bead.”
Waterproof
Nothing dampens a man’s spirits quite like being caught out in the rain during a hard day’s work, which is why waterproof jackets should always be part of his outfit.
Waterproof fabric is tightly woven to repel raindrops and snowflakes from reaching its surface, and treated with a durable water repellent to increase bead-resistance over plain fabric.
Waterproofness and breathability ratings for clothing products are typically indicated by two numbers; one indicates waterproofness while the other determines breathability. Waterproof ratings can be determined through lab tests that measure how much liquid passes through fabric under various pressure conditions while breathability measures how much water vapor escapes the fabric during normal use.
Most jackets in this category have been certified to meet both waterproofing and breathability standards, as well as windproof certification, which measures how much air can be blocked at specific speeds by fabric. Windproof materials tend to be heavier than their waterproof counterparts.
Breathable
No matter how hard or how leisurely your outdoor activity, ensuring your jacket keeps you dry is essential to remaining comfortable and not overheating. Look for seal-able venting solutions or other ways to increase ventilation so you stay cool and dry at the same time.
Manufacturers typically display waterproof and breathability ratings for fabrics they sell, which are determined using rigorous scientific tests that simulate rainfall and atmospheric pressure. While these numbers might seem intimidating at first, it’s essential that consumers understand how they work so that they know what to expect when purchasing one of these fabrics.
Coated fabrics feature a waterproof/breathable coating spread evenly over their surface fabric like a thin paint coat, providing lightweight yet cost-effective protection without offering similar levels of performance. Coated constructions tend to be lighter and less costly than laminates but don’t provide as much coverage or performance. 2-Layer (casual) jackets use this construction with waterproof/breathable membrane bonded beneath outer shell fabric with an inner liner protecting it on both sides – such as Gore-TEX’s high performance membrane design which utilizes this design method of construction.
Windproof
While most work jackets are water-resistant, few provide complete windproof protection. However, some models do offer partial wind blocking with tightly woven and treated weather-resistant fabric; such as the Filson Shoreline work jacket which features this feature to ward off insects such as chiggers and thorns while simultaneously blocking light winds when worn as an outer shell over heavier fabrics like shirt or flannel shirts or sweaters.
This type of jacket typically features a DWR finish that helps water bead up and roll off its surface rather than seep into its fabric face fabric and restrict its breathability. A failing DWR could result in saturation of its face fabric by moisture, and therefore compromise breathability.
To keep yourself breathable, select a three-layer waterproof/breathable jacket. This design places the membrane underneath the outer shell fabric with another layer bonded directly onto it; its micropores allow sweat vapors to escape while still blocking rainwater out.
Insulated
Waterproof and breathable work jackets utilize membranes or coatings with millions of pores designed to allow sweat vapor escape while simultaneously protecting against rainwater intrusion. These pores are typically heat sealed shut to ensure no moisture passes through, like Gore-Tex which boasts billions of pores per square inch.
Selecting a 3-in-1 waterproof jacket can help save you money on high-performance waterproof gear, with its shell layer providing protection from rain as well as an optional fleece liner for warmth.