What waterproof and breathable fabrics are used in custom technical wear clothing?

Waterproof and Breathable Fabrics for Custom Technical Wear

Custom technical wear relies on specific fabric technologies to achieve waterproofing while maintaining breathability. Here are the most common options.

Laminated Membranes

Fabrics like Gore-Tex and eVent use a thin membrane laminated to the outer fabric. These offer the highest waterproof ratings (10,000-30,000mm) while allowing vapor to escape. Ideal for premium technical wear jackets and pants.

PU Coated Fabrics

Polyurethane coating applied to the back of nylon or polyester fabrics. Provides 3,000-10,000mm waterproof rating at a lower cost. TOUCH DARK uses PU-coated fabrics for entry-level technical wear and fashion-forward techwear pieces.

DWR Treated Fabrics

Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment is applied to the face of woven nylons and polyesters. While not fully waterproof, DWR provides water resistance and breathability for everyday urban wear.

Breathable Knits

For technical wear base layers, moisture-wicking polyester or nylon knits with mesh ventilation panels provide breathability without waterproofing. These are often combined with waterproof outer layers for complete weather protection.