Waterproof Fabric: A Complete Guide Including Water Resistant & Water Repellent Materials

What is waterproof material? The latest technology offers plenty of options when it comes to waterproof fabric, material that protects the wearer from rain, sleet and snow.

Waterproof fabric is fabric that resists water, or fabric that absorbs the least amount of water compared to other materials.

Technology has recently stepped up to the plate and is producing various other types of fabric that also do the job. Like wool fabrics, these alternative fabrics can breathe and resist moisture. To make a modern synthetic fabric waterproof, we either laminate the fabric or coat it with a special substance such as wax, silicone, rubber and polyurethane (PU), to name a few.

Before you buy fabrics to create products that can withstand the elements, read our Comprehensive Fabric Guide, where we provide all the information you need about the fabric that is ideal for outdoor use.

Innovations in Waterproof Materials 

Currently, the focus on all fabrics remains sustainability, and this includes waterproof materials. This year, smart fabrics still take centre stage, offering a variety of bio-based materials and chemical-free waterproof treatments, fibres that can sense moisture and react by repelling it and improved coatings that enhance the durability of the material, how it breathes and even self-cleans. 

At maake, we have been monitoring new innovations as they happen, and have also created a fascinating guide to Smart Fabrics, which is inspiring and well worth reading.

Waterproof Fabrics: Innovations in 2026

Until recently, the focus has been on fluorinated chemicals, also called PFAS. However, as of October 2026, the EU is putting new REACH restrictions in place, banning a subgroup of PFAS that are often used in durable water repellent (DWR) treatments for consumer fabrics used for clothing and other accessories to repel water, oil and stains, particularly in rain jackets and waterproofing sprays. Although UK legislation doesn’t have a similar ban, it’s just a matter of time before these substances will be banned here, too.

The good news is a waterproof coating that could solve the waterproof problem. According to an article published on the website TechXplore, a research term from the Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences had developed a new “one-step fabrication strategy termed MARS (Molecularly Assembled Robust Superhydrophobic Shell). From this superhydrophobic fabrics are being produced that work wonders under harsh conditions, “ranging from steam at 160°C to liquid nitrogen at -196°C”. The fabric remains soft and breathable despite its coating.

There’s more good news. Aside from scientific breakthroughs, waterproofing fabric technology is also embracing biology. We’ve discussed mycelium, which is the root structure of mushrooms, used by designers such as Stella McCartney to create plant-based leather fabrics (see our blog on Alternative Leather).

This substance is now being developed into “naturally breathable waterproof membranes”, a great alternative to those produced from petroleum products. Cutting-edge fashion tech company Heuritech is responsible for this research. In an article on its website, Heuritech says that “Bio-based and recycled materials are no longer niche alternatives; they have become the new industry standard in 2026. High-value fibres like Lyocell… and innovative materials derived from algae or mushrooms exemplify a successful reduction in reliance on resource-instensvie crops such as conventional cotton.”

The brand says the focus in 2026 “is moving beyond mere use to scalable circularity. Brands are now prioritising fibre-to-fibre technologies to handle complex textile blends…” It predicts that mycelium leather “is expected to hit $336 million (around £252 million) by 2033”.

Waterproof, Water Resistant & Water Repellent Fabrics

These terms are NOT the same thing. Please see our full definitions below:

·      Waterproof: Blocks water completely, even if exposed for long periods of time, or using heavy pressure. To do this, it’s coated with specialised membranes and solid barriers, and specially sealed seams that don’t allow liquid through. Use this fabric for weather conditions that include severe, sustained storms and downpours.

·      Water Resistant: Slows down the rate at which water seeps through, but water will soak through in the end. For a fabric to be water resistant, it needs to be tightly woven, which is why polyester and nylon are such popular choices. Use this fabric to deter light water splashes, accidental liquid spills and brief exposure to a light mist of water (often used by outdoor restaurants to cool customers).

·      Water-Repellent: If the fabric has a coating that has been treated with a special chemical finish, like silicone, water will form beads and roll off the material. Use this type of fabric on clothing that needs to withstand light rain or drizzle and humidity.

Now here are some fascinating facts:

Waterproof fabric is the most resistant to water, while a water-resistant fabric is less so. Manufacturers often weave waterproof fabric far more tightly than water-resistant material so the water struggles to penetrate. That’s what makes the fabric the most resistant to water. Examples of waterproof fabric for outdoor furniture include nylon and polyester.

Water-resistant fabrics resist less water but are not completely resistant to water. Examples of this type of fabric include cotton, which is not as tightly woven as synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester. The fabrics that are both waterproof and breathable are treated with an outer layer called ‘face fabric’. We make this fabric layer using polyester or nylon fabric. There's also a laminated coating created from either polyurethane (PU) or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene, also known as Teflon® and often used to make non-stick cookware) that is used on these fabrics.

Water repellent material sits between the two. It’s not tightly woven like waterproof fabric, or naturally resistant like water resistant fabric. It’s treated with a special chemical coating such as PUL (polyurethane laminated) fabric, which causes water to bead and roll off the fabric surface instead of soaking into it. Common examples of this type of fabric include treated cotton canvas and polyester fabrics, which are often used to cover outdoor furniture.

Examples of a Waterproof Textile

These are the most popular fabrics used per metre wide for various home furnishings and clothing:

ELS (Extra-Long-Staple) Cotton

This type of cotton fabric comes mainly from California. It’s a very dense fabric from specially cultivated extra-long fibres that are woven together. As it’s an excellent waterproof fabric, people use it to make outerwear that is ideal for extreme weather conditions. They also use this cotton fabric for quilting waterproof bed protectors, and for sheets. Often, the cotton fabrics are used as part of a fabric blend to create other waterproof clothing, such as pants and shirts.

Gore-tex®

Manufacturers created this very hard-wearing, waterproof synthetic fabric from stretched Teflon threads (polytetrafluoroethylene). The fabric is mostly used for camping equipment, luggage, fabric army uniforms, and in various countries' space programmes. What sets Gore-tex® fabrics apart from other waterproof fabric is that it’s also breathable.

Latex & Natural Rubber

Latex fabric products are made from either synthetic rubber or natural rubber (the natural sap from the rubber tree). The natural version is hardwearing and biodegradable, so it’s an extremely eco-friendly fabric. Both these fabrics are extremely water resistant; this type of fabric is often used to make various products, from rubber gloves to clothing and seat covers.

Microfibre

This soft fabric is mostly used as a cloth for cleaning mobile phones, computer screens and glasses. The fabric is made from polyester. It's water-resistant and then coated to make it 100% waterproof. This fabric is commonly used for jackets and bed sheets.

Nylon & Polyester

As we mentioned earlier, these two fabrics are created with a tight weave to make them  water-resistant. If treated, polyester fabric is the ideal waterproof fabric for a variety of outdoor products, including umbrellas, outdoor patio furniture and raincoats. Before polyester fabrics are treated, they are not completely waterproof: when one weaves the polymer fibres into the fabric, water can soak through the gaps in the fabric’s weave. So manufacturers treat these outdoor fabrics to make them waterproof and more hard-wearing. 

Oilcloth

We initially made this type of fabric from tightly woven linen or duck cloth. Also known as ‘enamelled cloth’, the fabric is coated in boiled linseed oil, which stiffens the material and makes it waterproof and durable.

However, we rarely use this fabric for clothing anymore; in the past it was used to make for sailors’ coats and boat sails. 

These days, oilcloth is coated with clear vinyl. The fabric, which comes in both matte and shiny textures, is very hard-wearing and easy to clean. This type of material is primarily used for manufacturing luggage and for waterproof mattress covers in hospitals.

Vinyl

Made from PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, this fabric is extremely hard wearing, long lasting and waterproof. We used to produce music records from vinyl and also used it to make some iconic garments of clothing, especially in the punk rock era (1970s). It’s called “pleather” or “faux leather”. Currently, we use vinyl fabric to make rain jackets, handbags and other water-resistant clothing and accessories.

Wool

Wool is a most interesting natural fibre. Not only is it naturally water-resistant, but it also absorbs water: in fact, this fabric can soak up to 30% of its natural weight in water! 

To make the fabric more water-resistant, we coat wool fabric with a thin layer of lanolin oil. However, this coating has to be regularly re-applied, or it won’t remain as water-resistant. Before we make wool fabric garments, we usually boil the fabric in hot water to ensure it’s extremely water-resistant. 

maake’s Waterproof Fabric Choices

Aqua Plain Tex (PUL) Water Repellant: 

This smooth, lightweight 100% polyester water repellent fabric with a PU back is often used for baby changing mats and light water repellent clothing, including waders and accessories. The fabric’s smooth surface is extremely comfortable on the skin and solid colours print vibrantly on its optic white base.

Eco Lotus Twill (FR): Extremely lightweight 100% polyester water repellent fabric, ideal for light outdoor clothing, outdoor upholstery fabric, accessories and wash bags. Use it either as a fabric or as a perfect fabric lining. The fabric is smooth to the touch, has an elegant drape and colours print vibrantly. These waterproof fabrics have a waterproof coating and also lightly repel water (great for shower curtains, etc). It is sustainably made with 100% recycled polyester.

Neraki Waterproof: Canvas (FR): A medium-weight, 240 gsm (grams per square metre wide), 100% polyester PU-backed fabric that is water repellent. The fabric boasts a crisp texture, making it ideal for for handbags, beanbags, outdoor cushions, pet accessories and kids’ play mats. The fabric is easy to wipe clean and very durable. Its optic white base achieves vibrant colour prints. This canvas weave doesn’t fray and is tear-resistant.

Waterproof Suede FR: A luxury material, ideal for outdoor wear and spaces, it’s 100% polyester fabric, popular for outdoor cushions, upholstery, soft furnishings, pet accessories, handbags and outerwear. Stays dry in wet weather, the fabric is also remarkably hard-wearing and tough, with a soft finish and sumptuous appearance. It is Crib 5 tested to comply with UK fire safety regulations and suitable for wearing as clothing. Boasts a white print face and a smooth, non-suede, off-white backing.

Ready to Start Printing?

Waterproof and water-resistant textiles can service so many different options, each tailored for everything from outdoor furniture to high-performance clothing. With advances in technology, waterproof fabrics not only handle water effectively; they also breathe, adding an extra layer of comfort. As we mentioned, these rating systems are crucial to understanding just how waterproof a fabric is, so ensure you consult these before making your choice.

If you're ready to take on your next project, why not make it quick and efficient? Our quick shop feature allows you to easily add your choices to your cart.

As you explore your options, remember that the key to a successful project lies in choosing the right fabric. Whether you're shopping for waterproof or water-resistant fabric, always consider your specific needs, whether it’s breathability, durability, or the ability to handle water in extreme conditions.

Note: At maake, we use no water in our polyester fabric printing process. Currently, we only use polyester, not cotton, water repellent fabrics. All inks used to print on the fabrics meet Oeko-tex™ requirements and pass EN71-3 certification. We use a different print process for printing designs on cotton.

Choose from our stunning selection of fabrics, available per metre wide. These include cotton, linen and other natural fabrics, as well as synthetic fabrics and fabric blends. View the selection, then make your list and add to your cart.

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Delivery

maake uses the most cost-effective delivery services possible. Although we do not provide free UK delivery, we offer the option to collect your fabric order in person if you live within the vicinity of our North London factory (NW10).