Waterproof & Breathable Fabric

Overview

Waterproof and breathable fabrics are engineered technical textiles that block liquid water penetration while allowing water vapor from perspiration to escape, maintaining wearer comfort in active and outdoor conditions. This category is built primarily on polyester and nylon base cloths finished with hydrophilic or microporous coatings, or laminated with TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) and ePTFE membranes that create a molecular barrier permeable to vapor but not to liquid. Construction ranges from single-layer coated fabrics to bonded 2-layer and 3-layer laminates, allowing buyers to match durability, hand feel, and performance to their end application.

Key Properties & Specifications

• Fabric weight: 80–320 gsm depending on construction, with lightweight shell variants at 90–140 gsm and heavy-duty 3-layer laminates at 220–320 gsm
• Water column (hydrostatic head): 3,000–20,000 mmH2O, with standard coated fabrics rated at 5,000–10,000 mm and premium laminated membranes reaching 15,000–20,000 mm
• Breathability (MVTR): 3,000–15,000 g/m²/24h, tested by JIS L1099 or ASTM E96, with high-performance 3-layer constructions reaching 10,000–15,000 g/m²/24h
• Tensile strength: 600–1,200 N warp and 400–900 N weft, per ASTM D5034
• Tear strength: 25–60 N depending on denier and ripstop construction, per ASTM D1424
• UPF rating: 40–50+ for tightly woven and darker-shade fabrics, providing effective UV protection
• Dimensional shrinkage: less than 3% after washing, tested per AATCC 135
• Colorfastness: Grade 4–5 to washing, rubbing, and light exposure (AATCC/ISO standards)
• Temperature resistance: stable performance from -30°C to +70°C, with TPU laminates retaining flexibility in low temperatures
• Standard width: 150 cm (58/60 inch), with alternate widths available on request

Popular Products

Waterproof Polyester Fabric is a versatile coated base cloth, typically PU or PA coated at 75D–300D, offering reliable water resistance at economical price points and forming the workhorse of budget-conscious outerwear and bag production.

Waterproof Breathable Fabric integrates a hydrophilic coating or microporous finish that balances a high water column with strong MVTR values, making it the core product for buyers who require both weather protection and moisture management in a single-layer solution.

TPU Laminated Fabric bonds a thermoplastic polyurethane film to the face fabric, delivering superior waterproofing (up to 20,000 mm), excellent elasticity, and environmentally preferable performance since TPU is solvent-free and recyclable, ideal for high-spec technical and medical-grade applications.

Outdoor Shell Fabric is a lightweight, abrasion-resistant woven engineered for jackets and hardshells, combining low weight (90–140 gsm) with wind resistance, DWR (durable water repellent) surface treatment, and a soft hand feel for active use.

3 Layer Waterproof Fabric sandwiches a waterproof-breathable membrane between an outer face fabric and an inner tricot or knit backing, producing a durable, self-lined laminate that eliminates the need for a separate liner and delivers the highest combined waterproofing and breathability in the range.

Ripstop Waterproof Fabric uses a reinforcing grid weave (typically at 5–8 mm intervals) that resists tearing and stops propagation of small punctures, pairing structural durability with waterproof coating for demanding outdoor and load-bearing uses.

Oxford Fabric is a robust basket-weave polyester or nylon, commonly 210D–1680D, PU or PVC backed, valued for its strength, tear resistance, and cost efficiency in bags, covers, and equipment where heavier weight is acceptable.

Applications

Outdoor apparel: shell jackets, rain jackets, ski wear, and hiking pants rely on the category's breathable laminates and shell fabrics to keep users dry while managing perspiration during high-exertion activity.

Bags and luggage: coated polyester and Oxford variants provide the water resistance and abrasion durability needed for backpacks, duffels, laptop cases, and travel luggage exposed to weather and rough handling.

Outdoor gear and shelters: tents, tarps, awnings, and equipment covers use higher-denier ripstop and Oxford fabrics for their combination of tear strength, waterproofing, and UV resistance in prolonged outdoor exposure.

Industrial and workwear: protective coveralls, rainwear, and high-visibility garments use durable coated fabrics that withstand repeated laundering while maintaining a reliable hydrostatic barrier for outdoor labor.

Medical and hygiene products: TPU laminated fabrics serve as breathable, waterproof barriers in reusable surgical gowns, mattress protectors, and other applications requiring fluid resistance combined with vapor permeability.

Automotive and marine covers: heavy-weight coated and laminated fabrics protect vehicles, boats, and outdoor furniture against rain, UV degradation, and temperature extremes across seasonal use.

Customization & Wholesale

Minimum order quantity starts at 500 meters per color per specification for standard stock constructions, with lower sampling quantities available for development and higher-volume pricing tiers applied at 3,000 meters and above. Custom fabric weights, deniers, coating types (PU, PA, PVC, TPU), and membrane specifications can be engineered to buyer requirements.

Width customization is available beyond the standard 150 cm, and color matching is offered to Pantone TCX/TPX references with lab dip approval prior to bulk dyeing. Printing options include sublimation, pigment, and camouflage patterns, along with surface treatments such as DWR, anti-static, flame-retardant, and antibacterial finishes applied on request.

OEM and ODM services cover full private-label production, including custom coating recipes, tailored performance targets for water column and MVTR, and finished-roll packaging under the buyer's brand. Technical documentation, test reports, and compliance certificates (OEKO-TEX Standard 100, REACH, and bluesign where applicable) can be provided to support import and retail requirements.

Standard lead time is 15–25 days for stock-based orders and 30–45 days for fully custom developments after sample confirmation, with production capacity supporting large recurring wholesale programs. Export experience covers North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, Oceania, and South America, with shipping by sea or air, FOB and CIF terms available, and support for standard export documentation, container consolidation, and third-party inspection.