Waterproof Breathable Fabric
Material Base
100% Polyester or Nylon Tricot
Weight (GSM)
140gsm - 280gsm
Advanced Waterproof Breathable Fabric for High-Performance Outdoor Garments
Our Waterproof Breathable Fabric represents the cutting edge of technical textile engineering, designed for extreme weather conditions where protection and comfort are equally critical. As the premium tier of our Waterproof & Breathable Fabric collection, this material solves the fundamental challenge of outdoor apparel: keeping the wearer dry from external rain while simultaneously allowing internal moisture (sweat vapor) to escape.
The Science of Breathable Waterproofing
Unlike traditional waterproof coatings that trap heat and moisture, our breathable fabric utilizes a micro-porous membrane (PU or TPU). The microscopic pores are smaller than a water droplet (preventing rain from entering) but larger than a water vapor molecule (allowing sweat to evaporate). This ensures that athletes and outdoor enthusiasts remain dry from both the outside environment and their own internal body heat, significantly reducing the "clammy" feeling common in non-breathable gear.
Lamination Technologies: 2-Layer vs. 3-Layer
To meet the diverse needs of manufacturers, we offer two primary lamination structures:
- 2-Layer (2L): Bonds the breathable membrane to the face fabric with a separate "hanging" liner. This offers maximum durability and is ideal for heavy-duty jackets, workwear, and industrial protection.
- 3-Layer (3L): Sandwiches the membrane between the face fabric and a durable backer. This eliminates the need for a separate lining, resulting in a significantly lighter, more packable, and flexible fabric perfect for high-end mountaineering and travel gear.
Performance Standards and Testing
We ensure every roll meets rigorous international testing protocols to guarantee reliability in the field:
- Hydrostatic Head Test (EN ISO 811): Confirms waterproof ratings between 10,000mm and 20,000mm for true rain and snow protection.
- Moisture Vapor Transmission (MVTR): Measured to ensure breathability rates exceeding 5,000 g/m²/24h, keeping the wearer cool during high exertion.
- DWR Surface Testing: Verified to ensure water beads up and rolls off the fabric surface, maintaining breathability throughout the garment's life.
- Seam Taping Adhesion: Tested to ensure the membrane bonds securely to seam tape, preventing water ingress at stitch lines.
Ideal Applications
This versatile technical fabric is the industry standard for:
- High-Performance Outerwear: Ski jackets, mountaineering shells, and hardshell pants
- Travel & Commuter Gear: Packable rain jackets and windbreakers
- Medical & Protective Clothing: Waterproof surgical gowns and sterile barriers
- Technical Accessories: Rain covers, backpack protective sheets, and camping gear
Why Choose Our Technical Fabric?
By offering both PU (Polyurethane) and TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) membrane options, we provide flexibility in hand-feel and environmental impact. Our fabrics are OEKO-TEX certified, ensuring they are free from harmful chemicals, making them safe for direct skin contact and compliant with global environmental standards.
Looking for even lighter protection? Explore our Outdoor Shell Fabric for specific lightweight applications, or view our 3-Layer Waterproof Fabric for high-end technical specs.
Related Products & Applications
Waterproof Breathable Fabric sits at the core of our Waterproof & Breathable Fabric category, engineered to balance reliable moisture protection with active air permeability. It shares performance DNA with complementary materials in the same range, giving buyers flexibility to match the right construction to each end use. Customers sourcing this fabric often compare or combine it with Waterproof Polyester Fabric for cost-efficient everyday protection, TPU Laminated Fabric for enhanced bonding and waterproof integrity, and 3 Layer Waterproof Fabric when durable, high-performance multi-layer shells are required. For rugged, tear-resistant needs, Ripstop Waterproof Fabric offers an ideal upgrade path within the same category.
These fabrics are widely specified across demanding applications. In Outdoor Apparel, Waterproof Breathable Fabric delivers the comfort and weather resistance needed for jackets, rainwear, and technical shells. In Workwear & Protective Clothing, it provides dependable barrier performance while keeping wearers dry and comfortable during long shifts. This versatility makes it a trusted choice throughout the Outdoor & Adventure Industry, where lightweight weatherproofing is essential, and the Industrial Safety & Workwear Industry, where durability and all-day protection are priorities.
As a direct manufacturer, FuncFabric supports flexible wholesale and OEM customization. We accommodate custom colors, coatings, laminations, widths, and finishes to meet your exact specifications. Typical minimum order quantity starts at 1,000 meters, with OEM and private-label services available for branded production. Standard lead times range from 15 to 30 days depending on order volume and customization requirements. Contact our team for samples, technical data sheets, and competitive wholesale pricing tailored to your project.
What hydrostatic head do I need for outdoor waterproof fabric?
For real weather, aim for 10,000mm hydrostatic head or higher, paired with an MVTR of 10,000+ g/m2/24h so the fabric also breathes. A high waterproof rating with poor breathability leaves the wearer wet from sweat, so treat both numbers as a pair, not one in isolation.
Request Waterproof Breathable Fabric Specifications
Need custom widths, colors, or tensile requirements? Our engineering team can configure this product to match your exact B2B specifications.
Request a Technical Quote