Waterproof Polyester Fabric
Material
100% Polyester (Virgin or Recycled RPET)
Weight (GSM)
120gsm - 250gsm
Durable Waterproof Polyester Fabric for Outdoor & Technical Textiles
Our Waterproof Polyester Fabric is engineered for demanding outdoor environments, providing reliable rain protection without compromising on weight or flexibility. As a core offering in our Waterproof & Breathable Fabric collection, this textile utilizes advanced coating technology to create a highly effective moisture barrier, making it the industry standard for outdoor apparel, backpacks, tactical gear, and weather-resistant covers.
How Waterproof Coating Works
Unlike bare polyester, which is inherently porous, our waterproof fabric features a uniform micro-porous coating applied to the reverse side of the knit base. This coating blocks liquid water penetration while allowing minimal moisture vapor to escape. We primarily use PU (Polyurethane) coating for its excellent balance of waterproofing, flexibility, and breathability, or PVC coating for heavy-duty applications requiring maximum liquid barrier integrity. The fabric is also finished with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment on the face side, causing water to bead up and roll off rather than soaking into the weave.
Key Applications & Industry Use Cases
This versatile technical fabric is optimized for a wide range of B2B manufacturing needs:
- Outdoor Apparel: Rain jackets, ponchos, hiking pants, and shell layers
- Bags & Luggage: Backpacks, dry bags, camera covers, and duffel bags
- Tactical & Workwear: Military gear, safety vests, and industrial rainwear
- Outdoor Furnishings: Tent flysheets, patio covers, and awning materials
- Medical & Agricultural: Crop covers, hospital equipment covers, and sterile packaging
Technical Comparison: PU vs PVC & Layer Systems
Selecting the right waterproof fabric depends on your end-use requirements. Here is how our waterproof polyester compares to other common technical textiles:
| Feature | Waterproof Polyester (PU Coated) | 3-Layer Waterproof Fabric | Oxford Fabric (PVC Coated) |
| Primary Use | Apparel, lightweight bags | High-end outdoor shells | Heavy-duty tents, tarps |
| Flexibility | High (Soft hand-feel) | Medium | Low (Stiff/Rigid) |
| Weight | 120gsm - 250gsm | 200gsm - 350gsm | 300gsm - 800gsm+ |
| Breathability | Moderate to High | High | Very Low |
| Best For | Rain jackets, sportswear, travel gear | Extreme weather, mountaineering | Industrial covers, heavy luggage |
Rigorous Testing & Quality Assurance
To ensure consistent performance across global markets, every roll of our waterproof polyester undergoes standardized laboratory testing:
- Hydrostatic Head Test (EN ISO 811): Verifies water column resistance to confirm the 5,000-10,000mm waterproof rating.
- Water Repellency (AATCC 22): Confirms the DWR finish properly sheds light rain and snow.
- Tear & Burst Strength: Ensures the coated surface resists splitting during garment construction and heavy use.
- Adhesion & Flex Crack Testing: Guarantees the coating remains bonded to the fabric after thousands of wash and wear cycles.
The fabric is fully compliant with OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and REACH regulations, ensuring no harmful chemicals are used in the coating process.
Why Partner with Us?
As a factory-direct manufacturer, we offer full customization for weight, coating type, width, and DWR treatment. Whether you need lightweight rain-ready fabrics for fashion brands or heavy-duty coated textiles for industrial clients, our production lines deliver consistent quality at competitive MOQs.
Need higher breathability? Explore our Waterproof Breathable Fabric for advanced membrane technology. For ultra-heavy-duty protection, view our Oxford Fabric collection.
Related Products & Applications
Waterproof Polyester Fabric is a core member of our Waterproof & Breathable Fabric category, engineered to deliver reliable water resistance without sacrificing comfort. It works in close alignment with complementary materials such as Waterproof Breathable Fabric and TPU Laminated Fabric, giving product designers a full spectrum of performance options. Where extra durability or advanced layering is required, it pairs naturally with 3 Layer Waterproof Fabric, allowing brands to select the exact balance of weight, breathability, and protection their end products demand. This interconnected range makes it simple to source coordinated fabrics for an entire product line from a single manufacturer.
Typical applications center on Outdoor Apparel, where Waterproof Polyester Fabric performs consistently in rain jackets, windbreakers, hiking pants, and insulated shells. Beyond garments, it is well suited to backpacks, tents, equipment covers, and travel gear that must withstand exposure to the elements. These versatile end uses make the fabric a dependable choice for demanding, weather-driven environments.
The material serves clients across the Outdoor & Adventure Industry, supporting brands that build products for hiking, camping, trekking, and everyday all-weather wear. Its combination of waterproofing and breathability meets the practical expectations of both performance athletes and casual outdoor users.
For wholesale and customization, FuncFabric offers flexible OEM and ODM services with a standard MOQ starting at 500 meters per color or specification. We accommodate custom colors, coatings, widths, and technical finishes to match your product requirements. Typical lead times run 15 to 30 days depending on order volume and customization scope, with sampling available prior to bulk production to ensure every specification meets your standards.
What is the MOQ for Oxford and outdoor waterproof fabric?
Most Oxford and coated outdoor fabric starts from around 1000 meters per colour, with lower minimums on stock-supported constructions and development runs. MOQ moves with denier, coating and finishing, so send us the build and we will confirm the minimum and lead time.
What is the difference between PU, PVC and TPU coating?
PU is soft, flexible and the default for bags and light covers. PVC is fully waterproof but stiff and heavy, best for tarpaulins and banners. TPU is soft, tough, weldable and recyclable, for technical shells and dry bags. We recommend PU for most coated-bag work and TPU when you need welded seams or a plasticiser-free film.
Is Oxford fabric waterproof?
Bare Oxford is not waterproof — the coating on the back is what stops water. A PU coating handles bags and light covers, PVC gives full waterproofing for tarpaulins and heavy covers, and PA offers light repellency for linings. Specify the coating separately from the denier.
What is Oxford fabric?
Oxford fabric is a basketweave cloth — two or more warp yarns crossing a heavier weft — usually woven from polyester or nylon for technical use. The weave gives a fine texture, good tear resistance and a smooth face that takes waterproof coatings well, which is why it dominates bags, tents and covers.
Request Waterproof Polyester 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