As the outdoor apparel market continues to thrive in China, fueled by the participation of domestic sports brands, understanding the technical aspects of outdoor fabrics has never been more crucial. At Sky Swallow, we take pride in producing high-end outdoor clothing designed to meet the rigorous demands of outdoor enthusiasts and professionals. However, it's clear that some confusion persists regarding the critical fabric properties like water repellency, hydrostatic water pressure, moisture permeability, and breathability. Let's dive into these concepts to clarify their meanings and testing methods.
1. Water Repellency (W/R): Keeping You Dry on the Go
Water repellency refers to a fabric’s ability to resist water penetration. In standard lab tests, distilled water is sprayed onto a fabric sample, and the result is rated against a standard chart.
Testing Standards:
AATCC 22 (American Standard): Rated on a scale of 0-100.
ISO 4920 (European Standard): Rated on a scale of 0-5.
| Score Comparison | AATCC | ISO |
| Excellent | 100 | 5 |
| Very Good | 90 | 4 |
| Good | 80 | 3 |
| Fair | 70 | 2 |
| Poor | 60 | 1 |
| Fail | 0 | 0 |
Water repellency comes in three primary forms:
Ordinary Water Repellency (W/R): Loses effectiveness after a few washes, typically rated at 70 before washing.
Durable Water Repellency (DWR): Achieves better durability with about 80 points after 20 washes.
TEFLON DWR: Offers superior protection against water, stains, and oil but may not meet the latest environmental standards.
2. Hydrostatic Water Pressure (WP): The Ultimate Test of Waterproofing
Hydrostatic water pressure, or water resistance, is crucial in ensuring that fabric can withstand water pressure without leakage. This property is measured in millimeters of water column (mmH2O), reflecting the fabric's ability to resist water penetration under pressure.
Testing Standards:
AATCC 127 (American Standard)
JIS L1092B (Japanese Standard)
ISO 811 (European Standard)
Tests can be conducted before and after washing to assess durability. Top brands like The North Face even measure the fabric's performance after 5-20 washes to ensure consistent quality.
3. Moisture Permeability (MP): Balancing Protection and Comfort
Moisture permeability refers to the fabric’s ability to allow water vapor to pass through, measured in grams per square meter over 24 hours (g/m²/24h). This property is essential for maintaining comfort by allowing sweat to escape.
Testing Methods:
Upright Cup Method: ASTM E-96A.C.E (American Standard) and JIS L-1099A1 (Japanese Standard)
Inverted Cup Method: ASTM E96 (American Standard) and JIS L1099B1 (Japanese Standard)
This measurement is typically taken before washing to assess the fabric's initial performance. It's vital to differentiate moisture permeability from breathability, as they are distinct properties.
4. Breathability (MAP): Ensuring Airflow
Breathability, or air permeability, measures the fabric's ability to allow air to pass through. This is crucial for regulating body temperature and ensuring comfort during physical activity.
Testing Standards:
ASTM D737 (American Standard)
ISO 9237 (European Standard)
JIS L1096 (Japanese Standard)
Breathability is quantified in terms of air volume passing through a specific area over time, usually in millimeters per second (mm/s) or cubic centimeters per square centimeter per second (cm³/cm²/s).
Conclusion
For high-performance outdoor clothing, the combination of waterproofing, hydrostatic pressure resistance, moisture permeability, and breathability defines the fabric's ability to protect and comfort the wearer. At Sky Swallow, we ensure that our products meet the highest standards in these areas, providing outdoor enthusiasts and professionals with the gear they can rely on, no matter the conditions.
Understanding these technical specifications helps our potential customers make informed decisions and ensures that our products align with their brand’s commitment to quality and performance. If you’re seeking a reliable partner in high-end outdoor apparel manufacturing, look no further than Sky Swallow. We're here to support your brand in creating products that stand out in the market.