The Difference Between Waterproof, Water-Resistant, and Water Repellent
When it rains, it really pours.
Although Elvis might’ve been singing about heartbreak, the sentiment also applies just as well to the British weather. One minute it’s fine. The next, you’re damp, chilly, and wondering what your jacket actually promised to do.
The terms water-resistant, water-repellent, and waterproof get thrown around a lot, and they’re easy to mix up. And when you see them written down on the label or in the description, it might not seem to make much difference.
But when you’re heading outdoors and it’s pouring, those words start to really matter.
So if you’ve ever wondered whether water-resistant is the same as waterproof, or found yourself searching “water-resistant vs waterproof” after a walk, this one’s for you.
We’ll walk through what each term means, how waterproof ratings work, and where breathability fits into the picture.
Water-Repellent vs Water-Resistant vs Waterproof
Water-Repellent
Water-repellent clothing gives you a basic layer of protection. It’s not fully waterproof, but it will help you stay dry in light, short bursts of rain.
The fabric has been treated with a coating called DWR (Durable Water Repellent). That finish causes water to bead on the surface and run off, instead of soaking in immediately. But because the seams aren’t sealed and there’s no waterproof membrane underneath, it won’t hold up in steady or heavy rain.
So, will it keep you dry?
Yes — if the rain is light, the walk is short, and you’re not out in it all day.
When water-repellency makes sense:
- You’re walking/hiking in spring or summer and rain isn’t expected, but possible
- You’re heading out in cold, dry weather and want protection from the odd shower or damp seat
- You want a practical everyday option for short bursts outdoors, such as nipping to the shops or letting the dog run around the park.
Ultimately, this type of clothing is often designed with other priorities in mind, like sun protection, warmth, or ease of movement. The water-repellency tends to be there as a backup, not the main feature.
For example:
Jack Wolfskin Women’s Tundra Down Water-Repellent Coat
The purpose of this Jack Wolfskin coat is probably someone who wants a comfy, cosy coat for cold weather. The water-repellent finish isn’t designed for heavy rain, but it adds an extra layer of reassurance on drizzly days.
Regatta Men’s Highton Water-Repellent UPF 40+ Walking Trousers
These Regatta trousers are most likely going to be used for hiking over the warmer months. They have the UPF 40+ feature, which probably takes priority here due to their intended use.
But, as Regatta is a British brand, they know that April showers are common for hikers, so they’ve included the water-repellency to help protect your legs from light rain.
Water-Resistant
Water-resistant clothing gives you a step up in protection, but it’s still not fully waterproof.
Here’s what that means in practice:
- The fabric itself resists water better than basic repellent coatings, often due to tighter weaves or special finishes.
- It’ll hold off light to moderate rain, but will eventually let water through if conditions are heavy or you’re out for a long time.
- Seams may not be sealed, so water can still seep in through stitching or zips.
So, again the big question is, will it keep you dry?
Yes — if the rain isn’t too heavy, and you’re not out in it for too long.
When water-resistance makes sense:
- You’re outside in uncertain or stop-start weather
- You want more peace of mind than a water-repellent layer can give, but don’t need full waterproofing
- You’re choosing something for warmth, ease of movement, or everyday use — with added weather protection
For example:
Trespass Mens Oskar Padded Water Resistant Jacket
This Trespass jacket is most likely going to be worn during colder months, for things like weekend walks or heading outside when it’s dry but chilly. The insulation is probably the key feature here, helping you to stay warm and comfortable.
But because the weather doesn’t always hold out, the water-resistant finish gives you a bit of protection if the rain starts while you’re still out — enough to get the job done or make it back inside without needing to change jackets.
Waterproof
When something like a jacket or pair of walking boots is labelled waterproof, it’s been designed to keep water out — not just slow it down.
That means:
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The fabric has a waterproof membrane or coating to stop water getting through
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The seams are taped or sealed, so rain can’t sneak in through the stitching
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Zips and other openings are often reinforced with waterproof taping or storm flaps
-
Most proper waterproof gear comes with a hydrostatic head rating , which tells you how much water pressure the fabric can handle (more on that in a minute)
Just keep in mind that not all waterproofs offer the same level of protection.
A thin, packable jacket is handy to keep in your bag, but if you’re out in heavy rain for hours, you’ll want something more technical, with a higher hydrostatic head rating and fully sealed construction.
You’ll also see branded waterproof technologies listed, depending on the brand.
Such as:
- Gore-Tex® — a breathable waterproof membrane used in high-performance outdoor gear
- AquaDry — Craghoppers’ waterproof and breathable technology
- Hydroshell — Berghaus’ version, used across jackets and trousers
- Tres-Tex — Trespass’ waterproof membrane for active outdoor wear
- Isotex — Regatta’s waterproof fabric that comes in different levels, often with added stretch or breathability
Waterproof gear makes sense when:
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You’re expecting proper rain, not just a passing shower
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You’ll be outside for a longer time, such as on a hike or coastal walk
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You are often outdoors for walks, work, or weekend plans, and want the peace of mind that waterproofing brings
For example:
Craghoppers Women’s Caldbeck II Waterproof Jacket
This is a womens waterproof jacket designed for prolonged use in bad weather. It uses Craghoppers’ AquaDry membrane, with taped seams and a longer cut to help shield more of your body from the rain.
The waterproofing here is part of the jacket’s core function — it’s not there as backup. This is the kind of layer you wear when you know you’ll be out in steady rain for hours (walking, working, or travelling), and you need consistent protection that lasts.
Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Mid GORE-TEX Walking Boots
This footwear is made for rough, wet terrain. The GORE-TEX lining keeps out water from puddles, streams, soaked ground, or rain — so even when the trail is completely saturated, your feet stay dry.
The waterproofing here is critical. Without it, these hiking boots wouldn’t do the job they’re meant to: keeping you going in foul conditions, over long distances, without discomfort setting in.
Type | Protection Level | Fabric Treatment | Seams Sealed? | Good For |
---|---|---|---|---|
Water-Repellent | Light rain | DWR coating | No | Short walks, everyday errands |
Water-Resistant | Light to moderate rain | Tighter weave or treated fabric | Often not | Unpredictable weather, casual wear |
Waterproof | Heavy and prolonged rain | Waterproof membrane or coating | Yes | Hiking, all-day rain, outdoor work |
A side-by-side look at what each type of rain protection is designed for.
What Is Hydrostatic Head — and Why Does It Matter?
You’ll sometimes see a number like 5,000mm or 10,000mm listed in the product details for a waterproof jacket. That’s the hydrostatic head rating, and it’s the easiest way to get a sense of how waterproof something really is.
So what is it?
The hydrostatic head (HH) rating tells you how much water pressure a fabric can handle before it starts to let water through.
It’s tested in a lab by placing a column of water on the fabric and measuring how high the column can go (in millimetres) before water leaks through. So a jacket with a 5,000mm HH rating should be able to hold back a 5-metre column of water.
What the numbers mean:
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1,500mm – 5,000mm: Entry-level waterproof. Fine for light rain and short showers.
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5,000mm – 10,000mm: Good for moderate rain and everyday wear.
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10,000mm – 20,000mm: High-performance waterproofing. Better suited for heavy, sustained rain and active use.
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20,000mm+: Extreme weather protection (skiing, mountaineering, very wet conditions over long periods).
What to look for:
If you’re buying a jacket for dog walks, school runs, or summer showers, a lower HH rating might be just fine. But if you’re planning full-day hikes, walking holidays, or just live somewhere reliably soggy — a higher rating will give you longer-lasting protection.
Waterproofness also depends on the whole design, not just the fabric. Look for sealed seams, storm flaps, and adjustable cuffs or hoods to help keep the rain out where it tries to sneak in.
Rating (mm) | Protection Level | Use Case Example |
---|---|---|
1,500–5,000 | Light showers | School run, daily errands |
5,000–10,000 | Moderate rain | Weekend walks, travel |
10,000–20,000 | Sustained rain | Hiking, camping |
20,000+ | Extreme weather | Mountaineering, winter sports |
An easy reference for understanding hydrostatic head ratings for waterproof jackets.
What is Breathability?
It’s one thing for your jacket to keep the rain out, but what about what’s going on inside?
If you’ve ever ended a walk feeling clammy and sweaty even though you stayed dry from the rain, that’s where breathability comes in.
What is breathability?
Breathable fabrics let moisture vapour (like sweat) escape while still blocking rain from getting in. It’s a balancing act — the material needs to be waterproof and allow airflow, which is why not all waterproof gear feels equally comfortable to wear.
You’ll often see breathability measured in grams, such as 5,000g or 10,000g/m²/24h. That’s how much vapour can pass through a square metre of fabric in 24 hours. The higher the number, the more breathable the fabric.
When it matters:
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You’re moving a lot — walking uphill, chasing kids, carrying a backpack
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You’re wearing layers underneath
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You’re in mild or muggy conditions where trapped heat becomes a problem
So if you’re going to be active or it’s a humid day, breathability can make a big difference to your comfort.
The features of a waterproof jacket that make a real difference in wet weather.
Quick Summary: Which One Do I Need?
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Water-repellent
A light protective layer that’s fine for short bursts outdoors or dry days with the chance of drizzle. Think dog walks, spring strolls, or just-in-case backup. -
Water-resistant
Better protection that’ll hold up in light to moderate rain — great for uncertain weather, everyday wear, or activities where comfort and warmth are the main priority. -
Waterproof
Built for proper rain. You’ll want this if you’re hiking, camping, walking long distances, or spending extended time outside in wet conditions. Look for high breathability ratings to match.
Final Thoughts
We started this post with a bit of rain — and if you’ve made it this far, hopefully things are a little clearer now.
Knowing the difference between waterproof, water-resistant, and water-repellent gear can make all the difference when you're out in the wild, wandering through town, or just watching the skies turn grey.
Still unsure which type suits your plans? Or curious about a specific product?
Pop your questions in the comments, as we’re always happy to help.
And if you're looking for more waterproof clothing that can handle the changeable British weather, take a look at our waterproof jackets.
About the Author
Tom, proud resident of Chapel-en-le-Frith (aka the ‘Capital of the High Peak,’ as he loves to remind everyone), is a dad of two who spends his weekends ferrying the kids between football and dance class, occasionally sneaking in a peaceful walk around Fernilee Reservoir. When the family escapes to their coastal hideaway in Anglesey, he trades in the football boots for paddleboards and fishing rods, though his true passion lies in building the ultimate sandcastle. On the Avenue 85 blog, Tom shares his outdoor tips (and the occasional dad joke) with a down-to-earth approach that’ll make you feel like part of the family.