When is outerwear waterproof?

It's a good idea to look at the materials used and use the water column pressure as a guide. For our skiwear, for example, special woven materials are used that are very waterproof and durable. In addition, they have received a waterproof TPU coating on the inside and a BIONIC-FINISH®ECO treatment on the outside, making them even more water-resistant.

What is water column pressure?

Water column pressure is measured in millimeters and is an expression of how much water the fabric can withstand before the water penetrates. Imagine a 5-meter high column of water - that's how much water outerwear material with a water column pressure of 5.000 mm can withstand per square centimeter!

When is outerwear water-resistant?

It will often be clearly stated on a product that it is waterproof and it will have a water column pressure of over 5.000 mm. On the other hand, if it says "water-resistant" or "water-repellent" on outerwear, it is typically made of a lighter material that has received a surface treatment, making it water and dirt repellent.

Read about how to wash waterproof and water-resistant outerwear here.

Should I choose waterproof or water-repellent outerwear for children?

Both. They are practical for different purposes. Water-repellent thermo wear is great for slightly warmer transitional periods with temperatures above 10°C and on days when it's not raining. However, rainwear and water-proof ski wear or snowsuits are indispensable on really rainy days and during winter.

Is waterproof outerwear breathable?

Waterproof outerwear can indeed be both highly waterproof and breathable. The materials are typically woven in such a way that the body can still breathe. The surface treatments the material has received are so well-developed that they will also prevent moist skin and, consequently, cooling under the outerwear. Look for a breathability of at least 5.000 mvp.