When choosing a technical coat or jacket, it's essential to understand the features that ensure effective protection against the elements. The word "waterproof" is key to a men's technical jacket that can withstand downpours, sleet, or biting winds. How can you be sure your men's technical jacket fulfills this crucial function while maintaining a stylish, masculine aesthetic?
Waterproof technical materials for men
A men's waterproof jacket or coat is usually made from special fabrics that incorporate membranes. We're all familiar with Gore-Tex or EVent, but there are many other membranes that are just as effective, if not more so, and are designed to repel water while allowing perspiration to escape. Check the label or description of men's waterproof jackets to confirm the use of these technical materials.
What is a fabric-bonded membrane?
A waterproof membrane bonded to a fabric is a layer strategically integrated into the construction of a garment to make it weatherproof. This membrane is usually made of materials such as polyurethane or PTFE and is attached to the outer fabric. It prevents water from penetrating while allowing perspiration to escape, ensuring comfort and protection. This technology is commonly used in outdoor clothing, waterproof jackets, and sporting goods to ensure reliable waterproofing while maintaining breathability.
Can all fabrics be fitted with a membrane?
No, not all fabrics can be equipped with a waterproof membrane. For a fabric to be waterproof, it must be designed with special materials and a specific structure.
Waterproof membranes are strategically integrated during fabric manufacturing to ensure waterproofing. Regular fabrics cannot simply be fitted with waterproof membranes after manufacture, as this requires specific design and materials from the outset.
Welded or heat-sealed seams are called sealed seams.
This is an absolutely essential and key criterion for ensuring the waterproofness of a jacket or other men's clothing because water also passes through the seams. A jacket will never be waterproof if the seams are not also waterproof. Make sure your jacket has these reinforced and sealed seams to prevent any water infiltration.
How to seal a seam? The heat-sealing method involves first sewing all the seams of the membrane fabric and then gluing sealing strips to all of these seams. Welding allows two very specific fabrics to be bonded together without first sewing.
Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment
Men's long raincoats often feature a DWR coating that makes water slide off the fabric's surface. Be careful to distinguish between waterproofing and water repellency. With this treatment, the waterproofing is temporary and less effective than with a membrane. It is therefore only effective temporarily and in light rain. Therefore, you should re-treat your jacket regularly.
This technical product can also be used in addition to a membrane to accelerate the evacuation of water from the fabric.
Waterproof zips: just like seams, which must be heat-sealed or welded, waterproof zips are essential to prevent water from entering through the openings.
Have a hood
There are several types of waterproof hoods designed for different uses and weather conditions. Here's a list of the main hoods that are ideal for cycling in particular.
The adjustable hood features drawstrings for a custom fit, providing protection from wind and rain.
The removable waterproof hood offers the option of being detached from the jacket for added versatility and a more understated look.
The visor hood provides better protection from the sun and rain, ideal for water activities.
The wraparound hood covers more of the head and neck for maximum protection.
For winter, you can look for more warmth around the head with a fleece-lined hood.
The jacket's integrated hood with a stand-up collar provides added neck and head protection and stows away discreetly when not in use.
Finally, the anorak-style hood that covers the head and offers great protection against the elements.
The waterproof rating
The waterproof rating of fabrics is essential for assessing a material's ability to repel water. It is often expressed in millimeters (mm) and indicates the maximum water pressure a fabric can withstand before allowing moisture to pass through. For example, a fabric rated at 10,000 mm can withstand a water column of 10,000 mm without allowing water to pass through. The higher the rating, the more waterproof the fabric.
However, other factors, such as seams and man-made water-repellent treatments, also influence a garment's waterproofing. By understanding waterproof ratings, you can choose the right fabric to stay dry during your outdoor activities, whether in rain or snow.
In conclusion
When choosing a waterproof jacket, you need to ensure these technical features are present. At VEST PARIS, we offer a lightweight men's jacket in several lengths, mainly in blue, combining elegance and functionality. A man doesn't have to sacrifice comfort and style to stay dry.
Why did we choose blue? Because it's the perfect color to go with everything. Our selection of technical jackets and waterproof jackets for men is designed to meet your needs, whatever the weather, especially in the rain. With these tips, a man can be sure to choose a stylish product that will keep you dry, whatever the weather.