It’s hard to predict when it will rain these days when the weather is getting weirder. Many people wear waterproof jackets and boots to protect themselves from possible rains, but are these products really as waterproof as we think? Let’s get to know product models such as softshell and gore-tex over the question of what waterproof means.
Walking sweetly in the pouring rain may be enjoyable for many people, but it is not enjoyable for anyone to arrive at your destination and stay with wet socks and wet tops. Textile manufacturers, who are aware of this situation, produce seasonal clothes designed to be worn especially in rainy times. they produce waterproof. However, waterproof may not actually offer the comfort you want.
When you buy a waterproof shoe or coat, you think that you will stay dry whether you step in the water or stay in the rain. This idea is somewhat true, but these waterproof products cause a lot of trouble because they do not pass the water produced by our body, that is, sweat, that is, they do not throw it out. So what shall we wear? Bride Over the question of what waterproof means, what does it do, product models such as softshell and gore-tex Let’s get to know a little more closely.
What does waterproof mean?
It is possible to translate waterproof, which is an English phrase, directly into our language as waterproof. waterproof, specially designed to be worn during rainy times It is a textile technology used in the fabrics of shoes and coats.
It is possible to think of waterproof fabric as a basic coating. The water that hits this fabric does not get inside. Like this It offers a waterproof area to its users. However, when you want to put my foot in the water or walk around in the rain for hours, the waterproof becomes dysfunctional.
What does waterproof do?
Waterproof is a term that expresses that a product is waterproof. A waterproof boot or coat guarantees waterproofness. However, this warranty has some conditions. An average waterproof product guarantees that it will not be waterproof when you are under a light rain for about 2 hours.
Let’s say it’s raining hard and as if it wasn’t enough, you stepped into the water that filled the pit that the municipality had not closed for years. Waterproof does not protect you. because waterproof provides a basic water protection. Many technological products we use today give a similar waterproofing guarantee, but let’s swim in a pool and see what happens.
But does ‘Waterproof’ really work?
Let’s not dishonor a huge textile industry. Most waterproof labeled products, It provides the claimed waterproof guarantee. Your waterproof shoes and coat will protect you when you leave work and walk to the bus stop or get off the bus and go home on a road that is not much wet.
At this point, it is necessary to open a parenthesis. Waterproof is an old technology. So it’s pretty much the waterproof guarantee it claims. does it in a fundamental way. A light rain, a small puddle, melting snow roads are okay, but when the exposed liquid density increases, waterproof also becomes dysfunctional. There is also an inner side to the case.
We are constantly thinking about the contact with liquid from the outside, but we also produce liquid by sweating all the time. A shoe must not only imperme liquid from the outside, but must also expel the air inside, thus preventing the formation of sweating and preventing the internal liquid. As we say waterproof because it’s an old technology unfortunately it prevents your feet from getting air and as a result you have a lousy day at work with wet feet.
Waterproof-like clothing terms and their meanings:
What is softshell, what does it do?
Softshell, as the name suggests, creates a light layer on your clothes and shoes, providing waterproofing. Products with the softshell label, sliding water drops They prevent water from entering. It is considered a much healthier and more durable product type than waterproof products.
Softshell shoes and clothes are ideal for everyday use. They keep your feet and you warm but not like waterproof and passes air. They do not cause sweating problems as they are air permeable. Thanks to its windproof feature, it can also be preferred in cold weather. However, they are only suitable for daily use as they provide a light protection.
What is Gore-tex, what does it do?
Gore-tex, a product model that is not what it is called, but which is understood to be cool, is among the products that claim to be waterproof. Provides the strongest protection and therefore more expensive as you can imagine. It’s never waterproof, cuts the wind like a knife, and even if you’re out in the rain for hours, it won’t leak a little bit of water.
The fabric of Gore-tex products consists of 3 layers. The top layer protects from the cold, the bottom layer provides the waterproof feature, the bottom layer prevents sweating by providing air passage. It is frequently preferred because it does not sweat, offers a light and comfortable use. It is especially ideal for trekking and similar outdoor sports that require a lot of effort.
Waterproof, softshell, gore-tex; Which one should you choose?
Three different textile technologies offered to users with the claim of waterproofing. Which would you choose between waterproof, softshell and gore-tex? It totally depends on your user habits. However, considering that the waterproof system is outdated, not airtight, does not provide intense protection and causes sweating, it would be best to choose it as the last option.
Let’s come to softshell and gore-tex; both offer absolute waterproofing, light weight, easy to use and sweatproof. However It must be admitted that gore-tex provides much stronger protection than softshell. Because the purpose of the development of this technology is to enable people to walk on the mountain and slope with peace of mind by wearing gore-tex products. Such a product will also show high performance under heavy rain.
Gore-tex products are generally developed for people who do outdoor sports and may not appeal to everyone in terms of style. It should also be noted that it is expensive. In this case the best option we have seems to be softshell. The purpose of the development of softshell technology is to make daily use products more useful. The softshell will provide adequate protection if you don’t spend long hours in the rain or step into large puddles.
Expressing that products such as coats and boots are waterproof What does waterproof mean? We examined different fabric types such as softshell and gore-tex. Of course, all this is for informational purposes only. Before buying a waterproof product, you should make an individual choice by considering its other features and your usage area.