Waterproof Workwear: What to Look For

When looking for waterproof clothing, whether that is for boots, jackets, trousers or gloves, you could be forgiven for thinking that GORE-TEX is the only material available to guarantee waterproofing.

GORE-TEX is the leading industry standard, and deservedly so, but there are other products and materials that meet official European standards EN 343 and are certified as waterproof too.

What makes something waterproof?

The EN 343 standard is measured by placing an amount of water on a material for a specific time and with a certain degree of pressure to see whether any moisture passes through it. Materials that withstand this test and do not have any water seeping through are then considered waterproof.

Generally speaking, a waterproof material is made up of three layers:
1. The outer layer which repels wind and water, causing it to bounce from the surface.

2. The middle layer is a membrane designed to protect against any wind or water that does happen to get through the first layer, therefore acting as an extra defence to the first, giving the material double strength.

3. The third layer is inner lining which adds warmth and allows for breathability.

What is Isotex?

Isotex is the latest and most advanced waterproof technology from Regatta. Its windproof, waterproof and breathable, which quite frankly blows any other competition out the water- no pun intended. You will often find Isotex paired with a number varying from 3,000-20,000mm. This basically means it can resist water pressure of up to X amount. Its a high performing treatment, keeping water out whilst the hyrophillic breathability system allows any trapped water droplets on the inside to escape. Pretty cool hey?

We have handpicked some workwear essentials that include Isotex 10,000 below.

Waterproof Vs Water Resistant, what is the difference?

Technically, waterproof clothing can be submerged in water without letting any moisture in. It can also withstand water for long periods of time- think a few hours in torrential rain. The structure has many fancy layers, each one doing their bit to keep you warm and dry. Waterproof clothing however, can never be fully waterproof. Confusing hey? There has to be of course, holes for your face, hands and body where water can ultimately find its way in. Waterproof layers coexist with breathability, the two simultaneously working together to keep water out and body heat in.

The difference between the two, is mainly the structure of the fabric itself.

Water Resistant fabric is dense and normally made from polyester which can tolerate light showers/rain but isn't ideal for professions that are situated outside and battling the elements on a regular basis. The structure of water resistant fabric is much more basic, which allows for you to get wet, much quicker.

To summarise, if your job consists of being outside for more than 80% of your day, go for Waterproof Clothing. Its better to be safe than sorry!