Understanding the Invisible Shield That Keeps You Dry
When you invest in custom ski or snowboard wear for your team, club, or retail brand, you are paying for performance. You look for waterproof ratings, breathable membranes, and durable fabrics. However, there is one critical component that often gets overlooked, yet it is the first line of defense against the elements: DWR.
If you have ever seen water "bead up" and roll off a jacket, you have witnessed DWR in action. Here is everything you need to know about this chemical marvel and why it should be a top consideration for your next custom outerwear project.
1. The Definition: What is DWR?
DWR stands for Durable Water Repellent. It is a chemical coating applied to the outermost layer of a fabric.
It's important to understand that DWR is not the waterproofing. In a performance ski jacket, the waterproofing comes from an internal membrane (like ePTFE or PU) or a laminate layer. The DWR's job is to stop the outer face fabric from getting saturated.
When the outer fabric gets wet (also known as "wetting out"), two bad things happen:
You get cold because the wet fabric conducts heat away from your body.
The internal waterproof membrane cannot "breathe" because the pores in the fabric are blocked by water, trapping sweat inside.
DWR makes the fabric hydrophobic, causing moisture to bead up and roll off, keeping the outer fabric dry and allowing the jacket to breathe.
2. The Two Main Types: C6 vs. C0 DWR
If you are sourcing custom apparel in today's market, you will likely encounter two main types of DWR treatments. Choosing the right one reflects your brand's values regarding performance and environmental impact.
C6 DWR (Fluorocarbon-Based)
Performance: Excellent water repellency and oil resistance. It has been the industry standard for high-performance gear for years because it is highly effective and durable.
Environmental Concern: C6 breaks down into PFCs (perfluorinated chemicals) which are persistent in the environment. While it is "better" than the now-banned C8, it is still under environmental scrutiny.
C0 DWR (Non-Fluorinated/PFC-Free)
Performance: Good water repellency, but generally less durable than C6. It may require more frequent reactivation (heat from a dryer) to maintain performance. It does not repel oils as well.
Environmental Benefit: Made from hydrocarbon-based polymers (like waxes or dendrimers). They break down much faster and are considered "greener."
Trend: Many major outdoor brands are switching to C0 by 2025. If sustainability is a key selling point for your custom brand, C0 is the future-proof choice.
3. Why DWR Matters for Custom Ski & Snowboard Wear
When you are ordering custom gear for a team or a brand, the stakes are higher than buying a single jacket. Here is why you need to pay attention to the DWR specification in your tech packs:
A. Team Perception & "The New Look"
When a ski team receives their new custom jackets, the first thing they notice is the look. Water beading up and rolling off the fabric on the first snowy day creates a powerful perception of high quality and high-tech performance. A jacket that "wets out" immediately looks cheap and performs poorly.
B. Longevity of the Graphics
For custom sublimated ski wear, the print is on the face fabric. If the DWR fails and the outer fabric saturates with water, it can darken the appearance of your custom colors and make your logos look dull. Keeping the fabric dry keeps your team colors vibrant.
C. The "Baking" Factor: Reactivation
DWR is not permanent. It wears off due to abrasion (from backpack straps and chairlifts), dirt, and washing.
For Manufacturers: High-quality DWR (like C6) is "baked" onto the fabric during production using high heat.
For End Users: When the DWR wears off after a season, it can be reactivated. Washing the garment with technical cleaner and tumbling it on low heat re-energizes the molecules. This is a key selling point to mention to your customers-your custom gear is built to last and be maintained, not thrown away.
4. The Science of Failure: Why DWR Stops Working
To help your customers (the athletes) take care of their custom gear, you should educate them on the "enemies" of DWR:
Dirt & Oil: Body oils, sunscreen, and trail grime physically block the DWR "spikes" that cause water to bead.
Detergent Residue: Standard laundry detergent leaves a residue that attracts water (hydrophilic). This is why we always recommend using a technical Nikwax or Grangers wash.
Abrasion: The shoulders and cuffs will always wear out first because that's where the friction is.