It’s crucial from a safety and comfort perspective, that these fabrics and garments perform as they are intended - to repel water, and protect the wearer.
How do you perform water proof/repellency testing?
Testing the water proof/repellency of fabrics is complex, and requires precision instruments.
The TruRain from James Heal replicates the conditions of use, and therefore provides an accurate indication of fabric performance.
It measures three aspects of water repellency in garments and accessories, in a single test: Surface water repellency, Resistance to water absorption, and Resistance to water penetration.
What types of products would be tested like this?
Common items that would be tested for water proof/repellency include sportswear, outdoorwear, PPE, military wear, tents, awnings, and backpacks.
James Heal recommends...
Related articles
Product Feature: ProDry Dry Rate Tester
Product feature ProDry dry rate tester. Suitable for testing to AATCC Test Method 201 Drying Rate of Fabrics.
Product Feature: WickView Moisture Management Tester
WickView our Moisture Management Tester, uses an advanced imaging to track the transfer of moisture through fabric.
Dry Rate Testing: Your Questions Answered
In our latest instalment of our Your Questions Answered series, we explore the subject of Dry Rate Testing.
A simple guide to microplastics and test methods to measure microfibre release in textiles
This article looks at microplastics and microfibres, where they come from, the University of Leeds and The Microfibre Consortium test method, ISO 4484-1 and the action fashions brands are taking.
History of the Martindale
In 2022 the classic Martindale abrasion and wear testing instrument, that is a staple in textile and other materials testing laboratories worldwide, reached
Getting Technical: A case study with Balas Textile
In our latest customer case study, we spoke to Sabrina Mimoune, Quality Manager and Alan Badrov, Lab Manager at French company Balas Textile, to discuss the
Applications Insight: The Fundamentals of Wicking
In this latest Applications Insight, we are focusing on wicking testing and grading.
What's covered:
Applications Insight: Dry Rate Testing
In our latest application insight, we’re focusing on Dry Rate Testing.
Partnership with a perfect fit: Case study with Riga Technical University
With a relentless pursuit of quality and innovation in ergonomics and performance for the PPE sector, Latvia’s top university, Riga Technical University (RTU
Expert Interview: Meet Colin Whittaker
First responders and military personnel are routinely exposed to various types of hazards in their line of duty, ranging
Applications Insight: Testing safety footwear
In our latest industry insight, we’re focusing on testing safety footwear.
[Essentials] Microfibre shedding testing standards explained
Following our collaboration with The Microfibre Consortium (TMC) on the
9 things to consider when developing a Wet Testing Laboratory
Our technical specialists give advice on how to construct a best-practice wet testing laboratory for textile testing, including water requirements.
Case Study: 30 years of testing with CETTEX
Established in 1991, CETTEX (Centre Technique du Textile) provides advice and expertise to manufacturers in the textile and clothing sector, as well as publi
AquAbrasion: Assessing the true impact of the outdoors on outdoor wear
The AquAbrasion is an accurate and repeatable way of conducting wet abrasion testing, which we have proven to be a crucial and often detrimental step in establishing the durability of outdoor wear.
Pioneering sustainable water repellency testing with TruRain
The textiles industry, particularly the apparel and footwear sector, has been under global scrutiny for decades, more so in recent years, with regards its ca
The Lab Manager's Guide to Performance Testing
A guide to performance testing for technical textiles including athleisure, activewear, outerwear and protective workwear. Key trends, how to test and which standards are used.
A simple guide to: Hydrostatic head testing
In our latest applications insight, we’re focusing on the fundamentals of hydrostatic head testing.
Product Feature: TruRain Rain Water Repellency Tester
Product feature James Heal Bundesmann tester TruRain, an artificial rain shower or water repellency tester.
Applications Insight: Protective wear in the line of duty
In our latest Applications Insight, we are focusing on protective fabrics, specifically for the emergency services and military.