Water Repellent vs Waterproof vs Oil Repellent: What’s the Difference?
Water repellent vs waterproof is the most common mix-up in fabric finishing, and the two are not the same. Water repellent means the surface beads and sheds water but can still let it through under pressure; waterproof means water cannot pass through at all. Oil repellent is a third, separate property again. This guide explains the difference between water repellent vs waterproof, where oil repellency fits, and how to choose.
For the fundamentals, see our durable water repellent overview.
Water repellent vs waterproof: the core difference
| Property | Water repellent | Waterproof |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Water beads and rolls off the surface | Water cannot pass through at all |
| Under pressure | Can eventually wet through | Holds out water under pressure |
| Breathability | Fabric still breathes | Often sealed, unless a breathable membrane is used |
| How measured | Spray rating (0–100) | Hydrostatic head (mm water column) |
| How achieved | A DWR surface finish | A membrane, coating or lamination |
In short: water repellent is a surface property; waterproof is a barrier. See water repellency ratings for how each is measured.
Where the confusion comes from
Marketing uses the words loosely, and “water resistant” muddies it further — it usually means lightly water repellent, with no defined standard. If a spec matters, pin it to a number: a spray rating for repellency, a hydrostatic head for waterproofness.
Oil repellent: the third property
Oil repellency is separate again. It means the fabric also sheds oil and greasy stains, which needs fluorochemistry (C6 or C8) — a fluorine-free water repellent can’t do it. It’s measured on its own scale (AATCC 118, 1–8). Most products don’t need it; see C6 vs C0 water repellents.
Water repellent and waterproof together
Performance rainwear usually combines both: a waterproof membrane or coating provides the barrier, and a DWR finish on the face fabric makes water bead and roll off so the outer layer doesn’t “wet out”. The DWR isn’t what keeps you dry — the membrane is — but without it the face fabric saturates and the garment feels wet and stops breathing.
Which do you need?
- Water repellent — for most apparel, comfort and light rain, where breathability matters.
- Waterproof — where you need a true barrier (rainwear, covers), usually via a membrane or coating.
- Oil repellent — only where the fabric must also shed oil and grease (some workwear).
Get a water-repellent finish
DWR Factory supplies water-repellent finishes — the DWR side of the equation — in C0 (fluorine-free) and C6, water- and solvent-based, with a TDS per grade. Tell us your fabric and target spray rating and we’ll recommend one: request a free sample or browse the range.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between water repellent and waterproof?
Water repellent means water beads and rolls off the surface but can wet through under pressure; waterproof means water cannot pass through at all. Repellent is a surface property, waterproof is a barrier.
Is water resistant the same as water repellent?
“Water resistant” is a loose, undefined term that usually means lightly water repellent. For a real spec, use a spray rating.
Can a fabric be both water repellent and waterproof?
Yes. Rainwear pairs a waterproof membrane or coating with a DWR finish on the face fabric so water beads off and the outer layer doesn’t wet out.
What is oil repellent?
A separate property: the fabric also sheds oil and greasy stains. It needs fluorochemistry (C6 or C8) and is measured on the AATCC 118 scale.
Which is better, water repellent or waterproof?
Neither — they do different jobs. Choose water repellent for breathable comfort and light rain, waterproof for a true barrier.
How do you make a fabric water repellent?
By applying a durable water repellent (DWR) finish to the fabric surface, which makes water bead and roll off.
Explore our water repellents
Need help choosing a water repellent?
Tell us your substrate, process and target. Our technical team will recommend a grade, send the datasheet, and arrange a free sample.