The Difference Between Waterproof and Waterproof Resistant (2024)

FAQs

The Difference Between Waterproof and Waterproof Resistant? ›

Water repels water, whereas waterproof indicates water resistance and water resistance. In short, a water-resistant product can resist water droplets to some degree but not entirely. The repellence duration can only last for a short period.

Fabrics that are waterproof are impenetrable by water while water-resistant materials are able to absorb some moisture before feeling wet. Waterproof materials often have sealed seams in order to block out any risk of absorbing moisture.

Water-resistant: able to resist the penetration of water to some degree but not entirely. Water-repellent: not easily penetrated by water, especially as a result of being treated for such a purpose with a surface coating. Waterproof: impervious to water.

Waterproof shoes and jackets are designed to keep water out completely, and water-resistant materials will repel water for a little bit but will eventually “wet out” and let water in. Confusingly, some companies like to call things waterproof when, in reality, they're built with materials that are only water resistant.

A water-resistant backpack only resists the water, which means at a certain point, water will be able to break through. A waterproof backpack is, however, completely impervious to any amount of water assault, meaning water will never go through.

Is water resistant good enough for rain? The short answer; yes. Water resistant jackets are designed for wet-weather conditions but only drizzle to light showers. They are designed to be completely impervious but over time, the water resistant qualities start to wear and let water in causing water damage.

In the simplest sense, a waterproof jacket offers the highest level of protection from rain and snow. While a water-resistant jacket offers a good, but lower level of protection. Though there's a little more to it than that. The difference between water-resistant and waterproof arises from the fabric.

Water-resistant phones are designed to endure limited exposure to water, but they aren't likely to withstand complete immersion for extended periods. Waterproof phones, on the other hand, can be fully submerged in water for a certain duration, as specified by their IP rating.

A watch stamped with "Water Resistant" means that it is humidity-protected. It can endure a bit of water splashes from washing your hands or being caught in the rain. However, water resistance does not mean you should swim or shower with your watch on. Water is the biggest enemy of a watch.

1. Water-resistant gear is lightweight and can handle light rain for a short time. This type of jacket works great for some activities that are brief, outside in drizzly conditions.

Can you wear water-resistant shoes in the rain? ›

Water-resistant boots are designed for outdoor use when it rains or falls snow. They often have canvas or leather uppers and robust rubber outsoles. These are treated with a special coating to repel water and discourage water penetration.

There are two potential culprits for why your feet will get wet while wearing “waterproof” footwear: Design: it is very difficult to physically seal off footwear from external sources of moisture; Materials: the “waterproof” materials used in such footwear are not reliably waterproof and they trap perspiration.

Silicone sealant is the best waterproofing material and it is the choice of those who are looking for a nuanced answer. The silicone sealant is an adhesive liquid form. Typically, it looks like a gel. It has a different chemical structure than other organic polymer based adhesives.

But a water-resistant jacket can only stand up to so much rain. A waterproof material, on the other hand, provides a complete barrier to water. In this sense a plastic bag is waterproof. But you'd totally overheat if you were hiking or snowboarding in a plastic bag, getting wet from the inside – from your own sweat.

With any brand of dry bag, water may begin to seep through the closure if it is under water even at a shallow depth or for a significant period – this often depends on how well the roll-top closure was sealed.

Is leather water-resistant? While natural leather does have some degree of water resistance, it can't survive excessive water exposure. As a porous material, it can absorb liquids. Most synthetic leathers are however waterproof, as they are manufactured from petroleum-based plastics.

A watch stamped with "Water Resistant" means that it is humidity-protected. It can endure a bit of water splashes from washing your hands or being caught in the rain. However, water resistance does not mean you should swim or shower with your watch on. Water is the biggest enemy of a watch.

'Water-resistant' means the device can resist immediate penetration of water to some degree but not for very long or completely. 'Waterproof' refers to an item's ability to keep working even when submerged underwater.

If it is stamped water resistant without any depths indicated, that typically means it is just humidity protected. Maybe it can get caught in the rain with you, but don't swim with it on.

Water-resistant jackets will repel water to some degree but are not designed to withstand substantial downpours or heavy, wet snow. Conversely, a truly waterproof ski jacket provides an impenetrable shield against water.