There is a major difference between water-repellent and water-proof materials. The meaning of water-proof is that water cannot pass through the fabric of the article. To make an item of clothing water resistant, it is usually made with a coating of some sort, like polyurethane or silicone or laminated material can also be used. To make clothing water-proof, seams have to be taped to restrict water from being able to go through the holes in stitching. The main disadvantage of this type is that it is not breathable. Fabrics should always have a certain level of breathability, the importance of which is signified in the marine and boating industry.

Whereas, when it comes to water-repellent fabrics, the main difference is that they will repel the penetration of moisture, meaning they are water-proof to a certain degree only. In these fabrics, water can usually run off from the surface, but prolonged exposure to rainfall or even the application of more pressure on the fabric can cause the water to go through stitching unlike in water-proofing. In Water-Repellent/Resistant fabrics it is important to have the breathability factor as it allows the fabric to dry and prevent mildew and mold from growing and taking hold of the fabric structure. If this fabric is not breathable then when it is exposed to moisture for prolonged periods of time, the moisture might get trapped.

Here is a quick list of why you should prefer Best Marine:

• Damage Prevention: Water can damage any fabric if it is exposed to it for long durations. Water resistance allows the fabric to repel the moisture and prevent the degradation of its material.
• Helps in restricting the growth of Mold & Mildew : Moisture is the perfect setting for mold and mildew, once the fabric starts to grow these unwanted, unsightly and damaging microbes that affect the fabric structure from its core then it is impossible to bring back the textile to its former glory and there might be involvement of replacements cost to consider.
• Breathability: The most salient feature of breathability is that it allows the Water repellent material to dry over time and prevent damage to the fabric and stopping the growth of mold & mildew.   

The most widely used method for making a Water Repellent coverall is the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) Technology which is a polymer coating that is added to outerwear to impart water resistant ability.

1. DWR repels water and forms beads on the surface of the textile which in turn makes the water roll off from the surface than being soaked into the material.
2. It does not only repel liquid but provides fabrics the breathability required which neutralizes the trapped moisture and avoids the uncomfortable and movement–restricting feeling of a cloth getting stuck to the skin
3. It also helps to keep the fabric lightweight rather than being weighed down due to the trapping of excess moisture, granting comfort and optimized freedom of movement.
4. The effectiveness of DWR treatment can be get diminished with the regular use of salt, dirt or repeated washing. The best practice is to reapply the finish as the garment ages to keep reaping the benefit for a longer duration.

Different types of Water Repellent fabrics are as follows :

1. Polyurethane coated fabric (PU): Silicone polymer is the highest quality performance fabric. The second best option is PU. It is a combination of some of the most versatile polymers that can be used to manufacture fabrics in different thicknesses and forms depending on the end use of the consumer.
2. Quilted fabric: This fabric has a wadding that provides thermal insulation whilst the outer fabric provides water resistance. The outer fabric has a water-resistant finish that has been applied to it to prevent water from passing through the unstitched areas on the wadding portion.
3. Neoprene: Consists of a polyester and spandex blend with SBR foam sandwiched in between them. It is water resistant as well as an excellent insulator because the foam inside neoprene can contain up to 98% still air.
4. PVC: Polyvinyl Chloride can be manufactured into a variety of thickness ranges and is useful as a flexible plastic plus it is water resistant.
5. Awning fabric: It is created from solution-dyed acrylic fibers and is used to shade & protect windows from the sun, rain & other harsh conditions. Provides water-resistant aided by tightly woven, thick fabric that is made from synthetic fibers
6. Waxed cotton: Highly functional and will mostly keep the fabric dry if anything only a small amount of water may get through. The major disadvantage of this type is that wax wears off over time, but it can also be reapplied every couple of years. Interestingly cotton is a commonly used fiber for waxed fabrics even though synthetic fibers are usually associated with water-resistant fabrics.

Best Marine offers a wide range of these protective overalls for industrial wear and for more information about their products you can reach out to them at https://www.bestmarine.com.