Is heavy travel water-repellent?
Heavy travel isn’t automatically water-repellent, but many manufacturers do choose to give this fabric a water-repellent treatment. The base of heavy travel is a polyester-elastane blend that naturally repels some moisture, but without an extra coating, water will eventually soak through the fabric.
What exactly is heavy travel fabric?
Heavy travel is a sturdy fabric made of roughly 95% polyester and 5% elastane. This blend strikes the perfect balance between structure and stretch, so the fabric is comfortable to wear yet holds its shape. The material is thicker than regular travel fabric, hence the name ‘heavy’.
Heavy travel owes its popularity mainly to its practical qualities. The fabric barely wrinkles, dries quickly and has a beautiful, smooth look that works for both business and casual wear. Thanks to its thicker quality, the material also feels a little more luxurious than thin travel fabrics.
Heavy travel is often used for pants, blazers and dresses because the material drapes beautifully without being see-through. The fabric breathes well despite its synthetic composition, so you can wear it comfortably all year round. Heavy travel also doesn’t pill or get static, which makes caring for it extra easy.
How does the water-repellent coating on heavy travel work?
DWR (Durable Water Repellent) is an invisible coating applied to the fabric during the production process. This treatment coats the fibers of the fabric with a microscopically thin layer that repels water. As a result, water droplets sit on the fabric as little beads instead of soaking in.
It’s usually applied by running the fabric through a bath of DWR liquid, after which it is heated to activate the coating. This happens before the fabric is made into clothing, so the entire surface is treated evenly.
It’s important to know that water-repellent is not the same as waterproof. A water-repellent coating keeps out light rain and splashes, but with prolonged exposure to water or high pressure, moisture will eventually get through the fabric. For truly waterproof clothing you need a membrane like Gore-Tex, which you won’t find in heavy travel.
Why isn’t all heavy travel clothing water-repellent?
Not all brands choose to treat their heavy travel fabrics with a water-repellent coating. There are several reasons for this, the most important being cost. A DWR treatment makes the production process more expensive, which is reflected in the retail price. Some brands feel these extra costs don’t outweigh the benefits.
The target audience also plays a role in this choice. If a brand focuses mainly on indoor office wear, water repellency is less relevant than for clothing that’s also worn outdoors. In addition, the coating can affect the breathability of the fabric, which some manufacturers prefer to avoid.
Fast fashion brands often skip water-repellent treatments to keep prices low. Premium brands are more likely to invest in this extra functionality because their customers are willing to pay more for practical benefits. So whether or not you’ll find this feature varies greatly by brand and price range.
How do you test whether your heavy travel garment is water-repellent?
The simplest test is the water drop test: let a few drops of water fall onto the fabric and see what happens. On water-repellent clothing, the drops stay on the fabric as little beads and roll off easily. If the water soaks straight into the fabric, there’s no water-repellent coating.
It’s best to do this test on a flat area of fabric, for example the top of your pant leg or the sleeve of your blazer. Use cold tap water and let the drops fall from a height of about 10 centimeters for the most realistic result.
Also check the label or product description for clues. Terms like ‘water-repellent’, ‘DWR coating’ or ‘waterafstotend’ indicate that the fabric has been treated. Sometimes the label also shows a droplet symbol. If this information is missing, chances are your garment isn’t water-repellent.
How long does heavy travel stay water-repellent?
A DWR coating on heavy travel lasts an average of 20 to 30 washes, depending on how you wash and wear the garment. The coating gradually wears off due to friction, detergents and heat. Over time, you’ll notice that water beads off less well and soaks into the fabric more quickly.
Factors that affect its lifespan include the washing temperature (the hotter, the faster the coating disappears), the use of fabric softener (which breaks down the coating) and mechanical friction such as wearing a backpack. Frequent ironing can also damage the water-repellent layer.
You’ll know the coating is losing its effect when water no longer beads off but leaves dark spots on the fabric. Wet patches also take longer to dry. These are clear signs that it’s time to restore the water-repellent properties.
Can you make heavy travel clothing water-repellent again?
Yes, you can restore the water-repellent properties of heavy travel clothing with special products. There are two main methods: sprays that you apply to dry clothing and wash-in treatments that you add during washing. Both methods work well, but sprays give you more control over where you apply the coating.
For heavy travel clothing, sprays usually work best. Choose a spray made specifically for synthetic fabrics and follow the instructions on the packaging. Usually you spray the garment, let it dry and then activate the coating by blow-drying the fabric or tumble drying it on low heat.
Wash-in products are more convenient for several garments at once. You add the product to the washing machine according to the dosage on the packaging. Make sure you don’t use fabric softener, as it counteracts the new coating. After washing, you usually need to put the garments in the dryer briefly to activate the coating.
How &Co Woman helps with water-repellent heavy travel clothing
&Co Woman offers an extensive collection of heavy travel clothing with a high-quality DWR coating for optimal protection against the elements. Our offering includes:
- Professional heavy travel pants, blazers and dresses with a durable water-repellent treatment
- Detailed care instructions to preserve the coating for as long as possible
- Quality guarantee on all water-repellent properties
- Personal advice on caring for and restoring the DWR coating
Discover our complete heavy travel collection and experience for yourself how practical and comfortable water-repellent clothing can be. Browse our shop now and find your perfect heavy travel piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I simply wash my heavy travel clothing in the washing machine without damaging the water-repellent coating?
Yes, you can simply machine wash heavy travel clothing with a DWR coating. Wash at 30-40 degrees with a mild detergent and no fabric softener. Preferably use a short program with a low spin speed to preserve the coating as long as possible. Also avoid bleach, as it breaks down the water-repellent layer faster.
What is the difference between a water-repellent spray and a wash-in product, and which works best?
You apply a spray to specific areas of dry clothing, while a wash-in product treats the entire fabric during washing. For heavy travel clothing, sprays often work better because you can work more precisely and only treat the outside. Wash-in products are more convenient for several items at once, but can affect the breathability of the fabric more.
How often should I renew the water-repellent treatment on my heavy travel clothing?
Renew the treatment as soon as you notice water no longer beads off, usually after 20-30 washes. With intensive use or frequent washing, this may be needed sooner. A good rule of thumb is to test your clothing every season and retreat it if necessary. Clothing you often wear in rainy conditions will need a refresh more often.
Are there natural alternatives to DWR coatings that I can use?
There are eco-friendly water-repellent sprays based on natural waxes and fluorine-free formulas. These are less harmful to the environment but do need to be reapplied more often. Brands like Nikwax and Grangers offer PFC-free options that work well on synthetic fabrics like heavy travel, although they are slightly less durable than traditional DWR treatments.
Can I iron heavy travel clothing without damaging the water-repellent layer?
Heavy travel usually doesn’t need ironing thanks to its wrinkle-resistant properties. If ironing is necessary, use a low temperature (setting 1 at most) and iron the inside of the garment. Direct contact between a hot iron and the water-repellent coating can damage it permanently. A steamer held at a distance is a safer alternative.
Does water-repellent heavy travel clothing also protect against coffee or wine stains?
A DWR coating offers limited protection against liquid stains. Water-based liquids like coffee or wine initially bead off, giving you more time to blot them away before they soak in. This isn’t complete stain protection – with prolonged contact or rubbing, liquids can still get through. For real stain resistance, you need a special anti-stain treatment.