On the farm, waterproof doesn’t just mean standing in the rain — it means kneeling in wet ground, sitting on a damp quad, leaning on gates, and carrying stock in all weathers.
Not all waterproof clothing is built for hard work on the farm, so here’s a straight explanation of the different types and what they’re actually good for.
Seam-Sealed Waterproofs – The Proper Waterproof Option
If staying dry matters more than anything else, seam-sealed waterproof clothing is the safest choice.
Seam-sealed gear uses a waterproof fabric and has tape applied over the stitched seams. This stops water getting in through needle holes, which is one of the most common ways clothing fails in wet conditions.
Because the seams are sealed, this type of clothing copes far better with pressure. Kneeling on wet ground, sitting down, leaning, or handling sheep in the rain are all situations where seam-sealed waterproofs perform best.
Some seam-sealed clothing is made using 3-layer fabric, some isn’t — but the key thing is that the seams are sealed. That’s what makes the biggest difference when you’re working in proper wet conditions.
The trade-off is comfort. Seam-sealed waterproofs are usually less breathable, so you may get warmer when you’re working hard. But if your priority is staying dry through a long wet day, this is the kit that does the job.
Looking for a reliable waterproof? Bushbuck, Line7 and Stoney Creek offer a fantastic range of seam-sealed waterproofs.
Breathable Waterproof Clothing – Comfortable, With Limits
Breathable waterproofs are designed to be more comfortable when you’re moving a lot. They let sweat escape while keeping rain off — but they’re not indestructible.
The membrane in breathable fabric has tiny holes in it. These holes are small enough to stop rain droplets getting through under normal conditions, but big enough to let sweat vapour out.
Where people get caught out is when pressure is applied.
If you kneel on wet ground, sit on a wet seat, lean against something soaked, or carry a sheep tight against your body, water can be forced through those tiny holes. When that happens, the fabric can feel like it’s leaking.
That’s normal behaviour for breathable waterproofs. It isn’t a fault, and it isn’t down to the brand — all breathable membranes work the same way.
Breathable clothing is a good choice if you’re on the move all day and want to avoid sweating buckets, but it’s not the best option if your work involves lots of kneeling or pressure in wet conditions.
Looking for a breathable waterproof? Hoggs of Fife offer a great range of breathable waterproofs.
DWR-Coated Clothing – Light Protection Only
DWR stands for Durable Water Repellent. It’s a coating applied to the outside of the fabric that makes water bead up and roll off.
This works well in light showers or drizzle and is handy for short jobs, but it’s important to understand that DWR isn’t a waterproof barrier. In steady rain, or when you kneel or sit down, water will soak through fairly quickly. Over time, the coating wears off and needs reproofing to keep working - you can do this by tumble drying on a low heat setting to reactivate the coating.
Think of DWR-coated clothing as water-resistant rather than waterproof.
Looking for a lightweight, water-resistant option? Harehill offer a range of DWR coated waterproofs.
“My Breathable Clothing Let Water Through”
This is something we hear from time to time.
If breathable clothing lets water through when you’re kneeling, sitting, or carrying weight, that’s simply how breathable fabric works. Pressure pushes water through the membrane — it’s unavoidable.
If your day regularly involves kneeling on wet ground, carrying livestock, or leaning and sitting in the rain, breathable gear will always struggle. In those situations, 3-layer seam-sealed waterproofs are the better choice.
Choosing the Right Gear for Your Work
The best waterproof clothing is the one that suits how you actually work.
- If you need maximum protection and spend time under pressure in wet conditions, go for 3-layer seam-sealed gear.
- If you’re constantly moving and want something more comfortable, breathable clothing makes sense.
- If you just need light rain protection for short jobs, DWR-coated clothing will do.
Need a hand choosing the right gear? Get in touch! We’re a friendly, family-run team and happy to talk through your options to make sure you get the kit that works for you.
