What is DWR – and why should you care about it?
If you’ve ever bought a waterproof jacket, trousers or bib & braces from us, chances are they’ve been treated with something called DWR. It stands for Durable Water Repellent – and it’s the invisible superhero that makes raindrops bead up and roll right off your clothes instead of soaking in. It's used on many of the waterproof clothing by Stoney Creek, Bushbuck, Harehill and Hoggs of Fife.
Think of it like a freshly waxed car. Water doesn’t spread out – it just slides away. That’s DWR doing its job. It keeps your outer layer from becoming heavy and soggy, while the fabric underneath still lets moisture escape, so you stay dry from the outside and comfortable on the inside.
But this superhero isn’t invincible. After a lot of use – think friction from rubbing, dried muck, mud (and the rest!), or throwing your gear in the wash too often – the coating can get a bit tired. You’ll notice water no longer beads up and starts clinging to the fabric. Don’t panic though, because here’s the good news: DWR can be reactivated!
How? Heat is the magic ingredient. Pop your clean jacket in the tumble dryer on a low setting for 20 minutes or so, and the DWR coating wakes back up. If you don’t have a tumble dryer, you might be able to use a hair dryer, but always check the care label first. The DWR needs just enough heat to encourage the water-repellency to kick back in.
If your jacket, trousers or bib & braces have been through a lot and really need a refresh, you can top up the DWR with a specialist spray or wash-in treatment. It’s like giving your waterproof gear a new lease of life, and it’ll keep you drier for longer.
So, next time you’re out and see rain dancing off your sleeve, remember: that’s DWR quietly doing its job.