The Complete Guide to Waterproof Jackets: Fabrics, Ratings & Performance

When investing in a waterproof jacket, understanding fabrics, features, ratings and aftercare is essential to ensure it performs at its best season after season.

Person wearing waterproof Jacket with hood up in the rain by the sea.

When investing in a waterproof jacket, understanding fabrics, features, ratings and aftercare is essential to ensure it performs at its best season after season, whether navigating urban landscapes, travelling or spending time on the water. This guide brings together everything you need to make an informed choice, including waterproof ratings, breathability, fabrics, and care tips, helping you choose the right jacket with confidence.

A man in a boat with a waterproof jacket, waterproof salopettes, navy beanie and sailing gloves

Men's Waterproof Jackets

Person sailing in waterproof jacket adjusting ropes on deck at sea.

Women's Waterproof Jackets

A waterproof jacket is your first line of defence against rain, spray and challenging inclement conditions. With so many fabrics, ratings and technologies on the market, knowing what to choose can be difficult.

This waterproof jacket guide explains how waterproof fabrics work, how to read waterproof ratings, and how to care for your jacket to maintain lasting protection.

What Makes a Jacket Waterproof?

Not all outerwear is truly waterproof. A jacket earns this label when it can block sustained water pressure. Key features include:

Hydrostatic head rating (measured in millimetres and shown below).

Waterproof membranes - Thin layers between an outer fabric and an inner liner that use microscopic pores to block water ingress while allowing vapour to escape, such as GORE-TEX or Henri-Lloyd’s Dri-Pro technology.

Fully taped seams - Heat-sealed, waterproof tape applied to every seam on the inside of the jacket, completely covering all the tiny holes left by the stitching.

Waterproof zips and/or storm flaps - Prevent water ingress.

Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finishes -To help water bead and run off the fabric instead of soaking in.

Front view of a Henri-Lloyd offshore sailing jacket with high collar, multiple pockets and protective hood.

Why we use Dri-Pro over Gore-Tex?

Henri-Lloyd’s proprietary waterproof-breathable technology is built on decades of marine knowledge and rigorous testing. Unlike many traditional membranes such as GORE-TEX, Dri-Pro is PFOAS-free and treated with a fluorocarbon-free C0 DWR finish, delivering long-lasting protection with a lower ecological footprint.

Water-resistant jackets repel light showers, but true waterproof jackets withstand prolonged exposure to heavy rain. This level of protection is essential for time spent on the water or in persistent rain.

Understanding Waterproof Ratings

Waterproof ratings indicate how much water pressure a fabric can resist before leakage.

Many Henri-Lloyd jackets achieve ratings of 20,000mm or higher, providing dependable defence in the heaviest of rain.

Rating	Protection Level	Best Use
5,000mm	Light protection	Short commutes, light rain
10,000–15,000mm	Reliable waterproofing	Day-long use, coastal wear
20,000mm+	Storm-ready	Offshore sailing, extreme conditions

Why Breathability Matters

Waterproofing is only half the story. Without breathability, heat and condensation build up inside the jacket.

Modern fabrics solve this with:

Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate (MVTR) that allows vapour to escape.

Breathable membranes that manage internal humidity.

Ventilation zones or armpit zips that boost airflow in key areas during activity.

For sailors, commuters, explorers and travellers alike, breathability is a key difference between lasting comfort and discomfort.

Waterproof vs Water-Resistant Jackets

Water-resistant jackets repel light moisture using a surface coating on the outer fabric. True waterproof jackets use laminated membranes, taped seams and stormproof designs to block water entirely. If you’re heading offshore or spending long periods in wet weather, opt for fully waterproof protection and not just resistance.

Fabrics in Waterproof Jackets

Performance fabrics define how a jacket feels, lasts, and performs:

Recycled nylon shells are lightweight yet extremely hard wearing, offering durability with a reduced environmental footprint.

PFC-free DWR coatings provide eco-friendly water repellency. Traditional water-repellent finishes often use long-chain fluorocarbons (PFCs) that persist in the environment. PFC-free alternatives achieve the same beading effect without harmful chemistry.

Two to Three-layer laminates bond a waterproof membrane between an outer fabric and an inner liner. This construction maximises durability, keeps the membrane protected from wear, and ensures reliable storm protection season after season.

Henri-Lloyd’s exclusive Dri-Pro membranes offer a minimum of 15,000mm waterproof protection, with some offering over 20,000m protection. Exceptional breathability. PFOAS-free and treated with a fluorocarbon-free C0 DWR finish, they are designed for marine-grade performance, Dri-Pro combines long-lasting protection with a lower environmental impact.

Comparing Waterproof Fabrics

Henri-Lloyd jackets combine multiple advanced fabric technologies to deliver reliable protection in demanding conditions.

Together, these technologies deliver marine-grade waterproof protection, balancing performance, durability, and environmental responsibility.

Fabric Technology	Strengths	Benefits
Dri-Pro Membrane	Over 15,000 mm waterproof rating, highly breathable, PFOA-free	Storm-level protection with long-lasting comfort
2-2.5 Layer Fabric Construction	Multi-layered fabric including membrane bonded between outer shell and inner liner	Maximum durability, protected performance over time
C0 DWR Finish	Fluorocarbon-free, eco-friendly water repellency applied to the fabric face	Water beads and runs off jacket without harmful chemical reaction

Man wearing grey Henri-Lloyd sailing jacket with navy stripes, sitting on deck and looking out to sea during sailing trip.

Model wearing white Henri-Lloyd Dynamic Jacket stepping across rocks by the sea – active outdoor lifestyle scene.

Person standing on a yacht deck adjusting ropes while wearing waterproof sailing jacket and trousers.

Man wearing Henri-Lloyd Men's Dynamic Jacket in black while sailing, close-up shot.

Offshore Waterproof Jackets

Built with multiple layers, storm hoods, protective storm collars and maximum waterproofing. They are ideal for ocean crossings and extreme exposure.

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Inshore Wateproof Jackets

Lighter and more flexible while still offering dependable protection. They are best for day sailing, longer passage coastal journeys or unpredictable city weather.

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Layering with Waterproof Jackets

To stay comfortable in changing conditions, layering is crucial:

A base layer of merino or quick dry moisture wicking fabric is crucial for modular protection..

A mid layer such as fleeces or a performance knit for insulation.

An outer shell in the form of a waterproof jacket as the final barrier.

This system adapts easily from the marina to the city, keeping you dry and comfortable.