Let's Talk Waterproofing

WHAT DOES 'WATERPROOF' REALLY MEAN?

Many brands advertise that their outerwear is 'weatherproof', 'shower-proof', 'water-repellent' or 'water-resistant'. This does not mean that the clothing is fully waterproof. 

To market outerwear as being fully 'waterproof', you must meet the minimum British Standard.

The British Standard for waterproofing

The British Standard is that fabric should achieve a waterproof rating of at least 1,500 mmH2O in a Hydrostatic Head Test for a garment to be classed as 'waterproof'. This means that the fabric should be capable of withstanding 1.5 metres of water over 24 hours before the water soaks through the fabric.

How waterproof are Posh Muckerz®?

The short answer is 'very waterproof'.  

The windproof and breathable softshell outer fabric of Posh Muckerz® Original coveralls has a waterproof rating of 5,000+ mmH2O, meaning our fabric is 'very waterproof' (at least three times more waterproof than the minimum British Standard) and is capable of withstanding 5 metres of water over 24 hours before the water soaks through the fabric.

Posh Muckerz® Lightweight coveralls, with a lighter weight microfibre outer fabric, still achieve an impressive waterproof rating of 2,000+ mmH2O (500mm more waterproof than the minimum British Standard) and are capable of withstanding 2 metres of water over 24 hours before the water soaks through the fabric. We were determined, when developing our Lightweights, to ensure that ladies who wanted a lighter weight outer fabric option should not have to  compromise significantly on waterproofing capabilities as a result.

In addition, all seams on Posh Muckerz® coveralls are taped (there are over 23 linear metres of taped seams) and our coveralls even have waterproof zips and pocket linings, meaning that you will stay comfortable, warm and dry whatever the weather.

What sets Posh Muckerz® coveralls apart from the rest?

By way of comparison, some other ladies outdoor coveralls are made using fabric with a Hydrostatic Head Test rating of less than 1,500 mmH2O, which means they do not meet the minimum British Standard to be classed as 'waterproof'.

For example, coveralls which are made using Ventile® cotton fabric fall into this category as Ventile® has a reported Hydrostatic Head Test rating of less than 1,000 mmH2O. As stated above, retailers may avoid this technicality by referring to their garments as being water-repellent, shower-proof, rainproof, water-resistant or weatherproof.

As our coveralls are 'all-in-one' there is also no risk of water ingression, as can be the case with separate jackets and over-trousers or 'zip together' 2-into-1 coveralls (where the connecting zips may also not be waterproof).

Don't just take our word for it ...

We take waterproofing so seriously that our coveralls have even been waterproof-tested in the lab and also tested with industrial power hoses!

Posh Muckerz® really are 'proper' waterproof and, although our coveralls are an investment, they still represent sound value for money when compared with purchasing separate jackets and over-trousers or 'zip together' 2-into-1 coveralls, which may not be fully waterproof.