Our waterproof trousers are made of an outer showerproof (water-repellent) fabric lined throughout with a laminated waterproof layer. Water repellent describes a treatment applied to the fabric called DWR (durable water repellent) which makes rain bead up and roll off the surface of the fabric, preventing the fabric from wetting out. Our DWR has an 80/20 rating, which means the treatment retains 80% effectiveness after 20 wash and dry cycles. Over time, treatments can lose effectiveness due to abrasion and contamination with dirt and oils.

To maintain the performance of DWR, it is important to wash and dry your garment to reactivate the treatment. If tumble drying isn’t available, a low-temperature ironing (according to the care instructions) can be done instead. If, after some time, laundering is no longer sufficient to restore the DWR, aftermarket treatments are available to retreat your garment. See below for our recommendations.

Water proofness describes a material’s resistance to water penetration or leaking. Our trousers accomplish this with an inner lining fabric laminated (adhered) to a waterproof PU membrane. We designed our Genus waterproof trousers this way intentionally to avoid damaging the membrane if the trousers are snagged on twigs thorns and brambles.

Something to be careful of, however, is leaning heavily against or kneeling on sharp items, as this can puncture the membrane. Once the membrane is punctured, it has lost waterproofness in that area and you may notice water coming through in particularly heavy rain, or if you kneel in damp soil.

It can be difficult to pinpoint where exactly this small hole is located, which makes patching and repair a challenge. One way this can be addressed temporarily is by treating the garment with a wash-in DWR rejuvenation treatment, which increases the water repellency of the whole garment, making it harder for the water to get through to the puncture. It’s important to wash and dry (or retreat if necessary) the trousers if you notice the outer material is starting to wet out again, or if the punctured area is starting to allow water through.

For the ongoing care and maintenance of your waterproof trousers, we recommend the following products. Please follow the manufacturer’s recommended instructions for best results.

Washing: It’s important to use detergents without softeners, as they can interfere with the DWR performance:

-    Nikwax Tech Wash
-    Grangers Performance Wash
-    Liquid Soap or Soap Flakes

Spot treatment or very heavily soiled clothing:

-    Wash the garment first before reproofing so the dirt and oil don’t interfere with DWR application
-    For particularly tricky stains, pre-wet the affected area, and use a soft brush (like a clean old toothbrush) with some of your chosen detergent on it to gently scrub the area before laundering
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Retreatment:

-    Nikwax TX Direct
-    Grangers Clothing Repel