Water Repellent Finishing
Water-repellent finishing imparts some degree of resistance to water on the fabric and also makes it more comfortable to wear because the fabric pores remain open.
Such finishes include wax and resin mixtures, aluminum salts, silicones, and fluorochemicals.
Water repellency of a fabric depends on several factors including nature of the fibers, yarn structure, fabric porosity, finish applied and water impact force. Some fabrics such as those made from cotton easily wet out as compared to those made from hydrophobic fibers such as polypropylene.
In water repellent fabric, rain water drop can be block but at the same time perspiration can be out. Since the entire fabric is not coated, the fabric remains breathable and repels raindrops such as rainwater.
Water repellency maintains air permeability or breath ability of fabric and is not significantly reduced.