Waterproof clothing is simply clothing which keeps you dry in the rain. It keeps the wet on the outside leaving you dry and comfortable on the inside. It may sound pretty straightforward but there are so many types of waterproof fabric and degrees of waterproofness that careful consideration needs to be taken when purchasing such garments.
Waterproof fabrics are fabrics which have been treated to become resistant to penetration by water and wetting. For example, they may have been proofed with a spray substance which then affects the waterproofness.
If cost is an issue, or you are not sure how much use you will get from your new waterproof clothing, it is better to buy for the worst conditions you are expecting to wear the clothing in. If you are hiking up Snowdon for example, you will need to spend extra cash on a more technical garment in order to remain protected from the elements.
Nylon is a very lightweight choice for a waterproof as the clothing can be regarded as 'packable' and great for carrying. The fabric is strong and can be coated to provide a totally waterproof finish. Nylon can also be made into a ripstop fabric by using thicker threads through the weave. This gives the fabric extra strength. Nylon doesn't absorb much water and so takes very much less time to dry out than cotton. It is also quite cheap to produce compared to membrane fabrics, although not as effective as a waterproof.
The problem for manufacturers with nylon fabrics is that they deteriorate when exposed to sunlight, and are weakened when coated with the various waterproofing treatments. Nowadays there are also many breathable coatings which can be applied directly to the inside of a fabric. Better makes of jackets etc. have an inner lining layer to protect the coating and make the jacket more comfortable.
'Condensation control' or 'directional' fabrics are a more popular choice for longer periods of wear or more energetic activities due to their wicking nature. Such fabrics will keep you dryer as the water vapour is directed away from the body as well as keeping the rain on the outside. As they are also breathable fabrics, they ensure comfort during most outdoor sports.
Laboratory tests are carried out to determine the performance of any waterproof clothing fabric. The water resistance measurement is determined by suspending water over the fabric and allowing it to seep through. The British Standard is only 3 PSI, which is approx 1,500mm of pressure. Rain fall is approximately 2 PSI, so you will need a waterproof which is higher than the British Standard to keep you properly protected.
The Hydrostatic head test is the standard laboratory test performed on waterproof fabrics. This test pumps water though a cylinder which is placed over the fabric until the pressure is great enough to allow the water through.
Goretex is the original breathable membrane, made of microporous PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) plastic which will not let cold rainwater droplets in but allows warm water vapour to pass out through the tiny pores. It can be laminated to a variety of fabrics, or can also be sewn in as a separate lining between a non-waterproof outer and inner. There are several imitators of Goretex. Microporous membranes need to be kept clean, because the pores can clog up and prevent the water vapour passing through - leading to condensation.
One thing to check on waterproof clothing is the seams. Even a good strong seam will still leave little holes through which the thread passes and through which water can enter. On a good quality product these should be sealed. This is usually done with an appropriately coated tape covering the seam inside the garment. Fully waterproof PU coated or neoprene tape for the non-breathable fabrics and breathable tape to match the breathables. The seams of the garment are sealed to stop rain seeping through the waterproof fabric and into the garment through the stitched areas.
The ultimate decision is yours. Just remember that the more expensive items are going to provide better performance long term. Ask lots of questions when you buy to and hopefully you will get lots of wear from your waterproofs in the years to come!
Young children like nothing better than to play outside. They love to run through the forest or simply play in the garden with their friends, whether the sun is shining or not. However, if we prepare ourselves with quality waterproofs, there is no reason for staying inside even in a downpour.
There is an old Scandinavian phrase that there is no such thing as bad weather. With the appropriate clothes, your children can enjoy running around outdoors, come rain or shine. In fact, youngsters love to play in the rain and wet, jumping in muddy puddles. It is usually us parents who worry about letting them play outside in the wet, in fear of them getting a chill.
There is a great choice of children's waterproof clothing on the market these days at various price points, from the value PU coated nylon fabrics through to Goretex-like membrane fabrics. How much you can afford to spend is up to you, but you will need to ensure you have the best value for money.
Nylon fabrics are the cheapest and are lightweight and hence easy to carry. Children can carry a lightweight nylon waterproof jacket him or herself in a stuff-sac which is often supplied with such clothing or in their own backpack. Nylon may be coated with a special breathable or windproof finish.
Lightweight garments also offer greater freedom of movement which is an obvious advantage for toddlers and younger children if they are wearing their waterproofs as play clothes. Seams should be heat sealed with tape. This process stops the wet getting in through the seams and therefore gives greater protection.
The style of waterproof clothing is an individual choice. There are many brands of children's waterproof all-in-one suits on the market. These offer head to toe protection without any gaps at the waist line.
You might find the flexibility of a separate waterproof jacket and trousers more beneficial as they can be worn individually if necessary. Or, alternatively, a waterproof dungarees and jacket combination is a popular choice as it will stop any gaps at the waist and hence keep out the draughts.
Children's waterproof trousers need to have an adjustment at the ankle to allow them to be gathered into wellies or boots. This may be in the form of a zip, press studs or even elastic. An elasticated waist on waterproof trousers is also a good idea for comfort, as is height adjusters on waterproof dungarees.
A nice big hood is a good feature to keep children protected from driving rain. A peaked hood with adjustment is also a good idea, as is a velcro strap at the neckline to keep the hood up.
Storm flaps on a jacket is a benefit as this will stop water getting in through the zip teeth in wind and rain. As for fit, it is best to choose children's waterproof clothing which are a bit loose over a summer t-shirt as this will allow fleece clothing to be worn beneath in the cold.
Whatever waterproof clothing you choose, the most important thing is that your youngsters will be comfortable and be happy to play. Check that you have some growing room and hopefully you will get more than one season from the garment and your children will have lots of outdoor fun in sun or rain.
For more information on Waterproof Trousers for Children or Waterproof Jackets for Children, please visit www.adventuretogs.co.uk
It is well documented that the sun is very damaging to skin. The sun's rays cause ageing of the skin and more importantly skin cancer. It is very important to protect the skin from this kind of damage. You may consider wearing protective UV clothing to achieve this.
A white cotton T-shirt has been shown to offer the equivalent sun protection of an SPF 5 sunscreen. The way in which a material is woven has an impact on the sun protection offered. A tighter knit or weave provides greater protection from harmful UV rays, whereas a looser weave will allow more of the sun's rays through.
Sun protection clothing is very important for babies and children in order to protect their skin from harmful UV rays and prevent skin cancer later in life. If a manufacturer claims that a fabric prevents skin cancer or protects the skin from the sun, it must be able to prove the claims have been substantiated and the product has undergone the appropriate testing. Therefore it is important to choose brands which offer a minimum UPF rating of at least 15.
It is better to use UV protective clothing for children than applying sunscreen as clothing will offer more protection. High SPF lotions sometimes give a false sense of security allowing people to stay in the sun longer than they should. Although sunscreen offers excellent protection, often too little is applied resulting in over-exposure to the sun. People differ in their reactions to UV light and the geographic location also plays a part in the effect of the sun on your skin. UV protection fabrics prevent these variations from having an impact.
Remember : UV rays from the sun can cause skin damage on cloudy days , in any temperature and during any season. Most people receive 80% of their lifetime exposure to the sun by 18 years of age. The message to parents from this is to protect your children. Remember, skin cancer is very slow to develop. The sunburn you receive this week may take 20 years or more to become skin cancer.
There are many products on the market from T-shirts and leggings to full-length childrens UV suits, rash vests and Legionnaires hats. Whatever garments you choose for your child, you will want to ensure that they are truly protected from the sun. UV protective swimwear with a UPF50+ blocks over 97.5% of the sun's ultra violet rays. Such clothing is therefore not just suitable for swimming but can be also worn for a range of outdoor activities such as cycling, sailing, surfing and playing on the beach or in the garden. There are many brands which specialise in the manufacture of sun protection clothing, selling babies and childrens UV suits through to adults sun protection clothing.
Important advice to prevent sun damage is to stay out of the sun between ten o'clock in the morning and four o'clock in the afternoon as this is when the sun is strongest and it's rays are more damaging. Also, remember to use a high factor sunscreen on any exposed skin e.g. face, hands and feet, and wear 100% UV protective sunglasses. Never use sun beds and lamps.
Kids like nothing more than running around with their friends and playing in the outdoors. It's great when the sun is shining, but what about dull and rainy days? Do your youngsters hate playing outdoors in the rain or do you hate them getting wet in fear of them catching colds? Maybe it is time to invest in some waterproofs.
Whatever the weather there is no excuse nowadays. There is such a range of clothing made from technical fabrics, you will find garments to keep you and your kids protected from the most extreme wether conditions.
You can either choose an all-in-one suit or separate waterproof trousers and jacket. Kids waterproof trousers offer the ultimate protection for below the waistline. Raindrops will quickly run off the trousers and you have the flexibility to remove them quickly when the rain stops.
With so much choice of waterproof fabrics these days, the choice can be confusing. From cheaper coated nylons through to very technical membrane fabrics, the range is enormous. For kids play, you should be able to find a pair of waterproof trousers without spending a fortune.
You should always read the label to ensure the garment is truly waterproof and not just showerproof. Make sure the seams are taped. This will stop water seeping in via the seams and keep your little ones completely dry.
There is quite a choice when it comes to styles of kids waterproof trousers. You will need to choose a style which is quite roomy and generous enough to allow for thicker winter clothing to be worn underneath. Waist should be elasticated ideally, this again will allow for a variety of under layers to be worn.
Ankles can have elastic , zips or press stud adjustment which are a good idea, to allow the trousers to be more fitted around the leg and to tuck them into wellies or walking boots.
Because children like to collect treasures when out walking, some deep pockets are also a good idea, as are openings at the sides to allow easy access to the pockets of base layers beneath.
The ultimate decision on style is a personal one. You will need to take into account your child's needs and think about the kind of use the garment will get. Remember that comfort is key and if you kids are dry and comfortable, that will lead to more running around and more fun!
Now the children are safely back at school and I have regained my sanity (slightly), I can tell you a bit about my adventures at Center Parcs this summer. We are Center Parcs veterans and have done it all over the years, except for the tree trekking, this was a first.
I've always fancied it and as I am more adventurous in my 40's than I ever was in my 20's, my 13 yr old and I took to the trees together. It was damp and drizzly and I was wishing it to be called off as had been my 9 yr old's football earlier in the day. No such luck! We were off...
I had to keep encouraging 13 yr old Lewys that he could do it and not to look down. He was in front of me and if he could do it, well....I could too. I was concentrating so hard I forgot about the rain and my worries about slipping. I knew we were harnessed in well and there was no chance of us actually falling more than an inch. The most difficult part was about half way along, and once I was over that I was flying (well, almost). I thought the Zip Wire was going to be the easy bit, but I just couldn't jump. It just seemed so far, across the lake...OMG. I'm not sure what happened in the end. Did I jump? or Was I pushed? Whatever happened I was screaming my way accross the lake and my applauding family. I can't wait to do it again!
A recent comment about the Target Dry Mac-in-a-sac Jacket, which is an excellent womens waterproof jacket despite being a unisex fit.
"I was sceptical that for only £20.00 the Mac in a Bag would deliver all it promised. At 63, I still power walk and tested it out on a day when there was fairly heavy rain. An hour's walk found me absolutely dry. The only problem I had was with the wrists. I have very tiny wrists and it was a problem with the fastenings. How will it wear? Bearing this in mind, I would recommend it."
Date: 25 August 2011 Rated by Buyer: Laraine Parker
We are barely into the school holidays and I feel my purse is continually churning out the pounds. Within the last week we have eaten out (ashamedly) too many times, have been on a chocolate factory tour, bought a new bookcase for boy 2's bedroom and (last but not least) I have been on a hen weekend!
Our first eating out escapade of the week was combined with a family bike ride to Glyncorrwg Ponds at the Skyline Cafe. If you have never been there, go! It's full of serious bikers with very serious bikes, eating home cooked food covered in mud (the bikers, not the food!). My boys are getting more and more into mountain biking and want to start riding the trails in Afan Forest Park. Until now, we have stuck to the tarmac route through the valley and even last week we had an accident - boy 1 came off my husband's (rather fast) old Kona. "I forgot how fast those tyres were" DH laughed, as I dabbed the cuts and boy 1 fought back the tears.
The Chocolate Factory in Swansea was great. We took a friend with boy 2 and learned all about the growing of coco and how chocolate is made. And the samples ..... mmmm! We had lots of yummy treats and also bought some take home goodies in the factory shop (you just have to).
The bookcase is another story. Somehow, we managed to squeeze it into the car, ripping up the box as we went. I've seen others do this kind of thing at Ikea...squeezing a double mattress into a Mini and such like. And Friday was our turn. The bookcase will be errected this evening and we have a team of volunteers at the ready - the beauty of having boys!
And the hen weekend...well that was fab! My mother (yes my mother) and I shared a sumptuous room at the Hotel Du Vin in Cheltenham, ate and drank, danced til late and laughed a lot. My cousin Amy will be getting married later this month and I am sure she will look amazing.
Now its Monday morning, the rain is back (which means Adventure Togs will be busy) and another week of school holidays begins....
Read our customer newsletter for Back to School Coats for Boys & Girls. Visit our online shop to see the full range of childrens waterproof jackets.
We just love the Cupcake Raincoat for little girls with its microfibre peached finish and frilled hem.
It either comes in the pink yummy Cupcake Print or Peppermint with multicoloured buttons and cupcake lining!
Whichever you choose, little girls will love the style whilst you will love the quality and practicality of this waterproof, breathable and windproof little coat.
Sizes available from 1-2 yrs through to 7-8 yrs.
Price £27.99 including delivery.
Look out for new styles of childrens rainwear coming soon.
Features:
This may not be the busiest time of year for schools waterproofs but we are gearing up for the Autumn, ordering new stock and planning for the busy months ahead.
All-in-one waterproof suits are always popular waterproofs for schools such as the Togz Rainsuit and the new Rascal waterproof splash suit by Target Dry. The Keela Waterbug is another good choice in waterproof outerwear for kids.
We offer discounts on bulk orders and specialise in sourcing products to your needs. We sell babies and toddler sizes through to teens and adults. Please call us or email your requirements, as we cannot display bulk order discounts in our online shop. If you need advice on what type of garment to order, please ask.