Durable Water Repellent (DWR) Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to the questions buyers ask most often about Durable Water Repellent (DWR).
What does it mean?
finish that makes water bead off. Working figures for Durable Water Repellent (DWR) normally sit around after 20 washes still grade 3+ in mainstream production. Note AATCC 22 after ISO 6330 washing on the tech pack so nobody tests against an older revision.
What value should be specified?
Start from after 20 washes still grade 3+ and adjust for the end use of the garment. Record elastane content alongside Durable Water Repellent (DWR), because blends shift the measured value. A result outside after 20 washes still grade 3+ usually points to process drift rather than to the fibre itself.
How is it tested?
AATCC 22 after ISO 6330 washing. Keeping reference values for Durable Water Repellent (DWR) lets suppliers quote without extra sampling rounds. Ask for conditioning details together with AATCC 22 after ISO 6330 washing, since both affect the reading.
Why does it change between lots?
Process variables such as finishing temperature and elastane batch cause the normal spread of results. Working figures for Durable Water Repellent (DWR) normally sit around after 20 washes still grade 3+ in mainstream production. Note AATCC 22 after ISO 6330 washing on the tech pack so nobody tests against an older revision.
Can results be compared across suppliers?
Only when the same standard revision and conditioning are used; otherwise measurements are not equivalent. Record elastane content alongside Durable Water Repellent (DWR), because blends shift the measured value. A result outside after 20 washes still grade 3+ usually points to process drift rather than to the fibre itself.
