How to Re-proof a Shell Jacket the Right Way

DWR is not the same as waterproof

A shell jacket keeps you dry in two ways: the membrane inside stops water from getting in, while a thin durable water-repellent (DWR) finish on the outside makes water bead and run off. When the DWR wears down, the outer fabric soaks up water and feels clammy and heavy – known as 'wetting out'. The jacket is not necessarily leaking, but it breathes worse and feels wet. The fix is rarely a new jacket; usually a clean and a re-proof is enough.

Always wash the jacket before you re-proof it

Most people skip this step – and that is why the proofing fails. New DWR will not bond to dirt, body oils or detergent residue. A clean jacket takes the proofing evenly; a dirty one does not.

1. Close all zips and hook-and-loop fastenings, and empty the pockets.
2. Wash with a technical wash made for shell garments – not ordinary detergent with additives.
3. Skip fabric softener entirely: it forms a film, clogs breathability and works against the DWR.
4. Run an extra rinse to clear all residue before you proof.

Wash-in or spray – which should you choose?

Proofing comes both as a wash-in you add in the machine and as a spray you apply on the outside. The right choice depends on the garment:

• Wash-in gives even coverage and is easy, but also treats the inside – less suitable if the jacket has a mesh liner or a membrane facing the body.
• Spray lets you keep the product on the outer fabric only – best for jackets with a liner or exposed inner membrane.

Activate the proofing with heat

Most DWR finishes are 'woken up' by gentle heat. Always check the care label first, but usually you can either tumble dry the jacket briefly on low heat, or iron it on a low setting with a cloth in between. The heat helps the water-repellent surface settle correctly and bead water again.

The drop test: does the jacket need re-proofing?

You do not have to guess. Sprinkle a few drops of water on the shoulders and upper arms where wear is greatest. If the water beads and rolls off, the DWR is still good. If it soaks in and darkens the fabric, it is time to wash and re-proof. It is wear, washing and dirt – not the calendar – that decides how often the jacket needs another round.

When should you leave it to professionals?

If the jacket is expensive, technical or important to you, or you are unsure about the fabric and membrane, you can send it to us. We clean and re-proof according to the garment and its care label, so the treatment is correct and gentle. If the jacket also needs a repair – a zip, a tear or a seam – we can handle that in the same round. You order online, and you see the price before you order.

Frequently asked questions