The right drying method helps your outerwear last longer

When water repellency starts to fade

The water-repellent finish is commonly known as DWR, or Durable Water Repellency. It causes water to bead up and roll off the outer fabric instead of soaking in.

As the treatment wears down, the fabric begins to absorb moisture more easily. The garment may start to feel heavier, colder and less comfortable, even though the material itself is still performing as intended.

In many cases, the existing DWR treatment can be reactivated. Washing removes dirt and residues, while controlled heat restores the treatment’s water-repellent properties.

This is where drying makes a difference

In a drying cabinet, garments hang freely while warm air circulates around them and removes moisture. There is no mechanical tumbling, making it a gentle way to dry many types of outerwear, workwear and technical garments.

At the same time, the heat reactivates the water-repellent treatment, restoring the garment’s ability to repel water.

This is also supported by garment manufacturers’ own care instructions. Haglöfs states that heat can be used to reactivate a DWR treatment and lists a drying cabinet as one option. Tenson also recommends a drying cabinet or low heat for certain shell garments and insulated synthetic clothing.

Read the care instructions from Haglöfs and Tenson.

Always follow the care label and recommended drying temperature for the individual garment.

A simple way to check the DWR

Once the garment is clean and dry, there is an easy way to check the water-repellent finish: sprinkle a little water onto the fabric.

If the water forms beads and rolls off, the treatment is working as intended. If the fabric absorbs the water instead, the DWR may need to be reactivated – or reapplied.

Avoid fabric softener if the manufacturer advises against it, as it can affect both the water-repellent finish and other technical properties of the garment.

Longer garment life saves resources

Taking proper care of clothing isn’t just about comfort and performance. The longer a garment remains functional, the longer it can stay in use before it needs to be replaced.

Textile production requires raw materials, water and energy and contributes to emissions. The European Environment Agency therefore highlights longer product lifetimes as an important part of a more circular and resource-efficient approach to textiles. Read more at the European Environment Agency.

The right drying method does more than simply dry your clothes. It helps preserve their water-repellent performance – and keeps them in use for longer.

Did you know that drying cabinets can also help inactivate viruses? Read more here.