Durable Water Repellent (DWR) and Paddlesports Dry Wear

Whether thrill-seeking between eddies or out for a relaxing afternoon paddle, staying (mostly) dry and comfortable is key to enjoying any time on the water. We depend on our paddlesports outerwear, dry wear and dry suits to keep rain and splash out while permitting excess moisture to wick away from the body. For years, manufacturers in the outdoor industry have applied a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) to the surface of waterproof breathable apparel to achieve this. DWR is also used in some neoprene apparel, such as NRS HydroSkin, to help the garment shed water.

What Is Durable Water Repellent (DWR) and How Does It Work?

Durable water repellent (DWR) causes water on a treated fabric to bead up and roll away, keeping the material from “wetting out” and becoming a damp, sweaty mess.

DWR is a polymer treatment commonly used on waterproof-breathable technical fabrics to bond the fibers and improve water repellency. DWR reduces the surface tension of treated fabrics enabling water to roll off. By lessening the formation of condensation, a garment is better suited to prevent absorption and aid breathability by allowing moisture from perspiration to pass through to the surface. In non-breathable neoprene apparel, DWR may be applied to help keep the exterior of the garment dry to reduce the cooling effect of evaporation.

Durable Water Repellent technology is found in all kinds of outdoor gear including rain wear, ski jackets, and in the case of NRS, paddling tops, splash pants, dry suits, dry tops and HydroSkin.

What’s the Environmental Impact Of DWR?

NRS approaches product design around three design pillars: performance, longevity and sustainability. PFAS chemicals have been used in a wide range of industries and products for decades, and have long been a key element in DWR treatments. Starting with our 2026 production runs, we will be eliminating DWR treatments that contain PFAS chemicals. In some cases, we will have carry-over products that still contain PFAS chemicals. However, we will continue to eliminate PFAS chemicals in all new NRS products.

Why Apply DWR to Fabrics?

Applying DWR is an important step in the construction, maintenance and care of water repellent clothing. Most kinds of technical outerwear use a multi-layer system to form a fabric that is both breathable and waterproof. DWR treated fabrics make up the outermost layer of these systems and act as a hydrophobic shield that prevents water from permeating the inner layers.

Does DWR Make My Paddling Apparel Waterproof?

While it makes waterproof apparel perform better, DWR does not make your apparel waterproof. When applied correctly, DWR boosts water repellency but won’t make a non-waterproof garment waterproof. Without a properly treated exterior, technical garments become unable to effectively deter the accumulation of moisture and are more susceptible to it soaking into the material.

DWR isn’t an all-purpose waterproofing solution, but it’s often the method used by manufacturers during production and chosen by end users to revitalize their outerwear.

What Is “Wetting Out?”

While durable, DWR doesn’t last forever. As it wears off, water no longer beads on the surface and instead seeps into the material fibers filling the spaces between threads and interfering with functionality. This is known as the fabric “wetting out.” In waterproof-breathable garments, this can hinder breathability and lead to a damp, clammy feeling during use.

How to Care for DWR on Paddling Apparel

As DWR resides on the face of fabrics, it’s easily affected by dirt and oils, which over time degrade the polymer coating, hindering its performance. DWR can also be removed by regular cleaners, so should be washed with a specific product when necessary to preserve its durability and function.

If water repellency can no longer be refreshed by washing and drying, you’ll need to apply a product to revive the durable water repellent coating. This can be a spray or wash-in treatment.

Properly restoring your product’s DWR means you’ll not only stay comfortable and protected from the elements, your gear will also last longer keeping you prepared for many trips to come. Regular upkeep also cuts down on garment turnover and prevents a hasty visit to the landfill.

We sell a number of products that are purpose built to maintain and refresh DWR-coated apparel.

How to Reactivate Durable Water Repellent

Reactivating the DWR on your paddling apparel can be done in a few easy steps.

Clean the Garment

If your technical garment is noticeably soiled, it should be washed.

• Do not use household detergents—they can leave residues that affect DWR performance. Instead, use technical fabric cleaners like Gear Aid ReviveX or Nikwax Tech Wash.
• Read the on-label instructions carefully and follow directions for best results. Ensure all zippers are closed during the wash and dry cycles.
• After washing, and before placing in the dryer, ensure that no water remains in the garment. This is a crucial step for dry suits as water can get trapped in the dry socks. Simply turn the suit upside down and drain any trapped water.

Dry the Garment

• Dry on a normal length cycle, low to medium heat. This ensures the warmed glue from the gaskets does not stick inside the garment.
  • Note: This step will help your “backer,” the inside of the suit, stay clean. If the backer is dirty, the garment will not breathe as designed.
• Immediately after the cycle has finished, remove the garment and turn it inside out to hang. This ensures the warmed glue from the gaskets does not stick inside the garment.
• Now you should see water beading up on the face fabric. Repeat this process whenever you notice water failing to bead properly.

Reapply Durable Waterproof Repellent

If your garment is clean and has been in the dryer, yet you’re still not seeing water beading properly on the face fabric, then it’s safe to assume the DWR has worn off.

• Reapply DWR with a revitalizing waterproofing product: we suggest Nikwax TX Direct Wash-In Waterproofing.
• Read the on-label instructions carefully and follow directions for best results. Dry on a normal cycle, low to medium heat.
  • Note: Nikwax TX Direct Wash-In Waterproofing does not require heat activation. After washing, tumble dry garment on a warm, delicate setting or line dry until completely dry. Never dry at a high temperature.
• Immediately after the cycle has finished, remove the garment and turn it inside out to hang. This ensures the warmed glue from the gaskets does not stick inside the garment.

Note: Current versions of revitalizing waterproofing products are PFAS-free.

How Often Should DWR be Reactivated?

If you’re unsure whether the DWR on your technical apparel needs a refresh, look for these key signs that indicate it may be time for maintenance.

• The face fabric of the garment is noticeably soiled and in need of attention beyond just a thorough rinse with fresh water.
• Water is no longer beading up on the face fabric of the garment. This means the DWR needs to be reactivated.
• The face fabric is noticeably absorbing water or “wetting out” after washing and drying. This means the DWR needs to be reapplied.

Note: As we begin implementing DWR treatments that are PFAS-free, it’s important to note that greater attention to detail in maintenance will be required. In these early stages of PFAS-free DWR treatments, users may recognize different performance characteristics; the DWR’s water repellency will likely diminish faster, and require more attention to preserve and restore, therefore it’s vital to be proactive with recognizing DWR fatigue and addressing it promptly. We are confident that with proper maintenance and care, all NRS dry wear and splash wear will continue performing to our high standards. We expect the performance of PFAS-free DWR treatments to improve moving forward.