DWR is a special treatment applied to motorcycle jackets that forms an ultra-thin layer on the fabric’s surface, causing water to bead up and roll off rather than soaking in10. I’ve found this technology to be essential for any rider who faces wet conditions, as it provides that first line of defense against rain before it can reach your waterproof membrane.
DWR | Works | By Reducing Surface Tension
DWR treatment creates a hydrophobic (water-repelling) surface on your motorcycle jacket. The treatment works by reducing the surface energy of the fabric, which makes water droplets form beads that roll off instead of spreading and absorbing into the material10.
When I first got my waterproof motorcycle jacket, I was amazed watching rain just slide off the surface. This beading effect is actually visible – you can see water droplets forming little spheres on the surface of your jacket rather than soaking in. This is DWR in action.
DWR | Differs From | Waterproof Membranes
DWR is not the same as a waterproof membrane. The DWR is applied to the outer shell of the jacket, while waterproof membranes like Gore-Tex sit beneath this outer layer10. Here’s how they work together:
- DWR coating: Prevents the outer fabric from getting saturated
- Waterproof membrane: Blocks water molecules from passing through
- Inner lining: Protects the membrane and provides comfort
“I rode through a downpour last week in my Klim Badlands jacket, and while the DWR kept most of the rain beading off, even when it eventually wetted out, the Gore-Tex membrane underneath kept me completely dry. The difference between good and poor DWR is night and day.”
DWR | Prevents | “Wetting Out”
When the DWR fails or wears off, your jacket’s outer shell can become saturated with water – this is called “wetting out”3. Even though the waterproof membrane underneath will still keep water from reaching your skin, a wetted-out jacket creates several problems:
- The jacket becomes heavier
- You feel cold and clammy
- Breathability is significantly reduced
“On a long tour through Scotland, my jacket’s DWR started failing on day three. Even though no water leaked through, the outer shell got soaked and I felt like I was wearing a cold, wet blanket. Breathability went out the window and I was sweating inside despite the cool temperatures.”
Breathability | Requires | Functioning DWR
This is a crucial point that many riders miss: when your jacket’s outer layer wets out, your body’s water vapor can’t escape through the membrane3. The waterproof membrane might still keep rain out, but your own sweat gets trapped inside, making you feel wet from the inside.
DWR | Comes In | Different Types
Motorcycle jacket manufacturers use various types of DWR treatments:
| DWR Type | Environmental Impact | Durability | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional (PFAS-based) | Higher impact | Very durable | Excellent |
| PFAS-free | Lower impact | Good | Very good |
| Silicon-based | Lower impact | Moderate | Good |
“I switched to a jacket with PFAS-free DWR last year. While it doesn’t last quite as long as my old jacket’s treatment, I feel better about the environmental impact, and the performance is still excellent when properly maintained.”
DWR | Requires | Regular Maintenance
The DWR coating on motorcycle jackets will wear off over time due to:
- Regular use and abrasion
- Dirt and oil contamination
- Washing with harsh detergents
- Exposure to elements
To maintain your jacket’s water-repellent properties, you need to:
- Clean your jacket according to manufacturer instructions
- Reactivate the DWR by tumble drying on low heat or ironing on low setting
- Reapply DWR treatment when necessary using spray-on or wash-in products
“After about a year of regular use, I noticed water starting to soak into my jacket instead of beading off. A wash with technical cleaner and a spray-on DWR refresher brought it back to life. Now I make this maintenance part of my seasonal gear prep.”
DWR | Enhances | Jacket Performance
A properly maintained DWR coating significantly improves your riding experience in wet conditions:
- Comfort: Prevents the cold, clammy feeling of a wet outer layer10
- Weight: Keeps your jacket lighter by preventing water absorption
- Drying time: Jackets with functioning DWR dry much faster
- Breathability: Maintains the breathability of your waterproof membrane
“During a 500-mile tour through the Pacific Northwest, my jacket’s DWR treatment made all the difference. While my riding buddy’s jacket was soaked through the outer layer and took hours to dry each night, mine was practically dry by the time we reached our hotel.”
DWR | Complements | Jacket Design Features
The effectiveness of DWR works in conjunction with other waterproofing features in your motorcycle jacket:
- Taped seams: Prevent water from seeping through stitching holes
- Waterproof zippers: Often covered with flaps for additional protection
- Adjustable collars and cuffs: Create proper seals at openings
- Extended back design: Prevents water from entering between jacket and pants
“The combination of good DWR and well-designed features makes all the difference. My Weise jacket has excellent DWR plus fully taped seams and covered zippers. I’ve ridden through absolute downpours and stayed completely dry.”
Remember that DWR is your jacket’s first line of defense against rain, but it works as part of a complete waterproofing system. Maintain it properly, and you’ll stay drier and more comfortable on wet rides.
Durable water repellent, or DWR, is a coating added to fabrics at the factory to make them water-resistant (hydrophobic). Most factory-applied treatments are fluoropolymer based; these applications are quite thin and not always effective. Durable water repellents are commonly used in conjunction with waterproof breathable fabrics such as Gore-Tex to prevent the outer layer of fabric from becoming saturated with water. This saturation, called 'wetting out,' can reduce the garment's breathability (moisture transport through the breathable membrane) and let water through. As the DWR wears off over time, re-treatment is recommended when necessary. Many spray-on and wash-in products for treatment of non-waterproof garments and re-treatment of proofed garments losing their water-repellency are available.
Methods for factory application of DWR treatments involve applying a solution of a chemical onto the surface of the fabric by spraying or dipping, or chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The advantages of CVD include reducing the use of environmentally harmful solvents; requiring less DWR; and an extremely thin waterproof layer that has less effect on the natural look and feel of the fabric.
Some researchers have suggested that the use of PFAS in water-repellent clothing is over-engineering, and comparable performance can be achieved using specific silicon- and hydrocarbon-based finishes.