Beyond the Label: Water-Resistant Fabrics

If you’ve ever shopped for dog coats, you’ve probably seen the words “water-resistant” or “DWR finish” and wondered what that actually means.

And if you’ve gone down the Google rabbit hole… you may have also seen some concerns about whether these finishes are safe.

Let’s talk about it clearly, honestly, and without the noise.

Why It’s Used in Dog Coats

For certain environments, it makes a real difference:

• 🌧 Light rain or mist
• 🌵 Damp, chilly mornings (yes, even in the desert)
• ❄️ Cold weather where moisture can make your dog colder faster

For thin-coated dogs especially, staying dry means staying warm.

So… Why Do Some People Worry About It?

This is where things can get confusing.

Older versions of water-repellent treatments used a group of chemicals called PFAS (sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals”).

You may have heard about them in news reports related to environmental concerns and long-term exposure.

That’s where a lot of the worry comes from.

A Closer Look at Water-Repellent Finishes

Water-resistant fabrics don’t happen by accident.
They are created by applying a finish commonly called a DWR - Durable Water Repellent to the outer surface of a synthetic fabric preserving breathability.  This durable water resistance is not waterproof and wears off over time. 

This finish helps water bead up and roll off and snow brush off  rather than soaking in the fabric.  

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What Is Actually Added to the Fabric?

Traditionally, many DWR finishes used a group of chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). 

📌  Perfluoroalkyl (fully) - a chemical where the carbon chain is fully covered in fluorine

📌 Polyfluoroalkyl  (many) - a chemical where there are many fluorine atoms, but not necessarily covering everything

These compounds were widely used across the textile industry because they were highly effective at repelling water, oil, and stains making them a long-standing standard in performance fabrics.  

I’m not a scientist, but earlier generations of water-repellent treatments have raised well-documented environmental concerns. In response, evolving regulations and industry standards have driven the development of newer alternatives, prompting manufacturers to adopt more current approaches to fabric finishing.

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What Has Changed

In recent years, the textile industry has been shifting away from those earlier treatments.

Many modern fabrics now use:

• Short-chain alternatives, or
• Non-PFAS treatments, depending on the manufacturer

For example, companies like Polartec® transitioned their product lines to non-PFAS water-repellent finishes around 2021.

These newer treatments are designed to maintain performance while reflecting updated material standards.

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How This Relates to Everyday Use

In finished garments, these treatments are bonded to the fabric surface and are not something that transfers through normal wear.

Over time and with washing the effectiveness of a water-repellent finish will gradually diminish, which is why some garments may eventually require re-treatment if water resistance is important.  The idea here is that water resistant qualities were never meant to replace waterproof fabrics.  The DWR treatments were never intended to function during heavy rains or downpours.  DWR is used to reasonably keep water/snow away without compromising breathability.  

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A Thoughtful Approach to Materials

Not every fabric requires a water-repellent/water resistant/waterproof finish.

Some designs prioritize:

• Softness
• Breathability
• Flexibility

Others benefit from added protection against moisture.

The choice depends on how the piece is intended to be worn.

Is It Harmful to Your Dog?

This is an important question and one that deserves a clear, grounded answer.

In  finished garments, these treatments are bonded to the outer surface of the fabric and do not transfer through normal wear. Over time, these treatments naturally diminish with washing and use.

 Water-resistant fabrics are widely used in performance apparel and are designed to function as intended.

As with any material choice, individual preferences vary and that’s worth acknowledging. Making an informed decision matters. For that reason, I clearly note when a fabric includes a water-repellent (DWR) finish.

How I Approach It

When I choose fabrics, I consider:

• Performance -  does it keep dogs comfortable?
• Durability -  will it hold up over time?
• Feel -  is it soft and wearable?

• And what’s known about the materials themselves

I tend to feel more comfortable sourcing fabrics within the United States, where, in my experience, there is often greater transparency around materials and manufacturing practices. That visibility allows me to make more informed decisions about what I use.

Not every coat needs to be water-resistant. Some dogs live in dry climates. Some pieces are designed purely for warmth.

That’s why I don’t treat it as a one-size-fits-all feature.

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The Bottom Line

Water-repellent finishes are one of many tools used in textile design.

Understanding how they work and how they’ve evolved allows for more informed, intentional choices.

I have used Polartec® DWR fleece since it first became available to me, and it remains part of my material selection today.  Including my own dogs.  I don’t believe in one “perfect” fabric, only the right fabric for the right purpose. Each material I work with has a role, and DWR is the product that performs exactly as intended when conditions call for it.

Over the years, I’ve seen a growing effort to improve how fabrics are made, and I value each advancement along the way.

My role is to carry that forward by creating and offering pieces that are meant to last.   When something is made with care and intention, it’s more likely to be kept, worn, and valued over time.

Water-resistant fabrics can be incredibly useful especially in damp or cold conditions.

But they’re also just one option.

My goal is always the same:
To give you enough information to choose what feels right for you and your dog.

 

* Polartec® is a registered trademark of MMI-IPCO, LLC. Used descriptively; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.