Water-resistant vs waterproof coats: don't confuse the claims

Water-resistant and waterproof are not interchangeable. A water-resistant coat may handle light exposure, while waterproof performance generally requires a stronger, testable barrier system.

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Water resistant

Water resistance indicates some ability to resist water penetration, but the level can vary widely by fabric, treatment, seams and construction. It should not be read as a promise of waterproof protection.

Waterproof

Waterproof garments are designed to prevent water penetration to a defined degree, often using membranes/coatings and seam construction. For demanding rain exposure, look for explicit technical specifications from the manufacturer.

AUTER context

AUTER currently describes its core Puffer and Hooded Puffer as water and wind resistant, and the Swing Puffer as using water-resistant gabardine. We do not reinterpret those claims as “waterproof.”