What Is Waterproof Fabric? A Parent’s Guide to Keeping Kids Dry
Waterproof fabric is what stands between your child and a very soggy day outdoors, especially when puddle jumping turns into a full adventure. When you’re stood on the sidelines of a muddy field, or watching your little one fully commit to the splash, you don’t want “kind of waterproof.”
You want something that truly keeps them dry, warm, and comfortable no matter what the British weather throws at them. At Wet Wednesdays, we design our outerwear using high-performance waterproof fabric, made for real life: Drizzle, downpours, and those “just one more splash!” moments.
But what actually makes waterproof fabric… waterproof? Let’s take a closer look.
10,000mm Waterproof Rating: What Does That Mean?💧
All of our waterproofs are made using 10,000mm rated fabric, which is a bit of a technical way of saying: They can handle serious rain.
Imagine a tall column of water sitting on the fabric, 10,000mm high. If water can’t push through, the fabric passes the test.

In real life? That means your child stays dry through:
- Enthusiastic puddle jumping
- Heavy rain
- Long walks
- School runs in a downpour
Fully Taped & Welded Seams: The Bit Most People Miss🧵
Here’s something many parents don’t realise: Even if a fabric is waterproof… the seams can still leak. That’s where construction matters.
Our waterproof clothing uses a combination of stitching, fully taped seams, and heat-welded seams to keep little adventurers dry in any weather.
- Stitched + Fully Taped Seams
Most of our garments are stitched for durability, then the seams are covered with waterproof tape. This seals the tiny needle holes, stopping water from sneaking in through the stitching. - Heat-Welded Seams (PU & High-Wear Areas)
For extra protection, certain seams, especially on PU styles or high-stress areas are heat-welded. This means the fabric is sealed together rather than sewn, making these areas completely watertight.
By combining both methods, every Wet Wednesdays waterproof is designed to handle heavy rain, puddle jumps, and everything in between while staying comfortable and flexible for play.

Waterproof vs Water-Resistant: Not All Raincoats Are Equal🌦️

Water-resistant → Fine for light drizzle, but will eventually let water in.
Waterproof → Designed to keep your child dry in proper rain.
Most high-street coats fall into the water-resistant category.
Our outerwear is built for real adventures:
Outdoor play, Forest school, Beach days and unpredictable British weather
Want to learn more about the difference between waterproof and water-resistant? Check out our full guide here.
Breathable: Because Kids Don’t Stand Still🌬️
Waterproof doesn’t mean much if your child ends up hot, sticky, and uncomfortable. That’s why our outerwear is also breathable, with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating that acts like an invisible shield.
Rain beads and rolls off the outside, while body heat and moisture escape from the inside. The result? Your child stays dry from the outside and comfortable from the inside, even during energetic outdoor adventures.
Kinder to Little Explorers and the Planet🌱
All of our waterproofs are treated with BIONIC-FINISH® ECO, a fluorine-free coating that keeps children dry and comfortable while being gentler on the environment.

Unlike traditional waterproofing, it contains no harmful “forever chemicals,” making it safer for your child’s skin and better for the planet. And yet it still does the important job of keeping water and dirt off, just in a much kinder way.
Tested for Safety: Right Down to the Smallest Detail🧪
All of our waterproofs meet OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100, which means every part of the garment has been rigorously checked: from the fabric, threads, zips, and buttons, to even the tiniest trims.
Each piece is tested against more than 100 harmful substances, so you can relax knowing that while your little ones are climbing trees, splashing through puddles, or exploring whatever the day brings, their kit is as safe as it is practical.
Read more about What Does OEKO-TEX® Mean for Children’s Clothing.
Built for Real Childhood Adventures☔
At the end of the day, our waterproofs aren’t designed for standing still.

They’re made for real life: from muddy kitchens and rainy school runs, to forest school days and windy beach walks, as well as those “we’re going out anyway” kind of afternoons.
Childhood doesn’t stop for the weather, and neither should your little ones.
For ideas on the best gear to keep them dry through every adventure, check out our guides on the best kids’ wellies for rain, mud, and snow, top kids’ puddle suits and waterproof clothing, and the best waterproof trousers for toddlers and early years.