How to Judge the Waterproof and Stain-Proof Performance of Clothing?

Claiming that clothing is "waterproof¹" or "stain-proof²" without scientific proof can mislead consumers and damage your brand’s credibility. But do you really know how to test and confirm these functions accurately?

Clothing labeled "waterproof" or "stain-proof" should pass specific, standardized tests such as hydrostatic pressure test³s, spray tests (AATCC 22), and stain-resistance evaluations. Understanding these testing methods and industry standards helps accurately verify product claims, ensuring consumer trust and brand integrity.

One of my clients, Mark, faced returns after failing to prove waterproof claims. To avoid such situations, let’s dive deeper into proper evaluation methods.

Why should "waterproof" and "stain-proof" be scientifically evaluated? Don't be misled by conceptual marketing

Marketing claims without scientific backing can damage consumer trust and brand reputation.

Waterproof means fabric prevents water penetration under pressure; water-repellent means water beads off; moisture-proof means resisting humidity, while stain-proof measures resistance to various liquid stains. Precise evaluations help consumers understand true product capabilities beyond vague marketing.

Waterproof Fabrics

What is the real difference between waterproof, water-repellent, moisture-proof, and penetration-proof?

• Waterproof: Stops water from penetrating under pressure.
• Water-repellent: Causes water droplets to roll off fabric.
• Moisture-proof: Resists humidity, not liquid water.
• Penetration-proof: Prevents liquids or particles from entering fabric layers.

Stain-proof ≠ not dirty! What kind of anti-adhesion ability does it evaluate?

"Stain-proof" doesn't mean never dirty; it measures fabric's ability to resist stains from liquids like coffee, oil, and sauces, reducing the stain's visibility and improving ease of cleaning.

Waterproof performance test: Hydrostatic pressure method and spray method are conventional industry standards

Standardized tests ensure reliable waterproof evaluations.

The hydrostatic pressure test (AATCC 127, ISO 811) measures fabric resistance to pressurized water penetration, suitable for heavy-duty waterproof clothing. The spray test (AATCC 22, ISO 4920) evaluates water repellency by observing surface wetting after spraying, applicable for daily-use water-repellent garments.

What is the hydrostatic pressure test (Hydrostatic Pressure)? What kind of clothing does it correspond to?

The hydrostatic pressure test applies water pressure on fabric until leakage occurs, measuring waterproof strength (in mm H₂O). Ideal for outdoor jackets, tents, raincoats requiring strong waterproof capabilities.

How does the spray method (AATCC 22) work? Is 90 points considered water-repellent?

The spray method evaluates how well fabric sheds water droplets. Ratings range from 0 to 100, with 90 points or higher considered highly water-repellent for daily garments.

Anti-stain performance test: Common test liquids + stain residue level judgment standards

Testing stain resistance involves standardized procedures using common household liquids.

Anti-stain tests commonly use liquids such as coffee, oil, ketchup, or wine to simulate real-life staining. Fabrics are scored from 0 (heavily stained) to 5 (no visible stain). A rating of 4-5 indicates effective stain-resistance performance.

What simulated liquids are usually used in anti-stain testing? Coffee, grease, water-based liquid?

Common test liquids include:

• Coffee (water-based stain)
• Cooking oil (oil-based stain)
• Tomato sauce or red wine (color-intensive stains)

These accurately simulate everyday stain scenarios.

The test level ranges from 0 to 5 points. How many points are considered "effective stain-proof"?

A test score of 4 or 5 indicates strong stain resistance, considered "effectively stain-proof," reducing consumer effort in stain removal.

Overview of common functional clothing industry standards (China/US/EU)

Each region has established standard tests for waterproofing and stain resistance.

Key standards include GB/T 4745 (China, surface wetting test), AATCC 22 (U.S., spray rating), and ISO 4920 (EU, surface wetting). Major e-commerce platforms like Tmall or Amazon often require garments claiming waterproof or stain-resistant features to show certified test reports.

What do national standards GB/T 4745, AATCC 22, and ISO 4920 test respectively?

Do e-commerce platforms (such as Tmall and Amazon) require specific waterproof/fouling certification?

Yes, major e-commerce platforms often require authoritative third-party test reports or certifications for garments marketed as waterproof or stain-resistant to verify product claims.

How to determine whether a product has been formally tested? Look at the tag? Look at the report? Look at the effect?

Proper evaluation involves looking at official tags, test reports, and real-world performance.

Brands should provide authoritative third-party testing reports alongside clear product labeling. Consumers can perform simple tests (water spray, oil spill) for initial verification, though professional tests remain more reliable for certification.

Is it recommended that brands/sellers issue authoritative third-party testing reports?

Absolutely. Third-party testing reports significantly enhance credibility, reassure consumers, and comply with platform certification requirements.

Can consumers do simple tests themselves? Are water spray and oil spill experiments reliable?

Consumers can do preliminary spray tests or oil spill experiments at home. While useful, these basic tests don't fully replace professional laboratory tests, which precisely measure fabric performance.

Protection level recommendations for different scenarios: life splashproof vs outdoor strong waterproof

Different scenarios require varied performance levels.

Daily-wear items (windbreakers, casual jackets) typically need moderate water repellency (AATCC 22 rating ~80-90), while outdoor or mountaineering jackets must meet strict waterproof standards (hydrostatic pressure tests ≥5000mm). Similarly, stain-resistant clothing for children or kitchen wear requires higher standards.

Daily windbreaker vs mountaineering jacket, do they need to meet different levels of testing?

Yes, daily garments typically require moderate spray test ratings, while mountaineering jackets must pass rigorous hydrostatic pressure tests for waterproof guarantees in extreme conditions.

Anti-fouling clothing is suitable for children, kitchen, and oil-proof workwear. Are the standards stricter?

Yes, anti-fouling clothing for children, kitchens, or workplaces should reach higher test ratings (level 4-5) to ensure effective protection against frequent and challenging stains.

Conclusion

Accurately testing waterproof and stain-proof claims protects brands, ensures product reliability, and builds consumer trust. Understanding these industry standards and testing methods ensures your garments consistently meet expectations and marketing claims.