DWR

DWR stands for Durable Water Repellent and is a coating that manufacturers add to clothing to make it more water repellent. We have seen it on pants, shirts, rain jackets, windbreakers and just about anything you wear. It is especially useful on waterproof breathable fabrics (like Gor-Tex) which loose their breathability as they become saturated with water. Over time DWR coatings loose their effectiveness and need to be maintained and eventually reapplied. Here is a great DWR care article from REI