How does garment interlining affect the waterproofness of clothing?

Jan 12, 2026

Leave a message

Hey there! As a garment interlining supplier, I've been getting a lot of questions lately about how the interlining we provide affects the waterproofness of clothing. So, I thought I'd take a deep dive into this topic and share some insights with you all.

First off, let's talk about what garment interlining actually is. Garment interlining is an extra layer of fabric that's placed between the outer fabric and the lining of a garment. It can be made from different materials like woven, non - woven, or knitted fabrics, and it serves a bunch of important functions. You can check out more about Garment Interfacing on our website.

One of the key things to understand is that not all interlinings have a direct impact on the waterproofness of clothing. The waterproofness of a garment is mainly determined by the outer fabric. If the outer fabric is made of a waterproof material like Gore - Tex or a tightly woven nylon with a waterproof coating, it's going to do the heavy lifting when it comes to keeping water out.

However, the interlining can still play a role, and it's a bit more complex than you might think. For instance, if the interlining is made of a material that absorbs water easily, it can actually reduce the overall waterproof performance of the garment. Imagine a situation where the outer fabric does a great job of repelling water, but the interlining inside starts to soak up any moisture that manages to seep through. This can make the wearer feel damp and uncomfortable, even if the outer layer is technically waterproof.

On the other hand, if you choose the right interlining, it can enhance the waterproofness in some ways. A non - absorbent and breathable interlining can help wick away any moisture that does get past the outer layer. This means that even if a little water sneaks in, it won't stay in one place and make the wearer wet. Instead, it'll be spread out and evaporated more quickly, thanks to the interlining's properties.

Dress InterliningJacket Interlining

Let's look at different types of garments and how interlining can affect their waterproofness.

Dress Interlining

Dresses are often not thought of as waterproof clothing, but there are some cases where you might want a dress to have at least some level of water resistance. Dress Interlining can come in handy here. For a summer dress, you probably don't need it to be fully waterproof, but a lightweight, non - absorbent interlining can help keep the dress from getting soggy if it gets a little bit wet from rain or a splash. This way, the dress will dry faster, and you won't have to worry about it sticking to your body.

In a winter dress, a thicker interlining can add an extra layer of insulation and also contribute to water resistance. If the interlining is made of a material like a fleece - like non - woven, it can slow down the penetration of water and keep the body warm at the same time.

Jacket Interlining

Jackets are where waterproofness is a big deal. Jacket Interlining can have a significant impact on how well a jacket keeps you dry. For a rain jacket, a high - quality interlining can work in tandem with the waterproof outer shell. A micro - porous interlining can allow vapor to escape from inside the jacket while still preventing water from coming in. This is important because it helps to maintain breathability. If a jacket is too waterproof and not breathable, you'll end up sweating inside, and the moisture will make you feel cold and uncomfortable.

In a ski jacket, the interlining can also help with insulation. Some interlinings have thermal properties that trap body heat, so even in wet and cold conditions, you'll stay warm. And if the interlining is water - resistant, it can prevent the insulation from getting saturated, which would otherwise reduce its effectiveness.

Now, let's talk about the materials of interlining and their impact on waterproofness.

Woven interlinings are usually more structured and can provide good support to the garment. But their impact on waterproofness depends on the type of fiber used. For example, a cotton - based woven interlining will absorb water, which isn't ideal for waterproof clothing. On the other hand, a synthetic - fiber woven interlining like polyester or nylon can be more water - resistant and may even have some level of hydrophobic coating.

Non - woven interlinings are often more lightweight and can be engineered to have specific properties. There are non - woven interlinings that are made to be highly breathable and water - resistant. These are great for outerwear because they can help with moisture management without adding too much bulk.

Knitted interlinings are known for their flexibility and stretch. They can also affect waterproofness in different ways. A knitted interlining made of a water - wicking yarn can be a good choice for waterproof clothing as it can help move moisture away from the body.

So, how do you choose the right interlining for waterproof clothing? It really depends on your specific needs. If you're making a military - style waterproof jacket, you might want a heavy - duty, highly water - resistant interlining that can withstand harsh conditions. For a casual waterproof parka, a more lightweight and breathable interlining would be a better option.

As a garment interlining supplier, we have a wide range of options to meet your requirements. Whether you need interlining for waterproof dresses, jackets, or other types of clothing, we can help you find the perfect fit. Our team of experts can also provide you with advice on which interlining will work best for your specific design and intended use.

If you're in the market for garment interlining and want to discuss how it can affect the waterproofness of your clothing, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help you create high - quality, waterproof garments that will keep your customers dry and comfortable.

References

  • Textile Science and Technology textbooks
  • Industry reports on garment materials and performance

So, if you're looking to take your waterproof clothing to the next level, get in touch with us for a chat about our garment interlining options!