20/02/2026
Testing the Performance of Fabrics
The WATER COLUMN TEST measures a fabric’s resistance to water pe*******on. It is one of the most commonly used parameters in the outdoor industry to evaluate the waterproofness of a material.
This test determines how much water pressure a fabric can withstand before it begins to let water pass through. In practice, the material is subjected to gradually increasing pressure: when water starts to seep through the fabric, it means that the material has reached its resistance limit.
The test continues until water penetrates the sample at three different points. The pressure at which water passes through the first, second, and third points of the fabric is then recorded. The final value represents the maximum pressure that the fabric can withstand.
Understanding the water column rating is essential for making informed purchasing decisions, especially when choosing clothing or equipment for outdoor activities.
