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Waterproof Fabric
by the yard

Waterproof Fabric by the Yard ranges from 120–350gsm, featuring a smooth, firm texture and durable structure. Designed to block rain and wind while maintaining flexibility, these fabrics are ideal for jackets, raincoats, and outdoor gear. Lightweight options suit activewear and sportswear, while heavier ones add stability for workwear and protective clothing. Perfect for small brands or custom projects, waterproof fabrics combine practicality, comfort, and long-lasting weather resistance for outdoor and everyday use.

  • Application: Jackets, raincoats, shell pants, ponchos, windbreakers, backpacks, tents, seat covers, protective aprons
  • Fabric Types: Laminated Fabric, Coated Fabric, Ripstop Fabric, Oxford Fabric, Softshell Fabric, TPU Fabric, Nylon Taffeta
  • Fabric Content/Material: Polyester-TPU blend, Nylon-PU coated, Polyester-cotton mix, Nylon-spandex blend, Polyurethane-laminated fabric

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Built to Block Rain, Wind, and the Elements

TPU-Laminated Fabrics for Maximum Weather Protection

TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) laminated fabrics represent the gold standard in waterproof performance, bonding a flexible membrane directly to a base textile to create a seamless moisture barrier without sacrificing drape or breathability. These fabrics are ideal for raincoats, hardshell jackets, and protective gear where total water exclusion is non-negotiable. Many of our TPU options are built on a polyamide nylon or polyester base, giving you a lightweight yet incredibly durable foundation. Whether you're manufacturing outerwear or technical sportswear, TPU laminate delivers consistent, wash-stable waterproofing yard after yard.

Ripstop Waterproof Fabric for Tear-Resistant Outdoor Gear

When your application demands both water resistance and structural integrity, ripstop waterproof fabric is the clear choice. The reinforced grid weave prevents tears from spreading, making it the preferred material for tents, backpacks, tarps, and performance outerwear. Our ripstop fabric selection includes coated and laminated variants ranging from 120gsm lightweight packable styles to heavy-duty 350gsm constructions suited for industrial and military applications. Pair ripstop waterproof fabric with a bag fabric project and you have gear that holds up in the harshest backcountry conditions.

Softshell and Coated Fabrics: Versatile Everyday Protection

Softshell waterproof fabrics strike a balance between weather resistance and wearable comfort, making them the go-to choice for everyday jackets, workwear, and activewear that needs to perform in light-to-moderate rain. PU-coated and DWR-treated options give standard woven and stretch fabrics a water-repellent finish without the stiffness of a full membrane laminate. Many softshell constructions incorporate 4-way stretch for unrestricted movement, and their breathable qualities help regulate body temperature during high-output activities. Available by the yard in a wide range of weights and finishes, these fabrics are a smart, cost-effective choice for high-volume apparel production.

Spherical water droplets bead on navy blue ripstop material draped over a mannequin in a sunlit studio.

Wholesale Waterproof Fabric Engineered for Professional Performance

At Global Fabric Wholesale, our waterproof fabric collection is curated specifically for manufacturers, designers, and brands who need reliable, consistent weather protection at scale. Spanning 120gsm to 350gsm, our range includes ripstop nylons, TPU-laminated shells, PU-coated polyesters, and stretch softshells — each selected to meet the demands of commercial outdoor apparel, technical sportswear, and protective gear production. Many of our waterproof fabrics are built on high-tenacity polyester or polyamide nylon bases, ensuring the base textile is as strong as the coating or membrane applied to it. Ordering by the yard gives you the flexibility to prototype new designs, fulfill short runs, or stock up for large-scale seasonal production — all from a single trusted wholesale source.

Water droplets bead on forest green waterproof textile draped over a modern workshop table in a bright studio.

From Rain Jackets to Tents: Waterproof Fabric for Every Application

Waterproof fabric is one of the most application-diverse categories in technical textiles, and our wholesale selection reflects that range. Whether you're producing a fleet of rain jackets, constructing expedition tents, manufacturing protective covers, or developing a line of waterproof bag fabric goods, you'll find fabrics engineered to the right weight, finish, and stretch level for your specific end use. For outerwear applications that need both weather protection and comfort, our softshell and stretch waterproof fabrics can be paired with moisture wicking fabric liners to create garments that perform in wet conditions without trapping heat or sweat.

Our waterproof fabric inventory is updated regularly with new constructions, colorways, and finishes to keep pace with evolving market demands. If you're sourcing for a specific performance standard — whether that's hydrostatic head rating, breathability index, or stretch recovery — our product team can help you identify the best match from our current stock. Wholesale pricing by the yard ensures your cost-per-unit stays competitive as your production scales, and consistent dye lot availability means your finished goods maintain color uniformity across every run. Browse the full collection above and request samples to confirm performance before committing to your full order.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between water-resistant and truly waterproof fabric?
Water-resistant fabrics, typically treated with a DWR (durable water repellent) coating, repel light rain and moisture for a period of time but will eventually allow water to penetrate under sustained exposure or pressure. Truly waterproof fabrics — such as TPU-laminated or fully PU-coated constructions — feature a continuous barrier that prevents water from passing through even under prolonged wet conditions. For applications like raincoats, tents, and heavy-duty outdoor gear, a fully waterproof fabric is the appropriate choice. If you're unsure which level of protection your project requires, our team can help you match the right fabric to your end use.
What GSM weight should I choose for my waterproof fabric project?
GSM (grams per square meter) determines the weight and durability of the fabric, and the right choice depends heavily on your application. Lightweight fabrics in the 120–180gsm range are ideal for packable rain jackets, wind shells, and liners where minimizing bulk is a priority. Mid-weight options from 180–250gsm suit everyday outerwear, workwear, and sports jackets that need reliable weather protection with comfortable drape. Heavy-duty fabrics at 250–350gsm are best reserved for tents, tarps, military gear, and industrial covers where maximum durability and abrasion resistance are required.
Can waterproof fabric be used for bags and accessories as well as clothing?
Absolutely — waterproof fabric is highly versatile and works exceptionally well for bags, backpacks, pouches, and protective covers in addition to outerwear. Ripstop and coated fabrics in particular are popular choices for functional bag construction because they resist both moisture and abrasion. The key is selecting a fabric weight and stiffness appropriate for your item's structure — lighter laminated fabrics work for soft pouches, while heavier coated materials suit structured backpacks and duffel bags. Our wholesale yardage options make it easy to source consistent material for any production run size.
Does waterproof fabric need any special care during sewing and construction?
Yes, waterproof fabrics do require some specific handling techniques to maintain their integrity during construction. Standard sewing needles can leave visible holes in laminated or coated fabrics, so using a sharp or microtex needle and sealing seams with seam-sealing tape is strongly recommended for fully waterproof finished goods. Avoid using pins where possible — pattern weights or clips are preferred to prevent unnecessary punctures in the fabric surface. For bonded or laminated fabrics, a Teflon presser foot will help the material feed smoothly through your machine without sticking.
How do I maintain the waterproofing performance of the fabric over time?
The longevity of waterproof performance depends on the type of treatment applied — TPU laminates tend to maintain their barrier properties through many wash cycles, while DWR-coated fabrics may need periodic re-treatment as the coating wears. Always follow the care label on the specific fabric you purchase, but in general, machine washing on a gentle cycle with a technical fabric cleaner and tumble drying on low heat can help revive DWR coatings. Avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets, as these can clog the pores of breathable membranes and degrade water-repellent finishes. Re-applying a spray-on or wash-in DWR product periodically will extend the life of coated fabrics significantly.