Under Armour Storm Collection

Water-repellent athletic apparel uses a surface treatment that changes how fabric interacts with moisture. Understanding this technology helps explain why it performs differently from waterproof gear and standard athletic wear.

Water-repellent fabrics are treated with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish at the molecular level. This finish causes water droplets to bead on the fabric surface and roll off rather than being absorbed. The fabric itself remains breathable because the DWR finish does not seal the pores of the material. Air and water vapor (sweat) can still escape, while liquid water from external sources is repelled.

This is different from fully waterproof gear. Waterproof jackets use sealed membranes and taped seams to create an impenetrable barrier against water. While effective at blocking rain, waterproof layers trap more heat and moisture from sweat, making them less suitable for athletic activity. Water-repellent gear trades absolute waterproofing for significantly better breathability, which is the right tradeoff for most training and sport situations.

The effectiveness of water-repellent treatment has limits. Light to moderate rain beads off effectively. Extended exposure to heavy downpour will eventually overwhelm the DWR finish. For most outdoor training sessions and game-day conditions, water-repellent gear provides sufficient protection.

DWR finishes can diminish over time with repeated washing and wear. Proper care extends the effective life of the treatment. Some manufacturers recommend re-applying DWR spray after 20-30 washes.

Key facts about water-repellent athletic gear: - DWR finish causes water to bead and roll off the fabric surface - Breathability is maintained because the fabric pores remain open - Effective against light to moderate rain; not designed for heavy sustained downpour - Performance diminishes with repeated washing but can be restored with DWR spray - Better suited for athletic activity than fully waterproof gear due to superior breathability

Different activities call for different Storm pieces:

• Running in rain: Lightweight Storm jacket with minimal lining. You need water repellency without overheating during sustained cardio. Look for mesh-lined or unlined options.

• Sideline and spectator use: Storm jacket with ColdGear Infrared lining. You are standing still in cold, wet conditions, so insulation matters as much as water repellency.

• Pre-game warm-ups: Storm half-zip or pullover. Easy to layer over your game jersey and remove quickly. Storm Fleece provides warmth during outdoor warm-ups.

• Outdoor training (gym or conditioning): Storm hoodie. The hood provides head coverage during light rain, and the fleece body maintains warmth during rest periods between sets.

• Walking, commuting, and everyday use: Full-zip Storm jacket. Versatile enough for training and casual wear, with the DWR finish protecting against unexpected rain.

• Sport-specific needs: Football and soccer sideline jackets should be full-zip for easy removal over pads. Baseball dugout jackets benefit from Storm Fleece for sitting between innings.

Proper care is essential for maintaining the DWR finish on Storm apparel:

Washing: - Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle - Use liquid detergent (powder detergent can clog fabric pores) - Do not use fabric softener; it coats the DWR finish and reduces water repellency - Avoid bleach

Drying: - Tumble dry on low heat; moderate heat can actually reactivate the DWR finish - Do not hang dry Storm gear for extended periods, as the DWR benefits from periodic heat activation

Restoring DWR performance: - After 20-30 washes, the DWR finish may diminish - Apply a spray-on DWR treatment (available at outdoor retailers) to restore water repellency - Follow the spray manufacturer's instructions for application and heat activation

Storage: - Store clean and dry in a cool location - Do not compress Storm jackets tightly for long periods, as this can break down the DWR treatment