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How Does Water-Repellent Athletic Gear Work?

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

Under Armour Storm Jackets and Outerwear

Storm outerwear combines water repellency with the performance features athletes need during outdoor training, sideline duty, and wet-weather competition.

Key technologies in Storm outerwear:

  • Storm DWR finish: The signature water-repellent treatment applied to every piece in the collection. Storm fabric causes rain and moisture to bead on the surface and roll away. The finish is durable enough to maintain performance through a full season of regular use with proper care.
  • UA Microthread fabric: Dries faster than cotton, stretches in all directions, and maintains its shape through repeated wear and washing. Microthread construction in Storm jackets provides a soft hand feel while delivering water-repellent performance.
  • ColdGear Infrared lining: Select Storm jackets combine the water-repellent exterior with ColdGear Infrared lining that retains body heat. This combination creates a jacket that blocks rain on the outside and keeps warmth trapped on the inside, ideal for cold, wet conditions during late-season sports.
  • Storm Fleece: Fleece construction with the Storm DWR finish applied to the outer face. Storm Fleece hoodies and pullovers give you the soft, warm feel of traditional fleece with the added benefit of water repellency. This is the go-to for athletes who want warmth and weather protection in a single layer.
  • ArmourFleece with Storm: Performance fleece that combines lightweight warmth with water resistance. ArmourFleece is less bulky than traditional fleece, making it practical for athletic movement. The Storm finish on the outer surface adds a layer of weather protection.

Storm jackets come in full-zip, half-zip, and pullover styles. Full-zip jackets offer the most versatility for temperature regulation. Half-zips and pullovers provide easy on-and-off without full zipper commitment. Pair Storm outerwear with a [HeatGear base layer](/collections/under-armour-heatgear) for a complete wet-weather training system.

How to Choose the Right Storm Layer for Your Activity

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.

Storm Training Apparel Beyond Jackets

The Storm technology extends beyond outerwear into training pants, hoodies, and mid-layers that bring water repellency to more of your wardrobe.

Storm training pants and joggers:

  • Storm Rival Fleece joggers: Brushed fleece joggers with the DWR finish on the outer face. These handle light rain during outdoor runs and training while providing the soft, warm feel of fleece on the inside. The tapered leg and ribbed cuffs maintain a clean fit.
  • Storm ArmourFleece pants: Lighter than Rival Fleece with the same water-repellent finish. ArmourFleece pants work for active training where you need warmth and weather protection without the bulk of heavyweight fleece.
  • Storm woven pants: A non-fleece option with a smooth, water-repellent shell. Woven Storm pants are the most wind-resistant option in the lineup and work best as an outer layer over compression tights during cold, windy, wet conditions.

Storm hoodies and mid-layers:

  • Storm Rival Fleece hoodie: The most popular Storm piece. Soft brushed fleece interior, water-repellent exterior, kangaroo pocket, and adjustable hood. Works for training, warm-ups, and everyday wear in wet weather.
  • Storm ArmourFleece hoodie: Lighter weight than Rival Fleece with the same DWR protection. Better for active training where you need moisture protection without overheating.
  • Storm quarter-zip: A pullover mid-layer without a hood. Clean look for team sidelines and travel days. The quarter-zip allows ventilation control without a full zipper.

For a complete wet-weather training system, layer a HeatGear or UA Tech base layer, a Storm Fleece mid-layer, and a Storm jacket as an outer shell. This three-layer approach handles the widest range of cold, wet conditions while maintaining moisture management from the inside out. Check [Under Armour hoodies](/collections/under-armour-hoodies) for additional Storm hoodie options.

Storm Gear Care: Maintaining Water Repellency

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

Storm Apparel Care Summary

Keep your Storm gear repelling water effectively:

  • Wash cold, gentle cycle, with liquid detergent only
  • No fabric softener, no bleach
  • Tumble dry on low heat to reactivate the DWR finish
  • Re-apply spray-on DWR treatment after 20-30 washes
  • Store clean, dry, and loosely folded
  • Spot clean light stains with a damp cloth when possible to reduce wash frequency

Train Through Any Weather

Browse the full Under Armour Storm collection for water-repellent jackets, hoodies, pants, and training layers. Built to keep you dry and comfortable when the weather tries to slow you down.

Frequently Asked Questions About Under Armour Storm

Is Under Armour Storm gear waterproof?

Storm gear is water-repellent, not fully waterproof. The DWR (durable water-repellent) finish causes rain to bead up and roll off the fabric surface, but the fabric remains breathable. This makes Storm gear better for athletic activity than waterproof gear, which traps heat and sweat. Storm handles light to moderate rain effectively. For sustained heavy downpour, a fully waterproof shell would be necessary.

Can I wear Storm gear for running in the rain?

Yes. Storm gear is designed for active use in wet conditions. The water-repellent finish blocks rain while the breathable fabric allows body heat and sweat vapor to escape. For running, choose a lightweight unlined Storm jacket to avoid overheating. The DWR finish keeps you dry during typical rain runs, and the breathability prevents the clammy feeling associated with waterproof rain jackets.

How long does the Storm water-repellent finish last?

With proper care, the Storm DWR finish maintains effective water repellency through a full season of regular use, typically 20-30 washes. After that, performance may diminish as the finish wears from friction and laundering. You can restore the DWR by applying a spray-on water-repellent treatment and activating it with low dryer heat. Avoiding fabric softener and bleach helps extend the life of the finish.

Storm Fleece vs. ArmourFleece: What is the difference?

Storm Fleece refers to any fleece construction (including Rival Fleece and ArmourFleece) with the Storm DWR water-repellent finish applied to the outer face. Rival Fleece is a heavier, brushed fleece with a softer interior, better for warmth and casual wear. ArmourFleece is lighter and more performance-oriented, better for active training. Both are available with Storm treatment. Choose Rival for maximum warmth, ArmourFleece for active use.

How do I wash Storm gear without damaging the water repellency?

Wash Storm gear in cold water on a gentle cycle using liquid detergent only. Never use fabric softener, powder detergent, or bleach, as these products coat or clog the DWR finish. Tumble dry on low heat after washing; the heat helps reactivate the water-repellent treatment. After 20-30 washes, restore performance by applying a spray-on DWR treatment following the product instructions.