Two pairs of hiking boots worn by two people balance on the edge of some muddy grass.

When To Replace Your Waterproof Jacket

When to Wash, Reproof, Repair, or Replace your Waterproof

A waterproof jacket is an outdoor staple, so you must ensure that your jacket stays effective at keeping water out all year round. If you notice your waterproof coat's performance is compromised, it may be time to reproof, repair, or replace it to ensure you're protected and safe from the elements for the many adventures yet to come.

When Should I Wash My Waterproof Jacket?

If your waterproof jacket isn't performing as well as it used to, the first thing you should try is washing it according to the label instructions. Over time, environmental pollutants, mud, and general dirt will coat the inside and outside of your jacket, resulting in poor breathability and waterproof functioning. Try washing your waterproof coat according to the label instructions and following our Waterproof Care Guide. We also offer an incredible selection of performance and technical cleaners specially designed for use on waterproof clothing:

When Should I Reproof My Waterproof Jacket?

Most technical waterproof jackets are treated with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish. This treatment is applied to the jacket's exterior and keeps the outer fabric from allowing moisture to enter. A working DWR finish will cause water droplets to bead and roll off. However, abrasion from rucksack straps, heavy usage, dirt, and pollutants all unfortunately help to degrade DWR finishes over time.

A 'wetted out' jacket (left) and following reproofing (right).

How often you need to reproof a jacket depends on how much you use it and the activities and conditions you use it in. As well as feeling unpleasant against the skin, a poorly functioning DWR finish can lead to condensation on the inner. So, if your jacket clings, sags, or you find water sinking into the outer fabric, it’s time to reproof your jacket.

If you wear your waterproof coat frequently in all weather, we recommend reproofing every three to four months. However, if you wear your waterproof jacket less regularly or are out in less extreme weather, we recommend reproofing your waterproof coat every six months.

For help on reproofing your waterproofs, check our Waterproof Care Guide for more advice, or shop our incredible selection of reproofing products specially designed for use on technical waterproof clothing:

How Can I Repair Your Waterproof Jacket?

If your waterproof is ripped or has holes in the fabric, repairing it can restore its functioning. At Cotswold Outdoor, we're on a mission to keep outdoor clothing and kit out of landfill. That's why we have our very own Repair & Care service.

We believe the most sustainable product is the product you already own. That's why we want to do what’s right for the environment, and prolonging a garment’s lifespan helps to preserve our planet’s resources, reduces chemical pollution, and saves unnecessary carbon emissions.

Click the button below to learn more about how to send your waterproof jacket to our Repair & Care service today:

If your waterproof is ripped or has small holes in the fabric, repairing it with a repair patch at home can help restore its functioning. We recommend using a Patagonia Worn Wear or Gore-Tex patch. These patches are easy to use: Simply fix a patch to the garment via an adhesive layer on the back of the patch. No sewing needed!

When Should I Replace My Waterproof Jacket?

Waterproof jackets do have their limits. If you've tried washing, reproofing, and repairing your waterproof jacket and found none of these have restored your coat, then it's probably time to replace it.

Luckily, at Cotswold Outdoor, we have an incredible range of the best outdoor performance waterproof jackets on the market. From the best men's waterproof jackets for the morning dog's walk to the best women's waterproof jackets for mountaineering - shop from the best brands in one place with our fantastic waterproof jacket selection:

Find out more about how to choose a waterproof jacket here, or if you still need more help, visit us in-store for expert advice on the best waterproof jacket for your adventures.