Waterproofing test

On garments:
The garment is placed in a shower for several hours and subjected to simulated mist, shower, thunder shower and storm conditions. This test enables us to guarantee the waterproofing of  NOVADRY®-labelled garments.

NOVADRY® defines the ferocity of the weather conditions in the tests depending on the garment's target sports use. If it passes the weather test for its intended use conditions, it achieves NOVADRY® approval.

On components (Schmerber or water column):
We measure a fabric's resistance to a water column, in mm (based on the ISO 811 standard). The higher the water pressure withstood, the more waterproof the fabric.

Components scoring 2000mm can resist the pressure from 2000mm of water (which is equivalent to a rain shower lasting one hour).

Breathability test

To find out whether a component is breathable, we test its evaporate resistance or RET (based on the ISO 11092 standard). The lower the fabric's resistance, the more water vapour generated by an active body is evaporated, and the higher the fabric's breathability.
 
For example:

• RET < 6 = extremely breathable fabric 
• 6<RET<12 = very breathable fabric
• 12<RET<20 = breathable
• RET>20 = low breathability

NB: In addition to fabric breathability ratings, NOVADRY® develops technical solutions such as zips, vents and meshing to improve the product's overall ventilation.

Footwear waterproofing test

Subject to lab and use tests, NOVADRY®-labelled footwear can guarantee you optimum waterproofing and breathability. First, the shoe is immersed in water while internal air pressure is applied to check that no bubbles form on the surface of the footwear. Next, shoes are fitted to a mechanical arm that simulates walking, and half immersed in water so we can test that the inside remains perfectly dry.

Sealed zips

Zips, like seams, are critical to a garment's waterproofing. They must be perfectly sealed when fastened. NOVADRY® uses sealed zips or technical solutions to protect zips des zips from water seepage.

Glove waterproofing test

Gloves are lab tested in conditions identical to mountain terrain in contact with compacted snow. The gloves are immersed in water to detect any possible leakage, and are mechanically tested. With these procedures, we can guarantee the waterproof and breathable properties of NOVADRY®-labelled gloves in all conditions.

Water repellence test

Water repellence is when water slides over the surface of fabric, without seeping in. In this lab test, fabric is sprayed with water to simulate rain. The faster the water runs off without soaking into the fabric, the higher its water repellence.

Seam tapes

They are waterproof adhesive strips. These tapes are assembled on the back of seams, and are an essential part of the garment's waterproofing. Even if a garment is made from the most waterproof materials, when the seams are not perfectly sealed, water will get through!

Windproof

Fabric is made waterproof and windproof by applying a coating or membrane onto the inside. Fabric that is not permeable to water also has the technical features to make be classed as windproof. It's essential to have protection from the wind, because during sport and at rest, the wind can chill the body significantly.

Resistance to wear

This test measures a fabric's resistance to rubbing/friction. Testing simulates natural wear to garments, ensuring optimum durability.
The component is rubbed against a reference* material to simulate the friction caused in real use. It is only approved if it resists to friction for the duration defined by NOVADRY®, and still retains its waterproofing and breathable properties.

*ISO 12947-2 standard.