What is a waterproof fabric called?

Professional Naming System and Industry Code Words for Waterproof Fabrics

1. Naming by Technical Essence

Coated Armor Series:

** PU/PVC Coated Fabric (Strong plastic feel, cheap rain gear)
** TPU Hot Melt Adhesive Fabric (Low-temperature flexibility, inner layer of ski suits)
** Industry Code Word: "Plastic Armor" (Mocking zero breathability)

Membrane Composite Series:

** ePTFE Laminated Fabric (Goretes core technology, microporous breathability)
** TPE Environmentally Friendly Membrane Fabric (Fluorine-free formula, for infant and toddler products)
** Expert Abbreviation: "Breathing Membrane" (Refers only to genuine ePTFE)

Dense Structure Series:

** Ultra-high density Oxford Cloth (≥300D Nylon, bag and tent material)
** Batik Canvas (Traditional beeswax impregnation, known as "living waterproof" in the retro outdoor community)

2. Naming by Application Scenarios

Industry Terminology
True Ingredients
Performance Traps
Outerwear Material
Three-layer ePTFE Composite Fabric Counterfeit products often use PU imitation film (condensation occurs when breath is on the surface).
Military-grade waterproof fabric: Aramid base fabric + flame-retardant coating. 90% of the market price is polyester imitation (melts and drips when exposed to fire).
Medical protective film: Medical protective film**, PTFE without plasticizers.
Yacht skin: Neoprene rubber mesh. Counterfeits use recycled tire material (cracking due to sea salt corrosion).

3. Debunking Marketing Pseudo-Concepts

"Nano Waterproof": Actually ordinary polyester sprayed with fluorocarbon agent (ineffective after 5 washes). Identification method: Drop soy sauce. Identification method: Drop soy sauce and let stand for 10 minutes—genuine nano doesn't penetrate, counterfeit leaves a mark.
"Intelligent Waterproof": Temperature memory coating (waterproof at room temperature/permeable at high temperature). ** Actual temperature difference must be >20℃ (ineffective in human body environment).
"Eco-degradable": Starch mixed with PU (Starch mixed with PU (only surface starch decomposes, residue remains plastic debris). Violent verification: Buried in soil for 60 days and then dug up; genuine environmentally friendly fabric should have mold spots.

4. Historical Names

"Mackintosh": Name of an 1823 patent for a rubber raincoat; now refers to double-layered bonded waterproof fabric (not genuine rubber).
"Oiled Silk": Victorian-era surgical waterproof fabric; now linen impregnated with drying oil (for museum restoration).
"Taffeta": WWII military umbrella fabric; actually silk impregnated with aluminum salt solution (ineffective in acid).

5. Expert Buying Tips

"Triple-sealed": Refers to triple-sealed seams/zippers/brimmed edges (a hallmark of top-tier outdoor jackets).
"Deadly Waterproof": Refers to a purely coated, non-breathable fabric (like disposable raincoats).
"Breath Tax": Premiums resulting from Gore-Tex patent fees (an additional $20 per meter of fabric).