Water-Repellent Treatment for Slacks and Suits: “Waterproof Coating”

In our previous article, we introduced "crease stitching" as a solution for maintaining trouser creases.

However, for items such as dark suits where "crease stitching" may not be appropriate, how should one get through the rainy season? The answer lies in "Waterproof Coating." That said, this is more than just a simple water-repellent finish, which I will explain in detail below.

Of course, one option is to order fabrics that already come with water-repellent treatment. In recent years, even high-grade fabrics for bespoke tailoring have increasingly incorporated functional properties--natural stretch has become standard, and water-repellent finishes are also becoming more common.

At our store, options such as DORMEUIL's EXEL NANO and Vitale Barberis Canonico's Super Sonic are consistently popular throughout the year.

That said, these collections mostly cover fairly basic suit and jacket fabrics, so the range of available choices is not particularly wide. Finding a ready-to-wear garment that combines water repellency with the perfect size and design can be even more challenging.

This is where Waterproof Coating comes in. Its key features include:
・It can be applied to finished garments such as suits and trousers, not just fabrics.
・It has virtually no impact on the texture or drape of the fabric.
・It can be reapplied multiple times if effectiveness diminishes.
・In addition to water repellency, it provides stain resistance, odor resistance, mold prevention, and antibacterial protection.
In short, it is a truly comprehensive solution.

What I personally found most groundbreaking about this service is that it can be applied directly to finished garments, and it can be reapplied as many times as necessary.

This means you can order garments in any fabric you like--without worrying about water repellency--or purchase ready-to-wear items and then enhance them with functionality afterward.

Unlike coatings that form a surface film, this process uses microscopic fluorine particles, preserving the fabric's original texture and breathability. When I personally tested the Waterproof Coating, I was surprised at how natural the finish looked--so much so that I almost doubted whether it had really been applied until I poured water on it! In fact, by the time I managed to take this photo, nearly a full minute had passed since I poured the water, yet the droplets remained beaded on the surface without soaking in. After pressing with a handkerchief, almost no moisture was left on the fabric. Subtle yet highly effective, that is the strength of Waterproof Coating.

Because it is a gentle and natural treatment that preserves the fabric's feel, the effect will gradually diminish with repeated wear--but since re-coating is possible, you can rest assured.

Another important advantage is that this is not just a water-repellent finish. The coating also protects clothing from invisible threats such as odors, bacteria, and mold. As a result, it helps reduce both the frequency and cost of dry cleaning, while keeping your garments in excellent condition for longer. This means no more unnecessary cleaning after meals or events just because of lingering food or smoke odors.

There is, however, one requirement: the garment must be "new" or "freshly dry-cleaned." If you would like to apply Waterproof Coating to your existing garments, please bring them in after cleaning, or we can arrange cleaning and coating together at our store.

We are pleased to offer this service not only for garments purchased from us but also for your existing wardrobe. If you wish to work or go out without worrying about rain or stains, or if you would like to enjoy your favorite garments for years in near-new condition, we highly recommend this service.

The Dressing Lab. "Waterproof Coating"
For details on the menu and pricing, please refer to the PDF below.

TDL Waterproof Coating.pdf

Applicable items: Suits, jackets, trousers, coats, vests, ties
Turnaround time: Approx. 1 week
(Approx. 2 additional weeks if combined with cleaning.)