"Water Repellency Drops After Five Washes"... Running Jackets Fall Short on Water Resistance

Korea Consumer Agency Releases Test Results on Major Sports Brands' Running Jackets
Nike, Descente, Andar, and Under Armour Lead in Thermal Retention
New Balance, Adidas, and Xexymix Excel in Air Permeability
Water Repellency Decreases After Wash

As interest in running apparel continues to grow, a recent study has found significant differences in durability and functionality among major sports brands' running jackets.

On November 5, the Korea Consumer Agency surveyed 1,500 consumers who had purchased running jackets within the past three years and evaluated eight products from the top eight sports brands. The results showed that thermal retention and air permeability (breathability) varied by product. In some cases, the water repellency-meaning the ability to repel water from the surface-deteriorated after five washes.

The tested products included: Nike "Repel Miler," New Balance "UNI Sports Essential Windbreaker," Descente "Running Warm-Up Windbreaker," Adidas "Adizero Essential Running Jacket," Andar "Clear Feather Men's Wind Jacket," Under Armour "UA Launch Hooded Jacket," Xexymix "RX Air Light Jacket," and Fila "PERTEX Lightweight Windbreaker," totaling eight types.

Regarding thermal retention, which measures how well a jacket maintains body temperature in windy conditions, four products-Nike (Repel Miler), Descente (Running Warm-Up Windbreaker), Andar (Clear Feather Men's Wind Jacket), and Under Armour (UA Launch Hooded Jacket)-performed relatively well. The remaining four products were at an average level.

In terms of air permeability, which indicates how well air passes through the fabric, three products-New Balance (UNI Sports Essential Windbreaker), Adidas (Adizero Essential Running Jacket), and Xexymix (RX Air Light Jacket)-were relatively outstanding. The other five products, including Nike and Descente, also showed good performance.

The Korea Consumer Agency stated, "Thermal retention and air permeability are opposing functions, so it is advisable to choose a product based on the wearing environment and personal preference. For warmth, select a product with good thermal retention, and if vapor (sweat) release is a priority, it is better to choose a product with relatively high air permeability."

All products initially demonstrated excellent water repellency, which is the ability to repel water from the surface. However, after five washes, four products-New Balance (UNI Sports Essential Windbreaker), Descente (Running Warm-Up Windbreaker), Adidas (Adizero Essential Running Jacket), and Under Armour (UA Launch Hooded Jacket)-showed reduced water repellency, resulting in partial wetting.

All eight products passed the zipper durability test, which checked whether the zipper functioned properly after repeated use and whether it remained securely closed under tension.

Additionally, the products met the Korea Consumer Agency's own recommended quality standards for textile products in terms of resistance to pilling on the surface, colorfastness against sunlight and sweat, and shrinkage or discoloration after washing.

The Korea Consumer Agency advised consumers to check for necessary features such as water repellency and air permeability when selecting a running jacket, and to carefully compare each product's design, durability, and price before making a purchase.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.