PVC raincoats are popular due to their waterproof and versatile nature. Made from PVC, they are available in various colors and styles, and are often fused together instead of sewn. While non-breathable, they can be lined with moisture-wicking materials and incorporate hidden vents. PVC is also unique in that it can be transparent or colored, resulting in bold and bright hues.
A PVC raincoat is a waterproof outer jacket made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The polished, non-permeable surface of PVC makes it a popular material for raincoats. PVC raincoats are available in many different styles, colors, and variations, and are a perennial fashion favorite.
PVC is made from a petroleum base, but since 57% of PVC is chlorine, it actually requires much less petroleum than most other plastics. The vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) polymerization process is exothermic and must be held at a given temperature while the VCM water slurry forms a slurry. The suspension is then degassed, excess VCM and water are removed, leaving PVC powder. Powdered PVC is mixed with a number of additives, including stabilizers, plasticizers, processing aids, and pigments, and then formed into a sheet.
PVC sheets are treated like bolts of fabric when it comes time to make clothes. A PVC raincoat is designed, printed, measured and cut like a normal fabric. The only difference is that waterproof PVC seams are usually not sewn with a needle and thread. Since PVC is non-porous, a needle would leave a large hole allowing water to enter, making it a very ineffective raincoat and weakening the seam. Instead, PVC seams are usually “welded” with heat or bonded by chemical means. Either way, the two pieces of material are fused together, either thermally or chemically, and are permanently bonded.
Since PVC raincoats are non-porous, they do not allow the skin to breathe naturally. This keeps out rain, but also keeps body heat and moisture in, creating a humid environment inside the coat. To combat this, many manufacturers cover the raincoat with a breathable, moisture-wicking material such as cotton or flannel, and many designs incorporate hidden vents. Strategically placed, these vents allow air to circulate without allowing water to enter.
One of the main reasons why a PVC raincoat is always in style is its versatility. During the last stage of the manufacturing process, the coloring agent can be omitted, resulting in a transparent PVC. PVC is the only clothing material available in clear. If the coloring agent is added, the resulting color can be translucent or opaque, which is also unique to PVC. The fact that the coloring agents are actually manufactured into the material rather than added to the surface later results in a result that is much bolder, brighter, and more colorfast than ordinary dyed fabric.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
