Water-repellent Treatment on Military Uniform Fabrics: Physiological and Comfort Implications

Cost-effective nanotechnology-based water-repellent treatments for clothing fabrics are now commercially available. The effectiveness of these durable water repellent (DWR) fabric treatments are evaluated for application to military uniforms. The addition of a non-wicking finish to clothing fabric negatively impacts comfort in hot and humid environments. Clothing comfort may be improved by refining the DWR fabric treatment process to retain wicking properties on the fabrics inner surface.