How are the best waders made? Testing, membranes, and technologies...

Outfish Wader Development: From Production Concept to Final Product

Production Approach and Partner Selection

In our view, the development of waders is not only about choosing the right materials but also about understanding the importance of every detail in ensuring long-term functionality. Most brands collaborate with textile factories that simply adapt existing technologies for waterproof clothing production. We believed that this approach wasn’t optimal, so we decided to take a different path—focusing on specific technologies and materials.

After extensive factory research and sample testing, we concluded that the most critical element of waders is their neoprene socks. These parts are in direct contact with water, exposed to mechanical stress, and often become the weakest point in wader construction. In our opinion, standard factories that manufacture waterproof clothing don’t have sufficient expertise in working with neoprene.

That’s why we chose to partner with a factory specializing in professional diving suits. In our view, this decision ensures:

• Optimal sealing of neoprene seams, developed using technologies from underwater gear;

• Long-lasting resistance to moisture through laminated seam treatments and heat-sealing methods;

• Connection designs that reduce pressure impact on the material, preventing premature wear.

Breathability Testing (ASTM E96 – 4,000 g/m²/24h Moisture Transfer)

To evaluate the membrane’s ability to release moisture and ensure comfort during long-term use, our factory carried out testing in accordance with the ASTM E96 standard. This test measures the Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) and determines how effectively the membrane material can move moisture from the inside to the outside. In our view, this method most accurately reflects moisture management under real conditions in which waders are used.

Test process:

• A fabric sample was sealed over a container filled with distilled water, ensuring complete airtightness along the edges so that vapor could escape only through the membrane material.

• The container was placed in a controlled environment with stable temperature and specific relative humidity.

• The container’s weight loss was measured at regular intervals as water evaporated through the fabric. The vapor transmission rate was then calculated as the ratio of mass loss to the fabric’s surface area over time.

A result of 4,000 g/m²/24h means that one square meter of fabric can release up to 4 liters of moisture within 24 hours, effectively dispersing sweat and condensation inside the waders.

In our opinion, this result confirms that the chosen membrane material provides the optimal balance between waterproofing and moisture transfer—essential for maintaining comfort and reducing condensation during extended activity.