Make ski clothing water-repellent: stay dry and comfortable on the slopes

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Skikleding waterafstotend maken: zo blijft je outfit droog en comfortabel

Does your ski clothing feel damp, or does water no longer bead off the fabric? Then it’s time to restore the water-repellent protection. You can easily do this yourself at home. With the right care, your ski clothing stays dry, breathable and comfortable to wear.

Why water-repellent ski clothing matters

Ski clothing protects you from snow, rain and wind. The fabric is designed to keep water out while allowing moisture from the inside to escape. When that balance is lost, clothing starts to feel cold and wet. In most cases, this is not because the fabric is damaged, but because dirt and wear have reduced its protective performance.

How water-repellent ski clothing works

Water-repellent fabrics are not completely sealed. They let body moisture escape, but block water droplets from entering. When the fabric is dirty, this effect is reduced. And when the protective layer is worn out, water starts to soak into the fabric. That is why regular maintenance is so important.

The Ultramar maintenance process for ski clothing

Ultramar always works with a clear, logical maintenance process. Steps are not combined and not skipped.

Step 1 – Cleaning

Always start with cleaning. Dirt on the fabric prevents a new protective layer from working properly. Wash your ski clothing according to the care label and avoid fabric softener. Let the clothing dry completely.

Step 2 – Protection

Once the clothing is clean and dry, apply a new water-repellent layer using Ultramar Outdoor Gear Protector. This spray is developed for outdoor clothing and suitable for home use. The fabric remains breathable, while water once again beads off the surface.

When should you restore water repellency?

  • Water no longer beads on the fabric
  • The outer fabric becomes dark and wet quickly
  • The clothing feels damp during use

If you notice one or more of these signs, restoring the protective layer is a sensible step.

Practical tips for best results

  • Apply protection only to clean, dry clothing
  • Use enough product for even coverage
  • Work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors
  • Allow the clothing to dry fully before wearing it again
  • Do not use household cleaners on outdoor clothing

What do you need?

  • Ultramar Outdoor Gear Protector – restores the water-repellent performance of ski clothing
  • A clean spray bottle or the original spray packaging

It’s better to use slightly more product than too little. This helps avoid areas with insufficient protection. Having extra product is useful for future maintenance or small touch-ups.

Frequently asked questions

Is ski clothing water-repellent by default?

Yes, usually it is. However, the protective layer wears down over time due to use, washing and weather exposure. Regular maintenance helps keep it effective.

Will this reduce breathability?

No. A correctly applied protective layer blocks water from the outside while still allowing moisture from the inside to escape.

Is this safe to do at home?

Yes. Ultramar offers PFAS-free maintenance products that are suitable for home use. They are designed to be easy and safe to apply.

In summary

Water-repellent ski clothing only works well when the fabric is clean and the protective layer is intact. By cleaning regularly and restoring protection when needed, your clothing stays dry, comfortable and lasts longer.

Ultramar

Ultramar helps you clean, maintain and protect ski clothing and other outdoor fabrics yourself. With PFAS-free maintenance products that are easy to use at home and based on a clear, proven maintenance process.