Research on the construction and application of a multi-regional waterproof rating system for hard shell jackets

As an important piece of outdoor protective clothing, the waterproof performance of hard shell jackets is a crucial indicator for measuring their functionality. Traditional testing methods, which are mostly based on the fabric level, fail to fully consider the complexity of clothing structures. This study proposes an innovative “multi-regional waterproof scoring system”. Through simulated rainfall experiments, hard shell jackets were divided into key areas such as the head, neck, shoulders, and chest, and weighted scores were given according to the severity of water infiltration and its impact on wearing comfort. Six commercially available hard shell jacket samples were selected for systematic testing under different rainfall intensities. The results show that zippers and stitching parts are key factors affecting waterproof performance. This rating system can objectively and comprehensively evaluate the protective ability of the entire garment, holding important application value for product research and development, consumer guidance, and the improvement of industry testing standards.