Whether you’re sourcing fabric for tents, covers, upholstery, or industrial use, you’ve probably come across terms like GSM, water-repellent, or anti-fungal.

Here’s a smart, quick guide to help you understand the technical language of textiles.

Coated vs. Laminated

Term	What It Means
Coated	Fabric is soaked/sealed in a layer (e.g. PVC).
Laminated	Layers of materials are fused together to form a composite fabric.

When it comes to PVC raincoat fabrics, they can be either coated or laminated. Most standard PVC raincoats and protective clothing are coated; however heavy-duty rainwear or more structured coats are likely to be laminated.

Grams per Square Meter (GSM)

This measures the weight of a fabric. Generally, the heavier the fabric, the stronger and more durable it is.

GSM Range	Classification
Under 300 GSM	Lightweight
400–500 GSM	Medium duty
700–800 GSM	Heavy-duty

Micron (μm)

A unit of thickness used for clear PVC. Example: 400 micron = 0.4 mm thick.

Waterproof vs. Water-Repellent vs. Water-Resistant

Term	What It Means
Waterproof	No water penetrates. Ideal for heavy-duty, all-weather applications.
Water-Repellent	Treated to resist water—water beads off.
Durable Water Repellent (DWR)	Coating applied to fabric to make water bead up and roll off the surface, enhancing its water resistance
Water-Resistant	Slows water penetration but won’t stop it completely.

Ultraviolet

Term	What It Means
UV Stabilised	Additives protect the fabric itself from degrading in sunlight.
UV Resistant	The material naturally resists UV damage like fading or cracking.
UV Protection	Fabric blocks UV rays to protect people or items underneath.

Anti-Fungal

Fabric is treated to prevent mold and mildew— greatl for damp or humid environments.

Flame-Retardant vs. Fire-Resistant

Term	What It Means
Flame-Retardant	Chemically treated to slow the spread of flames, giving you more reaction time.
Fire-Resistant	Inherently resists burning without chemical treatments. Used in industrial and protective gear.

Air Permeability (Breathability)

Term	What It Means
Breathable	Allows moisture vapor (like sweat) to escape while blocking liquid water.
Non-Breathable	Blocks both moisture and air completely—like PVC-coated fabrics.

Block-out

Term	What It Means
Block Out	No light penetration.

When it comes to technical textiles, the details matter.

By understanding these terms, you can make the smartest choice for your project. Need help choosing the perfect material? Contact our team today or explore the full range at smartikhaya.co.za