Using Boardshort Fabric for Rain Jackets with Audrey of Skirt Fixation and Jenn of Jennuine Design

Hi there!  It’s Audrey and Jenn and we’re going to share how we used board shorts fabric to sew up rain jackets.  We both used slightly different methods, so hopefully one of them works for you.

We both used the David Rain Coat pattern from the latest Project Run & Play pattern collection, Project Smooth Sorbet.  This pattern is a unisex kids zip front raincoat with bound edges, raglan sleeves and a paneled hood. A choice of curved bound pockets or big boxy pockets with flaps. Extension pack for lining available separately.   The David pattern can be sewn in 15 sizes from 12 months to 14.  The fabric recommendations are Laminated cotton, polyurethane and coated cotton. For lightweight coats Cotton drill and denim can be used.  

Board shorts fabric is not water proof, but rather water resistant.  This means untreated, it will act more like a windbreaker than a waterproof rain jacket.  Audrey used the fabric untreated, and Jenn gave her fabric a special treatment.

Does it work?  

Yes it does!!  I tested the treated fabric along with some of the untreated fabric using a small spray bottle.  On the treated coat the water beads up and stays on top of the fabric.  On the untreated fabric it spreads out and begins to penetrate the fabric.  The boardshort material on it's own would probably keep you fairly dry in a light sprinkle.  We haven't put the treated fabric to the test, but I bet it would keep the rain off for short periods in a steady rainfall.  I doubt that it would keep a person completely dry in an extended heavy rainstorm.  Treated or untreated this polyester microfiber should dry really quickly.