Farmers in the UK do not expect cheap waterproofs, nor do they want anything other than products that will be good enough to last multiple seasons. However, on a farm, there are certain elements of wear and tear that are not considered by manufacturers when they design products that might end up in such harsh environments. This guide takes a look at the reality of how long farm waterproofs should last.
How long should farm waterproofs last?
A well-made PVC farm waterproof jacket or bib and brace would last approximately one to five years of farm wear under standard conditions. That is assuming you are using your farm waterproofing garments almost every day, washing them from time to time, and storing them correctly in between.
The extremes of this lifespan can be attributed to how often the garment is worn and how it is cared for. A dairy farmer who uses his parlour bib two times a day and washes it after each milking will probably expect his high-quality waterproof bib to last him a year or two. The mixed arable farmer who only wears his waterproofs during the wet harvest period may last up to two to ten years.
| Use Pattern | Expected Lifespan | Key Limiting Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Daily dairy parlour use | few months – 2 years | Chemical exposure, frequent wetting and drying |
| Regular livestock use (sheep/beef) | 1–5 years | Physical wear, UV exposure if stored incorrectly |
| Seasonal arable / mixed farm | 8–12 years | UV degradation if stored in sunlight off-season |
| Occasional / light use | 10–15 years | UV and storage conditions |
What causes farm waterproofs to fail prematurely?
UV exposure during storage
UV light can easily break down PVC within a short period of time. In just one to two years of leaving your clothes exposed outdoors, such as on a sunny side of a barn entrance or a south-facing shed for an entire season, you will begin to notice the appearance of surface cracks. This is one of the main factors causing premature deterioration of farm waterproofs..
Chemical residue left on the surface
Products such as herbicides, fertilizer, teat dip, silage runoff, and dairy washes will in fact degrade PVC when dried on the surface. The effect of a product that has dried on the coating is significantly more corrosive than merely applying it in diluted form. Prompt rinsing immediately following any contact is undoubtedly the most economical maintenance procedure a producer can perform.
Incorrect washing
Washing your PVC waterproofs in the washing machine, using bleach, biological washing powder, fabric softener, or airing them near a radiator or using a tumble dryer will drastically reduce their lifespan. The mechanical and thermal energy generated during the washing process leads to delamination of the PVC material, while the bleach attacks the outer layer of the PVC material.
Tight folding and compression
It’s important not to keep the garment folded in the same place all the time since the coating gets strained, and it would crack over time. It should never be kept folded but rather hung up all the time. But in case it needs to be folded, then it should be done differently each time.
Most common mistake: Leaving waterproofs in the back of a vehicle or in an outbuilding exposed to direct sunlight through glass. UV through a vehicle window or polycarbonate roof can degrade PVC in a single summer season.
How do I wash waterproof farming clothes correctly?
Washing your PVC farm waterproof clothing is relatively easy and does not take long at all. Each time you wear the item, simply rinse it off under running water from a hose. This step is far more important that thorough cleaning since it prevents any substances from setting and bonding with the PVC.
When you need to perform thorough cleaning, get a mild detergent solution with no biological components and a soft brush or cloth to do it. Scrub all areas thoroughly and rinse with clean water, being careful not to leave the solution on the PVC, which could lead to deterioration of the fabric. Allow the material to air dry.
Practical tip: Keep a small brush hanging near the hose point in your yard. A 30-second brush-and-rinse after each shift takes far less time than a deep clean and prevents the build-up that eventually forces it.
What not to use on farming waterproofs
- Bleach — directly attacks and degrades PVC
- Biological detergent — enzymes break down the coating over time
- Fabric softener — reduces the water-repellent surface properties
- Tumble dryer — heat causes delamination and shrinkage of the underlying fabric
- Radiator drying — localised high heat degrades PVC at contact points
- Pressure washer at close range — forces water into seams and can separate the coating
How do I store farm waterproofs correctly?
Three guidelines for storing your PVC rainwear on the farm: first, wash and dry it before packing away; second, always hang it rather than fold it; and third, store it somewhere dark. Putting your garment away when still damp means that it will go moldy and smell bad. Folding it up tightly results in permanent crack lines from the creases. Sunlight—even UV rays through glass windows—will begin to deteriorate it within a year.
If you use your rainwear all year round, a coat hanger in a well-ventilated and shady shed or porch works well. If you only wear it seasonally, store it in an airy garment bag inside a cool and dark cupboard or wardrobe rather than out in the barn or car.
How do I know when my farm waterproofs need replacing?
The most obvious sign is water penetrating through the surface rather than running off cleanly. If you finish a wet day on the farm and your clothing underneath is damp, the waterproofing has failed. Other signs to look for include:
- Visible cracking or peeling of the PVC surface, particularly at flex points like the back of the knees and elbows
- Persistent leaking at seams that does not resolve after resealing
- Fabric worn through at the knees, front bib panel or cuff edges
- A surface that remains damp or absorbs liquid rather than shedding it
- Persistent odour that does not clear with thorough cleaning — indicating the PVC has become porous and is absorbing rather than repelling
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Is it worth repairing farm waterproofs, or should I replace them?
Small repairs such as seams coming apart, cracks around the cuff area, or torn knee patches can easily be repaired using agricultural PVC repair tapes and seam sealers. Such an effort will pay off and can give a good garment an additional period of usage of about a year or two.
When large cracks appear or even a case of surface delamination happens, along with many leaking seams and worn out areas at the structural points, then the garment is probably reaching the end of its service life. Such an investment for a repair job might not pay off and using the waterproof garment at such a state when it’s too cold and wet out is simply stupid.
Frequently Asked Questions — Farm Waterproof Lifespan and Care
How long should farm waterproofs last?
Anywhere from a few months to years with regular use with basic care. Daily dairy parlour use will be at the shorter end of this range; seasonal agricultural use at the longer end. The biggest factors are UV storage conditions and how promptly chemical residues are rinsed off.
How do I wash waterproof farming clothes?
Rinse with clean water after each use. For a thorough clean, use mild non-biological detergent in warm water with a soft brush, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry naturally in shade. Never machine wash, tumble dry, or use bleach or fabric softener.
Can I machine wash PVC farming waterproofs?
No. Machine washing causes delamination of the PVC coating and damages seam integrity. Hand wash only in warm water with mild detergent.
How do I store farm waterproofs to make them last longer?
Clean, fully dry, hung on a hook, in a cool shaded space away from direct sunlight. UV is the main cause of premature PVC degradation during storage.
What are the signs that farm waterproofs need replacing?
Water penetrating through the surface, visible cracking or peeling, persistent seam leaks, worn-through fabric at knees or elbows, and persistent odour after thorough cleaning.
Does agricultural chemical exposure shorten the life of waterproofs?
Yes. Rinse the garment promptly with clean water after any chemical contact — allowing chemicals to dry on the surface concentrates them and accelerates breakdown of the PVC coating.