If you’re kitting out your crew with high quality, waterproof workwear, you’ve come to the right place.
Stormline specialises in heavy duty gear for tough outdoor work, from commercial fishing and farming to industrial cleaning and construction – and everything has been tested on the job, so you can be sure it’s up to the challenge.
Two of our most popular ranges are Stormtex and Stormtex-Air – but which is the best choice for your team?
Read on for the differences between the two, including tips on typical use cases and standout features. This should help you work out which Stormline range to buy.
What’s the difference between Stormtex and Stormtex-Air?
The main difference between Stormtex and Stormtex-Air is the weight.
Stormtex is midweight (500gsm PVC), so is best for colder, harsher conditions, hard wear and contact with rough surfaces, where weather protection and durability are crucial.
Stormtex-Air is lightweight (340gsm stretch PVC/PU), so is best for long shifts and physically active work where comfort and everyday durability are important.
Both Stormtex and Stormtex-Air are 100% waterproof, with welded seams.
Material and construction differences
| Stormtex | Stormtex-Air | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Cold conditions, exposed locations | Long shifts, physically active work |
| Weight/feel | Heavy and durable, yet supple | Lightweight, stretchy, easy to move in |
| Typical use case | Commercial fishing, construction | Farming, power-washing |
Which industries and use cases suit each range?
While it depends on the nature of the work and the climate, Stormtex tends to be best for industries such as commercial fishing, construction, utilities and farming work. It’s light enough to work in all day but tough enough for bad weather and hard jobs.
Stormtex-Air, meanwhile, is designed for physically active work in farming and horticulture, power washing, forestry, surveying and land work. It’s stretchy and comfortable to move in, but still offers weather protection.
However, it doesn’t have quite the same resistance to abrasion and wear as the midweight Stormtex range, which offers higher durability for demanding commercial work.
Stormtex vs Stormtex-Air: side-by-side feature comparison
| Feature | Stormtex Midweight PVC | Stormtex-Air PVC |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric weight | 500gsm PVC | 340gsm stretch PVC/PU |
| Protection level | Higher durability for demanding commercial work | Lightweight protection for active, everyday work |
| Waterproofing | 100% waterproof with welded seams | 100% waterproof with welded seams |
| Flexibility | Supple for its weight, but heavier and more substantial | Softer, stretchier and easier to move in |
| Abrasion resistance | Better for rough surfaces, repeated contact and hard wear | Good everyday durability, but the stretch construction is less abrasion-resistant |
| Comfort | Better suited to colder, exposed conditions | Better for long shifts, high-movement work |
| Weight | Bib 1.2kg (2.6lb), jacket 1.5kg (3.3lb) | Significantly lighter |
| Best advantage | Greater resistance to abrasion, snagging and sustained hard use | Reduced weight, added stretch and greater freedom of movement |
| Main trade-off | Heavier and warmer during active work | Less suitable for the harshest abrasion and continuous heavy-duty use |
Shop Stormtex and Stormtex-Air here at Stormline
Browse the full range of Stormtex and Stormtex-Air waterproof workwear here at Stormline, including our most popular gear such as:
- Stormtex 248O Midweight PVC Commercial Rain Gear Jacket
- Stormtex-Air 664G Waterproof Farming Bib Overalls
FAQs
Is Stormtex-Air more breathable than Stormtex?
Yes. As well as having a lighter weight construction, many Stormtex-Air pieces are lined with nylon for breathability and feature cuts designed to reduce discomfort during active, long hours of wear.
Which range is better for commercial fishing vs farming?
Stormtex is recommended for commercial fishing, where durability and weather protection are paramount in the face of potentially harsh weather conditions. Stormtex-Air is a good choice for farming, especially physically active jobs such as yard work.
Can Stormtex and Stormtex-Air pieces be mixed and matched?
Yes. Pairing the two together can offer a good balance of weather protection, durability, comfort and freedom of movement. However, bear in mind that they may wear at different rates depending on the nature of the work. Stormtex offers higher durability in the face of rough surfaces, harsh weather and day in, day out wear, so it can withstand more than Stormtex-Air in some situations.
Not sure which way to go for your crew? Get in touch and we’ll help you spec it.