--- title: "PU-Coated Waterproof Shell | Fabric Guide | Mr Balaclava" description: "A woven shell with a polyurethane coating on the back that makes it water-resistant or waterproof, depending on the coating. It is a lower-cost route to…" url: https://mrbalaclava.com/materials/fabric/pu-coated-shell/ language: en-US updated: 2026-10-21T14:30:41+00:00 alternates: fr: https://mrbalaclava.com/fr/materials/fabric/tissu-exterieur-enduit-pu.md de: https://mrbalaclava.com/de/materials/fabric/pu-beschichteter-oberstoff.md es: https://mrbalaclava.com/es/materials/fabric/tejido-exterior-recubierto-pu.md publisher: Mr Balaclava (https://mrbalaclava.com/) --- Fabric · Polyester · Polyamide (nylon) # PU-Coated Waterproof Shell A woven shell with a polyurethane coating on the back that makes it water-resistant or waterproof, depending on the coating. It is a lower-cost route to a waterproof ski jacket or pant, most often at the 5K or 10K rating, with taped seams for fuller protection. Partly verified specification [Get a quote in this fabric](https://mrbalaclava.com/contact-us/) [All shell & waterproof fabrics](https://mrbalaclava.com/materials/shell-fabrics/) Updated 21 October 2026 ![PU-Coated Waterproof Shell: close-up of red PU-coated shell fabric, woven face](https://mrbalaclava.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/pu-coated-shell-red-close-up-1024x683.webp) *Similar fabric texture. The real fabric can look slightly different; the overall look and feel are the same.* - [![PU-Coated Waterproof Shell: red shell swatch with the white PU coating on the back at a folded corner](https://mrbalaclava.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/pu-coated-shell-red-swatch-300x200.webp) Folded swatch: woven face and the PU coating on the back.](https://mrbalaclava.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/pu-coated-shell-red-swatch-1024x683.webp) - **50 pcs** Minimum order - **14 days** Standard lead time - **OEKO-TEX®** Fabrics from certified mills - **ISO 9001** Certified (Eco Jersey Limited) - **Sedex** Member (Eco Jersey Limited) Specification ## What is typical, and what we confirm for your order ### Typical for this fabric type **Construction** Woven **Knit** Woven, PU-coated on the back **Usual composition** Polyester or nylon woven with a PU coating on the back. **Weight class** Midweight **Feel** Smooth face with a coated, slightly rubbery back **Common finishes** Water-repellent, PU-coated **Season** Winter **Warmth** Low **Breathability** Moderate **Stretch** Low **Moisture management** Low **Quick drying** High **Softness** Moderate **Durability** High **Wind resistance** Very high **Water resistance** High General textile guidance, not a lab measurement of our fabric. ### Mr Balaclava specification **Availability** Offered in waterproof ratings from 5,000 to 20,000 mm (5K–20K); coated shells are most often specified at 5K or 10K. Seams can be fully taped. Test certificates come from a third-party lab Anything not listed here is confirmed with your quote. **Decoration suitability** - Embroidery Test first - Screen printing Suitable - Sublimation printing Not suitable - Heat transfer Suitable - Woven label Suitable - Printed label Suitable - Silicone patch Suitable - Rubber (PVC) patch Suitable - Leather-style patch Test first Embroidery pierces the coating, so logos go where the lining covers the back, or are heat-transferred. Industry guidance for this fabric type. We confirm the method on a sample before production. [Get a quote in this fabric](https://mrbalaclava.com/contact-us/) Where it is used ## Products made in this fabric Can also be made with this fabric The photos show these products in another material. We make them with this fabric to order. Browse the collection - [Custom Ski Wear](https://mrbalaclava.com/product-category/ski-wear/) - [Ski Jackets](https://mrbalaclava.com/product-category/ski-wear/ski-jackets/) - [Ski Pants & Suits](https://mrbalaclava.com/product-category/ski-wear/ski-pants-suits/) Product guides - [Custom ski wear](https://mrbalaclava.com/ski-wear/) Compare ## Similar fabrics - ![Close-up of turquoise 2-layer laminated shell, woven face](https://mrbalaclava.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/two-layer-laminate-turquoise-close-up-768x512.webp) ### [2-Layer Laminated Shell](https://mrbalaclava.com/materials/fabric/two-layer-laminate/) An outer fabric bonded to a waterproof-breathable membrane, with a separate hanging lining of mesh, taffeta or fleece… - ![Polyester Pongee Shell: close-up of royal-blue polyester pongee with a fine dense plain weave](https://mrbalaclava.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/polyester-pongee-shell-royal-blue-close-up-768x512.webp) ### [Polyester Pongee Shell](https://mrbalaclava.com/materials/fabric/polyester-pongee-shell/) A smooth, tightly woven polyester plain weave and one of the most common outer fabrics for ski jackets,… - ![Recycled Polyester Shell (rPET): close-up of forest-green recycled polyester shell with a fine twill weave](https://mrbalaclava.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/recycled-polyester-shell-forest-green-close-up-768x512.webp) ### [Recycled Polyester Shell (rPET)](https://mrbalaclava.com/materials/fabric/recycled-polyester-shell/) A woven shell fabric made from recycled polyester, usually from plastic bottles, in a pongee, twill or ripstop… - ![Nylon Taslan Shell: close-up of charcoal nylon taslan with matt, air-textured yarns](https://mrbalaclava.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/nylon-taslan-shell-charcoal-grey-close-up-768x512.webp) ### [Nylon Taslan Shell](https://mrbalaclava.com/materials/fabric/nylon-taslan-shell/) A nylon woven from air-textured yarn, which gives it a matt, slightly cotton-like face and good abrasion resistance.…