Is the Loro Piana Storm System really that effective?

[SuEd]

Bumping this old thread as it's somewhat relevant question: Those of you who have this system, does it easily bead/repel water? I just purchased a LPSS and when I drip water onto the coat, it does seem to bead but leaves some of the water in the fabric. I know the fabric itself isn't nylon so maybe some of this is expected, but I wanted to make sure this is normal.

LPSS has lots of different face fabrics e.g. wool, cashmere, cotton, synthetic etc. Some absorption is normal and the rate depends on the face fabric. Which one does yours have? Note that the surface absorption doesn't mean rain is going to soak through the LPSS. You shouldn't be too concerned about the face absorption to be honest.

 

[s14roller]



LPSS has lots of different face fabrics e.g. wool, cashmere, cotton, synthetic etc. Some absorption is normal and the rate depends on the face fabric. Which one does yours have? Note that the surface absorption doesn't mean rain is going to soak through the LPSS. You shouldn't be too concerned about the face absorption to be honest.

It's poly/cotton outer. I typically keep my nice stuff at home during a rain/snowstorm so wanted to make sure the jacket wouldn't get ruined over time if moisture got into the face. Thanks for your input!

 

[SuitedDx]

From my understanding the SS is a membrane so no maintenance is needed? I wonder how have your stuff held up >5 years of wear. I have a 7-8 year old 100% wool LPSS and it's going strong but it only gets occasional wear as I have a number of coats.

 

[Larry Laffer]

From my understanding the SS is a membrane so no maintenance is needed?

Here is a quick pic of SS maintenance from my LPSS coat' tag:

 

[breakaway01]

I don't have any SS garments but you should distinguish between the membrane and the face fabric. The face fabric has a DWR (durable water repellency) treatment that is responsible for water beading on the surface of the fabric. DWR does need to be reapplied from time to time. Although the membrane is designed to be water resistant and permeable to water vapor, if the face fabric becomes saturated with water ("wets out") the garment will be much less breathable.