Textile technologies that deliver performance properties are becoming common in lifestyle and urban products. In particular, denim fabrics are becoming more functional through treatments that repel water and mud. As a result, a durable water repellent textile technology, Ecorepel, is gaining attention.

Ecorepel mimics the protective function found on feathers of waterfowl. The environmentally sound textile finish is based on paraffin that is in honeycomb-like chains that wrap around the fibers. This is said to reduce the surface tension of textile so that water and mud simply run off the textile. Ecorepel is free of fluorocarbons and is biodegradable. The technology is also wash- and abrasion-resistant.

NanoSphere is another textile finish that repels oil, water and dirt. It’s used for denim by some brands. It mimics the natural self-cleaning effect of certain plants whose leaves always remain clean, because dirt simply cannot adhere to the finely structured surface, and is easily washed off when it rains.

The protective function of NanoSphere is retained after frequent use and numerous washes. Water or such substances as ketchup, honey, coffee or wine run off. And if they don't happen to run off of their own accord, they can easily be rinsed off with a little water.