EN 343
Protection against rain and bad weather
Requirements and test methods for the material and seams of clothing designed to protect against precipitation (rain, snow), mist and ground moisture. A separate test, EN 14360, assesses the rainproofing of complete garments and is not included in EN 343 itself.
The contents of this standard
The X value indicates waterproofing and the Y value indicates water vapour resistance (the garment’s breathability). Since the 2019 revision, both are rated on four classes — Class 4 is the highest performance, Class 1 the lowest. A specific quantity of pressurised water is applied to the fabric and seams; the class is derived from the pressure the material can withstand before water penetrates. Wearing a low-breathability (Class 1) garment for longer than the time given in the standard’s reference table is not recommended.
Different tests, codes
Two values, X and Y, each on four classes.
The garment label must show both the X and Y class, for example X3 Y2. A Class 1 rating on either value is the minimum accepted under EN 343; the standard’s reference table sets a recommended maximum wearing time for low-breathability (Y1) garments. XM Textiles fabrics intended for rainwear are tested and documented against the full X–Y range so the right combination can be certified for your garment.
