How to Wash and Care for Your Falour Waterproof Cargo Trousers

Learn the right way to wash and care for your Falour cargo trousers waterproof so they stay dry, breathable, and durable for years of tactical use.

Updated 9 Sep 2026 5 min read 7 sections

Your Falour cargo trousers waterproof are built to handle rain, mud, and tough outdoor conditions, but keeping that waterproof performance intact comes down to how you wash and care for them. In this guide we walk through the exact steps (from machine settings to drying tricks) so your trousers stay dry and functional for years.

What Makes Falour’s Waterproof Cargo Trousers Different

Falour waterproof cargo trousers with sealed construction for wet weather protection — Waterproof cargo trousers$59.99Image from the merchant

Falour’s waterproof cargo trousers use a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish bonded to a tough outer fabric, combined with taped seams that block moisture at the stitch lines. Unlike standard work pants, these are designed for tactical use: reinforced knees, multiple cargo pockets with drainage grommets, and a articulated cut that doesn’t restrict movement. The waterproof layer is breathable too, which means you stay dry from rain and from sweat. If you want to see the full build, check the waterproof cargo trousers product page for the spec sheet.

How to Wash Your Waterproof Cargo Trousers

Washing waterproof gear is different from washing cotton jeans. Detergent residue, fabric softener, and high heat are the three things that kill DWR performance fastest. Here is the routine we follow for our own Falour gear:

Zip everything closed: close the main zipper, all pocket zippers, and flip the trousers inside out. This protects the outer face fabric and prevents snags on the pocket flaps.
Use a tech-wash detergent: standard laundry detergent leaves a film that blocks water from beading. We use a dedicated waterproof gear wash (Nikwax Tech Wash or Grangers Performance Wash are solid). Never use fabric softener or bleach.
Cold or warm water, gentle cycle: set the machine to cold or warm (not hot) and choose a gentle or delicate cycle. Hot water can delaminate the inner membrane over time.
Rinse twice: an extra rinse cycle ensures no detergent residue remains. Residue is the number one reason DWR stops working.

For a quick visual on how water should bead on a well-maintained DWR finish, check this reference on water-repellent cargo pants. The same principle applies to our Falour trousers.

Drying and Storing Your Cargo Trousers Waterproof

How you dry your cargo trousers waterproof matters as much as how you wash them. Improper drying can shrink the fabric, damage the membrane, or flatten the DWR coating.

Air dry is safest: hang the trousers inside out on a drying rack or clothesline away from direct sunlight. Sunlight degrades the waterproof membrane over time.
Tumble dry low if you need speed: if you are in a hurry, use low heat only. Medium or high heat can melt the seam tape and degrade the DWR layer. Tumble drying actually helps reactivate DWR, so a quick low-heat cycle after air drying is a good trick.
Never iron: direct heat from an iron will fuse the membrane and ruin breathability. If you must remove wrinkles, use a steamer held a few inches from the fabric.
Store loose, not compressed: fold or hang the trousers in a dry closet. Storing them crammed in a gear bag for weeks can crease the fabric and create weak points at the folds.

Once you nail the care routine, grab the latest price on Falour’s waterproof cargo trousers to see the current deal before you buy.

How to Reapply DWR and Restore Waterproofing

Even with perfect washing, the DWR finish wears down after repeated use and washes. You will know it is fading when water stops beading and starts wetting out the fabric in patches. Here is how to restore it:

Wash the trousers using the tech-wash method above so the fabric is clean and free of residue.
Choose a DWR spray: we recommend a spray-on DWR treatment (like Nikwax TX.Direct or Grangers Clothing Repel) rather than a wash-in formula. Spray-on gives you targeted coverage on the high-wear areas: knees, seat, and cuffs.
Apply while damp: lightly spray the DWR onto the damp trousers from about 6 inches away. Wipe off any excess with a clean cloth.
Heat activate: tumble dry on low for 20-30 minutes or use a hairdryer on low heat while moving it across the fabric. The heat sets the DWR into the fibers.

Repeat this process once or twice a year depending on how hard you use the trousers. For a deeper look at how high-end waterproof membranes handle this process, read about GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ anything multi cargo pant construction.

Pairing Your Trousers with Other Falour Tactical Gear

Your waterproof cargo trousers work best as part of a layered tactical system. Here are the Falour pieces we pair with them most often:

Falour tactical softshell jacket offering weather resistance and flexibility for the field — Tactical softshell jacket$69.95Image from the merchant

Tactical softshell jacket: a softshell tactical jacket adds wind resistance and light insulation without bulk. The stretch fabric moves with you, and the combination covers you from light drizzle to cold gusts.
Tactical fleece jacket: when temps drop, layer a tactical fleece jacket under your shell. It wicks moisture and traps warmth without making you sweat under the waterproof trousers.
Multicam trousers: if you need a matching camo setup for field work or airsoft, the multicam trousers share the same reinforced construction and cargo layout as the waterproof version. They are not waterproof, but they dry fast.
Waterproof softshell jacket: for full rain protection, the waterproof softshell jacket pairs perfectly with the cargo trousers waterproof. Both use the same DWR treatment and breathable membrane, so your whole kit performs consistently.

If you are building a full tactical outfit, grab the discount code for 10% off sitewide and save on the complete set.

Common Mistakes That Ruin Waterproof Trousers

We see the same three errors over and over. Avoid these and your Falour trousers will outlast cheaper gear by years:

Using fabric softener: softener coats the DWR fibers and blocks the membrane pores. Once applied, it takes multiple washes with tech detergent to remove.
Storing wet: shoving damp trousers into a backpack or drawer invites mildew and delamination. Always dry completely before storing.
Overwashing: waterproof gear does not need washing after every wear. Rinse with fresh water after muddy use and only do a full wash every 5-10 wears unless they are heavily soiled.

Why Proper Care Saves You Money

A well-maintained pair of cargo trousers waterproof costs less per wear than cheap alternatives you replace every season. The DWR treatment, seam tapes, and membrane are all serviceable if you wash correctly and reapply treatment when needed. Falour builds these trousers with heavy-duty YKK zippers, bar-tacked stress points, and reinforced cargo pockets, but none of that matters if the waterproofing fails from bad laundry habits.

Stick with cold washes, tech detergent, low heat drying, and annual DWR top-ups. Your trousers will outlast your expectations.

And if you are still shopping for your first pair, check the current offer before you order.

Questions

Can I wash my waterproof cargo trousers in hot water?

No, hot water can damage the waterproof membrane and weaken the seam tape. Use cold or warm water on a gentle cycle to protect the DWR finish and extend the life of the trousers.

How often should I wash my cargo trousers waterproof?

Only wash them every 5 to 10 wears unless they are heavily soiled with mud or chemicals. For light dirt, rinse with fresh water and hang to dry instead of doing a full wash cycle.

What detergent should I use for Falour waterproof cargo trousers?

Use a dedicated tech-wash detergent like Nikwax Tech Wash or Grangers Performance Wash. Standard laundry detergent and fabric softener leave residue that blocks the DWR from beading water.

How do I know when the DWR on my trousers needs reapplying?

When water stops beading into droplets on the fabric surface and instead soaks into the fabric in patches, the DWR is worn and needs a fresh spray-on treatment followed by low-heat tumble drying.

Can I tumble dry my Falour waterproof cargo trousers?

Yes, but only on low heat. Medium or high heat can melt the seam tape and damage the membrane. A low-heat cycle for 20-30 minutes actually helps reactivate the DWR coating.

What other Falour gear pairs well with the waterproof cargo trousers?

The waterproof softshell jacket and tactical softshell jacket both use the same DWR treatment for consistent rain protection. The tactical fleece jacket layers well underneath for cold weather.