An acronym for Durable Water Repellent finish, a treatment found on outerwear that forces water to bead much as wax makes water bead on a car. There are a variety of DWRs, but all for one reason: to prevent water from saturating the shell fabric, averting potential condensation into the insulation and lining. DWR will wash out after a number of washings; dry cleaning removes it immediately. It can be replaced by products such as Scotchgard®, Nikwax® or Teflon® fabric sprays.