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NeverWet: The $20 Superhydrophobic Spray-on Waterproofer

By Drew Prindle Dec 23, 2019 2:31 PM

Waterproof clothing is the rare and elusive unicorn of men’s fashion. Here at The Manual, we know from experience that finding stuff that’s both fashionable and rain-ready is damn near impossible, and as such, we spend countless hours seeking out gear and garb that fits into both categories. It’s not easy to track down, but every so often we come across something like Aether, Proof, or Otter Wax, and it helps us sleep at night knowing we’ve helped somebody stay dry.

We’ve discovered a handful of great waterproof (or at least water resistant) brands in all our years in the fashion industry, but never before have we encountered something like NeverWet. This stuff is incredible. It’s a simple two-part spray-on coating that can be used on virtually any surface – be it wood, metal, plastic, or fabric. Once applied to something, water will literally shoot off the treated surface.

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When we first saw what Neverwet can do, we were most excited by the prospect of using it on our wardrobe. Can you imagine how glorious it would feel to recklessly devour a plate of spaghetti while wearing your favorite white pants? Or how free and fearless you could feel as you stroll around under dark grey clouds in nothing but a cotton hoodie? The possibilities are endless, and at just 20 bucks, it’s hard to resist the urge to coat your entire living room with this stuff and invite over all your friends for a food fight

But obviously, it’s got more uses than just waterproofing fabrics. In one demonstration video, NeverWet’s creators fashion a makeshift cooler by spraying down the inside of a cardboard box and filling it with ice. Since the water melting off can’t make it through the superhydrophobic barrier, the cardboard never gets soggy and the cooler stays intact. With so many handy uses, this stuff is bound to be the next duct tape.

We have yet to try it out ourselves, so we’re not sure how it holds up after being through the washing machine (how do you wash something that’s impervious to water?), or how well fabrics breathe with this stuff on them, but we’ll get back to you soon with details.

NeverWet is currently available at HomeDepot stores across the country.

Drew Prindle is an award-winning writer, editor, and storyteller who currently serves as Senior Features Editor for Digital… Read Full Bio

A toast to excellence: Don’t overthink lighting a cigar…but don’t underthink it either

Face, Head, Person

When I first decided I was ready to try cigars for the first time, I was ready to jump right in and sit back to enjoy the experience. Then, something crazy happened. I couldn’t light it. It seemed so simple. Flame, meet cigar. It really couldn’t be that complicated. But I ran into a slew of problems. The wrong kind of flame, canoeing, an uneven burn, and the damn thing kept going out, causing me to restart the embarrassing process. So I reached out to my friends over at La Aurora to find out what I was doing wrong.

That is when I found out from their own John Gaglio that these issues are very common and there is no reason to be embarrassed. Instead, don’t overthink lighting your cigar. And don’t underthink it. Instead, try to use the following tips and enjoy the experience without shame.

Topgolf brings back John Daly to continue to “disrupt” the game

john daly

To the uninitiated, golf can feel like a stuffy game. There is a dress code, there is an etiquette, and you even have to be quiet. At a sporting event. For those of us who love golf (don’t get me wrong, I am a huge fan but believe it is called golf because the other four-letter words are taken), we recognize golf isn’t stuffy as much as it is steeped in tradition. But there has always been one man who shirked the shackles of the tradition and disrupted the game of golf with one of the most immaculate vibes in the sport, John Daly. With his drinking, smoking, wild pants, wilder mouth, and general who-gives-a-sh*t nature, he was everything golf wanted to keep out. Now, the game embraces him and his vibe, and Topgolf brought him in to continue the disruption.

I love the vibe at Topgolf. It’s a place where you can smash a golf ball, listen to music, have a drink, and enjoy yourself with friends and family. That’s my kind of golf. – John Daly

Cigar Lounge Spotlight: The Carnegie Club takes you back to Rat Pack days

Couch, Furniture, Body Part

Three blocks south of Central Park, before you find yourself lost in the hectic environment of Times Square, is a cigar lounge tucked back away from the hustle and bustle. It almost feels like a secret. A place only those in the know are privy to. Of course, if that is the intention, then lovers of this establishment will be coming for me in no time with their pitchforks. I am talking about The Carnegie Club—a cigar lounge sitting on 56th Street between 6th and 7th Avenue. From the moment you walk in, it doesn’t feel like a normal, run-of-the-mill bar. No, this has a New York feel, but a specific kind of New York feel. One that harkens back to the days of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. This feels like the Rat Pack days.

The space