North Face Greenland

What is the difference between waterproof and water resistant down jackets?

Ok just moved to michigan. I don't own a jacket and have been shopping for parkas. What is the difference between waterproof and water resistant? Which should I choose? I am going to buy a down jacket because I am a california girl that thinks 65 is cold. HELP! I liked this one.. but i don't think it is waterproof. Says water repellant.... http://www.eddiebauer.com/EB/Women/Outerwear-Jackets--Blazers/Jackets-Coats--Parkas/index.cat#ppl=%7Btype%3A%22transition%22%2CensembleId%3A%2236005%22%2CformatStr%3A%22product%22%2CpassedIdObj%3A%7B%22ensembleId%22%3A%2236005%22%7D%2CcategoryId%3A%2221153%22%2CpathInfo%3A%22C1C3C103C21153%22%2CcolorId%3A%22532%22%2CsizeIdSelected%3A%22-1%22%2CquantitySelected%3A%22-1%22%2CimageName%3A%22EB09ID_0067494_532B1%22%2CimageTypeCode%3A%22B%22%2CcatPath%3A%22%7E%7EcategoryId%3D21153%7E%7EcategoryName%3DJACKETS-COATS--PARKAS%7E%7EpCategoryId%3D103%7E%7EpCategoryName%3DOUTERWEAR-JACKETS--BLAZERS%7E%7EgpCategoryId%3D3%7E%7EgpCategoryName%3DWOMEN%7E%7EggpCategoryId%3D1%7E%7EggpCategoryName%3DEB%22%2Ccs%3A%220%22%7D it's the eddie bauer lodge parka that I like but it says water repellant?

Public Comments

1. waterproof fabrics are usually natural or synthetic fabrics that are laminated to or coated in some sort of permanently waterproofing material ...A waterproof/breathable material is made by laminating or coating a thin membrane on the underside of a nylon or polyester face fabric. - rain should not penetrate beyond the outer layer. Water-resistant is not waterproof. You will get wet in anything except a light shower. I do not recommend choosing a water-resistant jacket unless you walk in a climate with rare, brief, light rain showers.