A superhydrophobic ZnO oriented nanorods coating on brocade substrate was prepared by a low-temperature wet chemical route, and the corresponding waterproof properties were evaluated. From wetting measurement, the modified brocades have a water contact angle of similar to 152 degrees and roll-off angle of 9 degrees to a 10 mu L water-droplet. A direct immersion of the modified brocades in water gives a strongly water-repellent behavior. The obtained waterproof brocades offer an opportunity for fabricating some special and protective drygoods. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.