Membrane clothes

Membrane fabric is a type of material that has water-repellent and windproof qualities. Today this fabric is very popular. A variety of types of clothing are made from it: from simple jackets to tourist equipment. Different models of clothing have different prices, depending on the area of ​​​​application, the structure of the fabric, the presence of additional elements.

We can say that the history of the creation of this material began in the distant 1958. It was then that the American chemist Bill Gore, who was the founder of W. L. Gore, experimented with Teflon, trying to determine the most suitable areas for its application. The search for options for the practical use of Teflon took more than 10 years.

Only in 1969, Bill's son Bob was able to obtain a special porous film from Teflon (this result was achieved by exposing the chemical compound to a shock explosion). The resulting film was decided to be used in the field of astronautics (in particular, it was planned to use it to create solar sails and coatings for probes). In 1976, Bob Gore patented his invention and significantly expanded the scope of his offspring.To be more precise, he began to make clothes.

For many years, while the patent was in effect, W. L. Gore was the only manufacturer of special membrane clothing. The Gore company launched jackets on the market that could protect their wearer from moisture and the harmful effects of wind. Over time, specialized jackets for climbers and representatives of winter sports appeared. A little later, tents began to be made from this material.

After the expiration of the patent, more companies began to produce membrane clothing. New market players used both Gore's original methodology and a new one that they developed themselves. Gradually, membrane clothing became a mass product, which began to be sold in many countries. There were also new elements of the wardrobe: jackets, shoes, pants.

Today, jackets are still the most common wardrobe item made from membrane fabric. In total, there are 3 types of models on the market that differ in the structure of fabrics.

A membrane layer of some color (for example, white) is applied to the inside of such a material. Also, on the inside there is a lining that provides an additional heating effect.

Such models are most suitable for the off-season. If you answer the question regarding the temperature at which demi-season clothes are worn, then everything is simple here - the optimal temperature indicators are + 5- + 15 degrees.

The inner side of this material is equipped with a membrane film and mesh.This means that clothes made of three-layer fabric are more comfortable and lighter (due to the lack of lining). But lightness makes the material less durable, which is why it requires special care. It is believed that such models are ideal for frosty regions.

Instead of a lining, additional protection for the material is provided by a layer consisting of pimples. This layer is evenly distributed over the surface of the membrane. Such a device makes the fabric both light and durable.

A variety of materials can be used in the manufacture of clothing. The membrane tissue itself has the main distinguishing features. These features relate to the ability of the fabric to pass water and steam. In total there are 3 types of material.

The fabric is designed so that it almost does not absorb and does not let water through. The waterproof structure of the material provides reliable protection against rain and water splashes. In order for the jacket to pass evaporating sweat, the fabric is given a porous surface. The pores themselves are of a size that will allow sweat vapor to escape, but will not let water molecules through.

This material has no pores at all. Sweat vapor escapes through the fibers of the membrane under its own pressure. In other words, the first vapor molecules penetrate into the tissue, and subsequent molecules simply push them further.

The most common type of material today. It can be distinguished from the previous two by its structure: the inner side is porous, while the outer one is not. This type of material combines all the advantages of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic varieties, but at the same time eliminates their flaws.

In addition to membrane fabric, other materials are used to create jackets, pants and sweaters. In particular, manufacturers always use the so-called frame fabric. It is on it that the membrane component is attached. The practicality and durability of the entire product depends on the quality of the fabric frame.

Manufacturers are constantly coming up with different designs of such clothes and select all kinds of color schemes. Thanks to this approach, you can find models for both men and women on the market.

There are a variety of membrane clothing models on the market. The most common element of the wardrobe are jackets, which, in turn, can be represented by three types.

• Sports option for fans. Despite the name, these models are suitable for both sports and everyday wear. They are quite light and spacious, which is why there is no stiffness of movements. The protective function of clothing is provided by several waterproof layers. Good steam evacuation guarantees the presence of nylon and a porous inner surface. On the market, you can choose both men's and women's models, differing in style and color.

• hunting option. Similar jackets are designed for more severe conditions. They are equipped with zippers with a water-repellent coating and several layers of fabric. The number of seams on such jackets is minimal (the integrity of the products provides them with greater strength).The inner layer of such products is made in such a way as to remove a large amount of sweat vapor (due to the constant load on the hunter).

• Storm version. Jackets designed for athletes: climbers, skiers, snowboarders. Such models have increased protection against moisture and wind. In addition, they provide optimal heat transfer and removal of sweat vapor.

Like any human-made product, membrane clothing has its pros and cons. Among the indisputable advantages of such a wardrobe, the following points can be distinguished:

• light weight and wearing comfort - because of these advantages, it is very easy to put on and wear jackets, pants and sweaters, they do not hinder movements, allowing you to just walk down the street and do winter sports;
• the unique structure of the fabric - provides the wearer with reliable protection from rain and other precipitation;
• versatility - membrane clothing is suitable for both winter and autumn-spring;
• ease of removal of surface contaminants - dust and dirt can be removed by wiping the surface of the clothing with a damp sponge or cloth;
• good vapor permeability - the layers of jackets pass the vapors of sweat without any problems, so that a person does not experience discomfort when playing sports (comparison of impregnations made it possible to determine that all models of membrane clothing have good vapor permeability).

However, not everything is so perfect. Wardrobe items made of membrane fabric have the following disadvantages:

• jackets require special care, without which the protective layer will quickly become unusable;
• in order for optimal heat transfer to take place, special clothing must be under the membrane (this requires parallel wearing of thermal underwear);
• all models of membrane clothing have an increased sensitivity to low temperatures (in frost below -20 degrees, the top layer of products can freeze and lose their protective qualities, therefore, wearing jackets in such weather is prohibited).

Washing is the most serious moment when caring for membrane clothing. Here you need to follow a number of rules, without which, after the first cleaning, the kit may become unusable. These rules look like this:

1. All zippers and clothing niches should be closed before starting wet processing.
2. It is forbidden to use all types of cleaning products and powders (even liquid powder is contraindicated).
3. To treat the surface efficiently and safely, it is necessary to use laundry soap. Machine wash is strictly prohibited.
4. Water temperature should be moderately warm. Both high and low temperatures can damage the film structure (this means that such products are also forbidden to be steamed).
5. Ironing and spinning after washing is strictly contraindicated. You just need to hang the clothes and let them dry on their own.