Why Choose Gore-Tex Clothing for Women?

This publication is also available in: Français English (UK) Deutsch Italiano Español

Lorsqu’il est question de choix de vêtements, il y a de nombreux critères qu’il est possible de prendre en compte. Parmi ceux qui sont cités prioritairement, les matières dont sont composées les pièces doivent toujours figurer en bonne place. En effet, même si dans la plupart des cas, elles ne modifient pas de façon significative l’apparence des vêtements, elles en déterminent le niveau de confort. Il vous est possible de vous affirmer grâce à votre style et de rester belle tout en vous focalisant sur ce paramètre. Vous pouvez aller plus loin en vous tournant vers des matières innovantes comme le Gore-Tex.

What is Gore-Tex and how does it work?

The Gore-Tex membrane is a material with a history dating back about sixty years with Bill Gore. He was working on the synthetic polymer, also known as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). This is a soft, semi-crystalline material that is especially easily deformable. This last property, combined with its opacity, makes it a fascinating element to manipulate.

Although it has very interesting characteristics, PTFE in its conventional form is not Gore-Tex. It took years of work for the named Bill Gore to harness this material. However, he did not explore all its possibilities. Fortunately, his work was continued by his son, Bob Gore, who would make a surprising discovery.

He would understand that with certain specific agents, it was possible to stretch PTFE. By stretching it to the maximum, he eventually created expanded PTFE and the first Gore-Tex membrane in 1969. This was a true revolution due to its properties. On one hand, it was very robust while being quite thin. In fact, it is far from reaching a millimeter in thickness.

To give you a reference to visualize it, it is thinner than a sheet of paper. Furthermore, it is equipped with countless tiny pores that are invisible to the naked eye. There are billions on the surface of Gore-Tex; which is enormous. It is precisely this porosity that contributes significantly to the benefits that can be gained from this material.

To make clothing from it, it is combined with other materials and is most often used as a lining. If you want to find clothing made from this material, by taking a look at Arc’Teryx, for example, you will discover excellent pieces designed to enhance feminine beauty in Gore-Tex.

What are the benefits of wearing Gore-Tex clothing?

Gore-Tex as a fabric has several strengths. The advantages of wearing clothing made from it are therefore not negligible.

Waterproofing

The most obvious benefit of Gore-Tex clothing is their strong waterproofing. This is precisely due to the pores located on the surface of the membrane. However, it is not so much their number that causes the phenomenon, but their size. They are 20,000 times smaller than a droplet of water.

As a result, it simply cannot pass through the fabric. The same goes for snow, which will have difficulty infiltrating it. If you get caught in the rain outdoors, you can thus minimize damage as much as possible. If you have a Gore-Tex jacket, for example, it can serve as a raincoat. We also recommend that you tuck away all your water-sensitive items like your smartphone, and you won’t have any issues.

Breathability

In addition to their waterproofing, Gore-Tex clothing is also very breathable. In other words, they have the ability to allow your sweat to escape in the form of water vapor. If such a feat is possible, it is still due to the size of the pores it is made of. Although very small, they are still 700 times larger than a water vapor molecule.

As a result, those from your sweat will have no trouble being evacuated. Consequently, you will no longer have to experience the feeling of dampness under your clothes after some effort. With a dress made from a Gore-Tex membrane, you can dance all night at a party with your friends without feeling any discomfort due to your body temperature.

Windproof properties

If you think that Gore-Tex clothing is already impressive enough, then you are in for more surprises. They also have windproof properties. Simply put, the wind cannot pass through them. Therefore, they serve as a useful protective barrier, especially during certain seasons. If you have a Gore-Tex suit, for example, and the wind suddenly becomes very cold, you can endure it without any trouble.

Durability

Gore-Tex clothing is also quite durable. Numerous tests conducted on them lead to the belief that they can withstand various types of abuse with minimal deterioration. The robustness of the membrane gives them good durability. Thus, acquiring them is akin to making a long-term investment. By properly caring for them, you will ensure their longevity.

Comfort

All these advantages are of no interest if the clothing is not comfortable. Fortunately, Gore-Tex pieces allow you to be at ease at all times. You do not feel discomfort or a sense of oppression. Designed to stretch, they offer you good freedom of movement. You can carry out your various activities without any hindrance.

How to choose the Gore-Tex garment that suits you?

Choosing your Gore-Tex garment is similar, with a few details, to that of classic outfits. The parameters to consider are almost the same.

Size

Whatever type of pieces you are looking for to enhance your style, size is a very important criterion to take into account, to avoid selecting clothing that is too large or too small.

In either case, if it is not intentional, you will not be satisfied with the result. The ideal is therefore to ensure that they are always the right size for you before making a decision. With Gore-Tex clothing, you are not specifically limited in this regard. You will have a wide range of possibilities, especially by approaching professionals.

The number of Gore-Tex layers

Even though this criterion may seem unnecessary to you, the number of Gore-Tex layers in the garment can affect various aspects. The properties of the material can also be altered. They do not disappear, but are either enhanced or diminished depending on the case. Generally speaking, it is not necessarily useful to have more layers of Gore-Tex.

It all depends on the garment, its use, and even the season. If you wish to acquire a trench coat, for example, it is not superfluous for it to be made of several layers of Gore-Tex. This will only reinforce its waterproofing and windproof effect. These are characteristics that perfectly match the garment in question.

However, in the case of a dress, a single membrane will suffice to not reduce the fluidity of the outfit. Apart from the number of Gore-Tex layers and the size, you can also rely on the color or even your body shape. These are elements that will allow you to refine your choice even more so that it truly suits you.

How to care for your Gore-Tex clothing?

Like all materials, Gore-Tex has a routine to follow regarding its maintenance. For good measure, it is far from being too demanding or complex. You just need to pay attention to a few details, and you will have no issues.

For washing your Gore-Tex clothing, you can use a machine. However, we advise you not to exceed a temperature of 40 °C. Additionally, you should avoid using powdered detergent.

The same goes for fabric softener, detergent, or bleach. Also, remember to rinse them several times and dry them in a dry place. Furthermore, it is preferable to iron them as little as possible. Normally, this material does not promote the formation of persistent creases. Ideally, we recommend that you do not iron them at all.