description Gore-Tex Overview
Developed by W. L. Gore & Associates, Gore-Tex covers waterproof and breathable materials used in outdoor clothing, footwear and gloves, as well as related equipment. Traditional versions use an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane, commonly shortened to ePTFE.
Its microscopic structure resists liquid water while allowing water vapor to pass through. Gore also documents membranes made from expanded polyethylene. The membrane is normally bonded to other textiles, and sealed seams help prevent water entering through stitching. Practical protection therefore depends on the complete garment.
Gore-Tex suits outdoor activities requiring rain protection, but breathability does not mean sweat always escapes immediately. Fabric construction and conditions affect how comfortable the finished item feels.
help Gore-Tex FAQ
How can Gore-Tex block rain while allowing perspiration to escape?
Traditional Gore-Tex uses a membrane based on expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, or ePTFE, with a microscopic porous structure. The laminate blocks liquid water from entering while allowing water vapor generated inside a garment to move outward under suitable conditions.
Who invented the material used in Gore-Tex?
Bob Gore discovered a way to rapidly stretch PTFE into a strong, porous material in 1969. W. L. Gore & Associates then developed expanded PTFE into the waterproof-breathable laminates sold under the Gore-Tex name.
Why can a Gore-Tex jacket feel wet even when its membrane is intact?
The outer face fabric can become saturated when its durable water-repellent treatment wears down, a condition commonly called wetting out. The membrane may still prevent leakage, but the soaked exterior reduces breathability and makes the jacket feel cold or clammy.
Can Gore-Tex clothing be washed without damaging it?
Yes, and washing can remove oils and dirt that interfere with breathability. Owners should follow the garment manufacturer's care label, rinse detergent thoroughly, and periodically restore the outer fabric's water repellency with an appropriate treatment.
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