description Gore-Tex Overview
Gore-Tex is a family of waterproof and breathable materials developed by W. L. Gore & Associates and used in outdoor clothing, footwear, gloves, and related equipment. Traditional versions employ an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane whose microscopic structure resists liquid water while allowing water vapor to pass through.
The membrane is normally laminated to other textiles and combined with sealed seams, since the complete garment construction determines practical weather protection.
insights Ranking position
Gore-Tex ranks #10 of 189 in the Textile ranking, behind Dyneema Composite Fabric, ahead of Harris Tweed.
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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