With the winter season in full swing, it can be very chilly and wet outside. As a result, many people are opting to stay indoors as much as possible. However, when braving the outdoor elements becomes unavoidable or you’re just one of those people who love winter time activities, like skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating, either way, you’re going to need the proper clothing so that you can stay warm and dry, even if it’s sleeting and -10 outside. If you’re in the market for some new winter gear, then you are going to want to read this article as it provides some useful information about a very handy type of coat called a GoreTex coat.
What is Gore-Tex?
Developed by Rowena Taylor, Samuel Allen, Wilbert L. Gore, and his son Robert W. Gore, Gore-Tex is a permeable type of polytetrafluoroethylene that possesses a micro-structure that is characterized by nodes that are joined together by fibrils. In simpler terms what that means is that Gore-Tex is a specific kind of fabric that has been specially designed to be resistant to water. The way that Gore-Tex operates is that it takes a membrane made up of tiny pore-like structures that impede H2O from soaking in while at the same time permitting perspiration to evaporate. The membrane is then laminated to high performance materials and sealed with a special solution. The best part about Gore-Tex jackets is that in addition to being water-proof, they also allow your body to breathe comfortably.
How durable are Gore-Tex coats?
If you take good care of your Gore-Tex coat, then it should last you for a long time. Both dirt and human sweat act as blockades to the pores that allow Gore-Tex to breathe. Therefore, Gore-Tex coats need to be cleaned from time to time. However, after repeated wear and washes, the level of impermeability in Gore-Tex coats will diminish. The reason for this is that the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment on the surface of the coat’s fabric becomes worn away. Now, DWR is not what makes a Gore-Tex coat water-proof per se, but it is still a necessary component to help optimize the Gore-Tex’s ability to be water-resistant. To reinforce the DWR of a Gore-Tex coat that has been worn and washed numerous times, you should first try tumble drying the coat, then try ironing it on a low setting, and if both of these options fail, try re-proofing the coat with wash-in re-proofer.
What styles and colors do Gore-Tex coats come in?
Gore-Tex coats are available many different styles and almost any color that you can think of. Gore-Tex coats can be found with appealing add-ons as well, such as a hood, taped seams, a collar, venting zips, cuffs, insulated lining, accessible pockets, or a snow skirt.
Being both water-proof and breathable, Gore-Tex coats are great for the cold weather and rainy seasons. If you are looking to purchase a new coat this winter, you should consider a Gore-Tex coat; it will definitely be worth the investment.