Following up on last Thursday's article about outerwear, we thought it prudent to discuss the materials we choose for our apparel. We're talking about fabrics that have special properties to keep you dry, warm and looking like your shirt didn't just spend 8 hours folded in a suitcase.
Here's a quick primer on the material terminology and technical properties so you can make the most educated apparel decision possible:
1. Materials To Keep You Dry
Waterproof Breathable Membranes/Water-Repellent Finishes
The dynamic duo of rain protection! The waterproof breathable membrane serves as the barrier that rain cannot penetrate. Water-repellent finishes are coatings applied to the jacket fabric and are used to resist moisture penetration on the surface. The result: you stay nice dry when mother nature won't cooperate.
Sealed Seams
Just because your jacket has a waterproof breathable membrane and/or a water-repellent finish to protect you from the rain, you can still get wet if the seams of your jacket aren't sealed. "Critically seam sealed" means the important parts of the garment have sealed seams, leaving some seams vulnerable to leakage. "Fully seam sealed" means all seams in the jacket are sealed for maximum water tightness.
2. Materials To Keep You Warm
Reflective Heat Lining
This special thermal reflective technology keeps you warm by reflecting and retaining heat - all without adding any extra weight to the jacket. Plus, the metallic, reflective lining just looks really cool.
Down Insulation
Down, the soft under feathers from geese, is a fantastic insulator because the loft (or fluffiness) of down creates thousands of tiny air pockets which trap warm air and retain heat. It's hard to argue with nature when it comes to finding the most warmth for least weight and bulk.
Lightweight Synthetic Insulation
Featherweight polyester insulation is great because it performs even when wet and adds tons of warmth without bulk. It's Ideal for outdoor activities that require a significant range of movement.
3. Materials To Keep You Cool
Cooling Yarns
This one's really high tech! Fabrics knit with micro polyester cooling yarns are designed to keep you cooler by as much as three degrees.
Wicking Finish
Moisture management is achieved as microfine yarns channel sweat away from the body keeping you dry and comfortable.
4. Materials To Keep You Looking Good
EZ-Care Fabrication
These materials are designed to make a garment easy to wash and wear. Whether 100% cotton or a blend, these fabrics that have easy care properties - often with a wrinkle-resistant finish.
Washable Wool Blend
They have the look of a sweater, but our ultra comfort knits are made with a unique washable wool blend that's incredibly easy to care for. Wool is has balanced thermal insulation properties - meaning it is warm in winter and cool in the summer.
The Bottom Line
We build our apparel to perform. The fabrics are chosen to exceed expectations and perform when the conditions won't cooperate.