The Most Common Fabrics used in Jackets

A good jacket is designed based on the "three layers" method: (1) a warm, breathable and comfortable fine base, (2) an intermediate layer with properties of heat accumulation and maintaining an ideal temperature, but breathable and, finally (3) an outer layer with waterproof and wind stopper properties. It 's important to be aware of each fabric can do for our comfort and well-being when we ride in winter days, preferably hot and dry.

The word breathable is key, any jacket shoul dhave "breathability" because it's as important as thermal, insulating and waterproof characteristics.

There are as natural fibers (cotton, wool, silk), synthetic fibers, made from natural materials chemically treated (acetates, viscose, which teem as attributes its low price, and are usually good insulators) synthetic fibers manufactured processed from petroleum products (polyester, polyamide, polypropileno, acrylics, elastanes, etc.. which teem as attributes to be hydrophobic - not absorb water - hold up well to weathering agents and strength, dries quickly, and are at many of the their versions, comfortable fabrics), eas inorganic fibers, manufactured from carbon, quartz, basalt etc. and are used only in specific tissues and technicians.

The more common jacket fabrics are:

WINDSTOPPER: studied, built and perfected by the engineers of Gore society, is very effective protection against wind and cold. The Windstopper membrane is a polymer, which prevents the entrance of wind, but without preventing the exit of water vapor due to perspiration. Technically, a Windstopper membrane is generally used between two layers of other fabric. Fabrics to which that membrane is associated can be fleece, waterproof fabric or others. With these construction process it's possible to create a thermo-regulatory effect. Use more desirable: as 2nd or 3rd layer.

GORE TEX: It's a very technical fabric, which allows to combine waterproofing and thermal insulation against the wind, yet allowing the passage of water vapor from perspiration to the outside, allowing the user not get "soggy" in your own sweat and by therefore maintaining the body cool. The Gore Tex is a membrane composed by two polymers. This membrane contains thousands of micro pores 20,000 times smaller than a drop of water but 700 times thicker than a molecule of water vapor. Thus, rain and snow can not penetrate this membrane but water vapor due to perspiration, is passed out clothing. In addition to the more generally a jacket made in GoreTex receive a further sealing, so that rain water drips by clothing, thereby not retained. Use more desirable: 3rd layer.

FLEECE (Polartec or other) is the name given to a synthetic wool, which is used for the manufacture of certain equipment whose priority is to effectively protect the user from the cold. Made of micro fiber polyester, lycra and nylon, garments made in this material are extremely warm, lightweight and also let pass a certain amount of water vapor from the inside out. Jackets are extremely comfortable and above all elastic. This fabric protect against cold and wet and dries quickly. The firm Malden is the only manufacturer called Polartec, which divides into three categories according to intensity of isolation that is sought: Polartec 100 - great for getting close to the body Polartec 200 - ideal as equipment 2nd layer Polartec 300 - only used as outerwear in extreme conditions. Use more desirable: Excellent for cold and as it unfolds in various weights, ideal for 1st, 2nd or 3rd layers. There are other brands of fleece, but the original and most reputable is undoubtedly the Polartec.

CAPILENE: It is used for casual wear inside (1st layer), lightweight and comfortable. Capilene disperses the perspiration of the skin, without absorbing it. Recommended use: 1st or 2nd tier.

EXITEX / SOFITEX 2000: two similar fabrics with different names and from different manufacturers. They are very pleasant, slightly satin and 100% synthetic. Its micro porous exterior construction, claims up to 30% improvement evacuation of moisture inside. On the other hand the other fibers used for the interior, guaranteeing thermal quality, naturally capturing the user's own heat, allowing the cold, with light garments. Recommended use: 2nd layer.

WINDTEX / MANTOTEX / A-TEX: Top three manufacturers with similar fabrics with different names. This is a windproof membrane, lightweight, elastic, water repellent, breathable, offering a large thermal comfort. Are currently in vogue due to their quality and good price / performance relation. Recommended use: 2nd layer.

THERMASTAT (Du pont): It is a novel technology that protects against cold (45% polyester, 42% polyamide and 13% elastane) and acts as a real thermostat, and has excellent thermal efficiency. Not only re-heats the user quickly but also maintains an optimum temperature. Thanks to its molecules, adapts to the physical conditions of the user, helping to maintain a level of comfort and great warmth. It is also endowed with an excellent ability to evaporation of water vapor. Recommended use: 2nd layer.

RIPSTOP: A trademark fabric property of Jeantex, which uses it to manufacture its clothing. Similar in almost all aspect to Exitex, with good properties of windcutter and expulsion of water vapor. Recommended use: 2nd layer.

MERAKLON: Fabric for underwear from the Norwegian firm Brynje. It has a capacity of exceptional breathability, which provides, in conjunction with other equipment, a large thermal comfort. Recommended use: 1st layer.

LYCRA: The lycra in itself should not be used in winter, unless that is napped on the inside with polyester mesh and intermediate mesh neoprene to isolate the body from cold.



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