As the weather gets colder the deeper we go into winter there are three great warm winter fabrics to consider when purchasing outerwear. These fabrics are Thinsulate™, Gore-Tex, and bonded fleece. Thinsulate™ and Gore-Tex are trademarked and bonded fleece is a type of synthetic fleece material. Let’s take a look at these options and decide which one is the best for your winter wear needs.
Thinsulate™
Created by 3M Corporation, this fabric was originally marketed as an alternative to down in 1979. This product is primarily made from different mixtures of polymers and it is considered one of the warmest thin apparel insulation. Thinsulate™ actually is 1.5 times warmer than down.
The great thing about outerwear made with this brand name fabric is that it retains warmth even if you sweat or get wet. The United States Army has known this for years! There are different thermal resistant levels provided by Thinsulate™ products, so your level of activity will determine which R-value of Thinsulate™ you will require.
Gore-Tex
Invented in 1969, by W. L. Gore & Associates, this material is a waterproof, breathable fabric. Gore-Tex repels liquid water while allowing water vapor to pass through. It is a light-weight, all-weather use fabric. It is actually composed of the same material generically labeled Teflon.
Gore-Tex was accidentally formed by a fortunate accident that created its micro-porous structure which is about 70% air. It is used in many different products by many different manufacturers. For example, it is used internally for medical applications, for conservation of illuminated manuscripts, space suits and even heart patches. However, Gore-Tex is best known for protective, breathable rain-wear.
Fleece
Fleece is well known for its cold weather properties. It is extremely warm, lighter weight, and super comfortable. That’s why it makes a great fabric for use in coats and jackets. Typically, they do not classify fleece as waterproof. It is actually classified as ‘water resistant.’
There are several different kinds of fleece. Polyester fleece is often used for sweaters, jackets, mittens, hats, and blankets. In other words, anything that needs a warm, foolish material. Bonded fleece is when you have something like a faux leather on one side and sheep wool on the other side, but the entire fabric is man-made.
This is just a short run-down on warm winter fabrics. JQ Designs has many different styles to choose from for coats, jackets, hats and other winter gear. Ask our experts how we will 'Make Your Logo Look Good' on any of our promotional apparel.
