In crafting the perfect waterproof jacket, deciding between lamination and coating is a key step. Each method brings its unique strengths to the table. We are here to explain them to you!
Have you seen the viral TikTok video where a girl, drenched in rain, complained about the waterproofing of her North Face jacket? The brand PR department reacted promptly, delivering a brand-new jacket straight to the mountain by helicopter! But could this situation have been avoided with the right waterproof fabric choice?
When it comes to finishing outdoor apparel fabrics, brands often face the decision of whether to use a laminate finish or a coating. And then, which type of membrane: PU, TPU, PET, or Microporous? If you're new to the textile industry, these terms might seem intimidating, but we're here to simplify them for you.
Textile laminate finishing includes using adhesives to bond a functional membrane with fabric.
This process is essential for crafting high-performance wear that balances the need for moisture permeability with waterproof properties. It is often used in jackets designed for hiking, skiing, and snowboarding. Despite the higher cost, laminated fabrics offer superior durability and functionality, outshining coating.
Diving into the world of membranes, we encounter two types: hydrophilic and microporous.
Hydrophilic membranes, often crafted from materials like Polyurethane (PU) and Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), operate on a molecular level. They attract moisture from perspiration, absorb it, and then transfer it outward, offering exceptional waterproofing and breathability.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) membranes, a subgroup of hydrophilic membranes, take sustainability to new heights. Derived from recycled plastics such as water bottles, PET membranes are a testament to innovation in eco-conscious fabric production.
On the flip side, microporous membranes boast about 9 billion tiny pores per square inch, each no larger than 0.2μm. This microscopic maze allows moisture vapor from the skin to escape while deftly blocking external water droplets, achieving a remarkable blend of moisture permeability, waterproofness, and windproofness.
However, microporous membranes are not without their challenges. They are prone to blockages from salts, surfactants, body oils, and fine fibers. To overcome these issues, innovative textile designs often employ two or three layers of laminated fabric, ensuring durability and sustained performance.
While most of the fabrics in our Ski and Outdoor collections feature hydrophilic membranes, our special Xpore series offers both 2.5 and 3-layer fabrics that incorporate microporous membranes, recycled from electronic waste.
Textile coating is a practice with roots stretching back to ancient China's Spring and Autumn Period (770-481 B.C.). In those early days, artisans applied lacquer to fabrics, creating "lacquer cloth" characterized by its glossy, rigid, and enduring qualities.
Nowadays, coating involves applying a layer of adhesive directly onto the fabric. This not only enhances the fabric's waterproof and breathable qualities but also amplifies its tensile strength. The benefits don’t stop there: fabrics gain flame resistance, antistatic properties, and sometimes, an elegant leather-like appearance. Simplicity and cost-effectiveness make coating a popular choice for an array of garments, from down jackets and packable outdoor jackets to raincoats and even specialized firefighting apparel.
In crafting the perfect outdoor jacket, deciding between lamination and coating is a key step. Each method brings its unique strengths to the table: lamination with its unparalleled performance in extreme conditions and coating with its versatility and cost-effectiveness. Understanding these technologies not only guides brands in making smart choices but also ensures that customers can enjoy their outdoor activities, with no unexpected mishaps dampening their day!
