Waterproof breathable fabrics: demand for comfort is driving innovation

December 2013 | 38 pages | ID: W6D3DC6437CEN
Textiles Intelligence Ltd

Abstracts

Waterproof breathable fabrics - which protect against rain, wind and snow while allowing perspiration vapour to escape - are among the most technically advanced in the performance apparel market. And they have become even more high-tech as a result of developments in fields as diverse as biomimicry, silicon-based technology (SBT) and plasma technology. The market for waterproof breathable fabrics is poised to enjoy robust growth as combined demand from the outdoor wear, personal protective equipment (PPE), military and other segments is forecast to grow by an average of 5% per annum between 2011 and 2016. Competition and innovation in the industry seem set to intensify, as companies strive to create environmentally friendly garments which offer higher levels of comfort. This report provides a wealth of information, insight and analysis on the market for waterproof breathable fabrics, as well as applications for waterproof breathable materials. It also features information on the development of waterproof breathable constructions, and standards for testing waterproofness, water repellency and breathability. It includes information on waterproof breathable garments and ways of achieving waterproof breathability in apparel. Furthermore, the report presents the latest product innovations, as well as an outlook for the future.

Contents

SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION

DEVELOPMENT OF WATERPROOF BREATHABLE

CONSTRUCTIONS

THE MARKET FOR WATERPROOF BREATHABLE FABRICS

WATERPROOF BREATHABILITY IN PERFORMANCE APPAREL

Waterproofness
Water repellency
Breathability

TESTING STANDARDS FOR WATERPROOFNESS, WATER

REPELLENCY AND BREATHABILITY

Waterproofness
Water repellency
Breathability

WAYS OF ACHIEVING WATERPROOF BREATHABILITY IN

APPAREL

Tightly woven fabrics
Waterproof breathable technologies
Coated fabrics
Laminated fabrics
Coatings and membranes
Durable water repellent (DWR) finishes

WATERPROOF BREATHABLE GARMENTS

Composition of waterproof breathable garments
Construction of waterproof breathable garments
Design features of waterproof breathable garments

APPLICATIONS OF WATERPROOF BREATHABLE MATERIALS

INNOVATIONS IN WATERPROOF BREATHABLE MATERIALS

APT Fabrics: Aclimatise
Clariant: Arkophob FFR
Columbia Sportswear: Omni-Dry
DOW Corning: DOW Corning DWR-7000 Soft Hydro Guard
GE (General Electric): eVent DVL
HeiQ Materials: Barrier ECO
Helly Hansen: Helly Tech
Huntsman Textile Effects: Phobotex
Jack Wolfskin: Texapore
Lowe Alpine: Triplepoint Ceramic
Marmot: Membrain Strata
Marmot: Nanopro
Marmot: Precip
Mitsui & Co: Pertex
Mountain Hardwear: Dry.Q
Nextec Applications: EPIC
Nike: Storm-FIT
Patagonia: H2No
P2i: ion-mask
Polartec: Polartec NeoShell
Schoeller Technologies: Ecorepel
Sympatex Technologies: Sympatex
Sympatex Technologies and Rudolf Group: Bionic-Finish Eco
Tanatex Chemicals: HydrECO Concept
The North Face: HyVent
Toray Industries: Entrant
W L Gore & Associates: Gore-Tex

OUTLOOK

List Of Tables

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Waterproof ratings
Table 2: Waterproof ratings of selected waterproof breathable fabrics
Table 3: Breathability ratings of selected waterproof breathable fabrics
Table 4: RET values and wear comfort
Table 5: Applications of waterproof breathable fabrics in apparel, footwear and accessories

List Of Figures

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Global waterproof breathable fabrics market, 2008-16
Figure 2: Global waterproof breathable fabrics market by end-use application, 2011
Figure 3: Illustration of Polartec NeoShell
Figure 4: Illustration of fabric treated with ecorepel
Figure 5: Gore-Tex Pro