Known as a high-performance fabric with roots in the outdoor industry, GORE-TEX is widely used in outerwear and pants that look great as everyday streetwear. In this article, we’ve selected standout GORE-TEX garments from three categories—coats, jackets, and pants—and will introduce them along with care instructions!
CONTENTS
- What exactly is GORE-TEX? | A waterproof, breathable fabric developed in the U.S. about 50 years ago and used in all kinds of fashion items in recent years
- How to Care for Gore-Tex Garments | The Three Basics: Washing, Drying, and Restoring Water Repellency!
- 5 Recommended GORE-TEX Coats
- 6 Recommended Gore-Tex Jackets
- 4 Recommended Gore-Tex Pants
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What exactly is GORE-TEX?A waterproof, breathable fabric developed in the U.S. about 50 years ago and used in all kinds of fashion items in recent years
GORE-TEX is a high-performance fabric that combines waterproof durability, breathability, and wind resistance.Developed by W.L. Gore & Associates in the U.S., it was first used in tents in 1976 and has since become widely popular, particularly in outdoor gear and rainwear. Today, it has become a staple in functional clothing and footwear.
Photo: Reuters/Aflo
At the core of its performance is an ultra-thin membrane known as the “Gore-Tex Membrane.” This membrane features approximately 1.4 billion microscopic pores per square centimeter.These pores are about one-twentieth of the size of a water droplet and approximately 700 times larger than a water vapor molecule, creating a structure that blocks water while allowing vapor to escape. Furthermore, because it is wind-resistant, it maintains comfort even in inclement weather.While this material has long been highly regarded in the outdoor sector, it has recently been widely adopted for everyday items as well.
How to Care for Gore-Tex GarmentsThe Three Basics: Washing, Drying, and Restoring Water Repellency!
Proper care—including washing, drying, and applying a water-repellent treatment—helps Gore-Tex garments retain their functionality for longer.First, it is important to check the care label on the garment itself before washing. Even among Gore-Tex garments, the outer fabric, accessories, and specifications vary by product, so please be sure to follow the brand’s instructions carefully.
”How”Close
”][Step 1]
First, check the care label on the garment before washing and follow the instructions.When washing, make sure to close all zippers and pockets. Also, secure any flaps and straps tightly.
[Step 2]
Use a small amount of liquid laundry detergent.Avoid using powder detergents, bleach, fabric softeners, or stain removers. Place the garment in the washing machine and wash in lukewarm water at 40°C or below. Rinse thoroughly—aim for about twice the usual rinse cycle—and spin-dry briefly and gently. The key is to rinse well to ensure no detergent remains in the fabric.
”How”After
”]【Step 1】
After rinsing thoroughly, wring out the excess water and hang to dry in the shade until completely dry.If using a dryer, avoid high heat and select medium heat.
[Step 2]
Once the garment is dry, set the dryer to warm air and dry it for an additional 20 minutes to refresh the durable water-repellent (DWR) finish. If you don’t have a dryer, iron the garment on a low heat setting with a cloth over it, without steam. If you feel the garment’s durable water-repellent finish is weakening, please repeat this step.
”How”If
”][Step 1]
If the garment’s surface no longer repels water even after restoring water repellency with a dryer or iron following washing, re-treatment is essential. Please use a commercially available wash-in or spray-on water repellent.
[Step 2]
After applying a commercial water-repellent treatment, select the warm air setting on your dryer and dry the garment for 20 minutes.If you do not use a dryer, iron the garment on a low heat setting with a pressing cloth, without steam. Additionally, for “GORE-TEX Garments with Persistent Beading Surface” such as GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY garments, the GORE-TEX membrane is used as the surface material and there is no outer fabric, so the use of a water-repellent treatment is unnecessary.
