Options and performance characteristics of membrane clothing. What is membrane fabric? What is the material of membrane for outerwear?

The membrane resolved a controversial issue. How to get breathable clothes with water-repellent properties. What's the secret? The fact is that each pore of the membrane is so small that it will not allow even a drop of water to pass through, but the pore is large enough to remove steam, which is smaller in structure, from the body. By combining different types of membranes and related fabrics, manufacturers create clothing with unique properties for different applications.

In membrane clothing there are 4 main areas of application:

for cardio exercises (running, cycling);
for mountaineering;
everyday wear, tourism, hunting, fishing;
for classic winter sports - skiing, snowboarding.

It is this classification that narrows the scope of choice for membrane clothing and allows you not to get lost in the sea of proposals. To find out which group of products to focus on, during the purchase, read the manufacturers' catalogs or take advice from sellers. And proceed to the next stage - selecting the optimal characteristics.

Water resistance and vapor permeability

It is water resistance and vapor permeability that characterize the main properties of the membrane. Water resistance is especially important if you plan to exercise in poor weather conditions. It is calculated using special devices that simulate a water column. The more water pressure the membrane fabric can withstand, the better it will protect its owner.

These 2 indicators can be indicated on clothing labels. Water resistance in mm water column, and vapor permeability in MVTR or RET. More about this below.

In some cases, the manufacturer indicates only the scope of application of the product, without specifying MVTR or RET.

Water resistance

The water resistance indicator is grouped as follows:

more than 20,000 mm - clothing is suitable for use during a storm, heavy rain with strong winds;
10000-20000 mm – withstands heavy rain or downpour;
5000-10000 mm – moderate rain;
1000-5000 mm – light rain, fog;
<1000 мм – только ветрозащитные свойства.

Despite the variation in water resistance, manufacturers often offer a membrane with the highest protective properties. In this way, as if guaranteeing their clients comfort during any bad weather.

For lovers of hiking, fishing and hunting, are produced.

Vapor permeability

Vapor permeability in membrane clothing is much more important than water resistance. It is she who is responsible for comfort during active physical activity, when the body produces steam that needs to be removed quickly and efficiently.

To calculate vapor permeability, 2 main methods are used:

MVTR involves testing samples for the fabric's ability to transmit water vapor. The resulting indicator is recorded as X g/m2/24 hours, with an X value of more than 13,000 - extremely breathable clothing, from 6,000 to 13,000 - excellent breathability, below 6,000 - clothing with a moderate ability to release steam.
RET- a reverse technique that calculates how the fabric resists the release of steam. It was originally used by Gore-Tex. The vapor permeability scale according to the RET method looks like this: from 0-6 - nothing prevents the escape of steam, extremely breathable fabric, 6-13 - excellent breathability, 13-20 - fabric with moderately breathable properties, more than 20 - the fabric does not breathe.

Vapor permeability indicators calculated using 2 methods are not always identical. This is due to the testing conditions in different research centers.

In view of this, some manufacturers indicate both values on the tag, others - only an indicator calculated using one method, and others may not give specific values to the consumer at all (in order to avoid comparing clothes with competitors’ products based on only one indicator).

What level of vapor permeability to choose

High vapor permeability rates are especially important for active physical activity. If you plan to wear membrane clothing only while walking, a vapor permeability rating of 6-10 RET is sufficient.

Types of membranes by structure and purpose

The membrane is a very thin film with tiny holes. It is able to transmit steam coming from the body and at the same time remain resistant to humidity from the outside, not allowing even small particles of water to pass through.

This is what membrane tissue with pores looks like under a microscope

The structure of the membrane plays an important role in its operation and even its service life.

What types are there?

Poreless– they work indirectly, since the steam first settles on the inner surface of the membrane and then gradually evaporates under pressure. Poreless membranes are durable and easy to maintain;
Pore– very well “breathable” membranes, but require careful care;
Combined– combines the characteristics of both pore and non-pore membranes. This type is used by all leading manufacturers;
eVent- a new class in membranes, manufacturers have “taught” the pore membrane to repel dirt and fats, thereby giving it greater durability.

Review of druft jacket with eVent membrane

The purpose of membranes also varies:

Windproof– usually work in conjunction with fleece (polartec) fabric, onto which a layer of water-repellent impregnation is applied. Such clothing is optimal for use in the off-season; it warms well and can withstand light rain. All windproof membranes are durable, inexpensive and easy to maintain.
Wind- And waterproof– a classic in the membrane industry. They are designed to operate even during bad weather conditions. They have good water-repellent and windproof properties, while maintaining the ability to breathe. These membranes are expensive and difficult to maintain.

Membrane Protective Fabrics

The membrane (due to its thinness) in clothing is always covered by fabric, which must first withstand the impact of wind, rain or snowfall.

The inner lining is in the form of a mesh that protects it.

Its properties are influenced by the following indicators:

Fiber type- These are synthetic materials nylon or polyester. They have approximately the same properties, but nylon is more durable, and polyester is cheaper and warmer. In rare cases, elastic materials are used in membrane clothing, since the membrane is very sensitive to stretching.
Thickness and weight of threads– this indicator is designated as Den or D (denier) and is calculated as the weight of 9 km of the designated thread. High denier fabrics are very durable and quite heavy.
Density– calculated in g/m2. High rates always characterize heavy, dense fabric.

Every manufacturer is always looking for the ideal light, durable and at the same time inexpensive fabric. But in practice, you always have to look for a compromise between the weight of the product and strength.

If you are not planning to conquer mountain peaks, but are choosing clothes to wear in city mode or short hikes, inexpensive membrane jackets are quite suitable. They have sufficient density, moderate weight and reasonable price.

For mountaineering and freeride Only ultra-strong and lightweight materials are suitable, which are tested for resistance to friction and tearing. These fabrics are very expensive, which affects the final cost of the products.

If you are doing long hikes, make sure that the membrane jacket is wear-resistant, since the backpack straps create friction during movement and can damage both the fabric itself and the membrane.

For aerobic exercise Lightweight fabric with moderate strength is ideal. However, it is advisable to move in such clothes on terrain without obstacles.

Methods for connecting membrane to fabric

In order for the membrane and fabric to work together, they are connected. Outer fabric - membrane - inner lining. It turns out to be a kind of sandwich.

How does it work:

2-layer materials (2L or 2-layer) - are obtained by simply attaching a membrane to the inside of the fabric. This method has a significant drawback - the membrane wears out quickly, since it is not covered with anything from the inside. Sometimes manufacturers add a conventional 3rd layer in this scheme - a lining in the form of a mesh or soft fabric, but it does not serve as full protection for the membrane.
2.5-layer materials (2.5L or 2.5-layer) are very similar to 2-layer materials, only the function of covering the membrane is not performed by a mesh, but by a special coating. This membrane fastening scheme allows maintaining the flexibility and durability of the membrane.
3-layer materials (3L or 3-layer) are a kind of monolith of fabric, membrane and lining. Clothing with this type of membrane fastening is quite heavy and inflexible, but benefits from a long service life.

A brief educational program on labeling fabrics with heat-saving properties

Designations:

Soft Shell - especially soft, comfortable, flexible material;
Windbloc, Windtec - products with these designations provide excellent wind protection, but do not guarantee water-repellent properties;
Windstopper - an improved line of clothing from Gore with good wind protection;
Polartec Thermal Pro is a good warming material, essentially a slightly improved Polartec;
Polartec Wind Pro - warming material with excellent windproof function, can protect against light rain;
Polartec 200 is one of the most popular heat-saving materials for jackets;
Resist Techno Soft Shell is the latest material on the membrane clothing market, provides excellent warmth and has increased breathability. Suitable for active sports;
Rip Stop is a fabric with a special weave structure, therefore durable and wear-resistant;
Gore-Tex is the world's first patented membrane;
Sympatex is a German high-tech membrane that is used in clothing and footwear;
eVent is an advanced pore membrane, ideal for clothing for extreme sports;
ComforTex is a membrane from an Italian manufacturer with wind- and water-repellent properties.

Pay attention to the cut features

Manufacturers are no less scrupulous about the sewing process than they are about the selection of fabric and membrane type. If the model does not fit perfectly, the whole point of membrane clothing will come to naught.

At the first stage, fashion designers prepare a pattern. It should take into account the main nuances of future physical activity. Everything is important here: from calculating the seam allowance to the width of the elastic bands on the cuffs.

For greater functionality in clothing, the areas most susceptible to wear are sealed, making the base of the product from lighter materials. This allows you to reduce the cost while maintaining the quality and lightness of the finished garment.

On overalls and trousers, the bottom of the legs, knees and buttocks are sealed. In jackets, thickening is done on the elbows, cuffs, and shoulders. It is membrane clothing that is characterized by offset shoulder and back seams - this helps reduce the friction of the backpack during long hikes.

In general, membrane clothing is not the place for modeling frills, so manufacturers produce 3 main types of cut:

Athletic– designed for intense physical activity (running, cycling). Assumes an ideal fit to the figure (it, accordingly, should also be fit). Clothing of this cut follows the curves of the body as closely as possible; under it you can only wear thin thermal underwear and a fitted fleece jacket.
Regular cut is more versatile. It allows you to wear thermal underwear and a second, denser insulating layer. It is comfortable to wear this type of clothing for a long time; it does not restrict movement. Suitable for hiking, walking and other light activity.
Loose fit designed specifically for use in unstable climates. Under such clothes you can wear a different number of insulating layers. It is suitable even for people who do not have an ideal physique. But the main purpose of a loose cut is to be used during expeditions, long hikes and for low-impact sports.

All the subtleties are in the details. An important point when choosing

Membrane clothing is a kind of standard in textile production. She does not tolerate crooked stitches and especially poor fittings. But for its good functionality, a “reliable rear” is needed.

What to look for when choosing. Using the example of a review of The North Face Men Tethian jacket

Sealing seams

Any sewing needle leaves holes in the fabric. And if no one pays attention to them in ordinary clothes, then in membrane clothes moisture can leak through these holes. To eliminate this defect, in all models the seams are sealed, i.e. The top is glued with a special tape.

Ventilation

During active movement, the body quickly heats up. In order to remove the generated heat (steam) as efficiently as possible, manufacturers provide additional ventilation. On jackets in the armpit area, and on trousers along the inner seam, zippers are sewn in. Sometimes an additional folding pocket can serve as additional ventilation, which, however, is only appropriate in lightweight models.

Hood

The upper part of the jacket is one of the most vulnerable places in the entire complex of membrane clothing. The hood should provide protection here. For driving in normal weather conditions, models with a simple cut are suitable. They can handle moderate rain and snow quite well. During extreme travel and mountain hiking, the hood should fit well to the helmet. To do this, it is given a more complex shape and several adjustments are provided.

Lightning

The accessories used in membrane clothing are of the highest quality. Despite the fact that in good zippers the teeth fit together as closely as possible, in heavy rain conditions they can also become vulnerable. In budget clothing, zippers are hidden under a fabric strip for additional protection. In more modern and expensive models they are treated with a special polymer. It prevents water from seeping inside, as it tends to repel it.

Be sure to check all zippers (not just the main ones) before purchasing.

Changing snakes (runners) in membrane clothing is very difficult, since during repairs the tightness of the seams may be compromised and the product will lose its properties.
Check whether it is easy to fasten the zipper while wearing gloves. If it grabs the fabric, be sure to put the item aside. “Playing” with bad lightning during bad weather is not a pleasant experience.

Pockets

These elements in membrane clothing should be both comfortable and functional. Consider what you will need in an easily accessible place and whether the pockets meet these requirements.

The above features of such clothing are the main ones, but not the only ones.

There are other additional options:

Fleece inserts on the inner surface of the jacket/pants provide additional protection for the membrane;
a flexible visor on the hood will cover your face from wind, rain or snowfall;
snow skirt - for severe cold weather and mountaineering, it is not just an additional option, but another main factor of protection.

Who produces

When choosing membrane clothing, the last thing you should pay attention to is the price of the product. By the way, it can be both transcendental and more democratic. It all depends on the “renowned” manufacturer, the quality and type of membrane, the characteristics of the top layer of fabric, etc.

The most famous manufacturers of such clothing:

The North Face is an American brand widely known throughout the world. The company's developers were directly involved in improving the Gore-Tex membrane. One of the main areas is clothing for mountaineering. Now the company's product list includes almost the entire arsenal of things for sports and tourism.
Marmot is a North American company with over 50 years of experience. Produces clothing with a PreCip membrane.
Black Yak, a company originally from Korea, confidently occupies key positions not only in the Asian market, but throughout the world. The main direction is clothing for mountaineering.
Arcteryx - this Canadian brand is well known to all extreme athletes. The company has many years of experience, established itself in the last century and confidently holds its own in the market.
Norrona is a European brand that was the first to release a jacket with a Gore-Tex type membrane. One of the most recognizable companies in Scandinavia.
Decathlon is a French manufacturer of budget sports equipment. Models are easy to select thanks to the available classification. Before going on sale, all products are tested, so the buyer can be confident in the quality of the product. The price of membrane clothing from Decathlon is one of the most affordable.

How to wear it correctly

Membrane clothing suggests the presence of allies. To begin with, it's right. It must correspond to the type of physical activity. If thermal underwear does not cope well with moisture removal, the operation of subsequent layers is also at risk.
The second layer of clothing - also insulating - should work in conjunction with thermal underwear and membrane clothing. Choose a fleece jacket or jumper in accordance with the temperature conditions. If necessary, wear not one, but 2-3 layers (). The membrane clothing itself is the final, 3rd link in the overall complex.

Remember: only a well-thought-out set of clothes will not spoil the overall impression of wearing things with a membrane. If you feel cold or, on the contrary, overheat, try changing your thermal underwear or a second layer.

Having bought membrane clothing, be sure to. This way you will extend the life of things and thereby minimize one of the main disadvantages of the membrane - high cost and fragility.

Membrane clothing has both a large number of its adherents and those who do not recognize it and trust ordinary things. The former are always up to date with new products, and the latter are lured by manufacturers with interesting cuts, bright combinations and even promotional offers. So, this type of clothing is gradually gaining a place in the market, in our closets, and it does so more than confidently, because it is not afraid of either fashion trends, global warming, and especially the weather in the house.

Skiers, climbers and many other lovers are very careful when choosing clothing for hiking. After all, during a hike, it is very important that, on the one hand, it is light and non-bulky clothing, and on the other hand, it ensures they are dry and warm during the hike. Keeping your body warm and dry helps you avoid getting sick, because moisture or cold often provoke the development of various types of colds.

With the development of new technologies, membrane clothing is becoming increasingly popular among outdoor enthusiasts. It, with sufficiently high strength and lightness, allows the body to remain warm and dry. What is a membrane, how does it differ from other types of fabric?

What is a membrane, its features and types?

In essence, a membrane is a multilayer fabric that consists of 2 or even more layers. The outer one is wear-resistant, the inner one is soft. Between them there is also a membrane and protective layers. Thanks to this structure, these fabrics perfectly perform the function of protection from wind and water.

There are several types of membrane tissues:

Poreless. Such membranes do not contain micropores. As a result of this, sweat and moisture, which is released by the body, accumulates first on the inside and only then, through diffusion, is removed outside. Under such fabric, a person feels constantly wet, since diffusion occurs much slower than sweating during active movement. However, poreless ones have many advantages; they, while retaining all the positive properties of membrane fabric, are the most durable and easy to maintain.
Pore. The fabric contains very small pores. This allows the fabric to “breathe”. The fabric perfectly retains moisture that falls on it from the outside, while at the same time it allows sweat and moisture from the human body to pass out. Under clothing, the body remains completely dry. With all the abundance of the advantages described above, this fabric has several disadvantages. Let's look at which ones exactly. Firstly, micropores become clogged over time and the advantage of breathable and waterproof fabric is negated. Secondly, it is more demanding to care for.
Combined. Of the above, this is the best option. In fact, it contains two layers of membrane instead of one. Closer to the body - porous, and then also non-porous on top. Thus, while maintaining all the advantages of the pore membrane, it, due to the additional layer, becomes more durable and easier to use and maintain.

In addition to varieties in structure, there are different fabrics in design and texture.

By design, two-, two-and-a-half and three-layer membranes can be distinguished.

The first option is ordinary fabric, from which, for example, any other item of clothing is made. Only this fabric has a membrane applied on the inside. In addition, they must have a protective lining so that the fabric does not get dirty, rubs less, does not tear or become clogged.

In the second option, knitted pimples act as a protective layer. This allows you to reduce the weight of clothes.

Well, the last option is three-layer. Here comes regular fabric, then membrane and mesh. All of them are held together using lamination and look like ordinary single-layer fabric in appearance. The inner layer also protects the suit from damage, but at the same time the weight of the clothing becomes even less.

There are also differences in fabric texture. It all depends on the method of weaving the threads and their thickness. The texture, in addition to external differences, significantly affects the weight of the finished product, its water resistance and strength.

Ski suits, jackets and other warm clothes are insulated using fabric called Twill. This is a warm and dense fabric with thick fibers, smooth and super durable.

Ripstop is a lighter type of membrane and at the same time very durable. Both thin and thick fibers are used here. This fabric does not come apart even if damaged. Outwardly, it looks a little like a honeycomb. Most often, this type of fabric is used for expensive products.

What should you pay attention to when choosing membrane clothing?

If you are going to buy such clothes, you should pay attention to the manufacturer, reviews of the items, properties, performance characteristics, etc.

Manufacturer. It is difficult to talk about which manufacturer is better. There are top manufacturers that are known all over the world. For example, Toray, Event, Unitika. However, the cost of things will be significant. There are also lesser-known companies - Milo, Salewa or the Chinese brand Wakarda. Here, of course, it’s up to the buyer to decide, although, as practice shows, even relatively inexpensive suits from Wakarda, according to reviews, are very good in use. The main thing is to choose the right size and parameters, study the description and characteristics of the product, and treat things with care.
Waterproof. In addition to the brand, you should also pay attention to the waterproof parameters. In the most budget options, water resistance indicators are at the level of 3 thousand mm. This fabric can withstand a light drizzle, but it will no longer be able to withstand a downpour. In expensive products this figure is about 20 thousand mm. They don't get wet even in a storm.
Breathability. This figure varies from 3 thousand g/m2 per day for budget products and up to 8000 g/m2 for expensive ones. The ability to remove accumulated sweat from under the fabric depends on it, which accordingly affects thermoregulation.
Seam taping. An equally important parameter. The water resistance parameter partially depends on it. Budget or urban clothing, as a rule, has taping only at the main seams. In this case, the seams may leak. But if all the seams are taped, then leakage at the joints of the fabric is completely eliminated. This sizing is typical for expensive models, as well as in the case of three-layer membranes.
Material of other layers. This parameter is more relevant to . Here we mean the insulation of winter clothes, because the membrane is just a thin fabric that does not heat. That is why winter suits contain insulation. In autumn-spring versions it can be fleece. Down or its substitutes are most often used in winter clothing.

However, recently, especially on expensive things, they have been using another, completely new material. This is Outlast phase-transition insulation. It consists of microcapsules that can turn into liquid during active human movement and accumulate heat. But when a person stops moving and the body cools down, these microparticles turn into a solid state and give off heat. Such items are lighter than their fleece or down counterparts, but the cost of the product increases significantly due to the insulation.

How to wear membrane clothing?

It is very important for those who use membrane clothing to dress properly under it. It is important to dress in layers to...

The first layer should consist of socks and underwear with long sleeves and legs. It's better to take thermal underwear.

The next layer is insulating. If it’s not very cold outside and, for example, the suit already has good insulation, then this layer can be skipped. If not, then it is better to use fleece items; they are light, warm and breathable.

Well, the third layer is the membrane jacket and pants itself. Don’t forget about the hat, because very often, if you choose the wrong hat, the top of your head remains open. It is important not to forget that through the top of the head a person loses a lot of heat, up to 90%.

Features of operation

If you have purchased or are just about to buy a ski suit or any other membrane, it is important not to forget that such things are very demanding to care for. After all, no one wants a high-quality and quite expensive thing to soon turn into an unusable rag. It is important to properly store, wash, and iron such items. In addition, they require additional care products, such as special impregnations.

Storage. It is very important to store such things correctly. Manufacturers do not recommend folding them. After all, in places where there are kinks, the fabric becomes damaged over time and loses its properties. The best storage option is hanging on hangers. For safety, it is better to put a cover on top.
How to wash? If we talk about washing, it is important to remember that such things should be washed exclusively according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which are often indicated on the label. It indicates the temperature at which you can wash, and the mode of ironing, drying, etc. But there are also general requirements. You cannot wash things in very hot water, the optimal temperature is 40 °C, and if there are special marks on the label, it may be less. Membrane items should only be washed using special detergents, otherwise the fabric will be damaged and the pores will become clogged. It is also important not to forget that it is better to wash by hand, without pre-soaking, as the membrane may peel off. After washing, things are not wrung out, but simply allowed to drain.
Drying, ironing. It should be dried unfolded, or placed on a horizontal surface. But ironing is not recommended.
Impregnation. Another important stage is impregnation. Impregnation allows you to preserve the product and significantly increases its service life. Impregnation is applied to clean items. You should only use a product that is intended for the specified type of fabric and type of item. For example, a suit, a hat, boots and a camping tent cannot be treated with the same impregnation. Most often these are four different types of impregnation.

Optional, but DWR coating can be used. This coating has water-repellent properties, and droplets of water falling on the surface are not absorbed, but simply roll into balls. It extends the service life of membrane items.

Membrane fabrics have been actively used in the production of casual clothing for several years. Having proven itself well as the main material in the equipment of athletes, hunters and fishermen, membrane fabric has become indispensable in the development of outerwear for adults and children.

Membrane fabric is, as a rule, a synthetic material to which a membrane is “welded”. A membrane is a thin polymer film, the porous structure of which prevents moisture from penetrating from the outside, but at the same time allows water vapor to escape freely. This happens because the pores of the membrane are several thousand times smaller than a drop of water, but larger than a water molecule. A drop cannot pass through the pores, but molecules of steam (or sweat) pass through the pores easily. This turns membrane fabric into an excellent barrier to external moisture, and at the same time, clothing made from membrane fabric remains breathable and comfortable for a person.

Membrane fabrics differ in the type of membrane itself (pore size, their density per square millimeter), and in the method of connection with the clothing material. But all membrane fabrics are characterized by high water resistance and vapor permeability (the fabrics “breathe”).

Vapor permeability– moisture evaporation (moisture and steam removal, “breathing”) properties of a material are measured by the amount of water vapor that the material is able to pass through a unit area per day. The most common unit of measurement is g/m2/24 hours. In assortment DIDRIKSONS models of outerwear made from membrane fabrics with vapor permeability of at least 4000 g/m 2 /24 hours are presented.

To enhance the protective qualities, many membrane fabrics are strengthened with additional layers of base fabrics, insulation, and impregnated with special agents that help increase the level of moisture-proof characteristics of clothing.

DIDRIKSONS1913 widely uses membrane fabrics in the production of its products. In some of its products, DIDRIKSONS uses an additional water-repellent external fabric treatment - DWR (Durable Water Repellence). This technology prevents the internal fibers of the fabric from becoming saturated with moisture in the event of rain, snow, light drizzle and fog. All products labeled STORMSYSTEM are specially designed for particularly difficult climatic conditions, the fabric from which they are made is completely waterproof, and all seams are stitched or soldered using a special technology.

How to wear clothes made from membrane fabrics correctly

The basic principle of using membrane clothing is multi-layering. The membrane helps maintain a microclimate under clothing; it retains heat inside and removes moisture outside, preventing it from being absorbed into clothing. Therefore, for warm but damp weather, it will be enough to wear one layer of clothing under a jacket made of membrane fabric. In colder weather, you can wear an additional layer of fleece or wool, depending on the air temperature.

Using the principle of multi-layering in clothing will help you adapt to changes in temperature and climatic conditions, and will allow you not to overheat when changing temperature conditions. When entering a room from the street, it is enough to simply remove the top layer of clothing.

It is desirable that the first, or underwear, layer of clothing be made of mixed fabrics (semi-synthetic). The fact is that cotton underwear is highly hygroscopic and perfectly absorbs moisture, instead of removing it from the body and allowing it to evaporate through the overalls. In the cold season, the best option for an underwear layer is special thermal underwear, moisture-wicking and heat-saving.

The second layer of clothing can be woolen clothing (mixed with synthetic fabrics that wick away moisture) or clothing made from artificial materials, such as fleece. Between the fibers of fleece fabric there is a layer of air, which is known to be the best thermal insulator. Unlike natural fabrics (for example, cotton), good fleece does not accumulate moisture, but removes condensation and, thanks to its loose structure, provides the necessary ventilation when overheated. It is desirable that the second layer is voluminous and retains heat.

And finally, the third layer is clothing made of membrane fabric (jackets, windbreakers, parkas, raincoats, capes).

It is important to remember that the membrane works to protect against external moisture and to remove body moisture to the outside. Those. The membrane will “work” most effectively when a person is actively moving, for example, when walking quickly or playing sports. Therefore, clothing made from membrane fabrics is not suitable for a person who spends a lot of time outdoors but moves little.

The DIDRIKSONS 1913 assortment includes a large selection of models for combining with clothes made of membrane fabric. The collections for adults, teenagers and children include insulating underwear with a high wool content, underwear, jackets and fleece jackets, all to comply with the principle of layering in clothing.

Caring for clothes made from membrane fabrics

The most important rule for caring for DIDRIKSONS1913 brand clothing is to strictly follow the instructions indicated on the label of each product.

Almost all DIDRIKSONS products are washable, with the exception of polyurethane products. It is enough to wipe their top layer with a damp cloth. But for those cases when washing is necessary, there are special recommendations.

For all products, without exception, it is necessary to use delicate detergent– This is especially important for soft fabrics, as well as water-resistant fabrics. Better do not use rinse aids, so they can disrupt the special properties of fabrics and reduce water resistance. Select the washing program and temperature based on the product instructions.

Before washing it is necessary fasten all buttons, zippers, fasteners. This is necessary to avoid additional wear and tear on the product during washing, and also to avoid damaging the washing machine itself. Clothing is desirable wash inside out by hand in order to damage the polyurethane coating as little as possible. Before washing, be sure to read the product instructions to learn all the washing details.

As soon as the wash is completed, you must immediately remove the clothes from the washing machine. This will protect against unwanted coloring of some parts of clothing by other, brighter ones.

Drying clothes to restore the waterproof properties of clothes

To restore the waterproof properties of clothes after washing, it is necessary subject the product to heat treatment. This can be done with an iron or hairdryer. It is not recommended to dry clothes in a drying cabinet, as the drying temperatures there are too high. In some cases, you can resort to using a drying cabinet, but the temperature should not be higher than that recommended by the washing instructions. That is, if the instructions indicate that the product can be washed at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, then it is not advisable to exceed this temperature regime in the drying cabinet.

Multilayer clothing of the STORM system is additionally impregnated with special substances that increase the waterproof, moisture-proof, but at the same time maintain the breathable properties of the clothing. And therefore, so that after washing the clothes show the same functional characteristics as before washing, it is necessary to additionally impregnate the product with special substances. Almost every sports and travel store offers such products - almost all of them are suitable for our clothing.

Clothes storage

Do not store membrane clothing packed or folded, if she is still wet after a walk. This may cause wrinkles and cracks in the water-repellent coating. The best option for drying clothes after going outside is on a hanger. It is advisable to store clothes at room temperature, excluding the possibility of direct sunlight. Before drying, it is better to remove any dirt from the surface.

Follow the product care instructions, and your favorite DIDRIKSONS 1913 clothing will last you a very long time!

Thanks to the development of innovative technologies for the invention of fabrics, today in the assortment you can see a wide selection of multifunctional fabrics; membrane remains one of them. This is a semi-permeable material, which is presented in the form of a film with a special structure. Multilayer fabrics that are equipped with such a film are called membrane fabrics.

In finished garments, they are able to repel water from the outside, but still allow moisture that builds up inside to evaporate. The bottom layer of material is soft, and the top layer is protective and wear-resistant. But the middle one is protective matter and a membrane.

Description of fabric Membrane

The membrane is a synthetic material. It has the following properties:

Waterproof. This indicator is presented in digital form. Indicates the water pressure that matter can withstand. When purchasing membrane-based products, this criterion must be taken into account. If the product has the number 3,000, this indicates that the material is able to resist light rain. But material with an index of 10,000 is not afraid of heavy rain. Material with 20,000 is a product that will not get wet even in severe bad weather and stormy conditions.
Vapor release. This criterion is also presented in number format. Displays the amount of steam in g/m2 of fabric that comes out per day. The higher this criterion, the better the material.
Wind protection. With membrane-based products, you don’t have to worry about getting chilled by strong winds.

Types and characteristics of membrane material

Membrane fabric today comes in various types. If we consider fabric by fabric design, we distinguish the following types:

A distinctive feature is that instead of a lining there is foam knitwear. Such membrane clothing has even less weight, but this does not affect its properties in any way.

The video shows a description of the membrane fabric:

Compound

Membrane fabrics today can be produced based on the following materials:

Tensela. This material is obtained from eucalyptus wood. The fabric is distinguished by its softness, it is pleasant to the body and perfectly absorbs moisture. You can read in detail at the link.
Polyester. This material is known to everyone for its ability to hold its shape. It is pleasant to the body, does not wrinkle, has high strength and a long service life. Described here.
Cotton. This is a soft material that is pleasant to the touch. It does not create static electricity, retains heat and absorbs moisture. The links are listed.
Bamboo. This fabric is hypoallergenic and durable. It blocks the sun's rays, absorbs moisture and unpleasant odors, and is also pleasant to the body. you can find out what bamboo fiber is, whether it is synthetic or not.
Teflon. This matter is equipped with micropores that are present on the outer surface. The material does not allow water to pass through, but moisture evaporates well without collecting inside. The disadvantage of the material is that the pores can become clogged, as a result of which the evaporation process is disrupted.
Polyurethane. There are no pores on its surface. The material does not allow water to pass through. The moisture that is concentrated inside first accumulates on the wrong side and then evaporates. The downside of the canvas is that moisture evaporation does not occur immediately, which can result in the feeling that the product is wet. Also read,.
Combined material. Inside the canvas there is a foam membrane, and on top of it is a protective layer. It prevents pores from getting clogged. This material has all the advantages that are characteristic of polyurethane and Teflon.

The photo shows the structure of the membrane fabric:

Application

Today, membrane fabric has become actively used for the manufacture of workwear. In the production of jackets, technology is used using dense polyester or high-quality nylon. Membrane fabric has also proven itself to be excellent when sewing moisture-resistant suits.

The following manufacturers often use membrane fabric in the production of clothing:

In addition to the manufacture of workwear, membrane fabric is in great demand in the following industries:

skiing and mountain tourism;
mountaineering;
hunting and fishing;
winter sports;
travel and active recreation.

Video: use of fabric: clothing, insulation, lining

The video describes the use of membrane fabric as insulation:

Price per meter

The average wholesale price for membrane fabric is 350 rubles per m. Taking into account the manufacturer and the characteristics of the material, the cost can reach a maximum of 1,500 rubles per m.

A membrane is a water-repellent and windproof coating that can allow water vapor to pass through it. Membrane fabric makes up only the top layer of winter clothing, thus keeping the bottom layer dry. In such clothes, the skin will be able to breathe, and the sweat will simply drain out. The membrane is like a thin coating that is “glued” to the top of clothing, whether it be clothes for children or adults.

The principle of operation of a poreless membrane: wet vapors enter the fabric, then a diffusion process occurs, they smoothly move into the outer layer. It will last quite a long time and does not require special care. Sometimes it may seem that, for example, a winter suit made of a non-porous membrane is getting wet, but this is an illusion, these are just the fumes described above.

The pore membrane coating works as follows: water from the outside cannot pass through, and the sweat secreted by a person is freely released through the pores. Thus, it is considered completely waterproof from the outside. It is worth noting that it is short-lived due to its “delicate” structure.

Combined type membrane fabric belongs to the category of high-tech fabrics; two types of coating are used (porous and non-porous). This fabric has no disadvantages, since its composition combines several types of coating.

Membrane fabrics are also divided by type of construction: two, two and a half, three layers.

Pros and cons of membranes

Positive qualities include:

lightness and convenience - for example, suits made of membrane are perfect for both adults and children, and movements are not constrained;
no need to put on another layer of warm clothes, this is the most suitable option for children;
good protection from getting wet and wind;
membrane fabrics are easy to clean and wash.

Negative qualities are:

price - a winter suit or jacket is by no means cheap;
will require some care;
fragility, depending on the category;
correct selection of the bottom layer;
not suitable for connoisseurs of natural materials.

Many people believe that such things are well insulated, but this is a misconception. They are not intended for heating, but they reduce sweating, due to this the body does not cool down. For sedentary children, a winter suit with special insulation will be required. It is also worth noting that such clothing is not suitable for daily use, but is intended for certain situations: tourism, mountaineering, travel and active recreation, for example, in the mountains.

What to wear under membrane clothing?

In the winter season, you need to follow the principle of selecting layers. Thanks to this principle, the body will not overheat and will not react to temperature changes. It is worth considering that membrane clothing breathes well, which means heavy sweating can be eliminated.

Basically they dress in three layers: inner, middle and outer. The first layer refers to underwear. The second layer is standard clothing (pants, sweater). And the top layer is considered to be a jacket or winter suit that will protect from the wind, that is, made of a membrane.

Proper care of membrane-coated clothing

The condition of things and their strength depend on proper care.

Washing rules

Membrane fabrics should not be washed using detergent. Standard powders will clog the pores of a suit or jacket, and fresh air will stop flowing. This can include air conditioners, rinses and other products. This is especially true for children's winter clothing.

You can wash such items using liquid or laundry soap that does not contain bleach. During washing, the coating will remain intact, although dirt may remain in the pores. The membrane properties may remain the same if you use a certain care product for such fabrics, but only in extreme cases. But it is advisable to wear membrane outerwear very carefully in order to avoid severe stains.

Do not use a washing machine. It will negatively affect the coating and soaking followed by the spin cycle. Hand washing is the best way to combat stains on the surface of clothing. The optimal temperature for washing is from 30 to 40 degrees.

Before starting the procedure, you should connect the sleeves and fasten all existing fasteners and rivets. The detergent should be selected correctly. Upon completion of washing, a suit or jacket made of membrane fabrics does not need to be wrung out by twisting. It is advisable to simply blot the clothes with a well-absorbing cloth. After washing, drying is done horizontally, on some kind of stand.

Special care

Clothing made of membrane fabric after washing and drying is not ironed either in winter or in any other season; elevated temperatures can ruin the appearance and coating as a whole. Water-repellent properties are restored only with the help of a certain spray, which is based on fluorine. Such products create a protective film on the top layer of the membrane suit, which will significantly reduce exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Storage rules

Membrane clothing should be stored on a hanger in an upright position. A plastic cover should be put on the suit or jacket to avoid clogging of the porous structure. Such items should not be stored wet or crumpled. Before putting away winter clothes, they must be washed according to all the above rules using a certain product.