Functional materials without which you can’t imagine sportswear today

Sport has a strong influence on our lives. Not only in terms of a healthy lifestyle or achieving certain results. During training and competition, a person experiences great stresses, which are then analyzed by coaches, biochemists and other scientists. The result of their work makes it possible to confirm the theories and realize the changes that the body undergoes under the influence of physical exertion.

An important factor in achieving special heights is equipment. Sports clothes allow to resist the laws of physics, reduce drag, increase grip, increase blood flow and accelerate muscle recovery after exertion.

In the 21st century, it is impossible to achieve new records and push the boundaries of what is possible without the support of technology. Usain Bolt is unlikely to set a new record if he runs in a stretchy alcoholic T-shirt, jean shorts and sneakers of his husband’s sister’s brother.

It’s worth pointing out that it doesn’t end at one sport. Brands and manufacturing companies have realized that they can use their discoveries to create not only sportswear, but also everyday clothes. Of course, it is impossible to tell about all the secrets and unique technologies, but it is quite possible to tell about some of them.

Yes, the names are not easy, and in the differences and subtleties will understand only a specialist. But all such materials are endowed with similar properties:

• high strength;
• elasticity and elasticity;
• heat insulation;
• environmental friendliness;
• quick drying;
• resistance to fire;
• functionality.

What kind of clothing is available and what it is for

The North Face Russia product expert

Our bodies are imperfect, unlike those of many animals. We are highly dependent on the surrounding temperature. Cold or hot – discomfort. In hot weather we sweat and in cold weather we freeze, so technological clothing is designed to minimize these effects.

In 1941, scientists from the USA Gadge, Burton and Buzzet created a unit of measurement, which they called CLO (the first three letters of the word CLOTHES – “clothing” – Note: “Championship”). This is an estimate of the amount of insulating material needed to maintain the skin temperature of a person sitting on a chair at +21°C and 50% relative humidity. So, one CLO means how much clothing a person needs to feel comfortable.

All functional clothing is more properly divided into four blocks: moisture-wicking, insulating, windproof and waterproof.

Moisture-wicking

Clothing with moisture-wicking technology is necessary to maintain thermoregulation of the body and make sure that excess sweat does not remain on the skin. For this purpose, the pores must be open – then the excess moisture goes to the surface of the product and is distributed over a maximum area for rapid evaporation.

Insulating

In the block of insulating clothing, two subgroups of materials can be distinguished:

• fleece;
• jackets with down or synthetic insulation.

Speaking of fleece, it should be noted that it is also divided into:

• fleece, which warms a lot;
• fleece, which warms less, but at the same time additionally removes moisture in case of intensive loads.

Softshell (translated as “soft shell”) is not an ordinary fabric, but a combination of several materials and technologies. Together it allows you to sew things with protection from cold, snow, rain and hurricane wind. Buffalo specialists managed to combine fleece fabric with a layer of breathable, moisture-wicking pertex material. The upper part is a high-density stretch fabric, and the inner part is a pile that becomes the base. Countless fleeces break down the vapors released during exercise or increased exertion. Moisture from the outside – raindrops or melted snow – is also picked up by the delicate pile, takes on body temperature and is released back into the upper layer. Clothing made of this material is always dry and warm.

All softshell garments are highly vapor permeable, which allows them to quickly wick away excess moisture during training or increased exertion. The material is able to stretch in different directions without restricting movement. Clothing can be sewn with the use of polyester or polyamide, in the composition can also be lycra or polyurethane. Sometimes natural wool as well.

Waterproof

The last group of clothes is the one that protects against water. In this case, clothes with a membrane. This is such a layer between the layers of fabric, which does not allow water to penetrate inside. But excessive heat and water vapor freely escape through the pores of the fabric. Their size allows water vapor molecules to pass through them but not water droplets, keeping the inner layers dry.

FutureLight is the most advanced technology among membrane fabrics with the best characteristic of vapor permeability at full waterproofness, belongs to the type of pore membranes. The technology allows to control the distance between the membrane fibers and its thickness, which makes it possible to precisely vary the characteristics of vapor permeability and water resistance of the finished product depending on the request. Also, fabrics made with this membrane have increased elastic properties, providing maximum comfort when wearing the garment.

A few more interesting technologies

Gore-Tex

Gore-Tex is a membrane made of Teflon. The fabric comes in both two and three layers. The material has 1.7 million pores per 1 cm², so it removes moisture by molecules rather than droplets. Thanks to this quality, the clothes stay dry and precious heat does not escape, which is useful when playing sports. And thanks to its water resistance, the membrane protects against rain and wet snow, saving you from hypothermia.

Omni-Tech

This technology belongs to the brand Columbia and is created on the principle of a membrane. The inner surface of the fabric is made of nylon. Polyurethane with ceramic particles is applied to it, so the fabric is especially durable. In addition, Omni-Tech allows moisture vapor to escape, but is water resistant.

Sensortex

This membrane is applied to the outer fabric in the manufacture of lightweight membranes. Therefore, the vapor and water permeability values are lower. Nevertheless, Sensortex protects against water and removes moisture well, keeping you warm. It is comfortable for alpine skiing and snowboarding.