The right weatherproof clothing for outdoor sports
Breathable and weatherproof clothing for an active lifestyle
Thanks to innovative materials, functional clothing can provide optimal protection and comfort for different weather conditions and are a reliable choice for your sporting challenges. However, what properties make functional clothing so special and why is layering so useful for outdoor clothing? In this article, we will give you an insight into the properties of materials used to make weatherproof clothing and show you how to best combine functional textiles to maximise their potential.
Weatherproof clothing: what are the characteristics of waterproof clothing?
“Water-repellent” and “waterproof” are two terms that play an important role in the field of functional textiles. Nevertheless, what is the difference between water-repellent and waterproof functional clothing?
Water-repellent vs waterproof: an overview of the differences
Water-repellent functional clothing is made from materials or has been treated in such a way that it repels water rather than absorbing it. As a result, it can only keep moisture out to a limited extent and therefore only offers protection against light rain. Therefore, it is very likely that water-repellent clothing will soak through quickly in prolonged or very heavy rain.
In contrast, waterproof clothing is designed to block moisture more reliably and keep you dry even in heavy rain. Waterproof materials form a barrier that prevents moisture from reaching your skin. This can be achieved by using special coatings or membranes.
Seams and zips on weatherproof clothing are typically weak points where moisture can potentially get in. Therefore, you should make sure that the seams on your waterproof clothing are sealed and have a water-repellent zip.
Water-repellent vs waterproof: the water column in weatherproof clothing explained
The water column is an indicator or unit of measurement used to define how waterproof a textile or membrane is. It indicates the water pressure a material can withstand until moisture gets through. The higher the value is, the higher the potential resistance to water and therefore the more waterproof it is.
Clothing with a water column of 800 mm is sufficient for everyday use. However, to protect yourself in unpredictable weather, you should opt for functional clothing with a higher waterproof rating depending on its intended use. For extreme weather conditions, for example in the mountains, special clothing or gear with a water column of more than 20,000 mm is often needed.
Weatherproof clothing: when is functional clothing considered windproof?
How cold you feel is not only influenced by the outside temperature, but also by the wind chill factor. In strong winds, the temperature feels much lower. To prevent you from getting cold in such conditions, some functional textiles also have a windproof membrane. Functional clothing is described as windproof if its air permeability is less than 5 l/m²/s. This means that less than 5 litres of air per second permeate one square metre of fabric.
Weatherproof clothing: what are the advantages of breathable clothing?
In addition to keeping you warm and dry, the breathability of weatherproof clothing is also crucial to ensure maximum comfort even during intense physical exertion. Breathable clothing allows moisture to be wicked away from the skin to the outside of the garment where it can evaporate quickly. There are two different guiding values for determining the breathability of textiles:
MVTR value (Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate): the MVTR value indicates how many grams of vapour can penetrate a square metre of material in 24 hours. A higher MVTR value means that the material has a higher water vapour permeability and is therefore considered more breathable. From around 10,000 g/m²/24h, a membrane is considered to be very breathable.
RET value (Resistance to Evaporating Heat Transfer): the RET value describes how resistant a material is to the evaporation of moisture. A low RET value means that water vapour can pass through the material quickly. The lower the RET value, the more breathable a textile is. Clothing with an RET value below 6 is considered very breathable. As a guideline for functional clothing, an RET value of 13 should not be exceeded.
Membranes in breathable clothing can also be designed in such a way that it allows perspiration to escape, but still prevents moisture from getting in from the outside. This means that breathable clothing can be waterproof at the same time.
How to layer functional textiles correctly
When looking for the right functional clothing for your outdoor adventures, it can be difficult to find an all-in-one solution for all types of sports and weather conditions in one garment. Combining several thin and breathable layers has proven to be the ideal way to adapt to different challenges. This method is called layering.
Depending on how cold and wet it is, layering entails combining up to three different layers of clothing. Each layer of clothing has a different function and therefore relies on the properties of the different materials. It is important that the individual layers are breathable and compatible with each other. This ensures that excess heat can escape and perspiration can be wicked away from your body. Below we will explain the individual layers and give you tips on what to look out for when choosing suitable functional textiles.
Base layer
The base layer is responsible for regulating moisture. It wicks away moisture from your skin through the material towards the outside. This layer ensures greater comfort as it keeps you dry. At the same time, it prevents you from cooling down due to excessive perspiration. To ensure that the moisture is transported optimally, the base layer is worn directly on the skin and should have a close fit.
Which items of clothing are suitable as a base layer?
Functional socks
(Long-sleeved) functional shirts
Which materials are suitable as a base layer?
Synthetic fabrics as well as some natural fabrics are suitable as a base layer:
Synthetic materials like polyester und polyamide are light and quick drying.
Natural fibres like (Merino) wool can absorb a lot of moisture without feeling clammy and will keep you warm despite being moist. In addition, it also has odour-inhibiting properties.
Mid layer: the insulating layer
The mid layer serves as an insulating layer. This means that it retains body heat and protects you from the cold. This insulating layer also has to be breathable so that moisture can be wicked away from the base layer towards the outside to prevent you from getting too hot. Depending on the temperature and the intensity of your chosen sport, the mid layer may consist of one or more layers.
Which items of clothing are suitable as a mid layer?
Fleece jumpers
Wollen jumpers
Light softshell jackets
Down gilets
Which materials are used as an insulating layer?
Materials that insulate heat are used as a mid layer. For example, this includes jackets and jumpers made from fleece or wool. Particularly warm, insulating jackets and gilets made from down or synthetic down are also suitable for very cold weather.
Outer layer or shell: the weatherproof layer
The outer layer protects you from the wind, rain and snow. The materials used should be waterproof and wind-resistant to ensure that you are protected from moisture and hypothermia. At the same time, this weatherproof layer should have a certain level of breathability so that moisture can be wicked towards the outside. Some items of clothing even have specialised zips that ensure additional ventilation.
Which items of clothing can be worn as a weatherproof layer?
Softshell jackets
Rain trousers
Softshell or hardshell trousers
Which materials are used as an outer layer?
Synthetic materials such as polyamide, polyester or nylon are usually used for the shell. Special high-tech membranes that are both waterproof and highly breathable, as well as special water-repellent coatings, are also used for this weatherproof layer.
Waterproof clothing in comparison: differences between softshell and hardshell jackets
When looking for the right functional jacket, you will probably have to choose between a softshell and hardshell jacket. While both functional textiles are designed to protect your body from the elements, there are significant differences in terms of their properties and uses. In short: while hardshell clothing offers reliable protection in extreme weather conditions, softshell jackets are often more breathable and stretchy.
Functional softshell clothing
Softshell clothing is usually made from a stretchy, breathable material that offers a high level of comfort and optimum freedom of movement. Softshell is typically water-repellent, wind-resistant and provides reliable insulation against the cold. Softshell clothing is suitable for many outdoor activities with moderate to high intensity and changeable weather conditions, such as hiking, climbing or cycling in mild to cool weather. However, a softshell jacket is not completely waterproof and it will only keep you dry in light rain.
Functional hardshell clothing
Hardshell clothing is designed for extreme weather conditions. It is made from a robust, waterproof and windproof material that offers maximum protection from the elements. This type of functional clothing is ideal for activities in heavy rain, strong winds, cold and snowfall, for example, mountaineering, skiing or hiking in the mountains. Some hardshell clothing is less breathable due to its material composition or coating. Styles with special ventilation slits (e.g. under the arms) can counteract this issue.
An overview of differences between softshell und hardshell textiles
When choosing between a softshell and a hardshell jacket, there is no right or wrong decision. Rather, it depends on what weather conditions you will be exposed to and what sporting challenges you would like to face.
Softshell | Hardshell | |
|---|---|---|
Properties | Very breathable, wind-resistant, water-repellent | Waterproof, windproof, relatively breathable |
Versatility | Moderate to high intensity sports such as hiking, trekking, cycling, climbing; changeable weather conditions | Outdoor activities; winter sports; extreme weather conditions |
Utility | Thermal insulation, weather protection in light rain | Weather protection in heavy rain and wind |
Layer | Suitable as a mid or outer layer depending on the weather | Outer layer |
Advantages | Light insulation, very breathable, stretchy, very comfortable to wear | Reliable weather protection, lightweight, robust |
Disadvantages | Low wind and water resistance | Low protection against cold, medium to low breathability |
Which functional materials are used for sportswear and weatherproof clothing?
Thanks to specialised functional materials, sportswear or weatherproof outdoor clothing have special properties that make them stretchy and comfortable to wear. These functional textiles can be made from both synthetic and natural fibres.
Polyester
Polyester is quick drying, robust and easy to care for. This is why it is often used to make sportswear. Although this material can be used as thermal insulation, it is not very breathable. However, its breathability can be improved by using modern manufacturing processes or by blending it with other materials.
Polyamid
Polyamide (also known as nylon) is hard-wearing, stretchy and quick drying and is often used to make functional underwear, but also for raincoats and outdoor trousers. This material is also extremely robust. It is very resistant to tearing and abrasions. It can be made more comfortable to wear by blending it with polyester or cotton.
Elastane
Elastane (also known as spandex) is a material that is characterised by how stretchy it is. It is usually blended with other fibres (e.g. polyester, polyamide, cotton) when it is used to make sportswear and functional clothing. Blending this type of material with other fibres improves its elasticity, shape retention and makes it more comfortable to wear.
Modal, lyocell or viscose
Modal, lyocell and viscose are so-called regenerated fibres, which are obtained from cellulose in a chemical process. These fibres are ideal for sportswear as they are breathable and can wick moisture away from your body. They also have a slight cooling effect which makes them very comfortable to wear.
Merino wool is by far the most popular natural fibre for functional textiles. It is breathable, quick drying, odour-inhibiting and has excellent moisture and heat regulating properties. This natural fibre is an all-round talent, especially as a base layer. It keeps you warm in the cold and keeps you cool in the heat.
Conclusion: breathable and weatherproof clothing is the ideal choice for outdoor activities
If you like to be active and do sports in the great outdoors, you should choose weatherproof clothing that does not restrict your movement and is comfortable to wear. Functional textiles can do just that. If you wear your functional clothing in several thin layers, you will be well prepared for your sporting challenges and ready for any weather.
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Cover photo: iStock.com/swissmediavision
All other images in text are from C&A