Windstopper
Encyclopedia
Windstopper is a fabric laminate made by W.L. Gore & Associates
. It is similar to Gore-Tex
, except that it is only windproof and breathable, not waterproof. One of the most common applications is a lamination with Polar fleece
, since the lack of wind resistance is one of the principal drawbacks of that fabric.
Windstopper garments are marketed as "softshells" being suited to high-output aerobic activities such as running, cycling or cross-country skiing. Because they are not waterproof, they are more breathable than traditional Gore-Tex clothing. However, because they are based on a solid laminate layer, they remain inherently less breathable than other "softshell" fabrics which provide such as those made by Polartec or Schoeller, which do not use laminates. Of course the drawback to this is those fabrics lose their "windproofness" more quickly than Windstopper clothing.
Like most softshell fabrics, Windstopper products are typically coated with DWR (Durable Water Repellent
), which provides them with a modest degree of water resistance. They will wet through in heavy rainfall but may be worn comfortably in light drizzle.
WL Gore and Associates
W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. is a manufacturing company specializing in products derived from fluoropolymers. It is a privately held corporation headquartered in Newark, Delaware, with operations around the globe...
. It is similar to Gore-Tex
Gore-Tex
Gore-Tex is a waterproof/breathable fabric, and a registered trademark of W. L. Gore and Associates. It was co-invented by Wilbert L. Gore, Rowena Taylor, and Gore's son, Robert W. Gore. Robert Gore was granted on April 27, 1976, for a porous form of polytetrafluoroethylene with a...
, except that it is only windproof and breathable, not waterproof. One of the most common applications is a lamination with Polar fleece
Polar fleece
Polar fleece, usually referred to simply as "fleece," is a soft napped insulating synthetic fabric made from Polyethylene terephthalate or other synthetic fibers. One of the first forms was Polar Fleece created in 1979 by Malden Mills, now Polartec LLC., a new, light and strong pile fabric meant...
, since the lack of wind resistance is one of the principal drawbacks of that fabric.
Windstopper garments are marketed as "softshells" being suited to high-output aerobic activities such as running, cycling or cross-country skiing. Because they are not waterproof, they are more breathable than traditional Gore-Tex clothing. However, because they are based on a solid laminate layer, they remain inherently less breathable than other "softshell" fabrics which provide such as those made by Polartec or Schoeller, which do not use laminates. Of course the drawback to this is those fabrics lose their "windproofness" more quickly than Windstopper clothing.
Like most softshell fabrics, Windstopper products are typically coated with DWR (Durable Water Repellent
Durable Water Repellent
DWR is a coating added to fabrics at the factory to make them water-resistant . Most factory-applied treatments are fluoropolymer based. Durable water repellents are commonly used in conjunction with waterproof breathable fabrics such as Gore-Tex to prevent the outer layer of fabric from becoming...
), which provides them with a modest degree of water resistance. They will wet through in heavy rainfall but may be worn comfortably in light drizzle.