The modern world offers a huge selection of the latest technologies and developments in various fields, and often these innovations can be applied in completely different areas.
One such example is the membrane - a material that was originally used only by manufacturers of clothing and equipment for tourists, athletes, that is, for those who deal with extreme weather conditions, heavy physical exertion, and who need equipment with certain properties.
And today, membrane fabrics are widely used in the light industry for sewing ordinary outerwear, including children's.

Membrane types

What is a membrane? The membrane is a high-tech material that is highly waterproof and yet breathable. There are two types of membranes: hydroporous and hydrophilic.

hydroporous membranes have many microscopic holes, the so-called pores. Pores are many times smaller than a drop of water, so moisture cannot penetrate. And at the same time, water molecules in the form of vapor freely exit through the membrane to the outside.

Membranes of this type are sensitive to dirt, which simply clogs the pores, and over time can become clogged, which negatively affects their properties. But such membranes breathe better than others.

hydrophilic membranes are a fabric on which a film is thermally applied that does not allow water to pass through. At the same time, the fabric remains breathable, because thanks to free chemical bonds, the molecules of evaporating moisture are transferred, as if along a conveyor, from the inside of the film to the outside. Dirt and foreign matter on such a membrane does not affect its vapor permeability, breathability and waterproofing.

Hydrophilic membranes are easier to maintain, but their vapor permeability is lower than that of hydroporous membranes.

How do membranes work in practice?

It is important that we, and even more so our children, feel comfortable in clothes. When we talk about comfort, we mean the microclimate - a thin layer of air between the skin and clothing. We are comfortable when the temperature of this layer is about 32-34 degrees, and the relative humidity is 40-60%. Any deviations are palpable.

Various factors can affect the microclimate: weather conditions, clothing properties, physical activity.

"A cold wind, penetrating through clothes, displaces a layer of warm air around the skin. Clothing made of membrane fabrics is windproof, and this property of it allows you to stay outdoors for a long time in "minus" weather and not freeze.

During physical exertion, our body releases moisture, simply sweats. If this moisture is not removed in a timely manner, it covers the skin with a film and begins to cool at rest and heat up during active movement, causing discomfort. The membrane does not allow moisture to linger inside the clothes, but removes evaporation to the outside, providing proper microcirculation and maintaining the desired humidity and temperature.

Thus, the membrane allows you to keep the usual microclimate as much as possible, namely, a temperature of about 33 degrees and a humidity of about 50% - unchanged. Regardless of the ambient temperature and the level of physical activity. Therefore, both in the heat and in the cold, we feel comfortable in membrane clothing.

How to wear a membrane?

For normal operation of the membrane, the following rules must be observed:

1. Clothing under the membrane must be made of synthetic or mixed fibers (synthetic content of at least 10-20%), or wool. Remember that excess moisture must be removed from the body, and, for example, 100% cotton is hygroscopic, it absorbs sweat, causing hypothermia. Panties can be left cotton.
2. Layering: the first layer is underwear, the second layer is insulation, the third layer is actually membrane clothing. Underwear, as we have already found out, should be made of synthetics or with the addition of synthetics. It can be special thermal underwear or just a turtleneck and tights. 100% wool underwear is also allowed - for lovers of natural fabrics, since the market now offers products made from delicate, non-spiky wool.
   Warming: at a temperature of minus 5-10 degrees, we begin to warm up, it can be a jumpsuit made of wool or fleece fleece. Membrane clothing: set or overalls. All!
3. Physical activity: the membrane works in motion. If you are involved in winter sports or even just walking actively, then the membrane is your choice. Buying membrane clothes for children who spend most of the walk sleeping in a stroller is probably premature. A down jacket or clothes with other heaters are more suitable for them.

Membrane Benefits

Membrane clothing has a number of advantages.

She is maintains a constant optimum temperature at about 33 degrees, so you can not be afraid that the child will overheat or freeze. Moreover, this temperature does not depend on how many degrees in the external environment - minus 20 on the street or plus 15 in the car. You can safely enter a shopping center or clinic, just take off your hat.

Membrane clothing non-volumetric, due to its properties and the use of modern heaters. If earlier it was difficult for children in fur coats and cotton pants to move on the street, now even those who have only recently learned to walk can easily move and actively explore the world around them.

Membrane clothing light. This is true both for the kids themselves and for mothers who often pick up children in their arms.

It is enough to have one set of clothes, even if the street is muddy and puddles. Firstly, you can be sure that if you fall into a puddle, your child will remain dry thanks to the waterproof membrane. And secondly, when you come home, it is enough to wash the soiled clothes under running water, wiping with a sponge if necessary, and hang to dry. The membrane dries very quickly. In addition, manufacturers of membrane clothing, in particular, Luhta, design products so that the places most prone to contamination (bottom of trousers, knees, lower back) are made of dark-colored fabric.

Membrane Care

Caring for the membrane is simple, the main thing is to follow simple rules.

• In order for your clothes to last for a long time, first of all, when washing and drying, follow the instructions that come with the product.
• Wash the membrane either by hand or in the washing machine on a delicate wash at 30 degrees. Use special products for membrane clothing or any liquid ones.
• Severe dirt can be pre-washed under running water by rubbing with a sponge.
• Before washing in the washing machine, check the pockets, close the zippers and turn the garment inside out.
• The membrane is washed without pre-soaking.
• Do not use rinse conditioners.
• After washing, the product is wrung out by hand without twisting. Let's spin in the washing machine at the lowest speed.
• Clothes should be dried in a straightened form at room temperature (never dry membrane clothes on a radiator!).

If you see a kid on the street in a thin-looking jacket and light boots in spring changeable weather, do not rush to accuse parents of inattention to the child's health or the desire to temper him to the level of a walrus. Most likely, he is wearing membrane shoes and clothes that allow you to feel warm and comfortable in the coldest weather, and at the same time do not turn the child into a head of cabbage.

Why did membrane technology in the manufacture of children's clothing and footwear so captivate parents around the world? Let's figure it out!

1. What is a membrane and why is it needed?

Membrane technologies in the manufacture of clothing and footwear were originally used in sports, where it is necessary to provide lightness, comfort and breathability of equipment for athletes. Later, these technologies began to be used for everyday clothes for children and adults.

The membrane is a porous material placed between the outer and inner layers of footwear or clothing. The pores of the membrane are so small that they do not allow moisture, cold or wind to penetrate inside, and at the same time make it possible to remove moisture in the form of steam during sweating. Thus, a comfortable microclimate for the body is created under the membrane clothing, combining protection from external factors and constant air exchange.

High-quality membrane clothes and shoes are made using well-known membranes patented by manufacturers (Gore-Tex®, SympaTex®), also manufacturers of children's membrane clothing use their own developments and technologies. For example, the Skandia brand has Skandiatex membrane material, while Alyaska has Antex & Alaskatex.

Membrane clothing and footwear are multilayer items in which, in addition to the membrane, additional inner and outer layers provide protection from external factors. For example, the outer layer is usually impregnated with a water-repellent composition or laminated with special means, and the inner layers combine natural (for example, woolen) and synthetic fibers for comfort and durability to wear.

In addition, manufacturers usually take care of such trifles as the presence of reflective details on children's membrane clothing, sew in child-safe zippers that will not press the skin when fastened, and provide additional protection for the sleeves from cold air with textile cuffs. In children's membrane shoes, comfortable fasteners are usually used so that the baby can put on shoes on his own, as well as non-slip flexible soles for greater safety in ice and reinforced heels and toes to maximize the life of the shoes.

Since initially membrane clothes and shoes were created for athletes and optimally manifest their properties during active physical activity, children's membrane things are intended primarily for those who move a lot. This does not mean that it is necessary to be in constant active movement in order to get the maximum effect from wearing membrane clothing, but for babies who mostly sit in a stroller during walks, such clothes or shoes are still not very suitable.

Membrane clothes are optimally suited for the temperature range from zero to minus 15-20 degrees. However, both outdoors and indoors, the child will feel comfortable, will not freeze or sweat.

3. How and with what to wear membrane shoes and clothes?

Manufacturers recommend wearing shoes or boots with a membrane over a sock or tights, which should not contain more than 10-20% cotton or wool, or over a thermal sock. This is due to the property of natural fabrics to absorb sweat and not give it away, and membrane shoes are good because they allow the feet to not sweat, removing the vapor molecules to the external environment. Therefore, it is better to give preference to hosiery with a predominance of artificial materials.

With regard to membrane clothing, one should be guided by the three-layer rule: the first layer is thermal underwear, or underwear, which, as in the case of membrane shoes, should contain a minimum of natural materials. The second layer is light, for example, a fleece bike or jacket. The third layer is directly a membrane jacket or overalls.

4. How to distinguish high-quality membrane clothing and shoes? What should be checked before buying?

You will have to pay well for the comfort, lightness and convenience that membrane shoes and clothes are famous for. High-quality membrane children's things cannot be cheap, so the low price of membrane shoes or clothes should alert you. In this case, there is a chance to buy a thing that will not last long and will not bring the expected result.

When buying membrane shoes for a child, you should pay attention to the quality of the sole. It must be flexible and elastic, then such shoes will last a long time. When choosing the right size for shoes with a membrane, you need to take into account that the maximum effect of wearing them is achieved when there is free space inside the shoes. That is, the optimal shoe size will be a margin of 1 cm between the toe of the shoe and the tips of the toes.

When buying children's membrane clothing, pay attention to the quality of the seams. in high-quality clothing, the seams are additionally glued for a greater water-repellent effect.

5.How to take care of membrane clothes and shoes?

Since things made using membrane technology are not cheap, you need to take care of their safety in their original form. Moreover, the properties of membrane clothing or shoes are fully manifested only while maintaining the integrity of the membrane and observing the conditions of wear.

Prerequisites for maintaining the protective properties of membrane shoes are cleanliness and dryness. Despite the fact that manufacturers additionally treat the top layer with protective agents, it is recommended to additionally impregnate membrane shoes with special compounds, especially in urban areas, where water, dirt and salt aggressively affect shoes.

After a walk, be sure to clean and wipe the shoes, and then dry them thoroughly. However, membrane shoes should not be dried near a radiator or heater, as this can destroy the membrane. The best option is to dry at room temperature, stuffing tightly with newspapers beforehand.

It is advisable to wash membrane clothing as infrequently as possible so that water-repellent impregnations, in many cases DWR (Durable Water Reppelence), applied to the top layer of clothing, do not wash out. With minor contamination, it is better to wait until the stain dries, and brush off the dirt with a brush or wipe it with a damp sponge, without rubbing the dirt into the fabric. If you need to wash clothes often, it is better to take care of additional protection of the upper layers, using special spray formulations after washing (for example, the English company NikWax is known for its line of water-repellent sprays for treating membrane clothing).

Membrane materials cannot stand washing temperatures above 40 degrees, and even more so boiling. Aggressive chemicals (stain removers, solvents, washing powders with special additives) can destroy the membrane, as well as break the tightness of the glued seams of clothing.

Manufacturers do not recommend ironing membrane clothing. However, if necessary, you can use the lowest temperature and ensure minimal contact of the iron with the material so that the membrane does not have time to heat up.

6. What companies are represented in our country? Where can I buy membrane clothes and shoes in Belarus?

Children's clothing and shoes with a membrane are presented in a wide range in high-tech clothing and footwear stores from Finland for children and teenagers SuomiKids. The company is the official representative of Finnish manufacturers Reima, Kerry in Belarus.

Also, the membrane is in the collections of the Czech trademark Alpine Pro, the German company Jack Wolfskin. The companies offer winter and demi-season overalls, trousers and jackets.

In Belarus, membrane shoes can also be found in the collections of such footwear manufacturers for the whole family as Ecco (using the Gore-Tex® membrane), Alaska Original (own development - Antex & Alaskatex membrane), a large selection of children's membrane shoes is offered by the Kotofey trademark and BARTEK. To purchase membrane clothing or footwear in Belarus, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the assortment in domestic online stores, where almost all of the listed brands are represented. There is also information in which stores or shopping centers you can try on and buy your favorite model.

Summarizing…

... note that high-quality membrane clothing and shoes are primarily suitable for active children, they will cost a lot and require special care, but at the same time they are comfortable, light and perfect for walking in our climate with a quick change in weather conditions.

Olga Bobko

Membrane types

There are several types of membrane tissue: porous, non-porous, combined.

How do pore membranes work? Water, getting on membrane clothes, cannot penetrate into it, since the pores of the fabric are too small. Accordingly, the fabric does not get wet from the outside. A fair question arises: "What about sweat secretions?". They are freely brought out from the inside of the membrane tissue.

It is worth noting that such a membrane, like any breathing organism, “dies” relatively quickly. For example, when choosing the wrong washing mode, the pores of the membrane become clogged, which leads to a decrease in the breathability of the garment and loss of waterproofness.

In non-porous membranes, vapors enter the inner part of the membrane and, through active diffusion, quickly pass to the outer side of the membrane clothing. Such membranes do not need special care, and they are able to please you for more than one year. However, it is worth saying that some happy owners of such clothes, due to evaporation, sometimes have the feeling that the fabric is still getting wet. But it's not!

The most ideal is considered to be a fabric with a combined membrane, which is covered with a porous membrane on the inside. However, this magical clothing also has a significant disadvantage - its high price.

About a special relationship with membrane shoes ...

It is worth emphasizing that you should not wait for perfectly dry shoes after running through puddles or snowdrifts. Since the membrane protects not the shoes, but the child's legs from water. The water remains trapped inside the fabric, and the most reasonable solution in this case is, of course, proper drying.

It is important to know that the removal of steam in warm and dry weather will be faster than in wet and damp. Therefore, be prepared for the fact that on a very rainy autumn day, after a walk, the child’s legs may not be dry enough - the difference between the internal microclimate and external conditions was not large enough and the steam removal rate decreased. But if the child runs, the temperature and humidity inside the shoes increase and “push out” the moisture more and more. This suggests the conclusion that it is not recommended to buy such shoes for babies who still move little or even sit in a stroller.

In order for the membrane to "breathe", you need to monitor the condition of the shoes - the upper textile layer covered with dirt blocks evaporation. Special sprays will help in the care of such shoes, which will not only increase the water-repellent properties of the fabric, but also protect it from pollution.

What are the top experts saying?

It would be nice to ask advice from mothers who already have such clothes or shoes in their child's wardrobe. Where are you most likely to meet moms and dads on a sunny day? That's right, the playground! Of the eleven mothers, two had the experience of "communication" with such clothes and one mother - with shoes.

Lena, mother of 4-year-old Liza:

“To be honest, when we bought a membrane jacket for the first time, we doubted its magical properties, it seemed to us thin then. We even made sure and bought another down jacket, just in case. But they didn't wear it. The membrane was worn at 0 degrees on a T-shirt, and at -20 - on a baechka. It is important that the dirt on such clothes is removed with an ordinary napkin. And this means that you can safely buy your favorite light shades and not worry that you will have to go to the garden for a child with a spare jacket: it’s a shame to go home, and even more so to go to the store, to visit in grimy clothes.

Ira, mother of Maxim and Vlad, 3 and 7 years old:

“The membrane jumpsuit is just a godsend! Remember how mothers and grandmothers wrapped us in brown fur coats, and also tied a scarf on top. Here it was difficult to sit on the sled, let alone climb the hill. And it was not possible to undress at all. A membrane jumpsuit - light, comfortable, warm, beautiful. My son rides in it all the time. The child never woke up. It even seems to me that we began to get sick less, as we bought our favorite light green jumpsuit. In a word, I am satisfied with the purchase!

Marina, mother of 4-year-old Yegor:

“We have sneakers with a membrane. We are wearing it for the second season. The child likes it. I am satisfied. Feet are always dry, regardless of the temperature outside. Unlike leather shoes, the child never complains of cold feet. The appearance has not yet been lost, I think the second child will also be able to vilify. Moreover, the color is quite universal. Yes, the price is more expensive than regular shoes, but it's worth it.

Olga Gael

The word membrane has a number of meanings, but in a general sense, the term means a thin flexible septum, membrane or plate that can perform various functions. In this article we will tell you what a membrane is from the point of view of biology and technology.

Membrane in biology

Membrane (or cell membrane) is an elastic molecular structure whose role is to protect the cell from the environment. The cell membrane ensures its integrity, and is also responsible for the exchange processes between the environment and the cell.

The cell membrane consists of proteins and lipids and has a thickness of about 7 nm. Each "brick" of the membrane is responsible for a specific function of a given cellular organ. Lipids in the membrane are represented by three types - phospholipids, glycolipids and cholesterol.

Phospholipids and glycolipids form hydrophobic and hydrophilic sections (hydrophobic sections are directed inside the cell, and hydrophilic sections are directed outward), which regulate the exchange of water and similar molecules between the cell and the environment. Cholesterol stiffens the membrane.

The proteins that make up the membrane can perform many functions, for example, there are transporter proteins that help the necessary substances get into the cell.

Membrane in engineering

The safety membrane is part of the membrane safety device, the task of which is to ensure the necessary discharge of the gas-vapor mixture at a certain pressure. Such devices are used as fuses for process equipment, pipelines, etc.

In the presence of dangerous overloads, the membrane breaks, providing the necessary "discharge", while maintaining the integrity of an expensive and complex technical system.

Look for more interesting concepts in the section.

The characteristics of clothing for active sports are reminiscent of a Chinese letter. What is "membrane", "fleece" and "gore-tex"? Why do you need thermal underwear? How do "moisture-proof" and breathable properties of things combine? "SE Extreme" reveals the secrets of snow clothing!

Lucky us, modern little men! We snowboard, ski, climb, eco-tour, trek and God knows what else, and there are special clothes for all this. These are not only jackets and pants, but also underwear, socks and shoes, the development of which takes into account the characteristics of a particular type of activity. We have at our disposal membranes, and down jackets, and impregnations, and anatomical suspension brackets of backpacks - there is just nothing. In general, everything is fine with us, we even complain sometimes: “I want not a two-layer, but a three-layer jacket, and so that with pockets!”

If you look back and think about how people used to cope with the vagaries of nature, how they walked, got wet in the rain and snow, carrying their wealth in “grandfather-style” backpacks, it becomes somehow uncomfortable. Although some don't remember, there was nothing but canvas jackets, quilted jackets, sweaters and woolen socks. But, despite all the inconveniences, people always went to the mountains, conquered the peaks, skied. They had one wisdom: the colder it is, the more you need to put on yourself. These were strong people, hardy and unassuming.

But then they got tired of it, and progress began in the production of fabrics suitable for active outdoor use. The development of special materials was in full swing: people began to puzzle over how to make the fabric as light and efficient as possible, so that it would not get wet, not blown, so that it would warm and remove moisture from the body.

Among the first to succeed were Wilbert and Genevieve Gore, who founded the Gore Company (W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.) in 1958. Wilbert (Bill) Gore worked for DuPont for 17 years, but then life took a different path, and that same Gore private enterprise was born. Over the next 12 years, the company has achieved almost worldwide recognition and has taken a leading position in the market. Thus began the history of the clothing membrane.

WHAT IS THE MEMBRANE EATED WITH?

So, let's try to figure out what a membrane (membrane tissue) is and what it is eaten with. Technically, a membrane is something like a film of a special structure, and membrane tissue is a matter in the structure of which this very special film is present. There is a world classification that allows you to divide all membrane tissues into several types.

By structure, the membrane can be non-porous, porous and combined.

Poreless membranes They work according to the following principle: body vapors enter the inner part of the membrane, settle on it and, through active diffusion, quickly move to the outside. The advantage of non-porous membranes is that they are durable, do not require careful maintenance, and work properly in a wide temperature range. Such membranes are usually used in expensive and functional products. What are its shortcomings? At first it may seem that the clothes get wet, but these are just the same fumes that accumulate on the inside of the thing. That is, non-porous membranes begin to breathe more slowly, however, when they “open up”, they sometimes surpass porous ones in terms of breathing properties.

Pore ​​membranes they work according to a different principle: water drops that fall on the membrane tissue from the outside cannot pass through the pores of the membrane inside, since these pores are too small. Accordingly, the outside of the fabric does not get wet.

On the other hand, the vapor molecules formed during the release of sweat are freely removed from the inside of the membrane tissue. As a result, we get the waterproofness of the membrane fabric on the outside of the product and the breathable (steam-removing) properties from the inside. The advantage of pore membranes is that they begin to breathe "quickly": they remove vapors as soon as you start to sweat. What are the disadvantages? This membrane “dies” quite quickly, that is, it loses its properties. In case of improper washing (especially with spinning!) the pores of the membrane are clogged, which greatly reduces the breathing properties - the jacket may begin to “leak”. This disadvantage can manifest itself if you are not a particular fan of taking care of your things.

Membrane combination: The fabric of the upper is covered with a porous membrane on the inside, and on top of the porous membrane there is another coating: a non-porous polyurethane membrane film. This fabric combines all the advantages of porous and non-porous membranes, while avoiding their disadvantages, a kind of "two in one". But high technology comes at a high price. It is for this reason that very few companies use this membrane in their products.

In addition to the above division, there is a difference in the material design itself. By design, membrane tissues are divided into supra-two-layer, three-layer and so-called “two-and-a-half” layers. These words are probably familiar to snowboarders and skiers, as well as people who spend enough time in the mountains.

Double layer fabric- this is a fabric on which a membrane is applied in a special way from the wrong side (usually white, but it can be transparent or with some other dye). In products, this fabric is always used with a lining, because it provides proper protection of the membrane from clogging and mechanical damage.

Three layer fabric looks like a fabric with a fine mesh from the inside. In fact, this is a top fabric plus a membrane, plus a knitted mesh, glued into one structure using a special lamination technology. The knitted mesh on the inside protects the membrane from both mechanical damage and clogging. The most important thing: in three-layer products, the use of a lining disappears - there is only one “rag” in which all three components are assembled. As a result, we have: a mega-light fabric that does not restrict movement, a small volume of the product and maximum functionality. The combination of these excellent qualities explains the high cost of products made of three-layer fabric.

"Two-and-a-half"-layer membrane fabric is a novelty in the market of modern clothes. It doesn’t sound very Russian, but it accurately conveys the meaning of technology. As a rule, this is an ordinary two-layer membrane fabric, covered from the inside with a kind of protective coating (foamed protective coating in the form of pimples, just knitted pimples, etc.), designed to perform the function of the third layer, i.e. membrane protection. Such jackets are as light as possible - they do not need a lining, and the weight of the protection is much less than that of three-layer materials. But, as you might guess, products made from this fabric are by no means cheap.

By the way, the already mentioned GoreTex, from which we started the discussion of the topic, is just a patented name for a membrane of a certain structure. For a long time, the company was practically a monopolist in the extreme clothing market, but now many respected and well-known companies produce no less respected membrane fabrics. For example, Toray (Japan) (Dermizax, Entrant HB), Event (USA, made in Japan), Unitika (Japan). These are leaders in the field of technologies for the production of membrane fabrics, which are used in their production by the world's leading brands that produce clothing and footwear for outdoor activities and sports.

There are two other important parameters that you need to pay attention to when buying pants and jackets for outdoor activities - these are waterproofness and breathable properties of fabrics.

Waterproof Roughly speaking, this is the pressure of the water column that this fabric can withstand. A piece of fabric is placed in a special machine, stretched, and a column of pressurized water is directed at it. The pressure is gradually increased and they watch at what point drops appear on the back of the cloth.

Indicators: 20.000 means that the fabric does not get wet in stormy conditions (strong wind, slanting heavy rain, snow); 10.000 - the fabric can withstand heavy rain; around 5,000 light rain and snow; around 3000 - drizzling rain and wet light snow.

Breathability depend on the amount of steam that the fabric passes over a certain period of time (now the unit of measurement is “X grams per square meter of fabric in 24 hours”). A piece of fabric is also placed in a special machine, where evaporation is simulated, and after 24 hours, they look at how much moisture the fabric has “taken away”. That is, the larger the number, the more moisture is removed. For example, in expensive quality products, water resistance is usually at least 20,000 mm of water column, and breathability is at least 8,000 g/sq. m./day. Mid-level membrane typically has a specification of 8.000mm/5.000g/sq. m/day or so.

The base level is usually 3000mm/3000gsm. m / day, although in products made from this type of fabric, insufficiently high membrane characteristics can be well combined with the presence of a large number of ventilation holes that allow you to control the temperature inside the product.

To provide additional protection from external moisture, there is such a thing as DWR coating. If you pour a little water on a fabric treated with DWR, the droplets are not absorbed, but lie on the fabric, rolling into balls! This is the result of the work of DWR (Durable Water Repellence) - a coating that does not allow water to pass even through the top layer of the fabric (that is, to be absorbed into it). DWR, however, is not a durable thing (it is applied during the production of clothes) and disappears over time (washed off). So in the future, during operation and contact with water, wet spots may appear on the fabric. This does not mean at all that the product gets wet, since the membrane will not let water through anyway, but some discomfort may be present. The resulting layer of water on top will not allow the membrane to work, no matter how “cool” it is. In this case, the penetration of water into the product is possible in the porous membranes. How to deal with it? To avoid DWR dying, specially designed products with this same DWR coating (NIKWAX for example), which are sold in stores selling extreme clothing, will help. If, after washing (or more often), for example, NIKWAX or another similar agent is applied to the fabric, then the product will definitely last longer than if this is not done.

After such an abundance of information, the question is logical: “But how to take care of membrane clothing?” Let's say right away that it is necessary to wash membrane things, but not in the same way as ordinary ones. Do not use washing powders with bleach and other aggressive substances - they clog and destroy pores. You can not use machine spinning - the membrane deteriorates from this, as spinning violates its fine structure. Do not dry clean or use bleach. Do not iron - the synthetic fabric of the top will melt, and the membrane will also be damaged! You can wash clothes by hand with special detergents for washing membrane fabrics (NIKWAX again); if the product is not too dirty, you can wash it with ordinary soap, and rub the especially dirty places with a brush. Can be left to dry on a string. DWR can be applied to a dry product from a spray can. I would like to note that DWR impregnation should only be applied to clean items, since when impregnating dirty material, you will not achieve a water-repellent effect. Detergents must have an inscription on the packaging - "allowed for membrane fabrics"! That's all the main secrets.

All of the above by and large refers to the top layer of clothing. It's time to say a few words about the middle, or bottom, layer, and about what materials, fabrics and tricky terms we may encounter when choosing such products.

Let's start with fleece. Fleece- this is a large group of fabrics that are made as follows: knots are tied on a sufficiently strong woven base by machine, then another machine breaks them, and a pile is obtained, which is tied to the base. It must be admitted that many people often get confused in terms of "fleece" and Polartec. Dispel your doubts: Polartec is just a fleece brand. That is, high quality fleece from Malden Mills is called Polartec. That's all wisdom.

Why is fleece recommended for active sports? Between the pile (from which, in fact, the fleece is made), a layer of air is preserved, which, as you know, is the best thermal insulator. In addition, unlike natural fabrics (such as cotton), a good fleece does not accumulate moisture, but provides the necessary ventilation in case of overheating and removes condensate to the outside. This is one of the main reasons why a “fleece” (fleece jacket) is recommended for active skiing, especially in the mountains - good fleece means warmth, dryness and comfort. But note: fleece will work in this way only if you put on thermal underwear under it, and not your favorite cotton T-shirt, which, for all its beauty, unfortunately, does not remove moisture and immediately gets wet.

Fleeces also come in membrane and non-membrane. With non-membrane, everything is clear - there is no membrane in the structure of the tissue. Membrane fleece consists, as it were, of three layers, "glued" into one.

Membrane fleece

1. Soft shell. Structure: top - durable fabric that does not absorb moisture and is resistant to wear; the middle layer is the membrane; bottom - fleece. In some cases, the membrane may be absent in the structure of the fabric, since in fleece fabrics it is by no means the main component. Windproofness is achieved through special tight weaving.

2. Windbloc(wind protection). Structure: the top layer is a treated fleece fabric (anti-pilling, DWR), the middle layer is a membrane (sometimes foam is used instead of a membrane), the bottom layer is a pile fleece that collects moisture and removes it from the body.

Non-membrane fleece

1. Non-membrane Softshell- this is essentially a "sandwich", two glued types of fabric. The upper provides abrasion and tear resistance, while the one closer to the body warms and wicks away perspiration by quickly absorbing.

2. Polartec Thermal Pro- it is a warm, lightweight, moisture-repellent material, consists of two layers. The abrasion-resistant outer shell keeps out wind and light rain, while the soft fleecy inner layer provides maximum insulation. At the same time, moisture vapor from the body is freely removed to the outside. Thermal Pro made of polyester fibers is very durable and dries quickly. Unlike many fleecy fabrics, the material retains its heat-insulating properties and does not "roll" after repeated washes.

3. Polartec WindPro- A material with a denser structure than Thermal Pro, with increased wind protection characteristics.

4. Polartec 200 and similar quality fleece from other manufacturers- soft and almost weightless material. It has excellent thermal insulation properties. Unlike natural fabrics, it does not accumulate, but removes excess moisture from the body. In terms of thermal properties per gram of material, Polartec 200 is twice that of sheep's wool and more than three times that of cotton.

Having comprehended all of the above, we can distinguish the main properties of high-quality fleece:

• Long service life (retains its heat-insulating properties for a long time).
• Thanks to a special anti-pilling coating, the pile does not roll into hated spools even after repeated washes.
• Fleece does not wrinkle, has a pleasant to the touch structure.

Fleece, like outerwear (for example, for skiing), also requires special care. It can (and should!) be washed by hand or in a washing machine. If by hand, then with ordinary soap in warm water at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees. If in the machine, then at the same temperature, using the "gentle wash for synthetic fabrics" mode. Fleece clothing will last longer if washed with special gentle detergents and then rinsed in a solution that restores water repellency (for example, Nikwax Polar Proof). Fleece should not be ironed and dried in a washing machine or on a battery. Hang on a string or on a hanger - clothes will dry and keep a decent look.

How can all of the above be applied in everyday life and why is all this needed? If you are a snowboarder and skier, then you probably know that skiing conditions in the mountains and in the city are always different. The "cabbage" version of clothing is considered a classic. First layer: thermal underwear (special tight-fitting sweatshirts and sweatpants) + ski socks (not ordinary wool). The second layer is fleece, the third is outerwear (pants-jacket or overalls) plus a hat / helmet, mittens / gloves. Depending on the weather, the set may vary. The point is that all sweat removal technologies work only together, and if you put on a sweater and your favorite T-shirt under a membrane jacket, then there will be no sense in the membrane. And when everything is right, then everyone is dry and comfortable. What else does a person need?

And a little about money: as we said, good quality requires a good investment. If you are not ready to spend a serious amount on clothes right away, start with less - buy things in parts. For example, at the beginning of the season, buy thermal underwear, then fleece, and after that, “splurge” on membrane things. Dress appropriately and don't be cold!

What other inscriptions can be found on the label? Rip Stop- this is the name of the method of weaving fabric, which in its structure resembles a grid or honeycomb. That is, both thin and thick threads are used in this texture, which makes it possible to produce a durable and at the same time lightweight material. Twill weaving- It is a pleasant to the touch smooth material with excellent strength characteristics. Resist Techno Soft Shell- material belonging to the class of membrane fleece. The latest in high-tech fabrics from the Softshell series, Resist Techno Soft Shell is a completely new material that provides comfort during skiing and active sports, perfectly retains heat. In addition, this fleece, in fact, works like thermal underwear - it actively removes evaporation during intensive loads and retains heat. Fabric windbloc- combines the heat-insulating and "breathing" properties of fleece and the wind and moisture resistance of the outer layer. Membrane outer surface blocks wind; the inner layer of the fabric removes excess moisture.