Today, it is customary to distinguish three types of membrane jackets - depending on what fabric was used when sewing. Recall that this material performs the function of the upper layer in clothes, which protects a person from the cold and at the same time removes moisture, preventing him from getting wet. By structure, all membranes are divided into non-porous, porous and combined.
Features of Poreless Membrane Jackets
This fabric "works" on the principle of osmosis: evaporation falling on the inside of the membrane settles on it and passes out due to active diffusion. Outerwear made from it has a lot of advantages: the jacket will not require extra careful care from you and will live for quite a long time. It is also worth noting the wide temperature range at which it can be operated. It is not surprising, therefore, that products made from this fabric are distinguished by a high price. However, they also have several drawbacks: for example, the evaporation that accumulates inside creates the effect of getting wet.
Porous membranes
Jackets made of membrane fabric with pores function as follows: moisture deposited on the membranes from the outside cannot get inside due tosmall pores, and the sweat released from the inside of the thing is freely brought to the surface. This phenomenon is explained very simply: the vapor molecules formed in the process of sweating are a thousand times smaller than water molecules. Thus, we get waterproof and at the same time breathable products, which, you see, is very convenient. The disadvantages of this type of membrane jackets are that it does not "live" for long: the pores quickly become clogged, and the wonderful properties of the fabric disappear. It also requires extremely careful handling: if washed incorrectly, the jacket starts to get wet, so it is recommended to buy special products for care - sprays, shampoos, etc.
Properties of combined membrane jackets
Such a fabric is covered with a porous membrane on top, which, in turn, has another coating - a non-porous polyurethane film. This allows jackets to combine all the advantages of the previous two options, avoiding their disadvantages. Of course, they cost above average. However, by purchasing this product, you can be sure that it will serve you as long as possible.
Fabric texture
Now about the texture. Premium items usually come with a "Rip Stop" tag. This is not the name of the manufacturer, but the method of weaving the fabric. If you look at it through a magnifying glass, you will see that thick and thin threads are intertwined in the likeness of a net and create a durable, yet lightweight material. Another type of weaving is Twill. The material is very smooth andpleasant to the touch. It is often used in the creation of snowboard clothing. The dpm membrane jacket is a great example.
Seams
Finally, a few tips about seams. Ideally, they should be glued to exclude the slightest possibility of penetration under clothing. Even jackets made of three-layer fabric are completely glued with a special tape. When buying, look for the inscription "all seams are sealed" - it means that all seams are really finished.
