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Technology

What is Gore-Tex®?

By J. Beam
Updated Jan 30, 2024
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Gore-Tex® is an award-winning textile product that is a registered trademark of W.L. Gore & Associates, a company specializing in creative technologies. A particularly durable type of fabric, it is both waterproof and windproof and employs technology that is geared toward comfort as well. Fabrics made from this textile are used to construct a variety of outerwear products, from boots to gloves to winter coats.

There are several features to Gore-Tex® products that make them very popular in retail stores, especially those selling rugged outdoor wear, sporting goods, and work wear. The primary feature is guaranteed waterproofing. Gore, the company that manufactures it, makes the claim “Guaranteed to Keep You Dry®” of all its Gore-Tex® outerwear. The guarantee applies for the useable life of any garment made with this material.

The waterproof quality stems from its composition of semi-permeable membranes. The fabric has millions of microscopic holes poked into it that are small enough for water vapor molecules to escape but do not allow water to pass through. It is this technology, which allows outerwear to be both breathable and waterproof, that makes Gore-Tex® a favorite for many hunters, hikers, and outdoor workers.

Gore-Tex® products are available for men, women, and children, with footwear being the most popular product. There are a variety of styles and brands of footwear with this fabric construction and lining, including athletic shoes and hiking, hunting, and work boots. Other products include gloves, mittens, socks, pants, jackets, coats, and hats. Some products are specialty products, such as hunting and work gear, and many are not only comprised of waterproof Gore-Tex® but also insulated for added warmth to temperatures below freezing.

It’s easy to recognize a product made with Gore-Tex® — a consumer just needs to look for the black diamond-shaped tag with the company logo in gold lettering. People should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper cleaning and care to ensure the longest possible life of the apparel.

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Discussion Comments

By golf07 — On Apr 06, 2012

My husband loves to hunt and has gone out in some pretty miserable conditions for this. I would much rather stay inside where it is cozy and warm, but the weather never deters him.

This is when his Gore-Tex hunting gear really comes in handy. You can find this in just about any kind of outdoor clothing, and I think my husband as invested a small fortune in it!

He is a big fan of Gore-Tex and wouldn't think about spending much time outdoors without it. I like to wear Gore-Tex gloves if I know I am going to be out in the snow. This is about the only thing that really keeps my hands and fingers dry.

By LisaLou — On Apr 06, 2012

I have a Gore-Tex running jacket that I like to wear because it is windproof and waterproof. Even though it is a fairly light jacket, it really helps when the wind is cold and strong.

If I happen to get caught in the rain, it also helps keep me dry longer than I would if I wasn't wearing it.

Sometimes you might pay a little bit more for Gore-Tex clothing, but I think the small amount of extra money is more than worth it for the benefits you receive.

By Mykol — On Apr 05, 2012

I really don't understand how Gore-Tex works, but I know that it does. Our family enjoys skiing in the winter and there is nothing worse than wearing clothing that doesn't keep out the moisture.

I know when I wear Gore-Tex clothing that we will all stay warm and dry. It can become miserable pretty fast if you aren't able to keep the wet moisture from your body when you are outside in the winter.

When I am shopping for winter gear for my family, I always make sure it is made of Gore-Tex.

By loving6 — On Aug 16, 2010

My grandson age 20 has now had eight surgeries up to age 14 for bowel obstructions. Finally, a female surgeon attended him and put in some kind of material that has kept away another obstruction. Could it be Gore-tex?

By anon68388 — On Mar 02, 2010

Gore tex is also used in surgery. E.g., in bladder repairs, it is sewn in to help hold up the bladder. It also was used to hold thoracic contents in place after a cancer removal.

By Tahir — On Apr 28, 2009

Is gore tex available in denim form?

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