Top 10 Technologies in Modern Winter Jackets

Thousands of years ago, the most ancient representatives of the genus Homo created primitive capes from wolverine, wolf, and bear fur to keep warm in the winter (after all, there were no other options for winter clothing in the Stone Age). Thousands of years later, our ancestors learned to turn them into baggy coats. It wasn't until the indigenous peoples of the north invented the parka that people began wearing something resembling a modern winter jacket.

In this article, you'll learn how science is making winter jackets warmer than ever. And we'll tell you about the Top 10 winter jacket technologies, including:

• Membrane technologies for waterproofness and breathability.
• Insulation materials based on synthetic and combined materials.
• Lining fabrics for comfort and dryness.
• Technologies for waterproofing winter jackets.
• Ventilation and temperature control systems.

Membrane technologies for waterproofness and breathability.

Modern winter jackets have a number of innovative solutions that make them more functional and comfortable for use in cold conditions. One of them is a membrane - a special layer that gives the jacket material four main properties at once:

1. water-repellent properties,
2. breathable properties,
3. wind protection,
4. flexible properties.
   

Technology 1. Water-repellent properties.

The membrane in winter jackets has the ability to repel water, preventing moisture from penetrating into the jacket. This is especially useful in wet and snowy conditions where it is important to stay dry.

Technology 2. Breathable properties.

Thanks to its microporous structure, the membrane allows moisture formed on the skin to evaporate and penetrate through the jacket material to the outside in the form of steam, thereby providing breathability and keeping you dry inside the jacket.

Technology 3. Wind protection.

The shape of each micropore of the membrane is made in such a way as to allow the body to breathe freely, but at the same time block the penetration of cold air from the outside through the material of the jacket. This helps to retain heat and protect against strong wind.

Technology 4. Flexibility and lightness.

The membrane is highly flexible and lightweight, allowing for the creation of thin and light winter jackets without losing water-repellent and breathable properties. Freever 4-WAY technology is the ability of the fabric to stretch (and also quickly recover) in the longitudinal and transverse directions. This gives greater freedom of movement and preserves the excellent appearance of the material for a long time. Therefore, Freever winter jackets 4-WAY do not stick out or bubble, fit perfectly, gently emphasize the silhouette, add a fit and provide a full range of motion.

Worldwide outdoor clothing brands widely use membrane technology to create high-performance winter jackets that provide internal comfort and effective external protection from various manifestations of winter weather. Here are some of the most popular and high-quality membranes:

• Gore-Tex is the most famous and recognized membrane in the clothing industry. It has excellent waterproofness and vapor permeability.
• eVent - also known for its ability to effectively remove steam and reliably protect against water.
• Dermizax is a membrane developed by Toray. It breathes well and protects against water, and also has high elasticity, which makes it an ideal choice for active winter sports.
• NeoShell is a membrane from Polartec. Provides protection from bad weather and good breathability even during high physical activity.
• DryVent is a membrane from The North Face. It is widely used in winter jackets and other outdoor clothing.

Insulation based on synthetic and combined materials.

The next important technology in the production of modern winter jackets is the use of modern insulation on a synthetic and combined basis. Each of them allows you to create outerwear for cold weather with high thermal insulation. Such fillers provide good thermal protection with minimal weight and volume.

Natural down technology for winter jackets typically involves using high-quality goose or duck down as insulation. However, such jackets are quite expensive and often raise ethical concerns, as the down may be obtained using methods that are harmful to animals. In light of this, leading manufacturers of winter jackets have developed synthetic down technologies. Synthetic down has the same high degree of thermal insulation and lightness, but unlike natural down, it is resistant to moisture. It also does not cause allergic reactions and is undemanding in care.

Technology 5. Insulation materials based on synthetic materials.

One of the popular technologies of synthetic fluff is the use of high-density polyester fibers (in the form of balls, springs), conjugated into balls, which effectively lock air molecules and create an insulating layer. Such materials also have water-repellent properties, which allows you to maintain warmth and comfort even in humid conditions. Among the most popular and high-quality ones, we note:

• Thermofiber is a synthetic fiber that provides excellent thermal insulation and is lightweight. It can also be water-resistant and quick-drying. It is used as a filler in many high-quality winter jackets.
• Thinsulate is another popular synthetic material that provides good thermal insulation with minimal bulk. This makes it an ideal filler for thin and lightweight winter jackets.
• Polartec is a high-tech insulation material designed to provide optimal thermal insulation with minimal weight. It retains heat well and also has good air permeability.
• Primaloft (PrimaLoft is another well-known synthetic filler with good thermal insulation properties, even in humid conditions. It retains its thermal insulation properties even under strong compression.

Technology 6. Insulation materials based on combined materials.

In any store in the expensive price range, you will definitely be offered to buy a winter jacket made of camel wool. The clothing tag will say - "50% camel wool and 50% polyester". This combined filler is very popular for several reasons: improved thermal insulation, good vapor permeability, high moisture resistance, lightweight, hypoallergenic, elastic, flexible, wear-resistant, durable. Among other options for combined insulation, we note: wool, alpaca, cashmere.

Lining fabrics for comfort and dryness.

A winter jacket consists of an outer fabric, inner padding and lining. They are fastened together with a stitch. At the same time, the front and inner sides of the garment can be either smooth or quilted using the ornament technique. One of the most common lining materials is polyester. Polyester has a high ability to wick moisture to the outer layer and evaporate it quickly. Very often, such a lining is equipped with heat reflection and retention technology.

Technology 7. TERMO SYSTEM - a lining that reflects and retains human heat.

A large number of silver dots located on the inside of the jacket (on the lining) effectively reflect body heat and retain it inside the jacket. At the same time, the thermal lining itself does not interfere with thermoregulation: excess body heat is freely removed to the outer layers.

Technologies for waterproofing winter jackets.

It is important to note that the level of waterproofing of a winter jacket can vary depending on its quality, brand, and price. The best winter jackets often use a combination of different technologies to provide optimal waterproofing and protection from adverse weather conditions. Commonly used technologies include cuffs on sleeves and protective valves on zippers to prevent air and moisture from entering through these openings. However, waterproof jackets, especially for regions with wet winters, always use seam sealing technology.

Technology 8. Taped seams for protection from water and wind.

In winter jackets, which use membrane fabric as the top, as a rule, all seams are not just strong, but strong and waterproof. In such seams, the holes between the stitches are closed by heat welding or heat gluing. Their surface is smooth, sealed, and does not let water or wind through.

Various ventilation and temperature control systems.

Modern technologies allow you to adjust the ventilation level in a winter jacket to suit your individual needs. And for additional heat generation and retention, adjustable heating technology is offered.

Technology 9. Passive ventilation.

Ventilation flaps or zippers with ventilation holes. Both are usually located under the arms and allow the ventilation to be opened for airing when the garment becomes hot and closed when it becomes cold.

Technology 10. Integrated heating system.

Forget about a cold neck or lower back: turn on the heat and adjust the heating when necessary. This is indicated by a small manual on the lining of the product and a barely noticeable button on the outside. In all other respects, the jacket is no different from a regular winter model. The heating element is located on the back, from the neck to the waist. The system is powered by a regular power bank. There are 3 modes: low - 40°C, medium - 46°C and high - 53°C. Each state is indicated by an LED indicator on the power button. Switching between modes occurs with a single press of the button.

In conclusion.

It is very important to have a cool winter jacket in your wardrobe, which would keep you dry, warm and comfortable in any unpredictable weather conditions. You already know about the TOP-10 technologies for winter jackets. Some of them are very specific, for extreme situations, while others can be found in almost every modern urban model. When choosing a winter jacket, it is important to understand the conditions in which you plan to use it. Because the principle "cooler means better" does not always justify itself.

Pay attention to the winter collection of FREEVER jackets. The popular Ukrainian brand of outdoor clothing is constantly expanding its range of products with new technologies aimed at improving quality and comfort. At a relatively affordable price, Freever winter jackets are distinguished by excellent quality, functionality and their own style.