Fabrics

Waterproofness, breathability and cold protection - What does it mean to you?

• Read more about waterproofness, breathability and cold protection

Certified fabrics - What does it mean to you?

• Read more about certifications.

Breathable

The breathability of the fabric ensures that transpiration moisture can escape quickly. This enables you to stay dry while at work. The permeability of a fabric is measured on the basis of the speed with which water vapour can escape. This is expressed in “MVP”, or “Moisture Vapour Permeability”. The higher the MVP value, the stronger the breathability of the fabric.

Waterproof

A waterproof fabric ensures that rain and snow cannot penetrate for a long time, enabling you to stay dry and continue to work even in bad weather. A fabric’s waterproofness is determined by measuring the quantity of water – the so-called “water column” – a fabric can resist before moisture starts to penetrate. This is expressed in “WR”, or “Water Resistance”. The higher the result, the longer you can continue to work in bad weather without experiencing any discomfort.

With regards to the waterproofness of a piece of clothing, 100% watertight taped seams are another important ally. Finally, applying a finish on the outer layer of fabric also adds an extra layer of protection by making moisture bead up and roll off.

Example: the image displays the different fabric layers of the DASSY® Nordix stretch winter jacket. The DWR finish (Durable Water Repellent) makes water droplets bead up and roll off, while the wind- and waterproof membrane effectively keeps out rain and wind. And since the membrane is also breathable, water vapour can easily escape from the inside.

Cold protection

A good thermal insulator traps your body’s radiated warmth. Since air excels as an insulator, paddings consist of countless small air pockets that effectively retain body heat. That way, you can continue working comfortably even in colder weather.

Example: the image displays the high quality insulation of the DASSY® Nordix stretch winter jacket. The high performance DuPont™ Sorona® micro fibres create small air pockets for the best warmth-insulation.

Moreover, this padding is also light, breathable, soft, quick drying and it is made of 37% renewable plant-based materials. And since the DuPont™Sorona® fibre is also highly compressible, the DASSY® Nordix keeps you nice and warm, without looking puffy.

Tensile properties and tear resistance

Durable fabrics do not tear easily. We perform thorough tests on our fabrics to ensure appropriate tensile and tear resistance. This is for example done by means of a tear test, in which a small incision is made in both directions of the fabric, after which we measure the strength required to tear the fabric further. Similar tests are carried out to determine the tensile resistance of the fabric. In this case, we measure the strength required to tear the fabric over a certain width without making an incision in advance. In both cases the strength of the fabric is in proportion to the strength required to tear the fabric.

Abrasion resistance

Another way to define the durability of a fabric is to define the fabric’s resistance to abrasion. This is measured by subjecting the fabric to a rotating, concentric rub under a certain amount of pressure. The test result is expressed in the number of cycles (rubs or revolutions) the device has made until visible abrasion appears. The higher this number, the more durable the fabric and the longer your piece of clothing will last.

Apart from these tests, all fabrics are also thoroughly tested for seam slippage resistance, anti-pilling properties and colour fastness combined with appropriate washing tests. We test all fabrics in our own labs and also have them tested by independent and internationally recognised testing institutes. This enables us to guarantee you the best results.