The structure of the jacket refers to the structure of the jacket fabric, which is also the core part of the jacket. Usually the jacket is designed with a composite fabric composed of a combination of waterproof and breathable films and other materials. According to the structure, it can generally be divided into 2 layers, 2.5 layers, 3 floors. Regardless of how many layers the jackets have, most of them are very similar in design and performance, basically consisting of 3 layers of material, the main difference being the inner layer of the garment.
Outer layer: Generally, it is a protective fabric composed of nylon or polyester fiber. Here is a value that you can refer to, that is, denier (D). This value represents the fiber thickness and weaving density of the fabric. The higher the value, the more the fabric. The heavier it is, the surface is generally coated with a water repellent layer (DWR), which is why the jacket is rainproof.
Intermediate layer: Generally, it is a waterproof and breathable film such as EVENT, Gore-Tex, other membranes or coated fabrics. This layer of fabric generally has waterproof and breathable properties, and the waterproof membrane is pasted under the surface fabric.
Inner Layer: Primarily used to protect the waterproof layer from the inside and is the key to all the difference.
The inner layer of the three-layer structure is usually an ultra-thin polyurethane (PU) membrane or other similar lining, which prevents sweat and grease from clogging the pores in the waterproof breathable coating, thereby ensuring the breathability of the jacket. It has the advantage of being durable, and because of the protection of the lining, it is very effective at preventing rips and blocking the breathable layer, and it is a bit heavier than a 2.5-layer jacket.
The structure of 2.5-layer and 3-layer is similar, but it is lighter than the 3-layer jacket, and the reason is also in the inner layer. The inner layer of the 2.5-layer jacket is a very thin layer of polyurethane composite coating, or other coatings, because This coating is "painted" on the waterproof layer, which is why it is called a 2.5 layer. The 2.5-layer and 3-layer have the same breathability, but the experience is different when wearing them. The 2.5-layer jacket may feel sticky and wet when wearing it. This is because the waterproof coating is absorbing sweat, which I feel is not designed. Well, it's also its disadvantage, but compared to 3 layers, it is indeed much thinner and lighter. Again, with the continuous updating of materials and designs in recent years, the internal stickiness of the 2.5-layer jacket has been reduced a lot.
The inner layer of the 2-layer jacket is generally an independent loose lining, usually a mesh, which is used to protect the waterproof and breathable coating. The price is relatively cheap, and the shortcomings are also obvious. Generally, the weight is very heavy and the volume is very large. It is not suitable for outdoor use. Due to obvious shortcomings, there are basically few people who choose it now, and there are relatively few on the market.
frank@junbang-tex.com
