what is gore tex

Gore-Tex is a waterproof, breathable fabric membrane and a registered trademark of W. L. Gore & Associates. It was invented in 1969 by Wilbert L. Gore and his son, Robert W. Gore. Gore-Tex can repel liquid water while allowing water vapor to pass through, making it a highly durable, breathable, waterproof, and windproof fabric. It is made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), a variant of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) . Gore-Tex materials are used in a wide variety of applications such as high-performance fabrics, medical implants, filter media, insulation for wires and cables, gaskets, and sealants. However, Gore-Tex fabric is best known for its use in protective, yet breathable, rainwear. Gore-Tex products range from waterproof jackets, hiking boots, snow gloves, and breathable running gear. Gore-Tex is sewn underneath the uppermost layer of a garment, and water can seep through the top layer, but it is stopped once it reaches Gore-Tex.