General Outerwear Tech Terms

You need to know your jargon if you're going to be selling outerwear.

 
3-in-1 Jacket System. A 3-in-1 jacket consists of two jacket layers that zip together. Wear either jacket layer separately or zip them together for extra warmth and weather protection.
Articulation. A design detail usually in the shoulders, elbows or knees where limbs bend to increase mobility for greater ease of movement.
Breathability. It’s the movement of air from one side of the fabric to the other to keep the wearer comfortable. The breathability rating is typically expressed in a gram measurement of how much vapor a square meter (G/M2) of fabric will allow to pass in a 24-hour period (Typically, 1,000G/M2 to 10,000G/M2). Generally, the higher the number, the more breathable the garment.
Chin guard. A fold of soft fabric around the end of the zipper that helps prevent abrasion. Also known as a zipper garage.
Cord Locks. A stopper or toggle on a drawcord that keeps the cord from retracting into the garment.
Down. The soft, fluffy under feathers of ducks and geese. Serves as an excellent outerwear thermal insulator.
Fill Power. The measure of the loft or “fluffiness” of a down garment that is loosely related to the insulating value of the down. The higher the fill power, the more trapped air an ounce of the down can trap, and thus the more insulating ability an ounce of the down will have.
Insulation. A jacket designed to hold body heat close and buffer surrounding cold air. Down, fleece and synthetic fibers are common insulators. Insulation levels help determine warmth ratings.
Microfleece. Crafted from ultra-fine yarn, this lightweight, high-density fleece is brushed less than a regular fleece garment for softness and warmth without bulk.
Pit Zips. Zippers placed in the armpits of the jacket to be used for quick ventilation.
Poly-Filled. A warm polyester insulation found in the body or sleeves of outerwear.
Port Pocket™. A zipper entry pocket that allows the jacket to be hooped and embroidered without impacting the inside lining of the garment.
Soft Shell. A fabrication that bonds an outer shell to a warm fleece or knit layer resulting in a breathable, flexible and comfortable jacket. All our soft shells have laminate for water resistance.
Waterproof. Keeps outside moisture from penetrating the fabric. The waterproof rating is typically expressed in milliliters (1,000mm to 10,000mm) based on water pressure tolerance over a 24-hour period. Generally, the higher the rating, the higher the waterproof protection.
Water-resistant. Keeps the wearer dry in moderate wind and rain. Very breathable, allowing air to pass through while keeping moisture at bay. In extreme or extended conditions, waterproofing is a better solution.
Wind-resistant. A fabric’s ability to act against or oppose the penetration of wind or air, without being completely windproof.

 

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