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Breathability: ability
of a fabric to allow air (generally moist air) to pass through it.
Canvas: a compact, firm closely woven cloth usually
of linen or cotton.
CoolMax®: a fiber
that wicks away moisture and allows better circulation.
Denier:
a measure of the fineness of thread.
Down:
the fluffy, insulating under plumage of waterfowl. Exceptionally warm, lightweight
and compact.
DriOff™: a water-repellent
finish applied to the surface of a fabric.
Fill-power:
a measure of down's volume in cubic inches per ounce. Higher volume means
a higher degree of loft. Down with a higher fill-power rating is a more
efficient insulator.
Gore-Tex®: a waterproof
yet breathable membrane laminated to another fabric.Gore-Tex is the most
popular waterproof/breathable laminate on the market.
Hydrophilic:
describes a substance such as a natural fiber that attracts moisture.
Hydrophobic: describes fibers such as polyester
that absorb little moisture and occasionally even repel it.
Loden
Cloth: a luxurious wool fabric that is first "fulled" or compacted
to increase its density. It is then brushed to increase softness. The finished
fabric is naturally wind- and water-repellent, and warmer than ordinary
wool fabrics.
Microfiber: surprisingly silky
micro-thin filaments (half the thickness of a strand of silk) of polyester
or nylon tightly woven into a fabric that sheds water, stops wind.
MPX®: a microporous coating applied to the underside
of a fabric to greatly increase its wind- and water-resistance while maintaining
breathability.
Plumules: the down cluster
that traps warm air. The loftier the cluster, the warmer.
Polartec®
Aircore-100™ and 200™: exclusive to Lands' End, they are the
newest members of the Polartec family. Remarkable Aircore is softer and
lighter than regular Polartec, yet it keeps you even warmer. Special channeled
yarns and an ingenious knit give Aircore a luxuriant feel that rivals cashmere.
What's more, Aircore is breathable, quick drying and longwearing. It keeps
its insulating ability and won't pill – even after repeated launderings.
Polartec®: the original performance fleece
fabric from Malden Mills. The fabric is brushed on both sides and will wick
away moisture, dry quickly, breathe and maintain its insulating value even
when wet. Available in different weights: Polartec 100 (lightest), Polartec
200 and Polartec 300 (warmest).
Polartec®
Power Dry®: a highly breathable, polyester knit, using different
yarns on either side of the fabric. One surface moves moisture away from
the skin, the other dries quickly. The ideal base layer for all outdoor
sports.
Polartec® Power Stretch®:
a versatile, stretchable and breathable fabric, providing freedom of movement,
plus warmth without weight. The nylon outer layer resists wind and abrasion;
the soft polyester inner layer provides warm comfort. Great as a base layer
or an added extra layer.
Polartec® Wind
Bloc®: blocks 100% of the wind and delivers maximum protection from
cold. Provides warmth, plus a breathable, windproof/waterproof barrier.
Ideal when activity is low or intermittent – and when cold or inclement
weather demands high performance.
Polartec®
Wind Pro™: a remarkable insulating fabric, providing 4 times the
protection against wind chill as conventional fleece. Light, breathable,
water-repellent and highly durable, it provides outstanding comfort in a
wide range of outdoor and casual activities.
Primaloft®:
synthetic insulation that mimics goose down's ability to loft and warm.
While goose down is warmer, it can loose its loft and warming power if it
gets wet. Primaloft is non-absorbent and will continue to work in wet conditions.
Squall®: Lands' End series of functional
outerwear made with Supplex® nylon shells, Polartec® Aircore™
linings and insulated sleeves.
Supplex®:
rugged nylon fabric that resists abrasion, tears and punctures. Made with
finer filaments, Supplex has a very soft, supple, almost cottony hand. Water-repellent
and wind-resistant, too.
Tape-sealed seams:
seams that are sealed with waterproof material so moisture can't pass through
stitching.
Thermolite® and Thinsulate®:
a low loft polyester fiber insulation that provides warmth without puffiness
or extra weight.
Waterproof: Although there
is no industry standard, Lands' End will call a piece of outerwear waterproof
only if the shell fabric does not allow water to penetrate under certain
test conditions, and only if all seams in the garment are sealed to prevent
leaking along the stitching lines. Waterproof fabrics can differ in their
ability to withstand levels of water pressure. For example, fabric that
is waterproof in a raincoat may not be as waterproof when used for fly-fishing
waders.
Water-repellent: Outerwear described
as water-repellent is generally treated with a surface finish. The fabric
will bead up very light rain, mist or snow. Although the fabric will not
readily absorb moisture, it will allow water to penetrate rather quickly
if exposed to continued wet conditions.
Water-resistant:
Outerwear described as water-resistant offers a higher level of protection
than outerwear described as water-repellent. The shell fabric will not allow
water to penetrate for a given period of time, but eventually moisture will
get through depending on length of exposure and intensity of the elements.
Also, water-resistant outerwear does not have tape-sealed seams.
Wicking: the process that draws moisture away from
the skin either by absorbing it into the fabric or by transferring it along
hydrophilic molecules in a fabric that is itself non-absorbent.
WindCheck™: a thin, insulating laminate that
is windproof, yet breathable and flexible with two-way stretch.
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