Not only is this true for runway models, cell phones and crepes, it is also applicable to Winter Jacket fabrics. Such needs to be “the correct weight and texture, as well as other qualities like water fastness and more.” (www.wikihow.com) while, at the same time, dropping the excess material.

No longer does a Winter Jacket need to be bulky and ugly in order to keep you warm. Technology has developed new fabrics such as Primaloft®, Thinsulate®, GoLite®, Gore-Tex®, Torex®-Antirosa®, and Pertex® - which do the job very nicely, thank you, and make you look like a million bucks!

Choose the one that best fits your fun level and your pocket.

(Photo courtesy of eSeller (Dutchess, NY) -- Online Yard Sale, Flickr.)

In the 80’s, the US Army contracted the manufacturers with an order for a synthetic fabric which would keep the wearer warm in spite of the material getting wet. Primaloft® was the result, knocking out two birds with one stone – water replellency AND lightweight.

The manufacturers, www.primaloft.com, describe this fabric as “ incredibly soft, lightweight, breathable with excellent water repellency so you remain dry, warm and comfortable—even under the most extreme conditions.”

Comparing Primaloft® with down, “ZootHornRollo”, a member of the www.forum.fellrunner.org.uk, states “primaloft jackets seem generally to be better for the cold-wet conditions of an english winter. They also pack up smaller and lighter than down (I think ...). Ideally you'd still keep the primaloft dry under a shell though!”

Other observations about the EMS Primaloft® Heater Sync Winter Jacket differ regarding the thinness and packing capabilities of the fabric:

• “Pros: Nearly windproof; Pit zips provide extra ventilation; Durable Pertex outer fabric
• Cons: Doesn’t compress into a pocket; Small shoulders compared to body size; No hood
• Bottom Line: The Heater Sync Jacket is a lightweight, synthetic-insulated jacket that works best as an outer layer in cool, dry weather or as an insulating layer under a shell.” (www.explore-it.blog.com)

(Photo courtesy of TheAdnostic, Flickr.)

“Thinsulate® is a trademark of the 3M® Corporation, for a type of synthetic fiber thermal insulation used in clothing…The material was first sold in 1979…In1979, Thinsulate® was introduced and marketed as providing "warmth without bulk. Marketing material suggests it retains its insulating ability even in damp conditions.” (www.wikipedia.org)

Thirty one years later this fabric is still going strong and is one of the top materials used in manufacturing Winter Jackets, today.

Thinsulate® fibers are, as advertised by 3M®, thinner than the polyester fibers used for Winter Jacket manufacturing. Hence, it takes less material to make the garment while making the garmet less bulky yet increasing its warming capacity. Simultaneously, 3M® claims that “Thinsulate® is more effective due to the increased density of fibers with decreased size of fibers compared with more traditional insulation. Like most insulation materials, the gaps between fibers not only reduce heat flow, but also allow moisture to escape. The insulation properties are beneficial for retaining some of the heat produced by the body for comfortable warmth while the moisture produced, e.g. by sweating, is supposed to evaporate.” (www.wikipedia.org)

(Photo courtesy of ncracker, Flickr.)

Based in Colorado, this “green”company designs and manufactures “ high-end light and ultra-light clothing, footwear, backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, hydration packs, and accessories.” (www.wikipedia.org)

Using fabrics such as Gore-Tex® and PacLite III®, GoLite® was able to produce one of only two “ Gore-Tex jackets…to break the 12 oz (340 g) barrier.” (www.backpackinglight.com), with the GoLite® Phantom Rain Jacket weighing in at 11.8 oz. – now, THAT’S thin…

In reviewing the Phanton jacket, www.backpackinglight.com observed, “ It’s hard to find fault with the Phantom, and its primary limitation lies in its hood: while the hood has a nice wire stiffened brim, it lacks a rear adjustment, and it is not helmet friendly.”

“GORE-TEX® fabrics are created by laminating our GORE-TEX® membrane to high-performance textiles, then sealing them with an innovative solution for guaranteed waterproof protection.” (www.gore-tex.com)

The company boasts that the membrane is the key to the whole thing. The membrane “contains over 9 billion microscopic pores per square inch. These pores are 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet, but 700 times larger than a water vapor molecule, which makes the GORE-TEX® membrane completely waterproof from the outside, while allowing perspiration to escape from the inside. An oleophobic, or oil-hating, substance is integrated into the membrane, preventing the penetration of body oils and insect repellent that could otherwise affect the membrane.” (www.gore-tex.com)

In the Winter Jacket department, GORE-TEX® offers 2 and 3-ply garments, with the latter being recommended for more rugged wear. Also, GORE-TEX® garantees that their garments are all 100% waterproof and an “impenetrable windshield …your product breathes but the wind stays out.” (www.gore-tex.com)

Toray, a Japanese company established in 1926, and who in 1951, was the first company to manufacture and distribute nylon has created the textile “Torex®- Artirosa®, super high density, polyester/nylon composite… is an advanced composite of ultra-fine polyester fibers and highly modified star cross-sectional nylon fibers. .. This fiber is used in a wide range of items, especially outerwear such as coats and winter jackets…” (www.toray.com)

“Pertex® is a versatile, wind resistant, durable wicking fabric with more breathing ability than waterproof membranes….The breathability of Pertex® comes from the fabrics use of capillary action using denier gradients. Pertex® combines two yarns with different properties. The inner yarn has larger filaments and outer yarn has smaller filaments. Capillary action moves moisture from larger filaments to smaller filaments without passing through the air.” You will find this fabric mostly in Winter down Jackets and sleeping bags. (www.wikipedia.org)

The fabric line includes Pertex® Classic, Equilibrium, Quantum, Microlite and Endurance. The Microlite line offers “significant weight reduction while maintaining proper strength and abrasion resistance; packs 25% smaller compared to standard 44 decitex fabrics and the dense weave reduces heat loss.| (www.pertex.com)