Windproof Treatment
Windproof treatment is a process or specification applied to reduce wind passing through the gaps in a textile and make it easier to reduce body heat loss inside clothing.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
Windproof treatment is a processing or specification applied to suppress air permeability in woven or knitted fabrics, making it harder for cold wind to enter the inside of a garment. Methods include high-density weaving, applying resin or coating, and laminating film, and performance and texture differ depending on the processing method.
Wind resistance is affected not only by the textile itself, but also by seams, zippers, and the specifications of cuffs and hems. Therefore, when considering the level of wind resistance required for a product, it is important to check pattern design and accessory materials as well as textile performance.
Features
By reducing wind penetration, it may feel less cold even with the same insulation material or air layer inside the garment. Windproof treatment itself does not generate heat or necessarily increase thickness, so it needs to be considered separately from thermal insulation.
Depending on densification, resin treatment, coating, or film lamination, the material may become stiffer, harder, slicker, glossier, or produce rubbing noise. On the other hand, depending on the material and processing design, it is also possible to achieve a relatively supple texture.
In general, the more wind resistance is increased, the more air permeability tends to decrease, which can lead to stuffiness inside the garment. For highly active applications, comfort should be considered together with moisture permeability, ventilation, and the use of lining or mesh.
Main Applications
It is used for outerwear, blousons, coats, vests, pants, and other items that are exposed to wind. In addition to cold-weather apparel for autumn and winter, it is also suitable for spring and autumn layers for fluctuating temperatures, as well as sports and outdoor apparel designed to reduce wind chill.
In addition to giving the outer fabric wind resistance, there are also specifications that provide a windproof layer between the outer fabric and lining. Depending on the required stretch, lightness, durability, and feel against the skin, a single-layer textile or a composite material is selected.
- Outerwear, blousons, coats
- Sports and outdoor wear
- Workwear, uniforms
- Pants and vests where additional warmth is desired
Selection and Handling Notes
When selecting a textile, check not only wind resistance but also air permeability, moisture permeability, water repellency, stretch, fabric weight, and texture according to the intended use. Water-repellent treatment is a function that makes water bead off more easily, and its purpose differs from windproof treatment. Waterproof breathable materials may also provide wind resistance, but not all have the same performance.
Textiles using resin treatment, coating, or lamination and bonding may change in appearance or function due to heat, friction, or washing conditions. Check the care label and textile handling instructions, and before mass production perform washing tests to confirm shrinkage, wrinkling, peeling, and changes in texture.
During sewing, needle holes and seams can affect wind resistance. If necessary, review seam allowance specifications, and with laminated textiles and similar materials, be careful of needle holes, surface changes caused by heat, and feeding problems. Match the thickness and hardness by confirming the needle, thread, presser foot pressure, and sewing conditions in advance.
Differences from Similar Terms
Water-repellent treatment is a treatment that makes the surface more likely to repel water. It does not directly indicate wind resistance, and some water-repellent textiles still allow wind to pass through. Conversely, some windproof textiles do not have water repellency.
Waterproof breathable is a function or structure that helps block water from entering from outside while allowing water vapor to pass through more easily. While it often includes wind resistance, windproof treatment does not necessarily guarantee waterproofness or breathability.
Shrink-resistant treatment is a treatment intended to reduce dimensional changes caused by washing and other factors. It may be used together with windproof treatment, but its effect on shrinkage must be checked separately depending on the treatment content and material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are windproof textiles always warm?
Windproof treatment helps reduce cold caused by wind, but the textile itself does not have the function of storing heat. Warmth is also affected by quilt batting, brushed surfaces, lining, material, and the air layer inside the garment. It is important to select in combination with thermal insulation according to the usage environment.
Can windproof treatment and water-repellent treatment be applied together?
There are textiles that have both wind resistance and water repellency, but the two functions are different. The durability of water repellency, air permeability, and texture change depending on the processing method, so the performance required for the application should be confirmed individually through test results and textile specifications.
What should be considered when sewing windproof textiles?
For textiles that include coating or film, pay attention to surface changes caused by needle holes, heat, and friction. Wind may also enter more easily through seams, so evaluation including specifications is necessary. Before mass production, check sewing samples and the condition after washing.
