Tri-Layer System

Lightweight Microfleece, Hi Viz Soft Shell Jersey, Light & Ultra Flo Jacket, All Weather Jackets. These are all designed to be worn as the 3rd layer of our unique 123 system or independently of either of the other two layers.

How can a fabric be breathable and waterproof?

The honest answer is that it can't do both 100% effectively.

The fabrics that you buy operate on a trade-off basis. By that we mean that normally in the UK a waterproof fabric is judged on its ability to withstand the pressure of a column of water. Thus you can offset the waterproof capabilities of the fabric by limiting it to a pressure equal to a heavy thunderstorm. That means the fabric can also breath up to that pressure of water. Beyond that, it will allow water in through the breathing surface.

You can increase the breathing quality by reducing the resistance to the column of water thus making it less waterproof.

What is "wicking"?

This is a term created by the fabric producers to describe a fabric that assists perspiration to pass from the body, through the covering garment and then away into the atmosphere.

How does "wicking" work?

Fabric companies will advertise that their fabrics are the best and that they have even changed the shape of the yarn used to assist the process.

Below we list the main points that we consider as important:-

The fabric used normally includes synthetic yarns not made from natural fibres which tend to absorb moisture instead of channelling it away. Only specially treated natural fibres could achieve a wicking effect.

Knitted fabrics generally work better that woven as there are larger gaps in the surface of the fabric.

It is totally pointless to wear a cotton T-shirt under a breathable jacket as the cotton fabric defeats the breathable/wicking ability of the jacket.

In an ideal world and for the breathing/wicking ability to be given a chance to work properly, you must dress in fabrics that allow the same functions. So a base layer and a high wicking race jersey will both work with a jacket.

We should point out that most knitted, synthetic fabrics will have a degree of "wicking" ability as the fibre will not allow any absorbtion of perspiration and the knit will allow the air passing over the fabric to take away the moisture.