Abrasion Resistance:
The extent to which a fabric can resist degradation from rubbing.
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Akwatek:
A patented fabric finishing process which changes the molecular structure of polyester to permanently allow it to move moisture away from the body.
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Blend:
A yarn obtained by combining two or more different fibers in the yarn-making process.
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Capillary Action:
A phenomenon in which water will rise above the normal liquid level and through a fabric channel or capillary due to the attraction of the molecules in the liquid for each other and for the walls in the tube.
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Coolmax®:
Four-channel fiber from Dupont which uses capillary action to move moisture away from the body.
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Denier:
The international system for numbering of yarns and fibers. Low numbers represent finer sizes; higher numbers, heavier yarns.
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Down:
A fluffy, soft fiber that grows under the feathers of ducks, geese and other waterfowl; commonly used for insulation in sleeping bags.
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Fleece:
A fabric with a thick surface, made by brushing the surface of the fabric with fine wire brushes or other instruments to lift the surface and form a nap of varying thickness.
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Four-way stretch:
A fabric which stretches up, down, right and left for maximum freedom of movement.
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Hydrophilic fiber:
A “water-loving” fiber that absorbs moisture.
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Hydrophobic fiber:
A “water-hating” fiber that absorbs little of no moisture.
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Hypothermia:
A reduction in the core body temperature below 98.6 degrees, to a level at which normal muscular and cerebral functions become impaired.
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Polartec®:
A family of Malden Mills base layer fabrics such as Power Dry®.
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Polyester:
A man-made fiber of synthetic polymer; quick-drying, crease-resistant, high-strength,
abrasion-resistant, minimum care.
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Polypropylene (Olefin):
A paraffin-based synthetic fiber; characteristics include low thermal conductivity,
quick-drying, superior colorfastness and moisture transport.
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Spandex:
A generic name for man-made fibers composed largely of polyurethane. Good stretch and recovery, strength and abrasion-resistance, resistance to body acids. Always used in combination with another fiber such as nylon or polyester.
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Two-way stretch:
The ability of a fabric to stretch either vertically or horizontally but not in both directions.
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Water resistant:
The ability to resist penetration by water in a limited manner.
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Waterproof:
The ability to prevent penetration by water. Most waterproof fabrics are tightly woven and coated with a substance designed to close the pores of the fabric enough to prohibit entry by water molecules.
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Wicking:
The ability of a material to disperse or spread moisture through a given area. Capillary action in a material.
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Windproof:
The ability of a fabric to resist penetration by air or wind.
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