Technology | Introduction to 10 Common Fiber Materials Used in Outdoor Clothing

Polyester, also known as polyethylene terephthalate fiber, is commonly referred to as "Dacron" in China. It is strong, durable, not prone to shrinking or fading, has good wrinkle resistance, is easy to wash and quick to dry, making it highly favored. However, regular polyester fabrics tend to have poor breathability and moisture absorption, and are prone to static electricity. Therefore, some post-treatment methods are often used to improve these properties—such as processing the fibers into special cross-sectional shapes to enhance sweat-wicking through capillary action, improving anti-pilling and anti-static performance; or creating hollow fibers that effectively trap and retain heat, making them excellent insulating materials.

Also called polyamide, its standout advantage is strength and durability. It is reported that nylon is 1–2 times stronger than cotton and 4–5 times stronger than wool; it is 10 times more abrasion-resistant than cotton and 20 times more than wool. Nylon is one of the most common materials used in outdoor clothing. For example, windbreakers often use 15D or 20D nylon fibers. Compared to polyester fibers of the same fineness, nylon fabrics are lighter, more abrasion-resistant, and have better elasticity. Using nylon in jackets, golf apparel, and skiwear enhances durability while providing a degree of stretch, fully meeting the demands of high-energy outdoor activities.

Polypropylene is the lightest among common chemical fibers and is almost non-absorbent. However, studies show that fine-denier polypropylene fibers with a single filament fineness of less than 1.1 dtex can create a unique wicking effect, drawing sweat to the outer surface of the fabric. The finer the single filament, the more pronounced this wicking and moisture-transmitting effect becomes. By leveraging the hydrophilic/hydrophobic differences between fine-denier polypropylene and other fibers, special double-layer fabric structures can be designed to achieve one-way moisture transport. These fabrics offer excellent sweat wicking and moisture permeability, keeping skin dry during wear, and are highly suitable for makingoutdoor activity clothing such as mountaineering and hiking apparel.

One of spandex’s most prominent advantages is its excellent elasticity and resistance to deformation, along with good abrasion resistance. A well-known material is LYCRA® (Lycra) by DuPont in the United States. Spandex is generally not used alone but is blended into fabrics in small amounts. The commonly mentioned spandex core-spun yarn uses spandex filaments as the core, wrapped with fibers like cotton or polyester. This type of yarn combines the elasticity of spandex with the soft feel and appealing appearance from the outer fibers. During outdoor sports, people may perform a wide range of movements, and high-elasticity fabrics can increase the range of motion for joints and muscles, thereby improving comfort. As a result, spandex fabrics are being used more and more in outdoor apparel.

Cuprammonium rayon is a regenerated cellulose fiber that aligns with the trend of eco-friendly fashion. Fabrics made from cuprammonium rayon have good moisture absorption, excellent drape, and wear performance similar to silk. Another feature is their good anti-static properties. Suitable for making knitted underwear, shirts, windbreakers, and other garments, they maintain a pleasant tactile feel even in dry regions, helping to avoid stuffiness or discomfort.

The properties of acrylic fibers are very similar to those of wool, which is why it's called "synthetic wool." It feels smooth to the touch, and features softness, fluffiness, and bright colors, along with good elasticity and warmth retention. Acrylic is one of the lighter synthetic fabrics, second only to polypropylene, making it an excellent material for lightweight clothing, such as climbing apparel or winter warmth garments.

The primary raw material used in Sorona fiber production is a renewable resource, aligning with energy-saving and environmental protection concepts. The fabric offers a comfortable, soft hand feel, UV resistance, vibrant color, and does not easily deform after washing. Its outstanding quick-drying properties and colorfastness after laundering are also highly favored by consumers.

Coolmax, developed by DuPont, features a four-channel cross-section that creates tiny, highly capillary wicking channels between fibers. This allows sweat to be quickly transported to the surface of the garment to evaporate, offering excellent moisture transport and quick-drying properties. While cotton can absorb sweat, it doesn't wick it away efficiently, and common synthetic fibers are poor at sweat absorption. In comparison, Coolmax excels in both sweat absorption and moisture release. It is particularly well-suited for functional T-shirts or quick-dry apparel that requires moisture management and fast drying.

Cordura offers excellent abrasion resistance, tear strength, and puncture resistance. According to relevant data, Cordura fabric is twice as durable as standard nylon, three times as durable as polyester, and ten times as durable as cotton canvas of the same weight. For mountaineering,rock climbing, or traversing rugged routes where sharp thorns and rocks are unavoidable, garments need high wear resistance. Many jackets and fleece garments reinforce high-friction areas such as shoulders and elbows with Cordura.

Primaloft is a down alternative developed by the American company Albany International. It is lightweight, composed of millions of ultrafine fibers, and delivers the softness and warmth of down, while also drying quickly when wet. The newly launched hybrid insulation product—Gold Down Blend, made from 70% waterproof goose down with a loft of 750 and 30% PrimaLoft fibers—is highly suitable for wet and snowy weather conditions. It is widely used in high-quality ski gloves, not only improving comfort and insulation but also enhancing flexibility. Some brands also use it as insulation filler in warm clothing.