The market for waterproof breathable textiles was valued at $1,207.5 million in 2013 and will reach $1.73 billion by 2020, according to a new study conducted by California-based marketing research and consulting firm Grand View Research. Growing demand for high-performance and comfort apparel is expected to drive market growth over that period.
Due to the world becoming increasingly health-conscience, the need for apparel in fitness-related sports such as running, walking, swimming and cycling has been driving the demand for waterproof breathable textiles. These textiles offer protection from several environmental factors such as wind, rain and loss of body heat, which are ongoing problems in fitness that consumers want solved.
The study found that rising consumer disposable income and increasing fitness awareness will stimulate demand for premium waterproof breathable textile market using both plasma and silicon-based technologies. Similarly, an increasing use of recycled PET bottles to manufacture waterproof breathable fabrics is estimated will aid market growth due to consumers’ increased concern for the environment.
Further key findings suggest that membranes will be a high growth segment over the period due to its protection from UV rays, airborne pollutants and temperature changes. Additionally, active sportswear textiles will increasingly be antimicrobial, antiviral, and soil- and stain-resistant.
Suppliers of these fabrics include W. L. Gore & Associates, eVent, Polartec and SympaTex. The players focus on offering eco-friendly products that are recyclable, PTFE and PFC–free.
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W.L. Gore & Associates use GORE-TEX fabric which is specifically engineered to form an impenetrable barrier against wind and water while maintaining breathability. In addition to the family of GORE-TEX Fabrics, Gore offers WINDSTOPPER Outerwear that keeps wearers warm and comfortable with fewer layers and less bulk. AIRVANTAGE Adjustable Insulation allows the wearer to instantly and effortlessly control the amount of insulation required at a given moment, without adding or removing layers.
eVent’s DValpine is a 3-layer laminate is perfect for staying dry and comfortable on the mountain, in the snow, or going anywhere off the beaten, rain-soaked path. DVstorm is for the serious runner, cyclist or hiker that could get caught in the rain. Lightweight face fabrics paired with 10 denier backers are approximately 20 percent lighter and 15 percent more breathable than DValpine series laminates. The company’s third product, DVlite, is an unlined 2.5-layer rainwear designed for use in milder weather, while still being 100 percent waterproof and breathable.
Polartec’s Neoshell has dynamic air exchange at the surface which provides the ability to stop water and wind permeation without restricting the release of excess body heat and moisture vapor. This highly aerobic air permeability provides the unique benefit to function as a durable protective shell with advanced wicking capabilities to keep moisture vapor moving away from your core.
As a technical material company, SympaTex offers a waterproof membrane that removes perspiration in the form of water vapor from the skin to support a pleasant body climate and prevent overheating. The water-attracting part of the membrane absorbs the moisture from the body and emits it to the outside by evaporation.