The story of Gore-Tex begins in a garage, in the style of every great corporate story. Founded by Bill and Genevieve Gore, this married couple sought to develop the professional experience gained at DuPont, a multinational company that had created products such as Lycra, nylon, neoprene and polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon). In 1969, founders' son Bob Gore discovered that, when stretched under specific conditions, polytetrafluoroethylene could become a micro-porous fabric with low water absorption. It was initially thought as a solution for industrial buildings' insulation and began later on to be used for medical purposes. Gore took a few years to discover how to transfer those advantages to apparel and footwear collections. He started by launching his own products and then collaborating with various brands to guarantee waterproofing in more than one item.
GORE-TEX, PROTECTION AND ADAPTABLE COMFORT
GORE-TEX is a brand, a fabric and a lifetime waterproof guarantee. Three ways to understand something as simple as comfort in the worst conditions, with a technology that constantly adapts to new lifestyles.
The different types of Gore-Tex membrane all share a series of characteristics -they contain pores which are smaller than a water drop but larger than a steam molecule, thus preventing the entry of rain and snow while facilitating the evaporation of sweat. They also function as windbreakers, blocking the passage of the wind to protect the body. This is what ByBorre and Veilance offer in their clothes -the latter collaborating with Gore since 1995 through its main brand Arc'teryx. Gore generally demands a high level of experience in garment production prior to granting any license, but Arc'teryx was a unique case: their proposal was so different and so catchy that Gore started working with them before the brand even had a single item in stores. Arc´teryx is currently one of the brands proposing new features and contemplate questions that Gore will have to solve.
In its forty years of life, Gore-Tex has dressed athletes, astronauts and explorers, but they also adapted to new lifestyles. The new GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ range is designed to accompany those moments in which comfort and performance are as important as waterproofing itself. It's about garments that offer flexibility, functionality and style for an active style. The new technologies, designed for every space and time, allow you to walk in the park when temperatures are high, to work in the office and to go on an adventurous excursion.
By moving the focus away from waterproofing, the new GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ THERMIUM™ membrane offers thermal protection thanks to a thin layer that can adapt to any shoe without affecting its outlook. Positioned on the toe box, where greater thermal protection is required, the membrane is seven times more effective than conventional insulating systems, and it maintains the style of classic sneakers such as adidas Rivalry, Superstar and Stan Smith of the Home Of Classics pack.
Waterproof protection or versatile comfort, two Gore ranges that promise to innovate and adapt to the new needs of a universe of ever-changing experiences.