Material guide – SympaTex®

The manufacture of SympaTex®

SympaTex® is a registered trademark of Technologies GmbH and was originally developed by Enka Glanzstoff AG in Wuppertal. SympaTex® is a special functional textile that is up to 100% waterproof while still allowing water vapour to pass through it. The fabric's membrane is approx. 5 to 25 µm thick (thinnest membrane in the world) and is coated by a so-called laminate on the textile substrate. Unlike GORE-TEX® products, the SympaTex® membrane does not have any pores. It is made of polyetherester (a chain of polyester and polyether molecules) and is harmless to health and kind to the skin and the environment. It can also be recycled.

Special structure allows breathability

The hydrophobic membrane has hydrophilic molecular building blocks, which guarantee high breathability. These special building blocks transport water vapour and moisture to the outside. This effect is increased the greater the temperature and humidity difference between the two sides of the membrane. So the material's efficacy increases on its own: The more you sweat, the more moisture is wicked to the outside). This special function is not impaired by dirt particles, washing, dry cleaning or detergents, because the membrane does not have pores that could clog.

Warmth is no problem

The SympaTex® membrane has many unique, positive properties. It is hydrophilic and up to 100% waterproof and windproof, while still being breathable and permeable to CO2, oxygen and water vapour. This also means that it absorbs water vapour directly and wicks it away from the body to the outside of the clothing. Protection against the cold and rain is guaranteed. So your body always stays warm and dry.

Washing is easy

The membrane has no pores, is not sensitive to soiling or detergent residues, is easy-care and very stretchy (up to 300% stretch). It is also important to note that it poses absolutely no health risk. The properties of the SympaTex® membrane are very stable, regardless of washing, dry cleaning, various chemicals or contact with fuels and oil. It also provides optimal protection against viruses, bacteria, condensation and bodily fluids, and can therefore also be used as a medical product due to its high biocompatibility.

Textiles made from SympaTex® are extremely easy to care for. The special membrane is pore-free, so no pores can become soiled or clogged. This means that the item of clothing does not need to be washed after every wear and, when it is washed, detergent residue does not build up. SympaTex® can be washed without any problems. However, the specific care label should always be consulted to ensure everything is done correctly when washing. Either way, the product's functionality remains at 100%.

Sympatex® combines lots of positive properties, which are especially appreciated in the outdoor clothing sector. For example, clothing and shoes made of SympaTex® are widely used in winter sports, cycling, hiking, trekking, Nordic walking, camping, jogging or motorcycling. Unlike many other outdoor products, Sympatex® items are very kind to the skin and the environment, can be recycled and pose absolutely no risk to health, making them stand out from the competition.