Since 2022, however, Gore-Tex has been taking steps toward sustainability by eliminating PFAs from its products. The brand has developed new, fluorine-free materials that maintain its signature waterproofing, breathability, and durability, all while addressing environmental concerns. PFAS-free products started rolling out in 2023, and Gore-Tex maintains that it’s on track to fully cut out the chemicals in consumer products by 2025.
One of the brand’s major partners in outerwear comes from a place in the world where the streets are washed most days by coastal rainfall and the weather regularly ranges from cold and breezy to warm and humid. Vancouver’s Arc’teryx designs gear that is meant for the alpine but has been embraced by all. “We have been working with Gore-Tex for over 25 years, and we have yet to evaluate a technology that is more ‘guaranteed-to-keep-you-dry,’ including their new ePE membrane that we started incorporating into our line last year,” says Andrew Yip, senior director of materials and advanced concepts at Arc’teryx.
But places like Vancouver also expose the material’s limitations. “Gore-Tex absolutely shines in cold and dry, cool and wet, but hot and humid climates can pose some challenges when it comes to breathability. That’s an area we are actively trying to develop against,” says Yip. The solution lies in layering. “Having an efficient system, and choosing the right materials for the right application, like Gore-Tex, means more time outdoors, staying warm and dry, while safely and comfortably pursuing your activities of choice.”
Why the cult-like following?
Few brands have contributed to the rise of functional fashion like Gore-Tex, but its continued dominance in waterproofing can’t be attributed solely to utility. The label was worn as a badge of honor by the most extreme of adventurers first—literally traversing the Antarctic on the shoulders of the 1989–1990 Trans-Antarctica Expedition—but they were quickly followed by the masses in the 1990s when brands like North Face and Patagonia helped push it mainstream. Back then, whether you were snowboarding in the Rockies or moshing at a Beastie Boys show in Brooklyn, you were probably repping Gore-Tex.
This dichotomous appeal to the urban and outdoors helps explain how it was able to continue its rise in popularity even as its patent expired decades ago. While imitators popped up all around the world, the brand maintained its partnerships and thus its position as top dog in waterproofing. That’s the power of a brand. Like other great names in style, the medium becomes the message.
How do I care for Gore-Tex?
You might imagine that something as technical as Gore-Tex would be finicky to keep clean. As it turns out, though, washing your Gore-Tex outerwear couldn’t be easier: The brand itself recommends simply zipping your jacket to the top and then machine washing it on warm with minimal spinning and a small amount of liquid detergent. Then, you’re free to either throw it in the dryer on a warm, gentle cycle or hang it up to dry.
For Gore-Tex footwear, meanwhile, remove the insoles and laces, brush off any loose dirt with a sponge or brush, and then clean the exterior with warm water and a blot of liquid detergent. Leave ’em out to dry.
Our favorite Gore-Tex gear
Now that you’ve got the full rundown on what makes Gore-Tex great, here are a handful of can’t-miss ways to introduce it to your wardrobe. Arc’teryx’s viral Beta jacket is as sleek and timeless as it gets, but the waterproof material is also now used in a host of sick performance runners, classic trench coats, and even boxy trucker jackets.