Why do we need wind resistant garments and how is it tested?

Why do we need wind resistant garments?

In cold and strong wind conditions, cold vapours can pass through your jackets and reach you, causing chills and discomfort without wind-resistant protection. Having wind breaking through, we will not be able to maintain our body heat even when we wear coats and jackets.

Windproof fabrics are made by weaving them tightly so that the gaps between the threads are too small for air to pass through at speed. With such fabric, we will be able to store heat and stay warm.

Testing Method

ASTM D737-04 is the standard test method for air permeability of textile fabrics. ASTM D737 testing covers the measurement of the air permeability of textile fabrics which applies to most fabrics.

The rate of air flow passing perpendicularly through a known area of fabric is how the air permeability of the fabric is determined. From this rate of airflow – (cubic feet per square feet of sample per minute) or (feet per minute) or (CFM), we can later determine how wind resistant the fabric is :

• 60 CMF – the wind will go right through this, what most fleece materials are rated.
• 20 CFM – wind-resistant.
• 10 to 5 CFM – very wind-resistant, what most softshells are rated.
• 1 CFM or less – windproof.
• 0 CFM – no wind at all will get through.

Take Ultra Hoodie for example

Ultra Hoodie has a wind resistant rating at 1.74 CFM, which holds very strong against the wind keeping you warm and comfortable. Get protected outdoors and enjoy the fun with the water resistant, wind resistant, yet breathable hoodie. Ultra Hoodie is now available on Kickstarter, check it out here.