Membrane fabrics by the metre

Protected from moisture and wind, a fabric with a climate membrane offers you the ideal conditions for a high level of comfort even in stormy times. Whether you're on the way to work, on a nice bike ride or playing with the kids, the membrane lets you enjoy your day regardless of the weather.

If you can't find what you're looking for, please get in touch with our fabric consultation team and we'll do our best to find the perfect fabric for you!

Important features & how it works

The membrane is usually made of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) or polyester and makes the sewing projects made from it windproof, waterproof and breathable.

The climate membrane is available from us individually as a Z-liner. This is then freely suspended between the outer fabric and the lining. However, the membrane is predominantly found in a 2-layer laminate, where the membrane and outer fabric are already firmly bonded together. Another option is the 3-layer laminate, in which the outer fabric, membrane and lining fabric or charmeuse are supplied as one finished fabric.

The outer fabric of these membrane fabrics is usually additionally treated with a water-repellent impregnation to provide the wearer with optimum protection from the weather.

Although all membranes are windproof, waterproof and breathable, you still have to choose between two variants:

1. microporous membranes

There are microscopic holes in the microporous film that are too small to allow water to pass through in droplet form, but large enough to allow water to pass through in vapour form.

This allows perspiration and moisture to pass from the inside to the outside (guided by the temperature difference between the body and the outside temperature), while at the same time preventing rain from the outside from passing through the membrane.

A well-known manufacturer of these membranes is Gore-Tex®.

2. compact membranes

The compact membrane conducts the moisture generated by movement to the outside through physical-chemical processes. The water vapour is conducted away from the body through the membrane by water-binding (hydrophilic) molecules, while the liquid from the outside cannot pass through to the inside. This technology is based on a dynamic pressure and temperature gradient; the more moisture that builds up inside during movement, the better it is wicked away.

A well-known manufacturer of these membranes is Sympatex®.

Inspiration for your next sewing project using fabrics with membranes:

Outdoor clothing such as jackets, waistcoats or trousers
Bags, rucksacks, special luggage
Covers, protective covers, weather protection
Tents, garden umbrellas
Covers for garden furniture

Care instructions

In general, outdoor fabrics should be washed as infrequently as possible in order to preserve the waterproofing for as long as possible. If you still want to wash the fabric, we recommend ironing the outer fabric at low heat afterwards to reactivate the waterproofing molecules. Please place a cloth between the iron and the fabric. If the waterproofing can no longer be renewed with heat, it should be refreshed with a waterproofing spray.

Due to the water-repellent impregnation that is usually present, it is often not necessary to wash the fabric as many stains can be cleaned with a soft brush or damp cloth.

In individual cases, however, it is always important to observe the care labelling of the respective clothing or fabrics, as finishing, different processing methods or mixed yarns can result in different care requirements.

Gore-Tex® is the trade name of W. L. Gore & Associates.

Sympatex® is a registered trademark of Sympatex® Technologies GmbH, 85774, Unterföhring, Germany.