#Textiles & Apparel / Garment
Outlier introduces technical jacket with aerobrane
Schoeller’s aerobrane membrane offers optimum protection against wind and weather, along with exceptional breathability and will launch Thursday, December 12, 2019, as a component of Outlier’s new performance rainshell.
In development for 4 years and introduced to brand partners in late 2018, the Schoeller aerobrane membrane’s unique structure consists of an ultra-fine, hydrophilic polyurethane fiber composite that differs from other film-based membranes and offers a softer feel and beautiful, fluid textile characteristics.
"The electrostatic spun membrane technology is amazing because it allows for genuinely air permeable yet extremely water-resistant membranes that just couldn’t be made previously,” said Abe Burmeister, Outlier cofounder. “The air permeability is really what makes the difference for us. It’s like opening the window on a rain shell. It allows for air to circulate around the body as you move, even when you are fully sealed off from the rain. It just makes for a far more comfortable rain jacket."
To produce an electrostatic spun membrane, a large number of ultra-light, microscopic fibers are placed closely on top of each other, forming a clustered but firmly connected structure that can only be detected with the highest microscope technology, e.g., the scanning tunneling microscope. The membrane’s fibrous structure provides exceptional breathability while also allowing for ventilation. aerobrane features water-repellent qualities, as water droplets on the exterior are larger than the spaces between the fibrous structures; however, the fiber structures create an effective barrier against wind.
“At Schoeller, we are happiest when pushing the boundaries of innovation, and we are proud to stand by our partners at Outlier as they introduce our aerobrane technology,” said Stephen Kerns, president of Schoeller Textil USA. “Extreme breathability along with water and wind protection is something we have continued to strive for for many years. We continue to be grateful of and inspired by our entire team with this development.”
Outlier’s Experiment 200 – Ecstasy in the Rain jacket will only be available for a limited time and features a lightweight and elegant, 4-way stretch Schoeller woven that is laminated to the aerobrane membrane. It offers a 6000mm water-column rating and light weight at 135gsm, along with .5CFM of air flow.*
*Results per Outlier third-party testing source.
