Xplor materials and fabrics

A guide to Xplor materials and fabrics.

Xplor materials and fabrics

A guide to Xplor materials and fabrics.

Product Guide » Xplor materials and fabrics

At xplor, we only use materials and fabrics of the highest quality to produce durable outerwear with a long lifetime

We strive to use as few fabrics and material types as possible in order to achieve a more resource-efficient, environmentally friendly and circular manufacturing. Our fabrics are bluesign® and OEKO-TEX® certified, and are thus free of harmful chemicals. Read here about the materials we use to make professional outerwear that matches any work situation.

Shell Jacket

A shell jacket is waterproof, windproof and breathable – and is the outermost layer of the 3-layer principle. The membrane, which is laminated to the back of the outer fabric, has small pores on the outside that are small enough to prevent water droplets from penetrating, and has smaller sized pores on the inside so that air molecules, i.e. sweat, can be squeezed out when the user is active. The combination of outer fabric and membrane creates a durable shell-like material that is breathable and waterproof. The degree of waterproofness depends on the quality of the membrane and outer fabric and is measured by the water column pressure – the amount of millimeters the water column reaches before the water penetrates through.

At Xplor, we primarily use membranes in polyurethane (pu), and all our shell jackets have a minimum water column pressure of 15,000 millimeters. We have also developed a polyester membrane for our Mono range. When both outer fabric and membrane are made of the same polyester fibres, it is easier to recycle, so that the worn-out material can be given new life in new products.

Xplor shell jackets are treated with BIONIC-FINISH® ECO, a fluorine-free/pfas-free impregnation that ensures that the outerwear is water-repellent and repels dirt and grime.

✅ Waterproof ✅ Water-repellent ✅ Windproof ✅ Breathable

Softshell

Xplor softshell jackets are made in a soft waterproof and windproof polyester material that dries quickly. They are also water resistant, but not completely waterproof as they do not have taped seams. In that sense, the softshell bridges the gap between a shell jacket and a fleece. Softshell is a good transitional jacket, because it has a thin layer of fleece for warmth and because it can protect against a light shower. At the same time, it has a smooth surface that repels dirt.

✅ Medium insulating capacity ✅ Water resistant ✅ Windproof ❌ Not taped

Rainwear

Xplor rainwear is made of pu-coated polyester. it is soft and smooth and provides excellent water protection. the material allows the water to escape the surface more easily, so that the rainwear is not wet when you take it on and off. this avoids the cooling that occurs if there is a layer of cold water on the outside as a result of heavy and continuous rain. on the other hand, you have to live with lower breathability, which also contributes to partial cooling. breathability in rainwear is low because the air on the inside cannot escape, so sweat and moisture build up and increase with the level of activity. that is why many people prefer a shell jacket during high physical activity, as the breathability is significantly better.

✅ Waterproof ❌ Low breathability

Fleece

Fleece is a synthetic insulating material made from polyester. It is ideal as an middle layer as it dries quickly, wicks away moisture and provides good insulation. Fleece also has very good breathability and prevents overheating.

Xplor fleece jackets have an anti-pilling finish on the outside, which means that the fibers do not clump together during use and washing and thus form a neat surface where dirt can stick. Thus, it will remain nice even after prolonged use and washing.

Fleece fabric is very durable and effective in retaining heat and maintaining body temperature.

✅ Medium insulating capacity ✅ Breathable

Pile

Pile or teddy fleece has become very fashionable recently and is a good alternative to fleece or quilt when the temperature is low. Pile jackets get their soft look due to its fur-like surface. Xplor pile jackets are made from recycled and OEKO-TEX® certified fabric. They have a slightly oversized shape and are soft, they are have a stretchy lining for increased freedom of movement.

✅ Medium insulating capacity ✅ Breathable

Synthetic insulation

Synthetic insulation mimics the functionality of down, creating pockets of warm air that prevent heat from escaping. Unlike down, synthetic insulation retains warmth even when wet, making it a better choice for active use in rainy and cold conditions.

Xplor uses e.g. synthetic polyester insulation in our quilted jackets which have a woven surface that makes them water and dirt repellent.

✅ High insulation capacity ✅ Water repellent

Thinsulate

Thinsulate® is a synthetic lightweight material with a very high insulating capacity that effectively wicks moisture away from the body. The material consists of ultra-thin and water-resistant microfibres that retain body heat, while cold air from outside has difficulty escaping.

Xplor thermal jackets are made with strong thinsulate® padding, which makes them particularly suitable for work in a very cold climate.

✅ Extra High Insulation Capacity ✅ Water-resistant