There are a number of special requirements for fabrics in the manufacture of tactical gear. For example ,fabrics need to be abrasion resistant and able to withstand heavy use. Many tactical applications also require fabrics to be water resistant or waterproof. While durability is important, tactical equipment must also be lightweight, so fabrics need to be light yet tough.
In addition to these requirements, fabrics must also be breathable, comfortable and chemically resistant. These special fabrics can only be produced by some of the top tactical fabric manufacturers.
Below is a list of the top 8 tactical fabric manufacturers in the world.
W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. is one of the famous tactical fabric manufacturers. It is known for its innovative products in the fields of textiles and materials science. Founded in 1958 by Bill Gore and his wife, the company initially focused on developing fluoropolymer technology. One of its best-known products is Gore-Tex, a waterproof and breathable fabric. It is highly regarded by Fortune magazine as one of the 100 best American products in the world.
GORE-TEX
GORE-TEX is a lightweight, thin, strong and durable fabric invented by W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. in the 1970s. It is waterproof, breathable and windproof, overcoming the shortcomings of common waterproof fabrics that do not breathe, and has been called 'the fabric of the century'.
The birth of this fabric had a revolutionary impact on outdoor sports, allowing people to experience the best all-weather protection for the first time. Since then, GORE-TEX® fabrics have been widely used in the manufacture of functional, protective and fashionable apparel and footwear, making GORE-TEX® the world's leading outdoor sports fabric. GORE-TEX® fabrics are used not only in mountaineering, hiking, skiing and other outdoor sports equipment, but also in aerospace, military and medical applications.
Schoeller Textil AG is a Swiss fabric company. It specialises in the production and manufacture of a wide range of functional fabrics and the development of innovative textile technologies and is one of the world's leading brands in the textile industry. Its products are used in a wide range of markets including sports and outdoor, lifestyle, footwear and home, industrial and medical.
In the outdoor field, Schoeller's innovative fabrics and technologies have played an important role in the innovation of global outdoor apparel, and Schoeller owns a total of 19 original patented technologies, such as moisture-wicking, breathable and quick-drying 3XDRY, natural ecological temperature-adjustable waterproof and breathable membrane C-change, super abrasion-resistant Ceraspace, fire-resistant Pyroshell, Stretch Fast Dry Flash and so on.
Founded in 1906, Malden Mills is renowned for its performance wool fabrics. Based in Lawrence, Massachusetts, the company is renowned for its innovation in textile manufacturing and has been instrumental in promoting wool in outdoor apparel.
In 1979, MALDEN MILLS invented the world's first fleece and named it POLARTEC FLEECE. Through continuous improvement and development, the POLARTEC product line now includes more than 200 different fabrics and has been named one of the world's 100 greatest inventions by TIME and Forbes magazines.
Click and scroll through the slideshow below to view information on the 8 top tactical fabric manufacturers in the world.
PrimaLoft, Inc. is an American company. It supply innovative synthetic insulation used in outdoor apparel, sleeping bags and other gear.Founded in 1983, PrimaLoft originally developed insulation for the U.S. Army to provide warmth without the bulkiness of traditional down.
The company's signature product, PrimaLoft insulation, is lightweight, waterproof and compressible, making it a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts.The PrimaLoft® brand is a registered trademark of PrimaLoft, Inc. and is used by more than 950 of the world's top outdoor, fashion, home, workwear, hunting and military brands. Today, the brand is recognised as the benchmark for delivering unparalleled comfort in all conditions while reducing environmental impact.
5.DuPont
DuPont is a multinational corporation. Originally a gunpowder manufacturer, DuPont has grown into one of the world's largest chemical companies with a diversified portfolio that includes materials science, biotechnology and specialty products.
DuPont is the inventor of nylon and is known for a wide range of functional fabrics such as Corduara and Teflon.
CORDURA
CORDURA is the leading technological product, at the same weight, CORDURA fabric durability is 2 times that of standard nylon fabric, 3 times that of polyester fabric and 10 times that of cotton canvas. CORDURA fabric durability is more reflected in its tear strength and abrasion resistance are exceptionally good. CORDURA fabrics are used by many militaries around the world to produce high performance military equipment.
6.INVISTA
INVISTA is a global polymer and fibre company known for producing high-performance materials such as Lycra and Cordura. Formed in 2003 as a subsidiary of Koch Industries, INVISTA was created through the acquisition of DuPont's textiles and interiors business. The company specialises in developing innovative solutions for a wide range of industries including apparel, automotive and home.
Thermolite
This is an insulation material manufactured by INVISTA that is designed to provide warmth without adding bulk. It is lightweight, breathable and wicks moisture, making it ideal for outdoor and performance apparel, sleeping bags and other equipment.
Coolmax
An INVISTA moisture-wicking fabric designed to keep the wearer cool and dry. It is known for its breathability and quick drying properties, making it popular in sportswear and outdoor clothing.
Toray Industries, Ltd. is a Japanese multinational corporation. Originally a textile manufacturer, Toray has expanded its business to become a global leader in advanced materials and chemicals. The company focuses on a wide range of areas including fibres and textiles, plastics, carbon fibre composites, pharmaceuticals and water treatment.
Toray is now one of the few manufacturers in the world to offer both acetate and polyamide composite membranes; it is also the only membrane manufacturer in the world with the capability to develop RO, NF, UF, MF, and Fibre Filter Cloth series membrane technologies as well as offer a full range of commercially available membrane products to the market.
Dermizax
Dermizax is a high-performance fabric developed by Toray Industries, Inc. that offers excellent waterproofing and breathability. It employs a special coating technology that effectively prevents water penetration while expelling sweat vapour to keep the body dry and comfortable. Its breathability is outstanding, making it particularly suitable for activities that require intense exercise, such as skiing and rock climbing.
8. Mitsui Group
Established in 1876, Mitsui & Co. is a leading Japanese general trading company engaged in the chemical, raw materials, banking, construction, mining and real estate industries, with core companies such as Sakura Bank, Mitsui & Co, Toshiba, Toyota Motor and Mitsui Fudosan.
Pertex
Pertex is a functional fabric developed by Perseverance Mills, a renowned British manufacturer of nylon materials. It is made from very fine yarns with a density more than 40% higher than that of normal nylon, so it is softer and tougher while maintaining light weight, and has windproof and quick-drying properties. PERTEX® is now owned by the Mitsui Group in Japan.