Capilene is a proprietary fabric developed and popularized by Patagonia. It’s renowned for its performance characteristics, particularly its ability to manage moisture, dry quickly, and provide insulation in a variety of conditions. Essentially, it’s a family of synthetic fabrics designed for activewear and base layers. But what exactly makes Capilene so special, and why has it become a go-to choice for outdoor enthusiasts? Let’s delve into the details.
The Science Behind Capilene
At its core, Capilene is constructed from polyester. However, it’s not just any polyester. Patagonia has invested heavily in refining the fiber structure and manufacturing process to create fabrics with exceptional properties. The specific characteristics vary depending on the Capilene weight and intended use, but the underlying principle remains the same: to keep you comfortable and dry.
Polyester’s Role
Polyester is a synthetic polymer, known for its durability, wrinkle resistance, and relatively low cost. In Capilene, polyester is engineered to excel at moisture management. This is achieved through several methods, including modifying the fiber’s cross-section and adding treatments to enhance wicking capabilities.
Wicking and Moisture Management
Wicking is the process of drawing moisture away from the skin and spreading it across the fabric’s surface. This allows the moisture to evaporate more quickly, keeping you drier and more comfortable. Capilene fabrics are specifically designed to maximize wicking, preventing the clammy feeling that can occur during intense physical activity. The fabric achieves this through a capillary action, pulling sweat through microscopic channels in the fiber.
Quick-Drying Properties
Beyond wicking, Capilene is also exceptionally quick-drying. This is crucial in situations where you might get wet from sweat, rain, or other sources. The combination of effective wicking and quick drying significantly reduces the risk of hypothermia in cold weather and prevents overheating in warm weather.
Types of Capilene Fabrics
Capilene isn’t a single fabric; it’s a family of fabrics with different weights and constructions tailored to specific activities and conditions. Understanding the different types of Capilene is essential for choosing the right gear for your needs.
Capilene Cool Lightweight
This is the lightest weight of the Capilene family. It’s designed for warm-weather activities and provides excellent breathability and moisture management. Capilene Cool Lightweight is ideal for running, hiking, and other high-output activities in hot conditions. It often features a smooth face for enhanced comfort against the skin.
Capilene Cool Daily
A slightly heavier option than the Lightweight, the Daily fabric offers a bit more durability and versatility. While still excellent for warm weather, it can also be used as a base layer in milder conditions. It’s a good all-around choice for everyday wear and a variety of outdoor activities. This version frequently incorporates some level of odor control.
Capilene Midweight
As the name suggests, Midweight Capilene offers a balance between warmth and breathability. It’s suitable for a wide range of activities in cool to cold conditions. It can be used as a standalone layer in moderate temperatures or as a base layer under heavier garments in colder weather. Midweight is considered a versatile option for year-round use.
Capilene Thermal Weight
This is the warmest of the Capilene fabrics. It’s designed for cold-weather activities and provides excellent insulation. Capilene Thermal Weight often features a brushed interior for added warmth and comfort. It’s ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and other activities in frigid conditions.
Capilene Air
Capilene Air is a unique fabric that blends merino wool with recycled polyester. This combination provides excellent warmth, breathability, and comfort. It’s designed for high-exertion activities in cold conditions. The addition of merino wool adds natural odor resistance and a soft feel. Capilene Air garments often feature a seamless construction for enhanced comfort and freedom of movement.
Benefits of Using Capilene Fabric
The popularity of Capilene stems from its numerous benefits, making it a top choice for athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone seeking comfortable and high-performing apparel.
Moisture Management and Breathability
As mentioned earlier, Capilene excels at wicking moisture away from the skin and drying quickly. This is crucial for maintaining comfort and preventing chills during exercise or in cold weather. The breathability of the fabric allows air to circulate, further enhancing comfort and preventing overheating.
Odor Resistance
While polyester is not naturally odor-resistant, many Capilene fabrics are treated with antimicrobial finishes to inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria. This allows you to wear Capilene garments for longer periods without worrying about unpleasant odors. Some Capilene fabrics also incorporate natural odor-resistant materials like merino wool.
Durability and Longevity
Polyester is a durable fiber, and Capilene fabrics are known for their longevity. They can withstand repeated washing and wear without losing their performance characteristics. This makes Capilene a good investment for those who demand high-quality, long-lasting apparel.
Versatility
The different weights and styles of Capilene fabrics make them suitable for a wide range of activities and conditions. From lightweight shirts for summer runs to thermal base layers for winter sports, there’s a Capilene option for almost any need.
Comfort
Capilene fabrics are designed to be comfortable against the skin. The smooth face of many Capilene fabrics prevents chafing and irritation. Some Capilene fabrics also feature seamless construction for added comfort and freedom of movement.
Sustainability
Patagonia is committed to sustainability, and many Capilene fabrics are made from recycled polyester. This helps to reduce waste and conserve resources. Patagonia also uses bluesign-approved dyes and finishes in its Capilene fabrics, minimizing the environmental impact of the manufacturing process.
Caring for Capilene Fabric
Proper care is essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of Capilene garments. Following these guidelines will help you keep your Capilene gear in top condition.
Washing Instructions
Capilene garments can typically be machine washed in cold or warm water with a mild detergent. Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners, as these can damage the fabric and reduce its performance.
Drying Instructions
Capilene fabrics dry quickly, so they can typically be hung to dry. Tumble drying on low heat is also acceptable, but avoid using high heat, as this can damage the fabric.
Ironing Instructions
Capilene fabrics are generally wrinkle-resistant, so ironing is usually not necessary. If you do need to iron a Capilene garment, use a low heat setting and avoid ironing over any logos or prints.
Comparing Capilene to Other Fabrics
Capilene isn’t the only performance fabric on the market. It’s useful to compare it to other popular options to understand its strengths and weaknesses.
Capilene vs. Merino Wool
Merino wool is a natural fiber known for its warmth, breathability, and odor resistance. Capilene, on the other hand, is a synthetic fiber known for its moisture management and quick-drying properties. Merino wool is generally warmer than Capilene, but it also takes longer to dry. Capilene is typically more durable and less expensive than merino wool. Some fabrics, like Capilene Air, combine the benefits of both materials.
Capilene vs. Cotton
Cotton is a natural fiber known for its comfort and affordability. However, cotton is not a good choice for activewear because it absorbs moisture and dries slowly. This can lead to discomfort, chills, and even hypothermia in cold weather. Capilene is far superior to cotton in terms of moisture management, breathability, and quick-drying properties.
Capilene vs. Other Synthetic Fabrics
Many other synthetic fabrics, such as nylon and polypropylene, are used in activewear. Capilene stands out due to its specific engineering and the attention to detail that Patagonia puts into its manufacturing process. While other synthetic fabrics may offer similar benefits, Capilene is often considered to be a top performer in terms of moisture management, comfort, and durability.
The Environmental Impact of Capilene
As a synthetic fabric, Capilene’s environmental impact is a concern. Patagonia has taken steps to mitigate this impact through the use of recycled materials and responsible manufacturing practices.
Recycled Polyester
A significant portion of Capilene fabrics are made from recycled polyester, often sourced from recycled plastic bottles. This helps to reduce waste and conserve resources. Using recycled polyester reduces the demand for virgin polyester, which requires more energy and resources to produce.
Bluesign Certification
Patagonia uses bluesign-approved dyes and finishes in its Capilene fabrics. The bluesign system ensures that the manufacturing process meets strict environmental and safety standards. This helps to minimize the environmental impact of the dyeing and finishing processes.
Microfiber Shedding
Like all synthetic fabrics, Capilene can shed microfibers during washing. These microfibers can end up in waterways and potentially harm aquatic life. To minimize microfiber shedding, consider using a garment bag designed to trap microfibers during washing. You can also wash Capilene garments less frequently and use a cold water cycle.
Conclusion
Capilene is a versatile and high-performing fabric that has become a staple in the world of activewear. Its ability to manage moisture, dry quickly, and provide insulation in a variety of conditions makes it a top choice for athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone seeking comfortable and reliable apparel. While it’s important to be aware of the environmental impact of synthetic fabrics, Patagonia has taken steps to mitigate this impact through the use of recycled materials and responsible manufacturing practices. By understanding the different types of Capilene and how to care for them properly, you can enjoy the benefits of this exceptional fabric for years to come.
What exactly is Capilene fabric?
Capilene is a family of synthetic fabrics developed by Patagonia, primarily used for base layers and activewear. These fabrics are known for their excellent moisture-wicking properties, quick-drying capabilities, and lightweight feel. They are designed to keep the wearer comfortable during physical activities by pulling sweat away from the skin and allowing it to evaporate rapidly.
Capilene fabrics are typically made from recycled polyester, aligning with Patagonia’s commitment to environmental sustainability. The different Capilene variations offer varying degrees of warmth and performance, catering to diverse needs and activities. This makes it a popular choice for athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone seeking comfortable and high-performance clothing.
What are the key benefits of wearing clothing made from Capilene?
The primary benefit of Capilene fabric is its superior moisture management. It efficiently wicks sweat away from the skin, preventing that clammy, uncomfortable feeling that can occur during exercise. This moisture-wicking action also helps regulate body temperature, keeping you cooler in warm weather and warmer in cool weather.
Beyond moisture management, Capilene is also incredibly lightweight and quick-drying. This combination makes it ideal for travel and activities where you need clothing that won’t weigh you down and will dry quickly after washing or getting wet. The fabric is also typically durable and easy to care for, adding to its appeal.
How does Capilene compare to other base layer materials like merino wool?
Capilene and merino wool are both popular base layer materials, but they have distinct differences. Capilene excels in moisture-wicking and quick-drying performance, making it a better choice for high-intensity activities where sweat management is crucial. It’s also generally more affordable than merino wool.
Merino wool, on the other hand, offers natural odor resistance and a softer feel against the skin. It also provides a wider range of warmth, making it suitable for colder conditions. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual preferences, activity level, and the climate you’ll be in.
What are the different types or weights of Capilene fabric available?
Patagonia offers several variations of Capilene fabric, each designed for specific purposes. Capilene Cool Lightweight is the lightest option, ideal for hot weather activities. Capilene Cool Daily is slightly heavier and offers more versatility for everyday wear.
Capilene Thermal Weight is the warmest option, designed for cold weather activities. There’s also Capilene Midweight, which offers a balance of warmth and breathability. Each type is designed to maximize comfort and performance within its intended range of conditions.
How should I care for Capilene clothing to ensure its longevity?
Caring for Capilene clothing is relatively straightforward. Machine wash it in cold water with a mild detergent, preferably one designed for synthetic fabrics. Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners, as these can damage the fabric’s performance and breathability.
Tumble dry on low heat or hang to dry. High heat can damage the fibers and reduce the fabric’s effectiveness. Proper care will help extend the life of your Capilene clothing and maintain its moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties.
Is Capilene fabric environmentally friendly?
Patagonia is committed to environmental sustainability, and this is reflected in the production of Capilene fabric. Most Capilene fabrics are made from recycled polyester, which reduces reliance on virgin materials and diverts plastic waste from landfills. Using recycled materials minimizes the environmental impact associated with fabric production.
Furthermore, Patagonia actively works to minimize its overall environmental footprint throughout the manufacturing process. While no synthetic fabric is entirely without environmental impact, Patagonia’s commitment to sustainability makes Capilene a more responsible choice compared to some other synthetic alternatives.
What activities is Capilene best suited for?
Capilene’s versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of activities. Its moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties make it an excellent choice for high-intensity workouts, running, hiking, cycling, and other aerobic activities. It’s also ideal for layering in colder weather to provide warmth and manage moisture.
Because of its lightweight nature and packability, Capilene is also a great choice for travel. It can be used as a base layer for hiking in the mountains, or as comfortable loungewear on a plane. Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to any active person’s wardrobe.