--- title: AirCore™ date: 2024-12-18T13:58:00-08:00 author: Test canonical_url: "https://www.polartec.com/fabrics/weather-protection/aircore" section: Interior Pages --- [Skip to Main Content](#main-content-wrapper) Accessibility Feedback Ask Us About AirCore™ ### Polartec® AirCore™ ### Polartec® AirCore™ Play Full Video. [ Features & Benefits. ](#fdp-features) [ Fabric Film. ](#fdp-film) [ Information. ](#fdp-information) [ FAQs. ](#faq) [ Products. ](#fdp-products) Jump to Section. Air In. Air Out. Go Beyond. Active wind and moisture protection, made to keep you moving in variable conditions. ![AirCore™ fabric detail]() ## Polartec® AirCore™ How It Works. ![]()#### Water repellent. ![]()#### Air permeable. ![]()#### Highly breathable. ![]()#### Windproof. ![]()#### Comfortable stretch. ![]()#### Non-PFAS materials. ![]()#### Recycled materials. ![AirCore™]() # AirCore™. ## Polartec® AirCore™ maximizes breathability while protecting against the elements. Designed for full-range movement, the highly engineered nano-fiber membrane enables a controlled airflow to keep you dry by escaping moisture and vapor at an industry-leading MVTR 25,000 g/m²/24 hours\*, along with the combination of air permeability ranging from 0.4 to 1 CFM\*\*, while also repelling water from the outside\*\*\* during high-intensity activities. - A high performance breathable weather resistant experience. - Repels rain and moisture (minimum 4 spray rating as is, per GB/T 4745-2012, ISO 4920-2012, MOD). - Windproof fabric for protection against harsh weather. - Resilient stretch for a high range of motion during demanding activities. - Made with recycled face, back and non-PFAS layers, membrane and DWR, to help reduce and minimize our environmental footprint. * MVTR measured according to JIS L1099, B1. ** Air permeability (CFM) measured according to ASTM D737 at 125Pa. *** Water Repellent – Minimum 4 spray rating as is, per GB/T 4745-2012 (ISO 4920-2012, MOD). ![Polartec® AirCore™ maximizes breathability while protecting against the elements. Designed for full-range movement, the highly engineered nano-fiber membrane enables a controlled airflow to keep you dry by escaping moisture and vapor at an industry-leading MVTR 25,000 g/m²/24 hours*, along with the combination of air permeability ranging from 0.4 to 1 CFM**, while also repelling water from the outside*** during high-intensity activities.]() ## Polartec® AirCore™ How It’s Made. The Polartec® AirCore™ nano-fiber membrane is made using an innovative electrospinning process. Discover how we’re re-defining dry by keeping you dry from the inside out. Play Short. Ask Us About AirCore™ Polartec® AirCore™ Membrane Process ## Polartec® AirCore™ Hear From The Creators. Join Ramesh Kesh Ph. D. Global Vice President, Research, Development, and Technology at Milliken & Company, as he discusses the what, the why, and the how behind Polartec® AirCore™. Play Podcast. Ask Us About AirCore™ Ramesh Kesh Ph. D. AirCore™ Podcast ### What is Polartec® AirCore™? ### What is Polartec® AirCore™? Polartec® AirCore™ is an advanced, highly breathable weather-protection fabric engineered for high-output movement in variable conditions. The industry’s first truly air permeable hydrophobic nanofiber membrane made from a proprietary polymer, Polartec® AirCore™ sets a new standard for weather-resistant yet breathable non-PFAS laminates. Featuring a resilient stretch construction that ensures a full range of movement, the nano-fiber membrane allows controlled airflow so that moisture and vapor can escape from the inside-out, keeping you dry and comfortable while still offering protection from wind and rain. The non-PFAS design also incorporates recycled face and back fabrics. ### How is Polartec® AirCore™ made? ### How is Polartec® AirCore™ made? Polartec® AirCore™ is a non-PFAS 3-layer fabric engineered from two layers of material made with recycled polyester yarns and one layer of a functional membrane. The membrane is produced through a process called electrospinning, where a hydrophobic proprietary polymer is pushed through a needle charged at 20,000 volts. Under pressure, it emits a thin jet of microscopic filaments approximately 100 times smaller than a single human hair. These filaments are collected to form a nanofiber membrane that is water resistant while still allowing air to permeate. ### How breathable is Polartec® AirCore™? ### How breathable is Polartec® AirCore™? Polartec® AirCore™ delivers exceptional breathability thanks to its nano-fiber membrane, which provides air permeability of approximately 0.4 to 1 CFM (ASTM D737 at 125 Pa) and a moisture vapor transmission rate of over 25,000 g/m²/24 h (JIS L1099, B1). These properties allow sweat and vapor to escape quickly, helping maintain a stable microclimate and thus keeping the wearer dry. ### How does Polartec® AirCore™ “Breathe with you”? ### How does Polartec® AirCore™ “Breathe with you”? The airflow mechanism actively assists moisture transfer, making Polartec® AirCore™ ideal for high-intensity activities where traditional waterproof shells can trap heat and humidity. ### Is Polartec® AirCore™ waterproof? ### Is Polartec® AirCore™ waterproof? Polartec® AirCore™ is designed to be water-resistant. The nano-fiber membrane repels rain and moisture from the outside while allowing the internal vapor to pass through. The exterior fabric minimum spray rating of 4 (GB/T 4745-2012, ISO 4920-2012, MOD). The combination of the two effectively resists light to moderate rain, with an initial hydrostatic resistance level exceeding 4000 mm (ISO811, modified with mesh restraint). ### How well does Polartec® AirCore™ protect against wind? ### How well does Polartec® AirCore™ protect against wind? Polartec® AirCore™ is essentially windproof. Engineered with an air permeability sweet spot of .4 to 1 cfm, it’s engineered to block wind while allowing air circulation to prevent overheating. The non-PFAS laminate construction restricts gust penetration without creating a fully sealed barrier. As a result, it maintains a comfortable balance between protection and ventilation. In cold or changeable conditions, this combination helps prevent wind chill while avoiding the moisture buildup that often occurs with impermeable shells. ### Does Polartec® AirCore™ offer stretch and mobility? ### Does Polartec® AirCore™ offer stretch and mobility? Yes. Polartec® AirCore™ allows full mobility during activities that demand flexibility and freedom of motion such as cycling, running, and climbing. The fabric's resilient stretch structure fully adapts to the body’s movement while maintaining its weather protection and structural integrity. ### What makes Polartec® AirCore™ a lower impact choice? ### What makes Polartec® AirCore™ a lower impact choice? Polartec® AirCore™ is made using non-PFAS materials and incorporates recycled fibers in its face and back layers, both of which help lower environmental impact. ### How durable is Polartec® AirCore™? ### How durable is Polartec® AirCore™? Polartec® AirCore™ is tested for lamination durability in a 24-hour continuous, wet agitation cycle. We call it the “killer wash”. AirCore™ maintains fabric integrity and bond strength throughout the test. ### What activities is Polartec® AirCore™ best suited for? ### What activities is Polartec® AirCore™ best suited for? Polartec® AirCore™ performs exceptionally well in cycling, running, mountaineering, and fast hiking, where maintaining dryness and avoiding overheating are more important than full waterproofing. The fabric’s controlled airflow system is designed for high-output aerobic pursuits, or any time moisture control and temperature regulation are critical to keep users dry inside out. ### How does Polartec® AirCore™ differ from traditional waterproof membranes? ### How does Polartec® AirCore™ differ from traditional waterproof membranes? Traditional waterproof membranes often rely on impermeable barriers that can lead to overheating and condensation buildup. Polartec® AirCore™ takes a different approach by allowing measured airflow through its nano-fiber membrane. This active air exchange accelerates the removal of moisture vapor, keeping the inside environment significantly drier and more comfortable during intense physical activity. ### How should garments made with Polartec® AirCore™ be cared for? ### How should garments made with Polartec® AirCore™ be cared for? Garments made with Polartec® AirCore™ should be washed according to the manufacturer’s instructions using a mild detergent and without fabric softener. The DWR performance will benefit from a quick spin in the dryer at low heat. ### How well does Polartec® AirCore™ protect against wind? ### How well does Polartec® AirCore™ protect against wind? Polartec® AirCore™ is engineered to provide the active wind and moisture protection you need in unpredictable conditions. And because it helps block wind gusts while maintaining breathability, Polartec® AirCore™ won’t slow you down during high-output activities. ### Does Polartec® AirCore™ grant stretch and mobility? ### Does Polartec® AirCore™ grant stretch and mobility? Yes! Polartec® AirCore™ is designed to deliver resilient stretch performance to ensure a full range of motion, making it perfect for demanding activities like running, cycling, and climbing. ### What makes Polartec® AirCore™ an eco-conscious choice? ### What makes Polartec® AirCore™ an eco-conscious choice? Polartec® AirCore™, made with non-PFAS materials, has recycled back and face layers, reducing the reliance on virgin materials and lowering its environmental impact. Of note, Polartec had removed all PFAS-containing materials well before any mandates, ensuring that all products are now entirely non-PFAS. ### How do I keep Polartec® AirCore™ performing at its best? ### How do I keep Polartec® AirCore™ performing at its best? Polartec® AirCore™ has the durability to move with you and keep you dry from the inside out, season after season. However, non-PFAS DWR is generally less durable than the so-called “forever chemicals”. Its use is better for our environment but comes at the cost of quicker surface wet-out and loss of performance. Luckily, there are ways to combat this. One is to wash the garment according to the manufacturer's instructions, which include the use of a low temperature tumble dry. If you are still having trouble, we suggest an after-market product like Nikwax to refresh DWR performance. ### Where can I buy Polartec® AirCore™ fabric? ### Where can I buy Polartec® AirCore™ fabric? If you're interested in using Polartec® AirCore™ for your designs or collections, please fill out the form below and our team will contact you with more details. Looking for inspiration for your designs? Check out Products and our Made To Partner stories. ## Go Beyond, Today. From industry insider access, to community updates, be the first to know what we’re doing next. [ Made With Aircore™. ](/products?Fabric%20Technology=AirCore%E2%84%A2) [ ![Fiandre 2 Jacket]() Sportful. ### Fiandre 2 Jacket. Made with **AirCore™.** ](https://www.polartec.com/partners/products/sportful-sportful-fiandre-2-jacket) [ ![Perfetto RoS 3 Jacket]() Castelli. ### Perfetto RoS 3 Jacket. Made with **AirCore™.** ](https://www.polartec.com/partners/products/castelli-perfetto-ros-3-jacket) [View All AirCore™. ](/products?Fabric%20Technology=AirCore%E2%84%A2) ## Welcome in. ### From Industry insider access to community updates, stay in the loop with everything we do. ### Polartec® Accessibility Feedback. We are committed to making our website accessible to all users. Please provide feedback on how we can improve. Looks like you're visiting from a different country. Would you like to switch to your local site? [ English ](https://www.polartec.com/fabrics/weather-protection/aircore) [ Chinese ](https://www.polartec.com/cn/fabrics/weather-protection/aircore)