Fabrics and materials
What a Skinfit product can achieve is essentially determined by its material. That is why we select fabrics, padding, membranes, and components specifically for their function.
Depending on the intended use, they are designed to regulate moisture, retain heat, protect against wind and weather, or be particularly robust. Often, the desired function is only achieved through the interaction of different fibers, fabric structures, and material layers.
For us, the rule is: no single material is fundamentally the best, but rather the one that most reliably meets the requirements of the respective product.
Moisture management
During intense physical activity, the body produces heat and sweat. Functional materials support the natural cooling process by absorbing moisture from the skin, distributing it throughout the fabric, and wicking it away to the outside as quickly as possible.
This allows moisture to evaporate over a larger surface area. The material dries faster, and the body stays at a comfortable temperature for longer.
| Fabric | Composition | Key features | Further information |
|---|---|---|---|
| KLIMA Pro | 99% polypropylene, 1% elastane | Hydrophobic hollow fiber, absorbs less than 0.1% moisture | Details |
| KLIMA Soft | 90% polyamide, 10% elastane | Soft touch, silver ions for odor control | Details |
| KLIMA Light | 78% polyester, 12% carbon, 10% elastane | Distributes moisture over a large evaporation surface | |
| Polartec Power Dry | 100% polyester | Keeps skin dry during high-exertion activities |
Keep warm
In low temperatures, clothing must retain the heat generated by the body as efficiently as possible without becoming unnecessarily heavy or bulky.
Insulating materials trap warm air within their structure and reduce heat loss. Which type of insulation is suitable depends on the temperature, intensity, weather, and area of use.
| Material | Art | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| PrimaLoft Gold | Polyester padding | Synthetic down, hydrophobic – keeps you warm even when damp. Example: Marmolada jacket. Cross Core, 100 g |
| RDS-certified down | Natural fiber | Natural down offers high thermal performance at a low weight and can be packed down very compactly. RDS certification ensures traceable origin and defined animal welfare standards. |
Protection from wind and weather
Wind, rain, and snow place different demands on the outermost layer of clothing. Depending on the intended use, we use water-repellent, windproof, water-repellent, or waterproof materials.
A balance must always be struck between protection and breathability. The more a material shields against external influences, the more important ventilation, fit, and the combination with the underlying layers become.
| Material | Performance |
|---|---|
| Woven wind protection | PFAS-free WR finish (C0), wind- and dirt-repellent, UPF 45. Membrane-free and therefore highly breathable. Used in Vita products. |
| Double-face functional fabric | A layer of material with two functionally different sides. Used in Valle Maira products. |
| 2.5-layer hardshell | 20,000 mm water column and 20,000 g/m²/24 h breathability. Lightweight and packable. |
| 3-layer hardshell | 20,000 mm water column and 20,000 g/m²/24 h breathability. Durable construction with taped seams and waterproof zippers. |
Robustness and security
In addition to the actual fabrics, reinforcements, fasteners, reflectors, and certifications also influence the function and service life of a product.
We select these components to suit the intended area of use. They are designed to withstand stress, function reliably, and offer additional safety in alpine terrain.
CORDURA® fabrics are used in select trousers and equipment products that require exceptional durability.
An integrated RECCO® reflector can help professional rescuers locate you with a RECCO® detector. It requires no battery, is not a GPS, and does not replace an avalanche transceiver or the necessary safety equipment.
For many Skinfit products, we use zippers from YKK. They are designed for reliable function, high durability, and a long service life.
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 identifies textiles that have been tested for harmful substances within the scope of the certification. The certification applies to the specific materials, components, or products tested and is not a general sustainability label.
Where the fabrics come from
At Skinfit, the development of our products and the selection of materials take place in Koblach. We source our fabrics from specialized textile manufacturers in Europe and Asia. A notable example is our climate fabric, which is still produced in Vorarlberg today.
However, textiles do not always have a single country of origin. Raw fibers, yarns, fabric production, dyeing, and assembly can take place in different countries. We therefore provide specific origin information only where it can be clearly assigned and verified.
