Gore has been one of the stakeholders and participants in the durability research at Mid Sweden University – and several of the tested jackets had Gore-Tex materials. Marie Måwe from Gore’s sustainability team shares key findings from her perspective.

Why is this research important for Gore?

For Gore Fabrics, durability isn’t just about how long a jacket remains usable and looks good; it’s about how reliably it continues to perform. In our case, that includes delivering our brand claim “Guaranteed to Keep You Dry.”

From an environmental perspective, it also means fewer replacements and less waste – which in turn can lead to lower overall emissions and a smaller environmental footprint over time. Research supports this: for example a Swedish study (Environmental assessment of Swedish clothing consumption – six garments, sustainable futures) on clothing consumption found that doubling the number of times a garment is worn before disposal can nearly halve its climate impact.

We’re also seeing a growing industry-wide focus on durability. In Europe, policymakers are increasingly exploring measures to encourage longer product lifespans and improved repairability.

Why is washing actually essential for maintaining performance, what typically goes wrong when people avoid it – and do you think this hesitation comes from past bad experiences?

Easy steps – from routine washing and correct drying to reapplying water repellent treatments and fixing minor wear and tear – can all help extend a product’s useful life and support more responsible use.

In the research project led by Mid Sweden University one key finding is that garments that are rarely or never washed often show premature wear. Over time, dirt, sweat, and oils can build up on a jacket’s fabric. This buildup can reduce breathability and cause the outer fabric to absorb water, making the jacket feel damp and heavy.

Washing waterproof outerwear is sometimes seen as risky: some people worry that cleaning might damage a jacket’s performance. When done correctly it actually can help maintain performance.

Our advice is to wash GORE TEX Garments periodically using a mild liquid detergent, rinse thoroughly, and then tumble dry on low heat to reactivate the durable water repellent (DWR) finish on the outer fabric.

And when you notice water no longer beading up on the surface, it’s a good idea to reapply a consumer-available DWR treatment.

Through your collaboration with research partners, what have been the most important learnings about why outdoor products fail – and what truly makes them last?

In 2024, we partnered with Mid Sweden University and more than 45 other industry stakeholders on a landmark durability research project. By examining over 700 used jackets from real customers, the study identified why those jackets had reached the end of their useful lives. The findings showed that the majority of failures were linked to how the jackets were built and how they were cared for.

In particular, issues with construction quality, for example, problems with seam tapes or other components and inadequate maintenance were the most common factors. The researchers also noted that, over longer periods of use, normal material aging can contribute to garments reaching the end of their service life – for example, gradual changes in waterproof laminate performance.

In the same dataset, jackets made with more robust materials and well-executed construction tended to hold up better over time, particularly when they were regularly cared for.

With no universal durability standard yet, what should consumers look for when choosing performance gear – and what are you still working on as a brand to push durability further?

While an official, universal durability standard for apparel is still under development, consumers can already look for signs that a brand is committed to long-term product use. This includes things like readily available care instructions, repair services or partnerships, and clear warranty terms that stand behind product performance.

Such measures offer reassurance that a company designs its products to last and supports you in keeping your gear in use for as long as possible.

Want to learn more about durability? Check out Built to last: the science of durability.

Images: W. L. Gore & Associates