More popularly, Gore-Tex is known for its use as a waterproof, breathable fabric, used in outdoor clothing and sport footwear.
To the human eye, it looks and feels like a smooth fabric.
Structurally, the membrane of the fabric contains about nine-billion microscopic pores per square inch.
The holes are large enough to allow body heat and water vapour to escape, but small enough to deflect water drops.
 As a result, moisture from rain or snow cannot penetrate the fabric, while perspiration can escape as it evaporates.

The first report of using Gore-Tex to make waterproof, breathable garments appeared in a market report, April 13, 1972.
The manufacturing process was patented in 1972.
The first commercial sales of Gore-Tex were made in 1976 when Early Winters, Ltd., began making and selling Gore-Tex tents.
The next year Early sold Gore-Tex rainwear.

Gore-Tex is typically placed between an outer fabric and an inner lining.
The material allows moisture to pass easily from one layer through the next, a process known as wicking.
 This, and a polymer coating that increases the ability of the fabric to repel water, reduce the chance that the wearer will become damp, cold, or a victim of heat loss.
In 1989, Gore began to license manufacturers to use the Gore-Tex material and label: however, products must survive rigorous testing in the Gore company's rain room, abrasion tests and washing machines to be authorized for market release.
More popularly, Gore-Tex is known for its use as a waterproof, breathable fabric, used in outdoor clothing and sport footwear. To the human eye, it looks and feels like a smooth fabric. Structurally, the membrane of the fabric contains about nine-billion microscopic pores per square inch. The holes are large enough to allow body heat and water vapour to escape, but small enough to deflect water drops.  As a result, moisture from rain or snow cannot penetrate the fabric, while perspiration can escape as it evaporates.
The first report of using Gore-Tex to make waterproof, breathable garments appeared in a market report, April 13, 1972. The manufacturing process was patented in 1972. The first commercial sales of Gore-Tex were made in 1976 when Early Winters, Ltd., began making and selling Gore-Tex tents. The next year Early sold Gore-Tex rainwear.
Gore-Tex is typically placed between an outer fabric and an inner lining. The material allows moisture to pass easily from one layer through the next, a process known as wicking.  This, and a polymer coating that increases the ability of the fabric to repel water, reduce the chance that the wearer will become damp, cold, or a victim of heat loss. In 1989, Gore began to license manufacturers to use the Gore-Tex material and label: however, products must survive rigorous testing in the Gore company's rain room, abrasion tests and washing machines to be authorized for market release.
Robert W. Gore