Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about GORE-TEX products and technologies. If your question isn't answered below, feel free to contact us and we'll get back to you.
General
We want to be the world’s most trusted source of comfort and protection that enables and creates meaningful experiences in people’s active lives. We enable people to experience more — whether that means more comfort, more protection, or more safety.
No, only GORE-TEX products - those with a black diamond come with our GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY promise. If a product has this hangtag or label then it was designed, tested, and developed to be durably waterproof, totally windproof, and breathable.
WINDSTOPPER® products by GORE-TEX LABS* have a white diamond label and hangtag. They have totally windproof, reliably breathable features to upgrade your performance in dry conditions. They're the best choice when it's cold, windy, or there's a chance of showers.
* Garments and gloves previously included in the GORE‑TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® Products range will be named WINDSTOPPER® products by GORE‑TEX LABS
For GORE-TEX products branded with the black label saying “GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY”, the waterproof, windproof and breathable technology is integrated in form of a membrane between textile layers. This can happen in different combinations as outer textile/membrane/lining textile (3L products), outer textile/membrane (2L products), outer membrane/lining textile (GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY products) and other combinations. The membrane is bonded to the textile(s) using a lamination process. In addition, there are GORE-TEX seam tapes used to seal the seams in apparel to make them waterproof.
Not only. To make apparels waterproof, windproof and breathable, there is more needed than textile laminates and tapes. This includes quality standards to construct the apparel, style assessment that includes rain test, the use of qualified other (non-Gore) materials such as sewing thread, insulation, lining materials, zippers and production only in GORE-TEX certified apparel factories. Therefore, the GORE-TEX brand does not only stand for a material but is used for an ingredient quality management system in apparel and footwear.
The GORE-TEX brand is always related to certain features and benefits, which are achieved by different technologies of which one is a GORE-TEX membrane. Original GORE-TEX products with the black diamond hang tag saying GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY all contain a GORE-TEX membrane (garments, footwear, gloves and accessories). GORE-TEX INFINIUM products using WINDSTOPPER technology also contains a windproof breathable membrane. THERMIUM insulation technology uses an insulation technology from Gore.
No, we do not sell our GORE-TEX laminates directly. Laminates are the basis of all GORE-TEX fabrics. At the time, there is no way to purchase GORE-TEX laminates or WINDSTOPPER® laminates by GORE-TEX LABS from us. However, you can purchase finished products from our many brand collaborators and retailers.
We are an ingredient brand that develops technologies and end-products with your favorite outdoor and lifestyle brands. Our brand collaborators manufacture and sell finished products that use our technologies, like laminates, and sell them to consumers. On our website you can find some examples of how it works and find specific products from a number of brand partners.
You'll find authentic products on brand partner websites, specialized outdoor clothing and equipment retailers, and also our sister company: GOREWEAR.com.
Only make purchases through official and verified channels.
Counterfeit products are common, with some fakes coming close to identical. These products are not tested by Gore and do not comply with our high-quality standards. For example, all products are made in Gore-certified factories and all waterproof tests take place in a controlled rain room.
That's why you should only make purchases through official and verified channels. You can always contact our Customer Service for more questions or if you suspect a counterfeit purchase.
Whether you've chosen a WINDSTOPPER® product by GORE-TEX LABS* or a durably waterproof GORE-TEX product, our entire range needs simple care to prolong durability. Simply use our guide and follow the care instructions on your garment, footwear, or gloves to ensure long-lasting performance and extend your product's life cycle.
* Garments and gloves previously included in the GORE‑TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® Products range will be named WINDSTOPPER® products endorsed by GORE‑TEX LABS.
GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY PROMISE
No. Only the GORE-TEX PRODUCTS range that carry the black diamond hang-tag saying "GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY" are covered by our guarantee promise.
Look for the black diamond hang-tag saying "GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY". If you don’t have the hang-tag anymore and you are not sure, reach out to our Consumer Service and we will be happy to help you.
No: It applies to waterproofness, windproofness, and breathability for the useful life of the product. It only covers to the original owner of the item, and items that were purchased new.
We focus on products useful life rather than any fixed periods of time, as expected useful life can vastly differ depending on the product type and the end use for which it is designed. Any fixed guarantee period, though it may be easier to understand and execute, will not accommodate the wide array of products made with our technologies.
The length of time a product can reasonably deliver expected performance relative to its intended end use. The expected useful life of a product depends the type of product and its intended end use. For example, a pair of running shoes should not be expected to last as long as a mountaineering jacket. If you’re caring for your product regularly following the care instructions provided by GORE-TEX and the manufacturer, your product has the potential to perform longer. A product will be considered beyond useful life when its damaged or worn beyond the possibility of repair or restoration to a fully functional waterproof, windproof and breathable condition. Eventually all products wear out with time and end use.
Use your best judgment, consider the age of the product and the care you’ve given to it. If the product has not been regularly cared for and/or has worn soles, rips, tears, punctures, abrasions, it may be time to repair it or buy a new one. Components used in the products construction, such as glues and other adhesives, will eventually degrade with time and end use. If it looks worn out beyond repair, then it likely is. If you’re not sure, you can always contact one of our authorized repair centers to find out if your product can be repaired.
The limited guarantee is provided to the consumer free of charge. In case of a claim, you are responsible for sending your product to Gore for evaluation at your own expense. Gore will cover all subsequent costs related to your product claim.
While you can expect your product to perform for a very long time, components used in the products construction, such as glues and other adhesives, will eventually degrade. No product lasts forever - unfortunately.
Lack of care can often be the cause of a product no longer having useful life, so it’s important to routinely clean your item and always follow the care instructions. Basically, wash and dry your products regularly, repair them when they’re damaged using an authorized repair facility and reapply DWR when needed.
Part of caring for your product is maintaining the Durable Water Repellent (DWR). DWR is necessary for the product to perform as intended, but it’s not permanent. Regular wear and tear, plus exposure to dirt, detergents, insect repellent, and other impurities can shorten its lifespan. The good news is that following our care instructions can often solve this problem and when necessary, reapplying DWR is easy. However, an old or heavily worn garment may no longer bead water, even after proper care and a DWR treatment, indicating that the product has reached the end of useful life.
The decision whether a product has useful life at the time of return is made by Gore, based on an individual evaluation of the product, taking into account various factors such as the age of the product, intended end use, reported failure, proper care, and any unrepaired or unrepairable damage present.
No: Damage such as rips, tears, excessive abrasions and punctures are the responsibility of the end user to have repaired. Broken buttons, zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners and other defects related to manufacturing should be addressed at the point of purchase or to the item’s manufacturer. Damage can be understood as anything incurred through the product’s use that impairs its intended performance or functionality. If damage occurs please contact one of our recommended repair centers or contact us directly and one of our helpful consumer service advisors can assist you. GORE-TEX GURANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY products are an investment in waterproof, windproof, breathable comfort and it’s important to maintain that investment.
We are happy to look at any GORE-TEX garment that needs repair and evaluate if it can be fixed. Contact one of the authorized repair centers and you will have your garment repaired at a reasonable price.
You can temporarily fix minor punctures and tears with a GORE-TEX Fabric Repair Kit. These special adhesive patches allow you to make instant, however not permanent repairs in the field to preserve the waterproof integrity of your outerwear until you can get to an authorized repair center.
Any form of alteration to your GORE-TEX garment can compromise the waterproofness of your product. We suggest to avoiding this as much as possible. Logo embroidery requires seams sealing which can only be done at a GORE-TEX authorized facility. Otherwise, you might compromise the waterproof protection of your garment, usually via small needle holes that have not been seam sealed. If you need to change your garment in any way, please contact us.
This allows Gore to determine the price paid, date of purchase, original ownership and authenticity of your product. All must be considered when evaluating a returned items useful life and eligibility under our guarantee. Proof of purchase can be provided by showing a digital copy of your purchase receipt at the time of return.
Gore is committed to the idea of fairness in all of our internal and external dealings. It’s one of our core principals. While the decision to repair, replace or refund is one that is at the discretion of Gore, we will honor an amount equal to the price you paid for the product as indicated by a proof of purchase.
Our commitment to sustainability means we’ll always explore repair as a first option. If repair is not possible, we’ll replace it with the same or a similar product of equal value. In case we cannot find a replacement product within reasonable time and effort, we will refund your purchase price.
Once it has been established that a replacement is the best option for you, a conversation occurs between you and your GORE-TEX consumer service advisor to identify the best replacement products. We will gather the necessary information to help you make the right selection and ensure the replacement’s fitness for use. We seek to replace most of the items returned with the same product, or a similar one if availability is an issue. The advisor will provide replacement options for you based on what you have shared with us, the prescribed price and the end use.
With the purchase of a new GORE-TEX product, you made a significant investment in waterproof, windproof and breathable comfort. Our guarantee is intended to help you to protect your investment. If a product is purchased used, it will not be covered. This can include purchases made on platforms such as eBay, thrift stores or private sellers.
Products issued to the professional end-user by an employer are not covered by the guarantee. This includes most products for military, law enforcement, fire & safety, industrial and corporate uses.
Products that are used for rental services are not covered by the guarantee. This includes online gear rental platforms, ski schools, guided outings or outdoor clubs.
You are responsible for shipping your product to Gore for evaluation. If Gore determines that international shipping is required, Gore will provide you with a free shipping label or compensate you for your costs. Gore will also pay for return shipping.
If you have agreed to a replacement or refund, you cannot have your old product back. Based on the condition of your products, we will donate it to a good cause or dispose of it responsibly. In case your product is considered by Gore to be beyond useful life, we will return it to you or dispose of it at your discretion.
Damage to personal electronic devices or any other personal items caused by water entry into pockets/zippers is not covered by the GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY promise.
No, only products advertised with our GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY promise are covered. Garments and gloves previously included in the GORE‑TEX INFINIUM WINDSTOPPER® Products range are now named WINDSTOPPER® Products endorsed by GORE‑TEX LABS.
GORE-TEX PRODUCTS RANGE
Look for the black diamond hang-tag saying "GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY.” If you don't have the hangtag anymore it is also labeled on the product itself. If you are not sure, reach out to our Consumer Service and we will be happy to help you.
Based upon your intended end use, there are a wide range of benefits and end uses specific to each product. Waterproofness, windproofness and breathability. Every product in the GORE-TEX Products range is waterproof, windproof, and breathable and many come with additional benefits. Select the product that best supports your active lifestyle by visiting the GORE-TEX Products range page on our website.
WINDSTOPPER® PRODUCTS BY GORE-TEX LABS
WINDSTOPPER® products by GORE-TEX LABS* are specifically made for situations when it’s windy, cold or there’s a chance of showers. This product range features totally windproof and reliably breathable fabrics that can have additional technical features such as stretch, insulation, and water-resistance.
Upgrade your comfort and performance with the technical features of WINDSTOPPER® products by GORE-TEX LABS. From form-fitting gloves to hats and jackets, a whole range prioritizes your high performance and comfort in windy, cold, and dry or changing conditions.
* Garments and gloves previously included in the GORE‑TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® Products range will be named WINDSTOPPER® Products by GORE‑TEX LABS.
Start by looking for the diamond hangtag. It will clearly note whether it's a WINDSTOPPER® product by GORE-TEX LABS* or a durably waterproof GORE-TEX product. If the hangtag is gone, you can also check for a label on the product itself. If you're still not sure, reach out to our Customer Service and we'll help you find out.
* Garments and gloves previously included in the GORE‑TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® Products range will be named WINDSTOPPER® Products endorsed by GORE‑TEX LABS.
No, they aren't. WINDSTOPPER® products by GORE-TEX LABS* are specifically made for when it’s windy, cold or there’s a chance of showers. Even when WINDSTOPPER® products by GORE-TEX LABS offer different levels of water-resistant protection, they aren't durably waterproof.
* Garments and gloves previously included in the GORE‑TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® Products range will be named WINDSTOPPER® Products by GORE‑TEX LABS.
Based on your intended use, there are a wide range of benefits specific to each product. The WINDSTOPPER® products by GORE-TEX LABS* offer plenty of comfort and performance benefits: totally windproof, reliably breathable, stretch, water-resistance, and much more.
Discover how WINDSTOPPER® products by GORE-TEX Labs are suitable for your experiences by selecting a product profile that matches best to your active lifestyle.
* Garments and gloves previously included in the GORE‑TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® Products range will be named WINDSTOPPER® Products by GORE‑TEX LABS.
No. Although some WINDSTOPPER® products by GORE-TEX LABS* are water-resistant, they are not durably waterproof. Therefore, they cannot be covered by the GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY promise.
* Garments and gloves previously included in the GORE‑TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® Products range will be named WINDSTOPPER® products by GORE‑TEX LABS.
Care
For best results, we recommend using liquid rather than powder detergents.
Please do not use bleach with any GORE-TEX garment. It could affect the color and performance of the garment.
GORE-TEX garments are treated with an ultra-thin coating known as DWR, or durable water repellent. This treatment causes water to bead up and roll off the outer layer of garment, instead of being absorbed. Regular wear and tear, as well as exposure to dirt, sunscreen lotion, bug repellents, detergents, campfire smoke, cooking odors and other impurities diminish the water repellency of your garment. If water repellency can no longer be reactivated by washing and drying you’ll need to reapply a durable water repellent (DWR), this can be a spray or wash-in product. Be sure to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for reapplication—and don’t forget to activate it by following our instructions for tumble dry or ironing.
Environment
Absolutely. Gore® fabrics are safe to wear and environmentally sound. They meet state-of-the-art product safety requirements like the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®. This is a global textile safety standard well respected for its science-based approach to textile safety validation.
The implementation of the bluesign® system in all fabric manufacturing plants of Gore verifies that our products made with ePTFE membranes are harmless to people and environmentally sound.
Learn more about the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® and the bluesign® system.
While no manufacturing operation can be completely free from emissions and environmental impact, the Fabrics Division of W. L. Gore & Associates makes significant efforts to minimize the effect of our manufacturing processes on the environment.
We fulfill a high level of environmental standards in all of our manufacturing plants globally with controls in place that meet or improve upon the local regulatory demands (e.g., air pollution control devices, solvent-free adhesives, manufacturing waste recycling, and waste water treatment). The environmental impacts of our manufacturing processes are regularly assessed and controlled by an Environmental Management System following ISO 14001. This environmental manufacturing standard was globally implemented in our fabrics manufacturing plants in 2010.
All of our fabric manufacturing sites have passed the bluesign® screening and have implemented the bluesign® system, which verifies that our manufacturing processes are carefully managed and equipped with the best available environmental controls. bluesign technologies ag has developed an independent and rigorous system for the safety and environmental performance in making textile products.
GORE-TEX and other GORE® fabrics are an environmentally sound choice because they are manufactured responsibly and their durable performance allows apparel to last longer, reducing the use of natural resources and waste.
While some manufacturers of functional materials focus on only part of the story regarding the environmental profile of their products, we employ a Life Cycle Assessment approach that considers all aspects of our products. This starts with the production of raw materials by our suppliers and includes all elements of manufacturing and transportation. We even consider the impact of the washing and drying performed by the consumer over the lifetime of the garment.
Comparing the relative impact of each phase of a GORE-TEX jacket's life, the largest environmental impact occurs during production and finishing of the component materials that make up a garment. In contrast, washing, drying, and retreating during the useful life and disposal incurs a smaller environmental impact.
Yes. Routine care and maintenance, like washing, will ensure the highest performance from a jacket and extend its useful lifespan. Investing in a long-lasting garment and maintaining it properly not only saves on the environmental footprint but also saves on your direct costs.
GORE-TEX fabrics have a highly durable water repellency treatment (DWR) that can be easily and repeatedly restored by tumble-drying and/or ironing. In this way, consumers can maintain the performance of their garment and save significantly on the cost and use of repellency restorative treatments. However, if after years or use, washing and drying no longer prove effective, GORE-TEX garments and footwear may benefit from a DWR restorative treatment. Professional reproofing or spraying of a re-treatment product (according to manufacturer's instructions) can be an efficient way to do so. This also minimizes the release of treatment agents into the environment.
In the event of a tear or hole in the fabric of a garment, wearers can have the garments mended professionally by one of our authorized Gore Repair Centers.
Learn more about care and maintenance of GORE® fabrics in our Care section.
Together with some committed customers, in 1993 Gore was the first in the apparel industry to offer high level post-consumer recycling for functional outerwear. This recycling program for specially designed garments, named GORE® BALANCE PROJECT™, received the 1995 European Outdoor Award for Innovation. We quickly learned, however, that consumers were not as willing to return these garments for recycling even after years of use, thus the program was stopped.
In addition, our Life Cycle Assessment studies confirm that the disposal of a functional outerwear jacket has a relatively low impact on the environment and therefore we focus our efforts where we can make a bigger positive impact: in the making of our raw materials as well as in the design, manufacturing and longevity of our products.
In addition we are introducing an increasing share of recycled fibers into our laminate offering.
Garments or footwear made from GORE® fabrics can be safely disposed of just like any other apparel product.
Contrary to most other plastics, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) - the raw material of our membrane - is not made or processed using plasticizers or stabilizers. It doesn't contain residuals like heavy metals, organotin compounds or phthalates. If disposed of in a landfill, PTFE will not degrade, so it will not contribute to the formation of greenhouse gases (i.e., methane) or release substances into the water or air. In an incineration plant, PTFE is safely converted to carbon dioxide and fluorspar. Potentially harmful gases are captured by pollution control devices (alkaline scrubbers) that have been in place for a number of decades.
Finding ways to extend the useful life of a product has always been the environmentally preferred option over product disposal. One might wish to consider donating footwear or garments to charities or repurposing the product for other applications.
We're committed to continuously reducing the environmental footprint of our products. We have set the ambitious goal to eliminate PFCs of Environmental Concern (PFCEC) from the life cycle of our consumer products by 2023. As a step in this journey we have launched a durable water repellent treatment free of PFCs of Environmental Concern (PFCEC Free DWR). Learn more about our environmental commitment.
Durable Water Repellent (DWR)
Most GORE‑TEX Products are treated with a durable water repellent (DWR), an ultra-thin treatment applied to the outermost fabric layer. DWR reduces the surface tension of the fabric, causing water to bead up and roll off. When water saturates the outer layer, your garment can feel damp and clammy, even if it’s not leaking. Restoring the DWR treatment helps keep you more comfortable and better protected.
DWR isn’t permanent. Without it, the fabric surface loses its ability to bead water. While the membrane will still keep the garment waterproof, the outer layer can become saturated, making the garment feel cold and clammy. Regular wear and tear, along with exposure to dirt, detergents, sunscreen, and other substances, can shorten the lifespan of a DWR treatment. This is especially true for PFAS-free* DWR, which generally require more frequent maintenance to perform at their best. But restoring the water repellency of your GORE‑TEX Product is easy. See care instructions here.
*Made without intentionally added per- and polyfluorinated substances; may contain trace amounts.
Reactivating DWR is easy: just wash and dry your gear, then apply heat to complete the process. If water repellency can’t be restored by heat alone, such as tumble drying or ironing (see care instructions for details), it’s time to re-energize the DWR using a pump-spray or wash-in product. You'll find everything you need to know about restoring water repellency for GORE-TEX Outerwear, footwear and gloves, or your WINDSTOPPER® Products by GORE-TEX LABS* in our care instructions here.
* Garments and gloves previously included in the GORE‑TEX INFINIUM WINDSTOPPER® Products range will be named WINDSTOPPER® Products by GORE‑TEX LABS.
As part of our responsible performance journey, the GORE-TEX Brand has developed a unique PFAS-free* Durable Water Repellency (DWR) treatment.
The PFAS-free* DWR contains no polyfluorinated chemicals and have a lower chemical footprint. With proper care, this non-fluorinated DWR delivers long-lasting performance.
Keeping GORE-TEX Products performing at their best — and in use for as long as possible — is better for the wearer and better for the outdoors.
*Made without intentionally added per- and polyfluorinated substances; may contain trace amounts.
When water stops beading, that means the DWR isn’t functioning correctly and needs to be either reactivated via the wash and heat process or reapplied with a pump-spray or wash-in product. Your GORE-TEX Product will still be waterproof, but you may not feel the comfort you would normally expect.
PFAS-free* DWR works better with regular care as it is less resistant to oils and requires more regular maintenance. GORE‑TEX Products are engineered for durability, so there’s no need to worry about washing them regularly—in fact, it’s essential to keep them performing at their best! See care instructions here.
*Made without intentionally added per- and polyfluorinated substances; may contain trace amounts.
As we do not manufacture reapplication products, we do not endorse any specific brand, although wash-in impregnation products and sprays can both be used. Generally speaking, we would suggest PFAS-free, pump-sprays to reduce the environmental impact. Please check the product labels on the restorers to check their recommendations of use.
