City Function©

ELVINE – Dedicated maker of City Function© Jackets

With City Function© we mean functional features for a regular urban lifestyle. The concept City Function© also includes stylish design for the city rather than an outdoor lifestyle.

Technical Definition

Membrane

A membrane is a thin film that is laminated to the outer fabric and then protected in some way on the inside. ELVINE’s jackets either have a 2-layer structure or a 3-layer structure. The 3-layer version is created by bonding together the outer fabric, the membrane and an internal lining. The 2-layer version feels softer and more flexible as the protective lining isn’t bonded to the other layers and is left loose instead. The membranes that we are using are made from Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) or Polyurethane (PU).

Coating

A coating is spread onto the downside of the outer layer. The coating is made from various forms of Polyurethane (PU). You could say that the membrane is like wallpaper but the coating is like paint. Even with a breathable membrane or coating making your jacket waterproof or water repellent, you may still need to undo your jacket for ventilation when you get hot.

Impregnation

When ELVINE uses impregnation, we always use Bionic-Finish® Eco, a water repellent finish free from environmentally harmful fluorinated compounds. The water droplets run off like beads. Like all impregnation, this surface finish will deteriorate after repeated washes, but can be reactivated by gently adding heat to the jacket with an iron at low temperature and an ironing cloth.

Water Column

Water column is a measurement used to show the amount of water pressure a garment can cope with before it starts leaking. A garment with a water column of at least 1 500 mm can withstand rain and wind in normal everyday use. If it is exposed to high rain pressure for a long period, you would need a higher water column rating and that’s why many of ELVINE’s jackets have a water column of at least 3 000, with some as high as 10 000. To be called waterproof, all the seams need to be taped as well. If only vital seams are taped, e.g. the ones in the most vulnerable parts of the garment like shoulders, armholes, neck and hood, the garment can only be called water resistant or water repellent, even if the material itself is fully waterproof.

Selected City Function© Suppliers

BIONIC-FINISH® ECO

The fluorine free water repellent impregnation

When we at ELVINE use a repellent treatment on our garments, we always use Bionic-Finish® Eco. Bionic-Finish® Eco from Rudolf Group is a unique, patented water repellent, oil repellent and soil repellent finish for textiles that does not use any harmful fluorine compounds.

THERMORE® THERMOSOFT®

A high tech thermal insulation with superior warmth and comfort

Many of our new jackets are padded with Thermore®
Thermosoft®, which is a high performance insulation product for outerwear. It has a high loft level and is very warm, soft and comfortable. Thanks to Thermore’s patented technology, the fibers are stabilized and fiber migration through shell and lining fabrics is minimized. It has exceptional resistance and an ultra even structure with no cold spots even after repeated machine-washing. Furthermore, it has up to 30% higher warmth than unbranded paddings.

The fibres are made of 50% recycled polyester from post consumer PET bottles, which significantly add to our sustainability approach. The insulation is also non-toxic and free of PFOA/PFAS. Thermosoft® is bludesign® approved and GRS certified.

THERMORE® ECODOWN FIBRES

The best down alternative – 100% recycled fibres from pet-bottles

Thermore® Ecodown fibers is a high-performing, durable free fiber product. It’s both animal free and 100% recycled from PET-bottles; making it the best environmentally-friendly alternative. Ecodown is kind to the planet by avoiding the use of micro-fibers - which (eventually) pollute our lakes and oceans. Thanks to a unique multi-shape structure, the fibers are designed to provide exceptional loft, durability and warmth. It’s the only free fiber product that does not clump or create cold spots after washing. Ecodown is Bluesign-, PETA-approved and GRS-certified.

THERMORE® EVODOWN®

Down-free alternative

Thermore® EVOdown® is the ultimate down-free alternative, offering both high loft and warmth. It provides the same volume and softness as down feathers – but without the concerns associated with real down. EVOdown® consists of free fibers contained by two encapsulating layers. This technology minimizes clumping and fiber migration, allowing a consistent Thermal performance throughout the entire garment. The product is available in 4 weights to suit any design preferences; from light padded jackets to heavy winter parkas.

YKK®

YKK® make the best zippers in the world

A zipper will never make a garment, but it can break a garment. That is why ELVINE use the best fastening products that exist on the market. YKK® make incredibly dependable zippers using the best materials and there is a reason why the saying goes: You can’t go wrong with YKK®.

BUTTON BIND®

Keeping buttons in place forever

Button Bind® Necklace is a system that secures buttons to clothes. The system secures button necks that need to be of a predetermined length and is built around a self-vulcanizing tape that is wrapped around the threads holding the button to the garment. ELVINE uses Button Bind® on all of our four-hole buttons.

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