For us, this isn’t just a tagline or a strategic statement. It’s a promise we live and breathe every single day, a guiding principle that encapsulates nearly 50 years of science and innovation.
The GORE-TEX Brand constantly pushes the limits of high-performing, long-lasting protection—unlocking new possibilities, facing challenges with enthusiasm, and creating a brighter future through collaboration and a continued commitment to people.
But how did we get here?
It all started with a scientific discovery.
While Bill and Vieve Gore founded W. L. Gore & Associates in 1958 in the basement of their home in Newark, Delaware, everything changed in 1969 when their son, Bob, made a remarkable breakthrough that launched our GORE-TEX Brand… and changed the world forever.
And that was just the beginning. Over the years, we’ve made thousands of innovations backed by the latest science, revolutionizing the outdoor apparel industry and evolving from a single product to a trusted, purpose-led global brand. More recently, we’ve redoubled our efforts by developing more sustainable textile solutions with our Next Gen GORE-TEX Products, which offer durable performance, are PFAS free* and have a reduced carbon footprint**.
*Made without intentionally added per- and polyfluorinated substances; may contain trace amounts.
**Through laminates with a new lower-mass membrane and select textile(s) (per Higg MSI)
Our Heritage: Innovation Milestones
1969 – Bob Gore discovers the power of expanded PTFE, and introduces the world to the revolutionary GORE-TEX Fabric.
1979 – Introduction of GORE-SEAM® sealing machines and GORE-SEAM® tape.
1981 – Spacesuits made with Gore fibers support NASA’s first Space Shuttle mission.
1989 – Introduction of the GORE-TEX Brand’s famous GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY Promise.
1991 – Launch of the first GORE-TEX Consumer products featuring WINDSTOPPER® Product Technology.
2006 – The first generation of GORE-TEX PRO Garments is launched.
2017 – Introduction of GORE‑TEX Invisible Fit Product Technology for footwear.
2022 – The journey continues with Next-Gen GORE-TEX Products with ePE membrane; products that combine proven performance and a reduced carbon footprint (Through laminates with a new lower-mass membrane and select textile(s) (per Higg MSI))
Today, our products are found in a wide range of end-use products, from jackets and footwear to gloves, hats, and accessories, including durably waterproof GORE-TEX Products and WINDSTOPPER® products by GORE-TEX LABS. These product technologies protect professional athletes in the extreme conditions and enable everyday wearers to embrace the elements in the outdoors and in urban settings.
Other product technologies, such as GORE-TEX PYRAD® and EXTRAGUARD upper technology, provide essential workwear and equipment for rescue services, defense, law enforcement, and other professional industries—giving wearers confidence and peace of mind while they carry out their challenging tasks.
Browse our GORE-TEX Product Range and WINDSTOPPER® Products by GORE-TEX LABS
But you might be wondering: how is it that our products are able to offer protection and comfort in all kinds of weather? The secret lies in our scientific approach. Our deep knowledge of materials science enables our products’ durable performance across a huge variety of uses.
On top of that, our holistic quality system—encompassing material testing, field testing, style approval, design and manufacturing consultancy, and collaboration with only certified factories—allows us to uphold our unique GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY Promise*, which we’ve been proudly offering since 1989.
*Valid only for consumer products.
Sustainability is a key priority for us. Our goal is to protect people in the outdoors so they can keep exploring and doing what they love while minimizing our impact through durable products, science-led innovation, and responsible business practices.
Our unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability has made the GORE-TEX Brand a core partner for the world’s best outdoor, lifestyle, and workwear brands
Behind every product from the GORE-TEX Brand is a team of passionate individuals—scientists, engineers, researchers, strategists, designers, and marketers—all playing a key role in bringing our product technologies to life.
As an ingredient brand, we work closely with our partners to ensure that the products we create meet the highest standards of performance and protection while delivering more sustainable fabrics solutions, including increased recycled material usage, long product life, and even products with a lower carbon footprint. We’re proud to count many of the world’s leading outdoor and lifestyle brands as not just customers, but genuine collaborators.
We’re also privileged to work with an incredible team of Brand Ambassadors who inspire us to keep innovating. From professional athletes to sustainability experts, their unique insights and perspectives directly inform the way we think about our products.
True performance isn’t just about pushing the boundaries of innovation; it's about doing so responsibly. This philosophy is embedded in everything we do, from the products we create to the initiatives we support and the connections we foster in the outdoors.
Our commitment to sustainability is rooted in the belief that performance and responsibility go hand in hand, and that we can deliver on our promise to find an optimal balance of performance, quality, comfort, and sustainable textile innovations.
We don’t do this alone. Our partnerships with industry leaders, alongside collaborations with local communities, certification organizations, universities, and more, strengthen our efforts and drive meaningful progress throughout our organization.
