Frequently Asked Questions

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. GORE-TEX products branded with the black label saying “GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY™” are built and tested to ensure durable waterproofness, windproofness and breathability in a vast activities range. GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ products branded with the white label are the best choice when comfort and performance take priority over waterproofness.

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(TM) all contain a GORE-TEX membrane (garments, footwear, gloves and accessories).  GORE-TEX INFINIUM(TM) products using WINDSTOPPER technology also contains a windproof breathable membrane.  THERMIUM insulation technology uses an insulation technology from Gore. 

At Gore, as an ingredient brand we develop technologies which are available to your favorite outdoor and lifestyle brands through a licensing model. These partners then manufacture the end products using our GORE-TEX product technologies and sell the finished products to the end consumers. We do not produce or sell finished footwear or garments under the GORE-TEX brand or GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ brand. On our website you will find examples of products manufactured and sold by our brand partners in the section find products. If you have an interest in a specific product and are not able to find the brand, please reach out to our Consumer Service and we will be happy to help you.

Authentic products with GORE-TEX branded technology are available directly through our brand partner websites and from specialty outdoor clothing and equipment retailers in physical and online shops. You should only purchase through official channels.

Counterfeit products are common and may appear to be just like our own. However, we cannot say if these products work or not as these models have not been tested by Gore for compliance with Gore quality standards. For example, garment waterproofness has not been tested in our rain room and these garments have not been manufactured in Gore certified garment factories. To avoid the risk of purchasing counterfeit products only purchase through official channels. If you think you purchased a counterfeit product reach out to our Consumer Service and we will be happy to help you.

GORE-TEX products and GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ products are easy to care for. Following our Care Instructions will ensure excellent performance and extend the useful life of your product.

It’s simple: If you are not completely satisfied with the waterproofness, windproofness, or breathability of your GORE-TEX product, then we will repair it, replace it, or refund your purchase price. No matter which of our trusted customers makes the product, we have certified that its durably waterproof, windproof and breathable performance meets the needs of its intended use. Fairness is one of the core principals of the GORE Company. Our promise is one that allows for common sense solutions with a focus on product performance and building lasting relationships with our consumers.

Just that: No water from the outside will get to you on the inside. Whether it’s from a driving rain, a damp bench you happen to sit on, or kneeling in wet grass, water can't penetrate GORE-TEX fabric. Yet, the fabric will remain breathable, allowing for moisture from sweat to escape. Factoring in reasonable wear and tear as determined by our team, if your GORE-TEX product is properly cared for and used as intended then you can expect it to remain waterproof, windproof and breathable for its useful life.

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.

Due to the wide array of end uses for which our products are designed, we focus on their useful life rather than any fixed periods of time. It really depends on you and the choices you make. 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. Components used in the garment construction, such as glues and other adhesives, will eventually degrade. After all, all products wear out during use and over time.

Use your best judgment, if the product has worn soles, rips, tears, punctures, abrasions, it may be time to repair it or buy a new one. If it looks worn out then it likely is. This can be especially true for footwear, which typically has a shorter useful life than garments. In the case of footwear, the GORE-TEX membrane is protected by the upper part of the shoe. If there are cuts or cracks in the upper material, the membrane’s performance may be impaired by dirt and debris entering the shoe. Internal abrasion from sharp toenails or hard orthotic insoles can also produce holes, causing leaks. If you are unsure give us a call or send us an email and we can help you make a decision.

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 to any item that is returned to Gore must have been repaired so that the item is in a fully functional condition apart from the defect relating to GORE-TEX. Damage can be understood as anything incurred through the product’s use that impairs its intended performance or functionality. 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. 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 products are an investment in waterproof, windproof, breathable comfort and it’s important to maintain that investment.

No: Part of caring for your product is maintaining the Durable Water Repellent (DWR). GORE- TEX fabrics have an ultra-thin treatment called DWR, a durable water repellent polymer that is applied to the outermost fabric layer. DWR penetrates the fibers and lowers the surface tension of the fabric, causing water to bead up and roll off this outer layer of fabric, instead of being absorbed. 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.

By your initial investment: 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 an original proof of purchase. If a product is purchased used, it will not be covered.

In some cases your fastest and simplest source for replacement may be your local retailer. If that doesn’t work for you, we can help. 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.

Yes: If a product comes back to us there are a number of tests that help us identify a failure in waterproofness, windproofness or breathability. All GORE-TEX products must meet strict quality standards before they’re sold. We consistently monitor product performance to drive innovation and development. We are committed to our consumers getting the most out of their GORE-TEX products.

The original GORE-TEX products range with the GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY® promise is made to provide best-in-class waterproof protection you can rely on. Whether you’re dashing through downtown showers or facing down mountain storms, you get innovative waterproofness, windproofness, and breathability.

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 original 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 original GORE-TEX products range page on our website.

Even more innovation will come in the future.

We designed the GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ products range to support even more moments in your active life. These products are the best choice when comfort and performance is the priority and waterproofness is not. Under this product brand you will find primarily three range of products. Windproof products, highly insulated products, and high moisture management products.

GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ products offer a variety of benefits. You’ll find GORE-TEX INFINIUM™product technologies in slim and stylish shoes that keep your feet warm, form-fitting gloves that make using your smartphone easy, and lightweight, water-resistant (not waterproof) jackets. Whatever you need, they’re all designed to offer next-level comfort.

Look for the white diamond hangtag. GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ will be displayed on the hangtag but 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.

No. GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ products are designed for activities where comfort and performance are a priority and waterproofness is not. Even if some GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ products offer certain water resistance or repellency they are not covered by the GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY® promise.

Based upon your intended end use, there are a wide range of benefits and end uses specific to each product. Our innovative GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ product technologies offer an upgrade on your current gear through benefits such as warmth and style, stretch, windproofness, insulation, and moisture management and even more innovation will come in the future. Not every GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ product has all of the above benefits - select the product that best supports your active lifestyle.

No. GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ products are not waterproof and are not covered by the GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY® promise.

Be sure to read the manufacturer’s care tag first. Wash your GORE-TEX garment in the washing machine in warm (105°F/40°C) water. For the best results, use a small amount of liquid detergent. Please do not use powder detergents, fabric softener or chlorine bleach.

Wash your garment as often as you need to remove such impurities as dirt, campfire smoke and cooking odors. Washing, drying and reheating your garment helps restore the durable water repellent (DWR) that is important to the performance of a GORE-TEX garment. Do not tumble dry GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY™ garments.

You can use a gentle cycle that does not rigorously spin the garment. Reducing the spinning (400 rpm or lower) will minimize creasing.

For best results, we recommend using liquid rather than powder detergents.

Depending on local water quality and load fill it is recommended to use one ounce/30ml per load.

You do not need to wash your GORE-TEX garment by itself. You can wash it with similar garments that are not heavily soiled. We suggest a second rinse cycle to ensure that all the detergent is completely rinsed out of the garment.

We do not recommend stain removers. Instead, we recommend using liquid detergent locally on the stained areas or in the pre-wash cycle of your washing machine to remove stains and heavy soil. If your machine does not have a pre-wash cycle, simply soak the garment in warm water with liquid detergent.

Please do not use bleach with any GORE-TEX garment. It could affect the color and performance of the garment.

We recommend line-drying your garment; it uses less energy and reduces your impact on the environment. Once it’s dry, tumble dry the garment for 20 minutes to reactivate the durable water repellent (DWR) treatment on the outer fabric. Do not tumble dry GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY™ garments, no need to reactivate the DWR treatment in GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY™ garments.

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.

We recommend pump-action sprays instead of aerosol sprays to reduce the environmental impact. However, technically an aerosol spray can be used.

Dry-cleaning does not harm GORE-TEX fabric. However, always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions for your particular garment to make sure they recommend dry-cleaning. If you decide to professionally dry-clean your garment, request clear, distilled hydrocarbon solvent rinse and a spray-on or wash-in DWR repellent treatment with heat reactivation (tumble dry the garment for 20 minutes to reactivate the durable water repellent (DWR) treatment on the outer fabric). Do not dry clean GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY™ garments.

If dry-cleaning is necessary, we recommend a professional dry-cleaner that uses clear, distilled hydrocarbon solvents for rinsing. We do not recommend home dry-cleaning kits.

First check your manufacturer’s care instructions about ironing. We recommend using low temperatures (ironing symbol with 2 dots) and no steam. Place a cloth over the GORE-TEX garment so that the iron does not touch the garment directly.

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 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 (PFC_EC) 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 (PFC_EC Free DWR). Learn more about our environmental commitment.

Many GORE-TEX products and some GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ products are treated with an ultra-thin durable water repellent (DWR), a treatment that’s applied to the outermost fabric layer. DWR reduces the surface tension of the fabric, so that water simply rolls off. If water saturates your garment’s outer fabric layer you can feel damp and clammy – even if your product isn’t leaking. Restoring your product’s DWR means you’ll stay more comfortable and more protected.

DWR isn’t permanent. Regular wear and tear, exposure to dirt, detergents, insect repellent, and other materials can shorten its lifespan. The good news: restoring the water repellency of your GORE-TEX product is extremely easy.

Whether you own something from the original GORE-TEX products range, or the new GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ products range, all the information you need to know about restoring water repellency is right here.

If water repellency can no longer be restored 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.

This DWR has been identified by Gore as being free of PFCs of environmental concern and one of the best performing DWRs of its kind. While all of Gore’s DWR chemistries are completely safe for use, Gore PFC_EC FREE DWR has a lower environmental foot print.

We're committed to continuously reducing the environmental footprint of our products. We have set the ambitious goal to eliminate PFCs of Environmental Concern (PFC_EC) 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 (PFC_EC Free DWR). Learn more about our environmental commitment.

Gore DWR offers both water and oil repellency. This DWR is used on our garments intended for more extreme and extended end uses like mountaineering. Gore PFC_EC DWR does not offer any oil repellency – just water repellency and is used on garments for general outdoor and lifestyle garment end uses like hill walking, camping and city wear.

Look for the GORE-TEX hang-tag insert calling out PFC_EC FREE DWR.

This DWR can be maintained and ultimately restored using exactly the same procedures as with Gore DWR. Regular washing and tumble drying / ironing, will keep the DWR performing at its best. When the DWR is no longer working, there are many commercially available PFC_EC DWR restoring solutions available at retail.

Restoring should only be done when you are sure there is no DWR left on the outer fabric. If, after wash/ tumble dry, the DWR is not performing, then using a restoring solution is appropriate at that time. Frequency of restoring depends on how often you use the garment.

Most of the commercially available restoring chemistries are now PFC_EC free. Please check the product labels on the restorers to check their recommendations of use.

As we do not manufacture reproofing products, we do not endorse any specific brand of reproofing products, although wash-in impregnation products and sprays can both be used to reproof GORE-TEX products. Generally speaking, we would rather suggest pump-action sprays to reduce the environmental impact.

Oil, dirt and stains affects all types of DWR. The Gore PFC_EC Free DWR does not have any oil resistance, so can be impacted more quickly by body oils / stains than Gore DWR, which does have oil resistance.

No. Steaming has a negative impact on all DWR treatments and will reduce the water repellency. If a garments is steamed, the only way to restore the DWR performance is to tumble dry or iron following the garment care instructions.

Our testing has shown that Gore PFC_EC FREE DWR has similar performance to Gore DWR for general outdoor use, however for more extreme and extended uses, testing has shown Gore DWR to be more durable.

Simply wash the garment regularly according to care instructions which do not allow for stain removers.