In sports textiles, coating is a thin layer that adds performance without adding weight. Coatings as light as 10–15 g/m² provide maximum comfort without compromising on durability. This note was compiled from the graphic we published for 19 May, Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day.
Where is coating used in sports?
- High-performance apparel and footwear — technical sports footwear, apparel and professional athlete uniforms benefit from special lamination layers.
- Professional gear and extreme sports — coatings increase the durability of tools and equipment used in mountaineering, sailing and camping.
- Bags and tent solutions — waterproof and dirt-repellent coatings are created for outdoor tents and bags.
Does coating restrict freedom of movement?
No — it is a question of coat weight. Coatings as light as 10–15 g/m² provide maximum comfort without compromising on durability. In sports textiles the success of a coating is measured by how thin it can be kept, not by how thick it is.
What are plasma and sol-gel surface modification?
They are modern surface modification methods. Environmentally friendly, they enhance water- and dirt-repellency and provide antibacterial properties as well.
How do breathability and thermal balance go together?
Coatings that allow air permeability deliver aesthetic, soft-touch and comfortable results. The heat an athlete generates can leave precisely because the coating does not close that permeability off.
The technical advantages provided to athletes
| Advantage | How it is achieved |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and freedom of movement | 10–15 g/m² coating weight |
| Water- and dirt-repellency, antibacterial properties | Plasma and sol-gel surface modification |
| Breathability and thermal balance | Coatings that allow air permeability |
For the wider picture and the coat-weight ranges see what is textile coating, and for protective applications see protective textiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does coating do for sportswear?
Technical sports footwear, apparel and professional athlete uniforms benefit from special lamination layers; coating provides water- and dirt-repellency, durability and breathability.
Does coating restrict an athlete's movement?
No. Coatings as light as 10–15 g/m² provide maximum comfort without compromising on durability.
What do sol-gel and plasma surface modification provide?
These environmentally friendly modern methods enhance water- and dirt-repellency and give the fabric antibacterial properties.