Dermizax

Under the name Dermizax, Japanese company Toray makes waterproof and breathable membranes used in technical clothing for activities such as skiing, snowboarding and mountaineering. The membrane works in a different way than the better-known Gore-Tex membranes do. This also ensures that the properties of clothing with Dermizax are different, making it also directly an alternative to Gore-Tex clothing.

A brief history of Dermizax

The history of Dermizax dates back to the 1970s. Toray, one of the world's largest textile companies, began researching materials that were both waterproof and breathable. The goal was to create a fabric that offered protection from rain, snow and wind, while remaining breathable and comfortable to wear for active outdoor athletes.

In 1979, it developed its first waterproof and breathable product: Entrant. This is a microporous membrane. In 1995, Toray succeeds in producing a hydrophilic nonporous membrane. This is launched under the name Dermizax. The Dermizax EV and Dermizax NX membrane follow in 2001 and 2011, respectively. For an explanation of the difference between a microporous membrane and a (hydrophilic) nonporous membrane, please refer to our extensive blog on how membranes work.

By now, Dermizax has really become a household name within the outdoor world. Clothing brands like Bergans, Ortovox and Schöffel have now been working with Dermizax membranes for years and have won several ISPO awards with their collaboration.

What distinguishes Dermizax from other membranes?

As indicated, Dermizax is a nonporous membrane. In the article all about membranes, we explain exactly how it works. The main advantage of Dermizax is that, unlike Gore-Tex, for example, it is very "stretchy". It therefore lends itself very well to applications in more elastic clothing. Dermizax also has an excellent repute in the outdoor world when it comes to wearing comfort.

Garments with a Dermizax membrane are almost always coated with DWR impregnation. In terms of waterproofing and breathability, the performance of Dermizax is not very different from Gore-Tex. Breathability does work significantly differently with Dermizax (and other non-porous membranes), however. It performs especially well when the difference in temperature between you as wearer of the clothing and that of the environment is large. As a result, Dermizax performs especially well during intensive activities in colder environments.

Dermizax scores high on sustainability. The membranes are made of polyurethane, making them both fully recyclable and free of PFCs. With normal use and maintenance, you can also enjoy clothing fitted with Dermizax membranes for a long time.

The three Dermizax variants

The Dermizax laminate can be found as 2-layer, 2.5-layer and 3-layer constructions in technical clothing. Toray has three different variants of the membrane itself: Dermizax (which you sometimes come across as Dermizax DT (DryTechnology)) is the original waterproof breathable fabric and is suitable for a wide variety of outdoor activities.

Dermizax EV has higher moisture permeability than regular Dermizax, meaning that the breathability effect of non-porous membranes just discussed is even stronger with this type of membrane. Dermizax EV is therefore more commonly seen in technical clothing aimed at more active activities such as trekking and alpine tours.

Dermizax NX offers the highest breathability of all three variants and is made for action sports in extreme conditions.