UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) is a rating of how effectively a fabric blocks the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation from reaching the skin. A UPF 50 garment, for example, lets through only about 1/50th of UV rays. Unlike SPF, which rates sunscreen against UVB on skin, UPF measures clothing against both UVA and UVB, making sun-protective apparel a reliable, reapplication-free barrier.
Man-made cellulosic fibers (MMCFs) are fibers manufactured from natural cellulose — usually wood pulp, but also bamboo or recycled textiles — that is chemically dissolved and reformed into fiber. Examples include rayon/viscose, modal, and Lyocell (Tencel). MMCFs combine a soft, natural feel and good moisture management with the manufacturability of synthetics, but their environmental impact varies widely depending on the source forests and the chemical process used to make them.
Infinna is a regenerated cellulosic fiber made from cotton-rich textile waste — old clothes and fabric scraps — chemically broken down and regenerated into a new, high-quality fiber, rather than relying on virgin cotton or wood pulp. A flagship example of textile-to-textile recycling, Infinna offers a more circular, lower-impact alternative for clothing, helping address textile waste and the environmental footprint of conventional fibers. It's a man-made cellulosic fiber with a natural, cotton-like feel.
NetPlus is a recycled nylon material made from discarded fishing nets ('ghost nets') recovered from the ocean and coastal communities, then processed into nylon fiber for use in outdoor apparel and gear. Used notably by Patagonia, NetPlus turns harmful marine plastic waste into functional products like jacket shells, brims, and trims, reducing reliance on virgin nylon while helping address the problem of abandoned fishing nets that endanger marine life.
Bio-based polyester is polyester made partly or wholly from renewable, plant-derived raw materials (such as sugarcane or corn) instead of petroleum, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. It performs essentially like conventional polyester while lowering the fossil-resource footprint of the fiber. As with other sustainable materials, its benefit is real but partial — many bio-based polyesters are only partly plant-derived, and the fiber still sheds microplastics and isn't necessarily more biodegradable.
Recycled nylon is nylon fabric made from reclaimed waste — such as discarded fishing nets, fabric scraps, and industrial nylon waste — rather than virgin petroleum. Performing nearly identically to conventional nylon while reducing fossil-resource use and diverting waste (notably ocean-bound fishing nets), it's increasingly used in outdoor apparel and gear. Like recycled polyester, its environmental benefit is real but partial, sharing issues like microfiber shedding.
Recycled polyester (rPET) is polyester fabric made from recycled plastic — most commonly post-consumer PET bottles, but also reclaimed textiles — rather than virgin petroleum. It performs nearly identically to conventional polyester while reducing reliance on new fossil resources and diverting plastic waste, which is why it's widely used in outdoor apparel. Its environmental benefit is real but partial, as it shares issues like microfiber shedding.
Solution dyeing (or dope dyeing) is a method of coloring synthetic fibers by adding pigment to the liquid polymer before the fiber is formed, so the color is built into the fiber itself rather than dyed onto finished fabric. This uses dramatically less water and energy and produces far less wastewater than conventional dyeing, while also creating highly colorfast, fade-resistant fabrics. It's an increasingly popular sustainable manufacturing technique in outdoor apparel.
Yulex is a brand of natural rubber, derived from sustainably grown hevea (rubber) trees, used as a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional petroleum- or limestone-based neoprene in wetsuits and other gear. Adopted by brands like Patagonia for wetsuits, Yulex delivers comparable warmth, stretch, and performance to neoprene while reducing reliance on fossil resources and cutting the carbon footprint of the material.
bluesign is an independent standard and certification system for sustainable, safer textile and apparel manufacturing. It evaluates the entire production chain — from chemicals and raw materials to water, energy, and worker safety — to reduce environmental impact and eliminate harmful substances. When outdoor gear carries a bluesign label, it signals that the product (or its materials) was made to these stricter environmental and safety criteria.
