Ripstop fabric is woven using a special method to make the fabric stronger and less likely to tear. And when the fabric with the ripstop treatment does tear, thanks to this treatment, the resulting tear does not spread further, at least not as quickly.
Fabric with a ripstop finish is usually produced in such a way that stronger warp or weft threads are woven into the classic thin fabric, in the range of 5 to 8 mm. Thanks to this, the substrate acquires both higher resistance and a more optically profiled structure.
Origin and production of ripstop fabric
The first ripstop fabric was created relatively long ago - it happened during World War II in the United States. It has survived to this day thanks to its excellent fabric weight-to-stability ratio. And at the same time it has really high strength against tearing.
Nowadays, ripstop material is typically produced from polyamide yarns (ripstop nylon), but at the same time, ripstop polyester or a combination with aramid fibers, or cotton mixed with polyamide, etc., can also be found on the market.
Further modifications and uses
Ripstop fabric acquires new properties after applying silicone or polyurethane (i.e. providing a layer of these materials). After such modification, ripstop fabric can be used for the production of parachutes, hot air balloons and sails, but if we stay in the outdoor segment, then also tents and backpacks.
And just as a matter of interest, let's add that in the American army we can meet a standard according to which all used camouflage clothing for soldiers must be made of so-called ripstop poplin or poplin ripstop, which is a material that is made up of 50% polyamide and 50% cotton.
Otherwise, fabrics for sewing work and tactical clothing for demanding conditions are made from a combination of ripstop polyester and cotton. Such a combination is very popular with state agencies, who order it for their employees. In addition to increased tear resistance, these types of fabrics also offer resistance to abrasion, fading, and even frequent washing in commercial laundries.
Clothing made from this combination of materials promises high breathability in summer and at the same time high resistance to wind in the cold months of the year.