WATERPROOF SWEAT-TRANSMITTING CLOTHING INSULATION

The invention relates to a composite fabric which will provide insulating properties in the presence of water and which will also permit the passage of perspiration therethrough. The fabric includes a first layer of a waterimpermeable insulating material, two layers of a wicking fabric, such layers being positioned adjacent the inner and outer surfaces of the first layer, and a plurality of wicking threads passing through the first layer and securing the wicking fabric layers to the first layer. The insulating layer helps prevent water from reaching the wearer. Perspiration from the wearer is picked up by the inner wicking layer and transferred by capillary action through the threads to the outer wicking layer from which it can evaporate to the atmosphere. If desired the outer wicking layer can be covered by a liquid-water impermeable but water-vapour permeable material.