It’s this combination of water repellency and sweat-releasing technology that makes Gore-Tex so indispensable in all weather conditions.

Best for: All-weather jackets that can resist wind, rain and expel sweat. Take that temperamental British weather.

Rubberized Cotton

Rubber and cotton don’t seem like the most harmonious couple on paper, they sound like a sticky, hairy mess. When in fact, the fabric has been bolstering men’s wardrobes for generations.

The brainchild of Charles Mackintosh (yes, the father of the mac), rubberized cotton was initially used for the iconic raincoat, but brought with it a sticky touch and strong smell. Fast forward a couple of hundred years and rubberized cotton is now just as rainproof but won’t leave a residue on your fingers.

Modern versions involve bonding flexible rubber to a cotton base. The result is rain-resistant fabric with a lightweight yet structured feel.

Best for: No prizes for guessing: raincoats.

HeatTech

Now that your phone can practically make your bed remotely, it stands to reason that clothing too should come equipped with high-tech wizardry. Step forward HeatTech, high street retailer Uniqlo’s favorite newfangled fabric.

No, this isn’t some marketing spin for what is essentially good old-fashioned thermals. Developed in partnership with Japanese textile specialist Toray Industries, HeatTech is made from a blend of cellulose and milk protein fibres, which can transform excess moisture from the body into heat.

Sound smelly? Not so, HeatTech is able to fend off odor with anti-bacterial agents. The fabric works by trapping moisture from the body in its fibres for unbeatable, sweat-free insulation. Best for: Under layers. This stretchy fabric should be used as a helpful, but hidden, second skin.

Polyurethane

Now that sports luxe is ‘a thing’, trainers have become prized more for the gold initials embossed on the heels than their functional assets. Despite this, the techy trainer is still riding high.