During the 1940s, the British RAF recognised the need for a new type of flight suit– that would offer comfort during flight and protection if airmen were downed at sea. For this they turned to the Shirley Institute, home of the British Cotton Industry Research. Drawing on its rich expertise – the Institute developed what became known as Ventile®.

Ventile® fabric was credited with saving the lives of many airmen during the war and was later used by the pioneering mountaineers and polar explorers for their expeditions on Everest and beyond.

Ventile

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