Definition
Breathability describes the property of a textile to transport water vapor (perspiration in gaseous form) from the body outward through the material, while preventing liquid water from penetrating from the outside. This moisture transport occurs either through microporous membrane structures — smaller than water droplets but larger than water vapor molecules — or through hydrophilic (water-attracting) polymer layers that chemically absorb and conduct moisture. Breathability is therefore not air permeability but a specific water vapor diffusion process that is possible even in windproof and waterproof materials. The result is a more balanced microclimate between skin and textile, reducing heat buildup and moisture accumulation from the inside.
Use in the textile industry
Breathable materials are used primarily in sportswear, outdoor apparel, and protective workwear, where physical exertion leads to increased perspiration while protection against weather conditions is simultaneously required. Typical construction principles include laminate assemblies consisting of an outer shell, a functional membrane, and an inner lining, as well as the use of hydrophilic coatings on conventional woven fabric substrates. The breathability of a textile is measured by standardized test methods, such as the moisture vapor transmission resistance (Ret) or the moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR), and is a key criterion in material selection for protective and functional clothing.
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