What is Breathable Material? A Guide to Comfortable and Functional ...

07 Jul.,2025

 

What is Breathable Material? A Guide to Comfortable and Functional ...

In outdoor and athletic apparel, "breathable material" is a key feature. But what exactly does it mean? Breathable materials enhance comfort by allowing air circulation and moisture to escape, keeping you cool and dry during strenuous activities. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding breathable materials, their importance, and how to choose the best fabrics for your outdoor adventures. 

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Whether you are an athlete, casual jogger, or outdoor enthusiast, breathable fabrics ensure comfort, performance, and safety and maintain a healthy microclimate around the body.

At Rexing Sports, we prioritize comfort and functionality in our clothing. Our Soft Yoga Leggings collection and other products incorporate breathable materials to ensure maximum performance and comfort. 

What is Breathable Fabric?

Breathable fabric refers to materials that allow air to pass through them and enable moisture (sweat) to evaporate. This dual capability helps regulate body temperature and prevents the discomfort of being drenched in sweat. Breathable fabrics achieve this through their structure and the materials used.

Benefits of Breathable Fabric

  • Moisture-Wicking: Breathable fabrics pull moisture away from the skin to the fabric's surface for quick evaporation. This keeps the wearer dry and comfortable.
  • Airflow: Enhanced airflow helps regulate body temperature, preventing overheating during intense physical activities.
  • Comfort: Breathable fabrics manage moisture and heat, ensuring comfort and reducing the risk of skin irritation and chafing.

Read More: Hiking Pants vs Leggings

Importance of Breathability in Outdoor Clothing

1. Temperature Regulation

One primary reason breathability is crucial in outdoor clothing is temperature regulation. When hiking, running, or cycling, your body generates heat. Breathable materials allow this heat to escape, preventing overheating and maintaining a stable body temperature.

2. Enhanced Performance

Wearing breathable clothing can significantly enhance your performance. These fabrics minimize distractions by keeping you cool and dry, allowing you to focus on your activity. Whether it's a long-distance run or a challenging hike, breathable clothing ensures your gear supports your performance.

3. Comfort and Safety

Comfort is paramount in outdoor activities. Breathable fabrics prevent sweat buildup, which can cause discomfort and lead to issues like chafing or even hypothermia in cold conditions. Breathable clothing contributes to overall safety and enjoyment during your adventures by maintaining a dry and comfortable microclimate.

Most Breathable Fabrics for Outdoor Activities

When it comes to outdoor activities, choosing the right fabric can make a significant difference in comfort and performance. Here are some of the most breathable fabrics to consider:

1. Mesh

Due to their open weave structure, mesh fabrics have excellent breathability. They allow maximum airflow, making them ideal for high-intensity activities where heat and sweat are a concern. Mesh is often used in panels or sections of clothing to enhance ventilation without compromising the overall structure.

2. Lycra

Lycra, also known as spandex or elastane, is a synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity and breathability. It is often blended with other fabrics to provide stretch and improve fit. Lycra allows for unrestricted movement while maintaining excellent moisture-wicking properties. This makes it a top choice for activities that require flexibility and comfort.

3. Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic fabric that excels in moisture-wicking properties. It draws sweat away from the skin and allows it to evaporate quickly, keeping you dry. Polyester is also lightweight and durable, making it a popular choice for athletic wear and outdoor gear.

4. Nylon

Nylon is another synthetic fabric that offers good breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities. It is highly durable and resistant to abrasion, making it suitable for rugged outdoor activities. Nylon is often used in combination with other fibers to enhance its properties.

5. Wool

Wool is a natural fiber that provides excellent insulation and breathability. It can absorb significant moisture while still feeling dry to the touch. Wool is also naturally odor-resistant, making it a great choice for extended outdoor activities.

6. Cotton

Cotton is a natural fiber that is breathable and comfortable. However, it retains moisture, making it feel heavy and damp during intense activities. While cotton is great for casual wear, better options for high-sweat outdoor activities might exist.

The Role of Lycra in Rexing Sports Products

At Rexing Sports, we incorporate Lycra into many products to ensure maximum comfort and performance. Lycra enhances the breathability and flexibility of our apparel, making it ideal for a wide range of activities. Our Premium collection features Lycra blends that offer superior moisture-wicking and stretch capabilities, providing the perfect balance of comfort and functionality for outdoor adventures.

For example, our Flare Leggings with Pockets combine the best breathable fabric technology to keep you comfortable and dry during any activity. 

What Does 'Breathability' Mean in Outdoor Clothes?

In outdoor clothing, breathability refers to the fabric's ability to allow moisture vapor to escape from the inside to the outside while preventing liquid water from penetrating. This is crucial for maintaining comfort during physical activities, as it helps to keep the body dry and cool.

Measuring Breathability

Breathability is often measured in terms of the Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR), which indicates how much moisture vapor passes through the fabric over a specific period. Higher MVTR values signify better breathability. The RET (Resistance to Evaporative Heat Transfer) rating is also used, with lower values indicating better breathability.

What to Look for in Breathable Clothing

1. Fabric Composition

The composition of the fabric plays a significant role in its breathability. Natural fibers like cotton and wool offer good breathability but may not wick moisture as efficiently as synthetic fibers. On the other hand, synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon are designed to provide excellent moisture-wicking properties, making them ideal for high-intensity activities.

2. Construction

The construction of the fabric also affects its breathability. Fabrics with an open weave or those that incorporate mesh panels allow for better airflow. Ventilation features such as zippers or mesh linings can also enhance the breathability of the clothing, providing targeted airflow to high-sweat areas.

2. Fit and Comfort

A well-fitting garment allows for better movement and reduces the risk of chafing. When selecting breathable clothing, ensure it fits well and provides a full range of motion. Avoid overly tight or loose clothing, which can hinder the fabric's breathability and comfort.

Rexing Sports offers an excellent range of products designed with breathability for those looking for high-quality, breathable clothing. Our High Waist Leggings With Pockets collection and other apparel feature advanced moisture-wicking fabrics and thoughtful construction to ensure you stay comfortable and dry during any activity. 

Explore our breathable clothing options here.

FAQs About Breathable Material

1. Why is breathable clothing important?

Breathable clothing is essential for maintaining comfort, enhancing performance, and regulating body temperature during physical activities. It prevents overheating and reduces the risk of skin irritation.

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2. Why is breathability important?

Breathability prevents the accumulation of sweat and heat, which can lead to discomfort and decreased performance. It also helps in preventing conditions like heat rash and chafing.

3. What is breathability in clothing?

Breathability refers to a fabric's ability to allow air and moisture vapor to pass through it. This helps keep the body dry and comfortable by facilitating moisture evaporation and airflow.

4. Why is running apparel important?

Running apparel, particularly breathable clothing, is crucial for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. It helps regulate body temperature, wick away sweat, and reduce the risk of chafing and overheating.

In Conclusion

Understanding the importance of breathable materials in outdoor and athletic clothing enhances comfort and performance. Whether hiking, running, or engaging in any physical activity, choosing the right breathable fabrics can make a significant difference. 

At Rexing Sports, we incorporate breathable materials into our products, ensuring you stay comfortable and dry no matter the activity. Explore our Premium Leggings collection and other breathable products.

Choosing the right breathable materials ensures that your clothing works with you, not against you, on your next adventure. Stay comfortable, stay dry, and enjoy the outdoors to the fullest!

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  • Breathable Fabric… How Do You Know if a Fabric is Breathable?



    The answer may surprise you! 


    It is a common misconception that all Polyester is non breathable. In fact, some of the most breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics are in fact polyester! How can this be?


    PET material, another name for Polyester in its raw form is not breathable at all. But Polyester fabric can be constructed in a way that allows breathability.


    In the past decade new manufacturing techniques have designed knit and woven fabrics to effectively move moisture along the yarn and through the fabric to allow moisture to escape. Evaporation is a result of air contacting those moist fibers, which not only keeps you dryer, but also cooler. So, when air and moisture move freely it makes the fabric breathable.

    The two factors that most affect comfort levels are climate (temperature )and activity of the wearer. We don’t notice how breathable our clothing is when we are sitting around watching TV…but try running on a hot day and you’ll soon discover if your shirt is breathable!

    If you love details and want to read about standard testing methods, the Hohenstein test is explained.








    Nylon is a synthetic material made from polymers, which allows air to pass through its fibers. However, along with other synthetic fabrics it must be constructed (knit or woven)to enhance breathability.

    Regardless of fabric content it is the thickness and mechanical construction of the fabric that most affects breathability. 

    If Nylon is not knit to enhance breathability it will be hot and inefficient! 

    But, the same is true with any fabric, even linen or cotton.  

    A light, loosely woven natural fabric would be the hot-weather choice of those who are not highly active. But you would not find anyone wearing heavy, densely knit cotton in the same weather or they would overheat quickly!

    So What’s the real story?


    There is much misinformation on the internet about breathable fabric.

    Many people believe that only natural fabrics are breathable, and that polyester is hot and uncomfortable.

    The truth is this...it depends! Natural fabrics are lovely and breathable when they are loosely woven or knit. But, when a person is active or sweating, Cotton or Linen can be very uncomfortable as it does not dry quickly. Also, loosely knit fabrics are not very sun protective, as the harmful rays can get through the openings of the weave.


    Polyesters, especially poorly designed fabrics, can be hot and sticky...

    However, well designed polyester or nylon knits can enhance moisture movement, dry faster, and offer high sun protection. Many also boast superior antimicrobial treatments for odor control.


    Make an educated choice based on what you intend to be doing while wearing the garments you make.