( 
)Breathable fabrics keep the rain out but don't trap perspiration in. They let you enjoy waterproofing and comfort at the same time -- thanks to microporous coatings with holes so small they let moisture and vapor through but not rain or liquid molecules.
Just the term alone, fabrics that breathe, conjures visions of waterproof, breathable material for such outerwear as jackets, raincoats and windstoppers, even footwear, tents, sporting goods and backpacks.
The newest polymer coatings these days are said to be as much as 5,000 percent (or 50 times) more effective than conventional polyurethane (PU) coatings, with great strength yet soft, durable and easy to handle.
On EBay's Clothing, Shoes, and Accessories section, you can find a wide variety of waterproof or breathable garments and related items, many of them products of the latest technological advances.
Construction
While various garment styles, fabrics and construction have evolved to suit many applications, a so-called breathable fabric is comprised of a shell, typically made of nylon or a blend of cotton and/or polypropylene filaments or elastic fibers, and a waterproof membrane laminated to the inner surface.
In many cases, a third layer of mesh or crepe lining may be added to protect or enhance the action of the membrane. Most of these fabrics have a durable water-replellent finish (or DWR) on the outside that causes water to bead up and roll off.
Say goodbye to those plastic, rubber or PVC-coated garments that keep out water but leave you just as damp, wet and clammy or soaking in perspiration inside.
Breathable vs. non-breathable
Non-breathable garments can get quite uncomfortable with even moderate activity. The moisture and heat produced by your body is blocked by the fabric itself, so they must be cut very loose or have large vents. Examples are polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyurethane-coated rainwear.
Breathable fabrics, on the other hand, are good choices for a wide variety of climates and outdoor activities, combining breathability and moisture transport for most kinds of application, from summer backpacking to winter skiing.
Don't expect miracles, though, from waterproof/breathable fabrics because they also have limits, depending on
Also, these fabrics can come out more expensive than other types of outdoor clothing.
Wide range of choices
How many are the names of breathable fabrics that you know? Today there is a slew of textile suppliers out there who are into this type of market -- too many, in fact, to be enumerated exhaustively without running the risk of leaving out a few names. Many are in the Orient: China, Taiwan, Korea, to name just three countries that seem never to run out of vastly improved products year by year, so don't be surprised if next year there might be a flood of competitively-priced breathable outergarments other than the currently popular brands in the market.
Here is a quick sampler of some well-known breathable fabrics, with no intention whatsoever to favor or endorse any specific item.
From Formosa Taffeta Co., Ltd. comes Abletex, which features a thin film that is claimed to have uniform pore size, thus facilitating high moisture permeability without being stiff and uncomfortable.
Aquafoil uses what its company describes as "a hydrophilic (or 'water-loving') moisture transport technology" that allows perspiration to escape.
Challenge is a registered trademark of Hyosung Corporation consisting of a three-layer nylon polyurethane laminate in a ripstop construction. The fabric is claimed to be waterproof, windproof, and breathable.
The Conduit membrane is described as "supple, lightweight, waterproof and breathable... made up of interconnected hydrophilic and hydrophobic (water repelling) molecules," which actively work to draw moisture and vapor away from the body. This process is claimed to accelerate as the moisture concentration rises, so the more you sweat, the more vapor the garment supposedly transpires.
Dermizax is a registered trademark of Toray Industries. Its monolithic membrane is sandwiched between two layers of fabric to create a waterproof, breathable fabric that allows perspiration vapor to escape rapidly through the outer layer while remaining waterproof.
DriLite Plus uses fabric technology that is said to result in total waterproofing yet remaining breathable and lightweight, made from durable nylon shell with a coating that causes water to bead and roll off.
Entrant is another product from Toray that is waterproof and breathable, with a three-layer structure incorporating two microporous layers. The inner layer lets perspiration through while the outer layer is waterproof.
Epic by Nextec, a registered trademark of Nextec Applications, Inc., is said to encapsulate each fiber with an ultra-thin polymer that results in a finish that is windproof, water resistant, and breathable.
The fabric called eVENT, a registered trademark of BHA Technologies Inc., is described as "direct-venting" with a "dry system" that allows full breathability even in wet conditions. Its waterproof barrier uses an ePTFE (expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene) laminate that is rendered oil-repellant. Without the traditional polyurethane layer covering the open-pore structure of the material or causing moisture to condense into it, perspiration is said to vent directly to the outside without first making the garment's interior damp.
Gelanots, registered to Tomen Corporation, is another membrane that is claimed to be waterproof and breathable, for laminating onto fabrics.
The Gore-Tex membrane is laminated to various outer layer fabrics (usually nylon or polyester) and are usually referred to as a "2-ply laminate" or, with an additional lining fabric designed to wick moisture away from the body, as a "3-ply laminate", making them windproof, waterproof and breathable.
A single square inch of the membrane is claimed to contain 9 billion microscopic pores -- the company states that "each pore is 20,000 times smaller than a raindrop but 700 times larger than a molecule of water vapor -- so while water can't pass through the fabric, perspiration can."
Gore-Tex Paclite is a waterproof membrane laminated to nylon for a fabric that's lightweight and easy to pack. The membrane has raised nubs (or dots) applied to the membrane, conceived to protect the membrane from body oils, and other environmental contaminants that may affect the waterproof quality, thus doing away with the need for a separate, heavy inner lining
Gore-Tex XRC is a 3-layer fabric that uses a taffeta liner for protection, resulting in a durable fabric that is said to be lightweight, waterproof and breathable. The 2-layer variant, on the other hand, has a so-called "high-wicking mesh" and brushed fabrics to create a versatile, waterproof and breathable garment.
There is also the Gore DryLoft fabric for down-insulated garments and suits, with the membrane laminated to the backside of the face fabric.
Gore-Tex LightFast fabric, in turn, is described as "a light duty 3-layer laminate that combines a high level of breathability in a soft, supple, lightweight package... protective and comfortable across a wide range of highly active conditions."
Hydroflex, from Consoltex, is yet another polyurethane-based coating laminated onto nylon or polyester to make a durable, waterproof, breathable, wind-resistant fabric used in various outerwear.
HyVent utilizes a PU coating consisting of "a tri-component multi-layer formula for waterproof protection, moisture permeability and durability." The technology was claimed to have been tested in The North Face's quality assurance laboratory.
O2 Rainwear, manufactured by Rain Shield, Inc., a Minnesota-based company founded in 1997, feature a relatively inexpensive, yet high-performance laminate that is easy to pack. The affordability factor is attributed in part to the use of polypropylene, which is reportedly less expensive compared to other branded membranes, such as Teflon and polyurethane.
Pertex fabric technology from Perseverance Mills Limited is based on a natural phenomenon called capillary action, or the ability for water to be wicked into very narrow spaces. Pertex's Equilibrium has an inner yarn that has larger filaments while the outer yarn has smaller filaments, leveraging the tendency of moisture to move from large filaments to smaller filaments.
Polartec Classic 100, 200 and 300 fabrics are known for "lightweight warmth and breathability, while Polartec Windbloc is assembled with two layers of velour fleece laminated on either side of a windproof and breathable PU membrane. a durable water repellant (DWR) shell keeps off light rain and snow while a wicking treatment on the underside is said to boost breathability. <b>Polartec Power Shield</p> is a lightweight, breathable fabric that offers protection from light rain and snow.
The Marmot Precip and Precip Plus combines hydrophobic and hydrophilic PU with what the company calls its special Dry Touch Technology to impart qualities such as durability, breathability and wet weather protection.
Rainout, from Difco Performance Fabrics, Inc. of Canada, is a semi-transparent membrane that is claimed to be waterproof and breathable.
Sympatex, a registered trademark of Sympatex Technologies, is a 3-ply hydrophilic laminate used in cycling rain gear.
Triplepoint Ceramic by Lowe Alpine. A waterproof, breathable fabric where the coating hooks directly into the weave of the outer fabric so it can't peel off, even under heavy use. This coating prevents water droplets from penetrating the fabric, yet allows water vapor to escape. Extra cavities created by ceramic particles enhance the process.
Ultrex 2-Ply of Burlington Industries, Inc. is a microporous coating that is said to be breathable, waterproof and windproof, applied to the inner face of Supplex nylon. The coating is small enough to shield against wind and rain, yet big enough to allow perspiration molecules to pass through. Ultrex 3-Ply is Ultrex 2-Ply with Durapel (a super water-repellent, durable finish) applied to the outer face of the Supplex nylon.
What to look for
Ideally, the shell fabric you want to look for should:
Common shell materials include nylon and polyester. Both are windproof, breathable, and downproof (in the case of down-insulated jackets, tightly woven to prevent down from leaking out). Furthermore, they are light, easy to handle and quite inexpensive.
Sealed seams are the hallmark of any decently-constructed waterproof outer layer, since they keep water from seeping through stitch holes. Most garment makers seal their seams at the factory. If in doubt, double-check if the item in question has sealed seams.
Vents enhance the garment's beathability. The larger the vent, the more the air circulation -- but so is the risk of leaks. Typical vents are under-arm zips, mesh-lined chest pockets that perform double-duty as vents, and mesh yokes on the shoulder with "draft flaps" across the upper back.
Flaps, on the other hand, should protect zippers, pockets and other openings against leaks. Look for generous flaps; they show how meticulous (or how sloppy) the design is.
Care and maintenance
Pay proper attention to care and maintenance. Waterproof/breathable clothing are not designed to be abused. Because they are frequently subjected to rough-and-tumble situations, they may not always retain their waterproof quality or breathability unless properly cleaned and maintained.
Quite often, a garment that is leaking or damp is due to the durable water repellent (DWR) finish becoming matted or dirty. Keep your fabric like new by, first, following the recommendation on the care label.
The durable water repellant finish (DWR) on the exterior serves as the first layer of protection against water. This DWR finish may degrade over time and occasionally needs to be "rejuvenated."
Dirt can cause unnecessary retention of water and reduce the beading-up of droplets on the fabric's surface. Wash your garment from time to time in warm water with, if possible, no detergent.
Soiled items can be washed with mild powdered detergent or a non-detergent-based technical wash.
Rinse the garment a number of times to thoroughly remove soap or detergent residue. Drip-dry your garment, or refer to the garment manufacturer's guidelines.
Do avoid bleach or fabric softeners and never dry-clean, to be on the sure side of protecting the thin laminate from possible chemical harm.
Use very low dryer heat or iron on warm/steam setting to rejuvenate DWR function. At low warm setting, the warmth from the iron can have a rejuvenating effect on the finish but there is a potential for damage if the iron is too hot.
Touch up the DWR finish with consumer refinishes. These are commonly spray-on products that restore surface water-repellency, which enhances breathability. Check if the treatment product lasts several washings and does not need to be reapplied after each wash.
There are also wash-in treatments, which ensure that all creases, corners and sides of your garments are completely immersed, thus ensuring that no areas are missed and rejuvenating the water repellent quality of the entire garment, but, take note, this also effectively renders ineffective any wicking-action lining.
Go for it
Now that you've become more familiar with, quite literally, the ins and outs of breathable garments, here's wishing you luck and a positive experience bidding on your next item. Remember, don't be shy about asking questions on an item up for bidding.
Just the term alone, fabrics that breathe, conjures visions of waterproof, breathable material for such outerwear as jackets, raincoats and windstoppers, even footwear, tents, sporting goods and backpacks.
The newest polymer coatings these days are said to be as much as 5,000 percent (or 50 times) more effective than conventional polyurethane (PU) coatings, with great strength yet soft, durable and easy to handle.
On EBay's Clothing, Shoes, and Accessories section, you can find a wide variety of waterproof or breathable garments and related items, many of them products of the latest technological advances.
Construction
While various garment styles, fabrics and construction have evolved to suit many applications, a so-called breathable fabric is comprised of a shell, typically made of nylon or a blend of cotton and/or polypropylene filaments or elastic fibers, and a waterproof membrane laminated to the inner surface.
In many cases, a third layer of mesh or crepe lining may be added to protect or enhance the action of the membrane. Most of these fabrics have a durable water-replellent finish (or DWR) on the outside that causes water to bead up and roll off.Say goodbye to those plastic, rubber or PVC-coated garments that keep out water but leave you just as damp, wet and clammy or soaking in perspiration inside.
Breathable vs. non-breathable
Non-breathable garments can get quite uncomfortable with even moderate activity. The moisture and heat produced by your body is blocked by the fabric itself, so they must be cut very loose or have large vents. Examples are polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyurethane-coated rainwear.
Breathable fabrics, on the other hand, are good choices for a wide variety of climates and outdoor activities, combining breathability and moisture transport for most kinds of application, from summer backpacking to winter skiing.
Don't expect miracles, though, from waterproof/breathable fabrics because they also have limits, depending on
- the specific type of fabric/laminate used
- the outside environment
- your level of activity
- and other factors, such as quality of design and construction of the garment.
Also, these fabrics can come out more expensive than other types of outdoor clothing.
Wide range of choices
How many are the names of breathable fabrics that you know? Today there is a slew of textile suppliers out there who are into this type of market -- too many, in fact, to be enumerated exhaustively without running the risk of leaving out a few names. Many are in the Orient: China, Taiwan, Korea, to name just three countries that seem never to run out of vastly improved products year by year, so don't be surprised if next year there might be a flood of competitively-priced breathable outergarments other than the currently popular brands in the market.
Here is a quick sampler of some well-known breathable fabrics, with no intention whatsoever to favor or endorse any specific item.
From Formosa Taffeta Co., Ltd. comes Abletex, which features a thin film that is claimed to have uniform pore size, thus facilitating high moisture permeability without being stiff and uncomfortable.
Aquafoil uses what its company describes as "a hydrophilic (or 'water-loving') moisture transport technology" that allows perspiration to escape.
Challenge is a registered trademark of Hyosung Corporation consisting of a three-layer nylon polyurethane laminate in a ripstop construction. The fabric is claimed to be waterproof, windproof, and breathable.
The Conduit membrane is described as "supple, lightweight, waterproof and breathable... made up of interconnected hydrophilic and hydrophobic (water repelling) molecules," which actively work to draw moisture and vapor away from the body. This process is claimed to accelerate as the moisture concentration rises, so the more you sweat, the more vapor the garment supposedly transpires.
Dermizax is a registered trademark of Toray Industries. Its monolithic membrane is sandwiched between two layers of fabric to create a waterproof, breathable fabric that allows perspiration vapor to escape rapidly through the outer layer while remaining waterproof.
DriLite Plus uses fabric technology that is said to result in total waterproofing yet remaining breathable and lightweight, made from durable nylon shell with a coating that causes water to bead and roll off.
Entrant is another product from Toray that is waterproof and breathable, with a three-layer structure incorporating two microporous layers. The inner layer lets perspiration through while the outer layer is waterproof.
Epic by Nextec, a registered trademark of Nextec Applications, Inc., is said to encapsulate each fiber with an ultra-thin polymer that results in a finish that is windproof, water resistant, and breathable.
The fabric called eVENT, a registered trademark of BHA Technologies Inc., is described as "direct-venting" with a "dry system" that allows full breathability even in wet conditions. Its waterproof barrier uses an ePTFE (expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene) laminate that is rendered oil-repellant. Without the traditional polyurethane layer covering the open-pore structure of the material or causing moisture to condense into it, perspiration is said to vent directly to the outside without first making the garment's interior damp.
Gelanots, registered to Tomen Corporation, is another membrane that is claimed to be waterproof and breathable, for laminating onto fabrics.
The Gore-Tex membrane is laminated to various outer layer fabrics (usually nylon or polyester) and are usually referred to as a "2-ply laminate" or, with an additional lining fabric designed to wick moisture away from the body, as a "3-ply laminate", making them windproof, waterproof and breathable.
A single square inch of the membrane is claimed to contain 9 billion microscopic pores -- the company states that "each pore is 20,000 times smaller than a raindrop but 700 times larger than a molecule of water vapor -- so while water can't pass through the fabric, perspiration can."
Gore-Tex Paclite is a waterproof membrane laminated to nylon for a fabric that's lightweight and easy to pack. The membrane has raised nubs (or dots) applied to the membrane, conceived to protect the membrane from body oils, and other environmental contaminants that may affect the waterproof quality, thus doing away with the need for a separate, heavy inner lining
Gore-Tex XRC is a 3-layer fabric that uses a taffeta liner for protection, resulting in a durable fabric that is said to be lightweight, waterproof and breathable. The 2-layer variant, on the other hand, has a so-called "high-wicking mesh" and brushed fabrics to create a versatile, waterproof and breathable garment.
There is also the Gore DryLoft fabric for down-insulated garments and suits, with the membrane laminated to the backside of the face fabric.
Gore-Tex LightFast fabric, in turn, is described as "a light duty 3-layer laminate that combines a high level of breathability in a soft, supple, lightweight package... protective and comfortable across a wide range of highly active conditions."
Hydroflex, from Consoltex, is yet another polyurethane-based coating laminated onto nylon or polyester to make a durable, waterproof, breathable, wind-resistant fabric used in various outerwear.
HyVent utilizes a PU coating consisting of "a tri-component multi-layer formula for waterproof protection, moisture permeability and durability." The technology was claimed to have been tested in The North Face's quality assurance laboratory.
O2 Rainwear, manufactured by Rain Shield, Inc., a Minnesota-based company founded in 1997, feature a relatively inexpensive, yet high-performance laminate that is easy to pack. The affordability factor is attributed in part to the use of polypropylene, which is reportedly less expensive compared to other branded membranes, such as Teflon and polyurethane.
Pertex fabric technology from Perseverance Mills Limited is based on a natural phenomenon called capillary action, or the ability for water to be wicked into very narrow spaces. Pertex's Equilibrium has an inner yarn that has larger filaments while the outer yarn has smaller filaments, leveraging the tendency of moisture to move from large filaments to smaller filaments.
Polartec Classic 100, 200 and 300 fabrics are known for "lightweight warmth and breathability, while Polartec Windbloc is assembled with two layers of velour fleece laminated on either side of a windproof and breathable PU membrane. a durable water repellant (DWR) shell keeps off light rain and snow while a wicking treatment on the underside is said to boost breathability. <b>Polartec Power Shield</p> is a lightweight, breathable fabric that offers protection from light rain and snow.
The Marmot Precip and Precip Plus combines hydrophobic and hydrophilic PU with what the company calls its special Dry Touch Technology to impart qualities such as durability, breathability and wet weather protection.
Rainout, from Difco Performance Fabrics, Inc. of Canada, is a semi-transparent membrane that is claimed to be waterproof and breathable.
Sympatex, a registered trademark of Sympatex Technologies, is a 3-ply hydrophilic laminate used in cycling rain gear.
Triplepoint Ceramic by Lowe Alpine. A waterproof, breathable fabric where the coating hooks directly into the weave of the outer fabric so it can't peel off, even under heavy use. This coating prevents water droplets from penetrating the fabric, yet allows water vapor to escape. Extra cavities created by ceramic particles enhance the process.
Ultrex 2-Ply of Burlington Industries, Inc. is a microporous coating that is said to be breathable, waterproof and windproof, applied to the inner face of Supplex nylon. The coating is small enough to shield against wind and rain, yet big enough to allow perspiration molecules to pass through. Ultrex 3-Ply is Ultrex 2-Ply with Durapel (a super water-repellent, durable finish) applied to the outer face of the Supplex nylon.
What to look for
Ideally, the shell fabric you want to look for should:
- Prevent entry of water
- Be breathable to avoid condensation inside the jacket due to body moisture
- Be windproof to reduce the effects of wind-chill
Common shell materials include nylon and polyester. Both are windproof, breathable, and downproof (in the case of down-insulated jackets, tightly woven to prevent down from leaking out). Furthermore, they are light, easy to handle and quite inexpensive.
Sealed seams are the hallmark of any decently-constructed waterproof outer layer, since they keep water from seeping through stitch holes. Most garment makers seal their seams at the factory. If in doubt, double-check if the item in question has sealed seams.
Vents enhance the garment's beathability. The larger the vent, the more the air circulation -- but so is the risk of leaks. Typical vents are under-arm zips, mesh-lined chest pockets that perform double-duty as vents, and mesh yokes on the shoulder with "draft flaps" across the upper back.
Flaps, on the other hand, should protect zippers, pockets and other openings against leaks. Look for generous flaps; they show how meticulous (or how sloppy) the design is.
Care and maintenance
Pay proper attention to care and maintenance. Waterproof/breathable clothing are not designed to be abused. Because they are frequently subjected to rough-and-tumble situations, they may not always retain their waterproof quality or breathability unless properly cleaned and maintained.
Quite often, a garment that is leaking or damp is due to the durable water repellent (DWR) finish becoming matted or dirty. Keep your fabric like new by, first, following the recommendation on the care label.
The durable water repellant finish (DWR) on the exterior serves as the first layer of protection against water. This DWR finish may degrade over time and occasionally needs to be "rejuvenated."
Dirt can cause unnecessary retention of water and reduce the beading-up of droplets on the fabric's surface. Wash your garment from time to time in warm water with, if possible, no detergent.
Soiled items can be washed with mild powdered detergent or a non-detergent-based technical wash.
Rinse the garment a number of times to thoroughly remove soap or detergent residue. Drip-dry your garment, or refer to the garment manufacturer's guidelines.
Do avoid bleach or fabric softeners and never dry-clean, to be on the sure side of protecting the thin laminate from possible chemical harm.
Use very low dryer heat or iron on warm/steam setting to rejuvenate DWR function. At low warm setting, the warmth from the iron can have a rejuvenating effect on the finish but there is a potential for damage if the iron is too hot.
Touch up the DWR finish with consumer refinishes. These are commonly spray-on products that restore surface water-repellency, which enhances breathability. Check if the treatment product lasts several washings and does not need to be reapplied after each wash.
There are also wash-in treatments, which ensure that all creases, corners and sides of your garments are completely immersed, thus ensuring that no areas are missed and rejuvenating the water repellent quality of the entire garment, but, take note, this also effectively renders ineffective any wicking-action lining.
Go for it
Now that you've become more familiar with, quite literally, the ins and outs of breathable garments, here's wishing you luck and a positive experience bidding on your next item. Remember, don't be shy about asking questions on an item up for bidding.
Guide created: 06/02/06 (updated 04/10/09)
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