Breathable fabrics provide a level of comfort that other fabrics don’t. That’s why they’re recommended for so many activities and situations where heavy sweating may occur. But not all breathable fabrics are made equal. This post will teach you more about how breathable fabrics work and which ones are the best.
What are Breathable Fabrics (and Breathability)
Breathable fabrics contain materials that allow air to flow through them with ease. These materials often feature tiny holes (or pores) that make it easier for air to pass through. When the air moves more freely through the fabric, this allows sweat to evaporate faster so that you feel cool. Ultimately, this reduces the feeling of clamminess or dampness that one might feel when they sweat, making breathable fabrics a premium choice for comfort. Of course, they have strengths and weaknesses.
What are the Pros and Cons of Breathable Fabrics
On their own, breathable fabrics aren’t necessarily good or bad - their suitability depends on what you expect from them. If you’re an active person who just wants comfortable fabric that helps you feel less sweaty, then breathable-only fabrics will be a perfect fit. On the other hand, if you sweat heavily or have hyperhidrosis, for example, then you probably won’t get much out of fabrics that are only breathable.
We use the term “only breathable” because breathability is just one feature a fabric can have. There are fabrics that are also waterproof, moisture-absorbing and moisture-wicking. So if you have a fabric that’s labelled as breathable and nothing else, you might be disappointed if it doesn’t give you the full relief you need against sweating. With that said, here are some pros and cons of breathable-only fabrics.
Pros & Cons of Breathable Only Fabrics
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Pros of Breathable Only Fabrics |
Cons of Breathable Only Fabrics |
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Yes, that’s just one con, but it’s a big one nonetheless if you suffer from hyperhidrosis. Breathable fabrics simply allow air to pass through more easily - they don’t trap moisture and they don’t release it as other fabrics do. So if you suffer from heavy sweating, you’ll need more than just breathable fabrics to stay dry. But if you seek the comfort of breathable fabrics but need the moisture-reducing power of other fabrics, which ones should you choose?
What are the Best Breathable Fabrics for Sweating
The good news is that there are many fabrics out there that are breathable, but also, effective at trapping and releasing moisture. The best ones that fit that category are moisture-wicking fabrics. Moisture-wicking fabrics are almost always breathable because they’re lightweight and allow air to escape.
However, they go a step further by pulling moisture from the body through tiny holes (micropores) up to the surface where that moisture evaporates. They give you the best of all fabrics - they offer a comfortable fit that’s soothing to the skin AND ultimately, they make you feel and look dry. They’re what you need if you have hyperhidrosis or sweat heavily in your activities.
The Best Moisture-Wicking Fabrics that Are Also Breathable
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Fabric |
Breathable |
Moisture-Wicking |
|
Bamboo |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Merino Wool |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Micromodal |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Nylon |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Polyester |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Polypropylene |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Silk |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Wool |
Yes |
Yes |
These fabrics offer breathability and are among the most comfortable ones you can wear. However, they also wick moisture away effectively, so that you cool and dry off fast. No dampness, no stickiness, no messes - they’re a must-have for heavy sweating.
Does that mean you should avoid cotton, rayon and linen - breathable fabrics that are not effective at moisture-wicking? Not at all! In fact, there are many sweat-proof undershirts that blend fabrics, incorporating breathable fabrics such as cotton with other moisture-wicking fabrics like wool.
Our line of moisture-wicking shirts, for example, contain cotton with other moisture-wicking blends which gives you a combination of comfort and sweat-busting power.
The Best Breathable Fabrics Also Remove Sweat
Breathable-only fabrics are great at keeping you cool and comfortable, but they don’t do much to remove moisture. But those fabrics happen to have moisture-wicking power, then you’ve got yourself a winner.
They’re most effective for people with hyperhidrosis or who sweat excessively during vigorous activity. Nevertheless, breathable fabrics such as cotton and rayon in themselves are not inferior - they’re still great for everyday use and if/when heavy sweating is not a problem.
Looking for sweat-proof, moisture-wicking fabrics that can help you feel and look dry? Check out our line of sweat proof t-shirts made with patented technology to help you dry off fast!
