Types of breathable fabrics

Different types of breathable components can be classified into following groups, based on the basic component used in the multilayer constfuction. A suitable substrate is essential to support a membrane and/or coating whereas in some cases, such as closely woven construction, a single fabric can be used in isolation. Examples of these include  

The mechanism of water vapour transmission through uncoated textiles involves simple diffusion of water vapour through the inter- and intra-yam spaces and diffusion through individual fibres the former is the most efficient for diffusion. In closely woven fabrics, both intra- and inter-yam spaces should be as small as possible to give maximum protection against wind and rain, whilst the fabric outer surface should be non-absorptive and hydrophobic to minimise wetting ont by rain, sleet, or snow. Inevitably, therefore, the design of the outerwear fabric must be a compromise between waterproofness, wind resistance, and water vapour transmission properties.  

A few breathable fabrics falling within this category are  

Various methods of generating microporous membranes and coatings are listed below  

Hydrophilic films and coatings have certain advantages over microporous materials as mentioned below  

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