While natural fibers have long been popular for breathable fabrics, we are also witnessing the rise of additive technologies like StayCool By Polygiene™, which further improve performance. As our understanding of the benefits of breathable clothing and our ability to develop and deploy innovative additive technologies increases, we are set to see huge growth in the performance textiles market.
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With this in mind, this article explores how breathable fabrics work, how they benefit users, and which fibers are best suited to the task. We also examine the role additive technologies will play in delivering the next generation of performance textiles.
Breathable clothing refers to garments and fabrics that allow air to pass through the fibers and circulate. This process improves moisture evaporation. In turn, this helps regulate body temperature, prevents sweat from accumulating on the skin and in the fibers, and improves overall comfort. Efficient evaporation is crucial for user comfort, performance, and skin health, so breathable shirts, dresses, pants and other specialist garments are a fantastic addition to all wardrobes.
Breathability in clothing is often determined by the type of fiber used, how it is weaved, how absorbent the material is, and whether additional moisture-wicking technologies are employed. Whereas natural fibers like linen and wool tend to be more breathable than synthetics like polyester, the latter’s performance can be vastly improved through clever engineering. Today, advanced treatments and additives greatly improve synthetic fabrics’ moisture-wicking capabilities and breathability.
Breathable fabrics are used in an extensive array of clothing applications, including:
Individuals with physically demanding jobs or who work in warm environments benefit enormously from breathable clothing materials. Well-ventilated clothing that wicks moisture away from the skin can drastically improve comfort. In turn, this positively impacts productivity, helping employees stay focused. As there is less concern about sweating, it also often results in enhanced self-confidence.
Comfort is crucial for a good night’s sleep and temperature often has an outsized influence on how comfortable we feel in bed. Lightweight, airy, and breathable textiles that help us regulate our temperature, prevent issues related to overheating, and minimize disruptions to sleep.
The outdoor sector is an area where manufacturers and consumers have fully embraced breathable clothing. As hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts need to balance environmental conditions with the heat generated by physical activity, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and breathable fabrics are increasingly popular. These textiles prevent excessive sweating and facilitate improved airflow, keeping temperatures at a reasonable level, enhancing comfort, and ensuring users get the most from their outdoor experiences.
Much like outdoor clothing, activewear benefits enormously from greater breathability. However, here, an even bigger emphasis is placed on the material’s ability to improve performance. For many athletes, overheating is a critical concern, as it can impact energy levels significantly. Clothing that moves moisture away from the skin and allows air to flow helps reduce body temperature and minimize the risk of other performance-inhibiting issues, such as dehydration.
Finally, we should not underestimate the value of these fabrics in everyday casual wear. Greater breathability means a more comfortable and confidence-inspiring wear, allowing us to go about our daily lives without worrying about excessive sweating or feeling restrictively hot.
Breathable clothing works for users in an almost endless variety of ways. However, we narrowed these down to ten core benefits.
First and foremost, breathable clothing allows for better temperature regulation, keeping you cool when temperatures rise. Almost all other benefits are derived from the fact that breathable fabrics are cooler and therefore more comfortable. Temperature regulation is a concern in every use case and for all customers. Whether you are trying to stay fresh and comfortable during work to minimize stress or you’re looking to maximize your performance while participating in your chosen sport, breathability is key.
Breathable fabrics ensure sweat evaporates quickly, keeping you comfortable and preventing the bacterial buildup that causes unpleasant odors. As bacteria feed on the nutrients in sweat, moist environments encourage growth and associated bad smells. Less sweat means your clothing stays fresher for longer and reduces the need for frequent washing. You can further improve anti-odor performance by integratingPolygiene StayFresh into products.
We have all experienced that hot, sticky, stuffy, and clingy feeling when wearing clothes that inhibit airflow. Everything gets uncomfortable pretty quickly as we overheat and start to sweat. This can happen during sports, while eating out, or even when sleeping. It doesn’t matter where you are, overheating is unpleasant. Breathable t-shirts, dresses and other breathable clothing garments are your best protection against warmer temperatures and will drastically improve your comfort.
If you participate in any physically demanding activity – be it running, soccer, or cycling – you know that temperature regulation has a huge impact on your ability to perform. Excess sweating increases the amount of fluids you need to take on while also increasing the likelihood of suffering from dehydration. At the same time, the discomfort can be distracting at a time when full concentration is required. It can also be extremely energy-sapping – something you definitely don’t want when you need every ounce of energy to excel.
Many breathable clothing materials, including polyester and merino wool, also perform well when it comes to moisture-wicking. The two often go hand-in-hand. In turn, this typically makes them quick to dry. Fast-drying textiles are particularly useful for several specific applications, most notably sportswear, travel clothing, and outdoor pursuits. They are equally valuable for those living in humid climates or those who are regularly in and out of the water.
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Non-breathable materials tend to trap sweat close to the skin, allowing bacterial buildup that can cause rashes and irritation. In especially nasty cases, it can result in skin infections. By helping wick away the moisture and keep the skin dry, breathable apparel minimizes the risk of irritation. If you have trouble with skin irritation, we recommend looking at natural fibers with hypoallergenic and antibacterial qualities, such as bamboo, or clothing that features the antibacterial Polygiene StayFresh solution.
Many breathable fabrics, most notably organic cotton and bamboo, are more sustainable than plastics-based synthetics. However, it is important to choose carefully. For instance, some types of cotton are extremely unsustainable, as they require large quantities of water and chemicals to produce. Check manufacturing information whenever available and look for relevant accreditations that certify ethically and environmentally friendly practices.
As breathable fabrics help prevent bacterial growth and keep unpleasant odors at bay, they often stay fresher for longer. This reduces the need for frequent washing. While this makes the product much more sustainable and environmentally friendly, it also ensures it lasts longer. Washing machines are notoriously harsh on textile fibers and are one of the main causes of premature product degradation. By limiting your clothing’s exposure to the washing machine, breathable textiles extend product longevity.
Many people get very self-conscious when they sweat, and it can cause big self-confidence issues. For heavy sweaters, these specialist fabrics can be a great way to manage your temperature. When you feel as though you can be comfortable, even if temperatures increase, you stop worrying about the issue. And this improved self-confidence can have a serious impact on the way you live your life!
Breathable fabrics aren’t just about keeping cool. They can also do a really good job of helping you stay warm when temperatures drop. This is particularly true of clothing you’re likely to use as part of a layering system. For instance, merino wool provides good insulation while allowing moisture to escape, making it the perfect material for layering in colder temperatures. Eliminating that clammy and damp feeling ensures users stay warm and comfortable and prevents chills.
Different fibers feature unique performance qualities and even the same type of fiber can differ depending on how it is sourced or weaved. For instance, merino wool differs substantially from other types of wool. With this in mind, here’s a quick guide to several of the most popular fibers regularly used in breathable clothing.
Cotton is lightweight, airy, and comfortable. A popular material for everyday casual wear, it is used less frequently for activewear or outdoor wear because it tends to soak up moisture.
Linen is often used for bedding and is a popular choice for clothing in warmer climates. The unique nature of the linen weave means it is highly breathable and offers excellent ventilation.
While bamboo has been woven into accessories like hats, baskets, and shoes for centuries, it is only recently that technology has enabled us to extract its fibers for clothing. It offers excellent breathability, though bamboo products can be more or less environmentally friendly depending on the processing method.
Merino wool is an extremely popular natural fiber among outdoor enthusiasts. Renowned for its excellent moisture-wicking properties and breathability, it functions exceptionally well in both warm and cold conditions.
Synthetics like polyester can be blended and engineered to create a textile with the desired performance characteristics. This makes them highly versatile and adaptable and a popular option among manufacturers who need specific performance qualities in their products.
While many fibers benefit from in-built breathability, performance can always be improved using advanced additive technologies like StayCool By Polygiene. One of the most exciting textile technology developments in recent years, StayCool By Polygiene enhances breathability and improves moisture-wicking, helping users regulate their temperature more effectively. Most importantly, it features an innovative, moisture-activated thermo-reactive polymer matrix that cools the fabric between 2 – 3°C (4.3 – 5.4°F) almost instantly. This ensures that users enjoy a refreshing cooling feel on the skin as soon as they start to sweat.
StayCool By Polygiene can also be used in conjunction with other Polygiene technology, such as the antibacterial anti-odor Polygiene StayFresh solution, to further enhance performance. A massive step forward in our ability to facilitate improved breathability and a cooler, more comfortable feel in almost any type of textile, StayCool By Polygiene enables manufacturers to deliver greater value for consumers and distinguish their products from the competition.
Breathable clothing is more cool, comfortable, and versatile than apparel that restricts airflow and absorbs moisture. By eliminating distractions, it gives wearers the self-confidence, peace of mind, and focus required to excel in and enjoy whatever they’re doing. Whether that’s chasing down your PB on a 10k run or delivering an important presentation at work.
Recent innovations in additive solutions go even further. StayCool By Polygiene temperature-drop technology is a game-changer, enabling manufacturers to create high-performance garments that look and feel great in all conditions. Easy to integrate into manufacturing processes, it is set to revolutionize the textile technology sector.
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