Breathability Is One of the Most Misunderstood Terms in Workwear
Fabric “breathability” is marketed aggressively across the workwear sector — but what does it actually mean in practical terms? And how do you evaluate whether a garment’s breathability claim is meaningful for your team’s specific working conditions?
What Breathability Actually Means
A breathable fabric allows water vapour (perspiration) to pass through it from the inside surface to the outside. This keeps the wearer drier and more comfortable. The mechanism varies by fabric type: in woven fabrics, breathability is a function of fibre structure and weave density; in bonded/laminated fabrics like softshells, a microporous membrane allows vapour through while blocking liquid water.
The key metric is Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate (MVTR) — measured in grams of moisture transmitted per square metre per 24 hours. Higher MVTR = more breathable. Budget outer layer fabrics might achieve 5,000–8,000 g/m²/24h; premium technical fabrics achieve 20,000 g/m²/24h or more.
Breathability vs Warmth Trade-Off
More insulating fabrics are generally less breathable. A thick fleece is warm but traps more moisture than a thin performance base layer. For active outdoor workers, the layering system manages this trade-off — a breathable base layer wicks moisture from skin, a breathable mid layer continues the transfer, and a breathable outer layer allows that moisture to escape while preventing external water from entering.
Choose workwear with breathability appropriate to your team’s activity level. Sedentary workers need less breathability than physically active ones. Outdoor workers need more than indoor workers. Our team at Customised Workwear can advise on breathability specifications for your specific use case. Contact us or browse our workwear shop.