Why it is so important to choose breathable fabric (2024)

Why it is so important to choose breathable fabric (1)

The importance of choosing the right fabric

Have you ever put on a cheap, fast-fashion synthetic top only to find that at the end of the day, you feel gross, dirty and are even producing a bit of an odour? Perhaps you chose to wear a simple sleeveless tank in the scorching hot summer only to feel even more hot and claustrophobic than ever. Although many factors can hit you throughout the day and have an effect on your body, choosing the right fabric can make a huge difference. Here, we’ll explain why!

Fabric is an essential part of the fashion design process. The fabric you choose will determine the look, feel, and overall quality of your garments, and can greatly impact their longevity and durability. For us at Bamboo Body - bamboo (if you couldn’t tell by our brand name), has become our chosen savior.

One of the main reasons we love bamboo fabric is for its breathability. The breathability of natural fabrics like bamboo and cotton is incomparable to synthetic materials, which are less comfortable to wear in hot and humid conditions. Some people may feel a sensitivity towards polyester and other synthetic fabrics due to the chemicals used in production. They may even experience skin irritation or allergic reactions.

Read 10 benefits of bamboo clothing for you and the planet.

Learn more about the bamboo production process.

Why it is so important to choose breathable fabric (2)

Although there are no inherent health risks associated with wearing clothing made of polyester or other synthetic fabrics, there are definitely many negative ethical implications that we also need to take note of. Unethical working conditions, child labour and environmental impact are just some concerns among many in conjunction to fast fashion - which is mostly made of cheaper, synthetic materials. These fabrics are made of petroleum (essentially oil) which are non-renewable fossil fuels. Some of the negative impacts of the use of fossil fuels are poor air quality, water pollution, land degradation and climate change.

Choosing the right fabric

For a brand, the fabric that they choose will impact the look, feel and overall quality of the garments. Thought is put into the longevity of the fabric as well as the durability. The goal of a brand is to make you love our products, so why wouldn’t we put in the effort to offer the best of the best?

As a consumer, choosing the right fabric all comes down to personal preference. If you are someone who prioritises comfort and loves the feeling of softness against your skin, then bamboo, cotton and silk will be your go-to’s. If you prefer something more structured, perhaps linen and leather are more to your taste. It also depends on if you want something more durable and long lasting, which price can also come into, which is why you may opt for cotton or linen. If you’re someone who washes your clothes regularly, you will also want something that is durable and can last a long time. You also may be busy and don’t have time to take care of fabrics such as silk, or don’t have a dry cleaner on standby. Choosing the right fabric for your clothing can help to ensure that your garments last as long as possible and maintain their quality over time.

Overall, fabric choice is important for clothing because it determines the look, feel, and overall quality of your garments. It is essential to choose the right fabric for your clothing in order to ensure that your garments are comfortable, durable, and sustainable.

Why it is so important to choose breathable fabric (3)

Wearing the right fabric during pregnancy

Wearing breathable fabric during pregnancy is important for a number of reasons. Pregnancy can be a challenging and uncomfortable time for many women, and choosing the right clothing can make such a difference.

One of the main reasons why it is important to wear breathable fabric during pregnancy is because it can help to keep you cool and comfortable. Pregnancy can cause your body temperature to rise, making you feel hot and uncomfortable. Wearing breathable fabric, such as bamboo, cotton or linen, can help to keep air flowing and prevent your body from overheating. This can help to make you feel more comfortable and reduce the risk of heat-related illness.

Another reason why it is important to wear breathable fabric during pregnancy is because it can help to prevent skin irritation and discomfort. Pregnancy can cause your skin to become more sensitive and prone to irritation, especially in the abdominal area. Wearing breathable fabric can help to prevent irritation by allowing air to circulate and keep your skin cool and comfortable.

Additionally, wearing breathable fabric during pregnancy is important because it can help to support your growing baby. As your baby grows, your uterus will expand to accommodate it, putting pressure on your abdomen and other internal organs. Wearing breathable fabric can help to reduce this pressure and allow your uterus to expand more easily, providing your baby with the space it needs to grow and develop.

Overall, wearing breathable fabric during pregnancy is important for maintaining your comfort and supporting the health of not only yourself, but your growing baby. Choosing the right clothing can help to make your pregnancy experience more comfortable and enjoyable, and breathable fabrics are an excellent choice for pregnant women.

Featured Articles

At Bamboo Body we adore bamboo, especially for all the benefits that come with it! Bamboo fabric is the core of our business and is the main fibre in all of our garments. Click here to find out more.

To ensure our Australian Made garments are traceable and transparent throughout the production process, Bamboo Body are now proudly ethically certified by Ethical Clothing Australia. Click here to find out more.

Our maternity collection is designed for mixing and matching which will allow you to get maximum usage out of your garments. Designed for preganacy and beyond. Click here to read the full guide

Why it is so important to choose breathable fabric (2024)

FAQs

Why it is so important to choose breathable fabric? ›

Wearing breathable fabric, such as bamboo, cotton or linen, can help to keep air flowing and prevent your body from overheating. This can help to make you feel more comfortable and reduce the risk of heat-related illness.

What are the advantages of breathable fabric? ›

Some of the key advantages include: Improved Comfort: Breathable fabrics allow air to circulate more freely, helping to regulate body temperature and prevent overheating. This can contribute to greater comfort, particularly in hot and humid conditions.

Why is breathability important? ›

Breathable fabrics allow the skin to breathe by allowing moisture and heat to escape, reducing the likelihood of trapped sweat and bacteria buildup.

What is the difference between breathable and non breathable fabric? ›

Fabric construction and weight: In general, tighter knits or weaves create less breathable fabrics, while more open knits or looser weaves will be more breathable than tight ones. Thinner materials and finer yarns also affect breathability.

How to pick the most breathable fabric? ›

Choosing clothes made from fabrics like linen and rayon can make a significant difference, as they offer excellent breathability. These types of fabric allow for continuous air circulation that helps in maintaining body temperature by allowing heat to escape easily.

How does breathable fabric work? ›

Breathable fabrics allow sweat in the form of water vapour to escape from the inside of the fabric to the outside. Whilst it is common for a fabric to be waterproof and breathable, there are different variations so some fabrics may prioritise certain properties over others.

What is considered breathable fabric? ›

Fortunately, there's a wide range of breathable summer fabrics to choose from, including cotton, linen, bamboo and—surprisingly—merino wool.

Why is cotton so breathable? ›

Cotton is a natural hollow fiber , which means air can pass through it with ease. That's why when you wear classic cotton T-shirts, you can still feel fresh air on your skin. Synthetic T-shirts, made with materials like nylon or polyester, are the opposite of breathable.

Why is cotton a breathable fabric? ›

Cotton loves moisture: it wets easily, and can hold much more water than synthetic fibres can. Cotton draws moisture away from the body which then evaporates through the fabric, allowing the skin to 'breathe'.

What does highly breathable mean? ›

A jacket with a high breathability rating won't stop you from sweating — but what it will do is make it so that the water vapour that your skin releases can pass through the fabric and be released, rather than get stuck and pool together.

What is the least breathable fabric? ›

Polyamide and nylon, primarily used to produce sportswear, have low breathability, causing sweat moisture to remain on the skin instead of being expelled outside. These properties create ideal conditions for moisture and heat buildup, leading to a sticky and uncomfortable feeling.

Is cotton or linen better for breathability? ›

Although cotton absorbs a little more moisture, it is unable to wick moisture away from the skin as effectively as linen. Linen is both breathable and highly wicking. Wicking means linen draws moisture (sweat) away from the skin and dries quickly, keeping you more comfortable in the heat.

What is the best breathable fabric for summer? ›

What Are The 9 Coolest Fabrics for Summer?
  1. Cotton. Cotton is one of the coolest fabrics for summer and hot weather. ...
  2. Linen. Linen is another top choice for a breathable fabric for hot weather conditions. ...
  3. Rayon. ...
  4. Denim/Chambray. ...
  5. Polyester. ...
  6. Nylon. ...
  7. Silk. ...
  8. Micromodal.
Apr 5, 2023

Is 100% cotton more breathable? ›

Breathable: A polyester/cotton blend is also breathable, but if the level of breathability is one of the most important things on your list, then 100% cotton may be a better choice. Because the material is not synthetic, it allows for more airflow, and is an excellent choice for very warm climates.

Why isn't polyester breathable? ›

The common myth is that fabric breathes through pores on its surface, which allow air in and out of these micro-openings. Because polyester has fewer pores than cotton, less air circulates through a piece of clothing made from it.

Is polyester better than cotton for breathability? ›

Pros: Cotton is more breathable than synthetic fabrics; many say that cotton feels lighter weight than polyester as well. These qualities make cotton the perfect choice for warm weather. Cons: The natural fibers in cotton garments may wear faster and shrink more compared to synthetic fibers. It is also slower to dry.

What are the advantages of waterproof breathable fabric? ›

Waterproof/breathable fabrics resist liquid water passing through, but allow water vapour to pass through. Their ability to block out rain and snow while allowing vapour from sweat to evaporate leads to their use in rainwear, waterproof outdoor sports clothing, tents, and other applications.

What are the advantages of using fabric? ›

Advantages:comfortable to wear ,soft to the touch and strong sweat absorption. Disadvantages:poor wear resistance,poor elasticity,easy to fade and shrink(so the fabric must be pre-shrunk when making pure cotton clothes. Advantages:good comfort,good breathability,afford price.

What are the benefits to using a fabric that is a blend? ›

Combining different fibers can create a fabric that is more resistant to wear and tear, and less prone to shrinkage or stretching. Improved comfort: Blended fabrics can offer a balance of properties from different fibers, creating a fabric that is comfortable to wear in a range of conditions.

What fabrics are best for hot weather? ›

Best Fabrics To Keep You Cool
  • Cotton: A Lightweight Summer Favorite. ...
  • Linen: For Cool Air Flow. ...
  • Rayon: A Surprisingly Reliable Choice. ...
  • Chambray: For Sophisticated Summer Style. ...
  • Silk: Hypoallergenic Summer Wear. ...
  • So, What Fabrics Don't Work So Well?

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dan Stracke

Last Updated:

Views: 5964

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (43 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dan Stracke

Birthday: 1992-08-25

Address: 2253 Brown Springs, East Alla, OH 38634-0309

Phone: +398735162064

Job: Investor Government Associate

Hobby: Shopping, LARPing, Scrapbooking, Surfing, Slacklining, Dance, Glassblowing

Introduction: My name is Dan Stracke, I am a homely, gleaming, glamorous, inquisitive, homely, gorgeous, light person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.