Breathability is defined as the ability of a fabric to allow perspiration evaporated by the body to escape (diffuse) to the outside (termed moisture vapor transmission), thereby allowing complete comfort.
A complete presentation on the topic Breathability of Fabrics and Testing Methods presented by the students of Textile College from Bahhaudin Zakariya University Multan.
Uploaded by: Abdul Ahad Khan
13. Range Performance (g m−2 d−1)
Low <4,000
Moderate 4,000 to 8,000
High >9,000
Typical maximum with current technologies are in 15,000 range. High-
performance fabrics may get A1 test scores in 10,000 to
15,000 g m−2 d−1 range and usually shows that a fabric has a fairly quick
release of moisture, but may not be the best over longer periods of use.
20. Range Performance
Ret 0-6
Very good or Extremely Breathable.
at higher activity rate.
Ret 6 to 13
Good or Very Breathable. Comfortable at
moderate activity rate.
Ret 13 to 20
Satisfactory or Breathable. Uncomfortable at
activity rate.
Ret 20 to 30
Unsatisfactory or Slightly Breathable. Moderate
comfort at low activity rate.
Ret 30+
Unsatisfactory or Not Breathable.
and short tolerance time.
The testers could not perceive a difference in the garments made with fabrics within these
ranges. So, a garment made with a 40 Ret fabric and one made with 55 Ret fabric did not
have a perceivable comfort difference in use.