Breathability Explained

When active gear mentions “breathability,” it’s more than just buzzword. It’s the fabric’s ability to let sweat vapour escape and eventually keeping you cool and dry during activity and rest.

🔍 What is Breathability?

Breathability measures a fabric’s capacity to transfer moisture vapor from the inside to the outside—usually quantified by MVTR (Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate) in g/m²/24h. Higher MVTR equals more comfort during high-exertion workouts.

🩺 Why It Matters

Sweating is your body’s natural cooling system. If your gear traps that moisture, you stay wet, clammy, uncomfortable, and potentially smelly. Breathable fabrics help evaporation, which not only cools you but also reduces odour accumulation.

🧠 Fabric Science in Action

Gentle fabrics like cotton and linen breathe well thanks to loose weaves. Technical synthetics can also be highly breathable if engineered with moisture-wicking yarns Athlos Activewear. Meanwhile, waterproof-breathable layers (e.g., GORE-TEX) leverage micro‑porous membranes—blocking liquid water but still allowing vapour to pass.

🐑 Merino & Dynamic Breathability

Merino wool brings its own clever twist. Its natural structure balances hydrophilic and hydrophobic layers, managing moisture and thermoregulating through changing activity levels proven superior in stop and go sports like hiking, climbing, and ultra-running. 

This dynamic breathability means comfort during exertion and rest.

At Athlos, Breathability Is By Design

• Low to mid-sweat gear uses natural fibers like bamboo and merino for soft, breathable comfort.

• High-sweat products (e.g. Distance shorts and Zero tees) combine engineered synthetics with high MVTR values for fast drying and odor control.

• Weather protection layers feature membranes that block rain but let you breathe.

🔧 How to Use Breathability When Choosing Activewear

Choose based on how hard you’ll work and the weather conditions. Need running gear for tropics? Go for Recycled Synthetics. Cold weather, outdoors, or varying temperatures? Opt for merino base layers with natural dynamic breathability. 

When it comes to activewear, breathability isn't a luxury, it’s an essential design choice. At Athlos, our fabric innovation ensures you stay dry, odour-free, and performing at your best, be it in humidity of Sahyadris, or the cold, dry conditions of Himalayas.