Breathable vs. Non-Breathable Fabrics: Why Your Skin Needs to Breathe

Breathability is an important factor when choosing fabrics for your suits. Because your skin is the outermost layer of your body releasing sweat through its pores. For sweat to be absorbed by the fabric and get released in the air, the fabric needs to breathe or have pores for air to pass through. That’s why the breathability of a fabric plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin, as well as feeling airy, ventilated, and comfortable. 

Characteristics of fabrics that breathe

Fabrics are made of fibers and are woven in a particular way that some fabrics may have pores in between, and some fabrics may not. These pores are responsible for breathability by absorbing moisture from the skin and then dissipating it to the outside world. Thus, fabrics are classified as moisture-wicking and moisture-repellent.

Certainly, these pores absorb not just sweat but body heat. Hence, it allows for ventilation to the skin and body. 

Breathable fabrics for men’s suits

1. Natural fabrics
   1. Cotton: These are the most preferred fabrics during summer as they can easily help get rid of sweat and body heat. These are made of natural fibers and have enough pores for moisture transfer. 
   2. Linen: Like cotton, these fabrics are also most-demanded and feature almost the same characteristics as cotton. 
   3. Silk: This fabric is highly air-permeable owing to its fiber construction and temperature regulation characteristics. Thus, they are used across seasons, all year round.  
   4. Wool: The unique fiber construction in these fabrics makes them more breathable and reduces humidity. That is why most winter fabrics are made of wool—to keep the body temperature regulated and comfortable. 

2. Synthetic fabrics
   1. Nylon: Nylon fabrics, which are knitted, woven, or thin, are breathable to some extent. However, non-knitted nylon fabrics are not permeable. 
   2. Polyester: Similar to nylon, if polyester fabrics are constructed in a particular way, they become skin-friendly. Thus, most sportswear is made of particular polyester or nylon types. 

3. Semi-synthetic fabrics
   1. Rayon: Made of cellulose fibers, these fabrics are moderately moisture-wicking, lightweight, and thin. When the weave is loose, the absorption efficiency increases, and vice versa.  
   2. Viscose: These fabrics are highly hydrophilic in nature, making them feel dry always. The airiness is higher when compared to pure synthetic fabrics. 
   3. Modal: Plant fibers in these fabrics ensure a seamless airflow, moisture absorption, and increased heat transfer from the skin to the air. 

Non-breathable fabrics that men should avoid

1. Synthetic satin: It is a 100% synthetic fabric that does not allow air or heat to flow through and thus is not moisture-absorbing or wicking. However, silk-satin blend fabrics are slightly airy.  
2. Synthetic velvet: While natural velvet is airy, synthetic velvet is non-airy and does not allow moisture or heat transfer. 
3. Selective denim: High GSM denim fabrics are highly non-breathable and build up body heat easily. 

Conclusion

Now, you know what fabrics you need for tailoring your suits, and always keep in mind the duration of the event or occasion—long day, short meetings, or half-day activity.