Breathable material allows air to pass through
When you see the above pictogram on a product, it means that the material used is breathable and therefore allows (fresh) air to pass through. This is because there are very small holes in the product's material (also called microporous). These holes are so small that water vapour can pass through the material, but water droplets cannot. Water vapour includes sweat, which can get out with a material that has obtained this standard. Larger raindrops (or other precipitation), on the other hand, cannot get inside. Thus, breathable material provides comfort and airiness while protecting your body from wet/damp conditions and keeping your body dry. With this, breathable material or the products with this rating can also include the ratings on waterproofness or repellency and/or windproofness.
For all materials of the product, these provide its breathability. It may be membrane or a coating. We speak of membrane when a microporous or hydrophilic layer sits as a film between the lining and the outer fabric, or when it is joined to the outer layer. We also call the skin a membrane.
In breathable materials, a hydrophilic coating is applied to a backing as a spreadable layer. This almost always involves the inside of the outer fabric. In the product specifications, you can find which type of breathable material is involved and where this property is positioned.
For all materials of the product, these provide its breathability. It may be membrane or a coating. We speak of membrane when a microporous or hydrophilic layer sits as a film between the lining and the outer fabric, or when it is joined to the outer layer. We also call the skin a membrane.
In breathable materials, a hydrophilic coating is applied to a backing as a spreadable layer. This almost always involves the inside of the outer fabric. In the product specifications, you can find which type of breathable material is involved and where this property is positioned.