Breathability / Water Vapor Permeability Tests

The Breathability feature has become a major consideration when customers purchase functional clothing and footwear. High breathability will no doubt maximize the comfort and function of outdoor and activewear. To quantify the measurement, Breathability, or Water Vapor Permeability, indicates the breathable performance of textiles and footwear.

How can you add value to your products by providing evidence of good breathable features?

• Demonstrate a protective wearing experience due to the prevention of liquid accumulating on the skin during exercise
• Provide evidence to allow sweat vapor to escape, keeping you more comfortable
• Prove the better permeability of the clothing, making it more comfortable to wear

Breathability / Water Vapor Permeability indicates how quickly sweat from the human body during activity / higher metabolism can be transferred into the air by textiles. Proper selection and manufacture of materials with high water vapor permeability can assure comfort for the wearer, especially during outdoor activities.

Intertek Hong Kong supports breathability testing by a full range of testing methods:

• BS 7209

• BS 3424 Part 34 Method 37

• BS 3546

• ASTM E96

• JIS L1099 A-1 (CaCl2)

• JIS L1099 A-2 (water)

• JIS L1099 B-1/B-2 (Potassium Acetate)

• GB/T 12704.1

• GB/T 12704.2

• CNS 12222 L3223

• KS K 0594 

• DIN 53333