Which is more important, breathability or waterproofness of the fabric?

Breathability and water resistance are two important performance indicators of fabrics, but their importance depends on the specific use and application environment of the fabric. In some cases, breathability is more important, while in others, water resistance is more critical.

For some sportswear and outdoor equipment, breathability is a very important indicator. These products need to be used in intense sports and high temperature and high humidity environments, so they need to have good breathability to keep the body comfortable and dry. For example, running and athletic shoes need to be breathable so the foot can breathe and dissipate heat, preventing excessive sweating and bacteria growth. Likewise, outdoor clothing and tents and the like need to be breathable so that the body can wick away sweat and breathe while avoiding bad smells and a damp feeling.

In other cases, such as raincoats and waterproof shoes, water resistance is a more important indicator. These products need to be used in harsh weather and environments, such as rain, snow and muddy ground, etc., so they need to have good waterproof performance to keep the body dry and comfortable. In addition, some industrial supplies and building materials also need to have good waterproof performance to avoid water penetration and damage to equipment or building structures.

Therefore, the importance of breathability and waterproofness depends on the specific use and application environment of the fabric. In practical applications, these two indicators need to be considered comprehensively according to the characteristics of the product and user needs, and be optimized in the process of fabric design and production.