Water Vapour Transmission (MVTR) Explained: How It Works in Performance Sportswear
Water Vapour Transmission (MVTR) is best understood as water vapour passing through fabric. This entry explains how it behaves inside a finished garment rather than only in the laboratory.
What the term means
water vapour passing through fabric, which is why the value appears on almost every technical data sheet. Working figures for Water Vapour Transmission (MVTR) normally sit around higher means more breathable in mainstream production. Note ISO 15496 breathability on the tech pack so nobody tests against an older revision.
Why it matters in practice
it matters more than air flow for rainy conditions, so it influences buying decisions more than most buyers expect. Record elastane content alongside Water Vapour Transmission (MVTR), because blends shift the measured value. A result outside higher means more breathable usually points to process drift rather than to the fibre itself.
Typical values seen in activewear
higher means more breathable. Ranges vary by construction, so compare like with like. Keeping reference values for Water Vapour Transmission (MVTR) lets suppliers quote without extra sampling rounds. Ask for conditioning details together with ISO 15496 breathability, since both affect the reading.
How it is measured
ISO 15496 breathability is the reference normally quoted on a test report. Working figures for Water Vapour Transmission (MVTR) normally sit around higher means more breathable in mainstream production. Note ISO 15496 breathability on the tech pack so nobody tests against an older revision.
Frequent mistakes
Comparing results from different standards, testing unwashed fabric, and writing the target without tolerance are the common errors. Record elastane content alongside Water Vapour Transmission (MVTR), because blends shift the measured value. A result outside higher means more breathable usually points to process drift rather than to the fibre itself.
