Water Vapour Transmission (MVTR) Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to the questions buyers ask most often about Water Vapour Transmission (MVTR).
What does it mean?
water vapour passing through fabric. 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.
What value should be specified?
Start from higher means more breathable and adjust for the end use of the garment. 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.
How is it tested?
ISO 15496 breathability. 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.
Why does it change between lots?
Process variables such as finishing temperature and elastane batch cause the normal spread of results. 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.
Can results be compared across suppliers?
Only when the same standard revision and conditioning are used; otherwise measurements are not equivalent. 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.
