What is a Breathability Rating?

What Is a Jacket Breathability Rating?

When choosing a jacket, most people focus on staying dry from the outside.

But there’s another factor just as important:

👉 Staying dry from the inside

That’s where breathability comes in.

How Does Breathability Work

Breathability measures how well a fabric allows moisture (like sweat) to escape.

It’s usually measured in grams (g/m²/24h) - meaning how much moisture can pass through the fabric in 24 hours.

Breathability Ratings Explained

Here’s a simple guide :

• 5,000g → Basic breathability (light activity)
• 10,000g → Good everyday comfort
• 15,000g+ → High performance / active use

The higher the number, the better the fabric is at letting heat and moisture escape.

Why Breathability Matters

A jacket that isn’t breathable can feel :

• Hot
• Clammy
• Uncomfortable

Even if it’s technically waterproof.

That’s why a good jacket balances both : 👉 Keeps rain out + lets heat escape

The Balance : Waterproof vs Breathable

There’s always a trade-off.

Highly waterproof fabrics can often reduce breathability.

That’s why the best jackets are designed to strike a balance between:

• Protection from rain
• Comfort during all day wear

How to Choose the Right Breathability Level

If you’re:

• Standing / low activity → Lower breathability is fine
• Moving / working → Mid to high breathability
• Outdoors all day → Higher breathability recommended

Why This Matters for Workwear

If you’re wearing a jacket for long periods, especially while working:

👉 Breathability becomes just as important as waterproofing.

Otherwise, you stay dry from the rain… but uncomfortable from sweat.

Putting It All Together

The best jacket for you depends on:

• Weather conditions
• Activity level
• How long you’ll be wearing it

👉 Explore our range of waterproof & breathable jackets here