More on Fabric

I was talking the other day about our fabric. One of the things that's important is getting a fabric that is strong but also breathes. If I can put on my lab coat for a minute, let me give you a brief run-down.

There are multiple factors that affect breathability, but primarily it has to do with the fabric filaments ("What's it made of?") and the fabric geometry. ("How is it constructed?")

Under a microscope, fabric yarns or filaments can look different. For example, a filament can be pulled-out (extruded) in a solid filament like nylon is; or it can be made like a twisted ribbon as in polyester or cotton. Air cannot pass through a solid fiber but it does pass through those fibers with ribbon twists. Twisted filaments are more breathable.

Secondly, how the fabric is put together makes a difference. Next time: What everybody hated in high school: Geometry.