Breathability is one of the most important considerations when choosing a jersey, as well as a key selling point that is often promoted by jersey manufacturers.
What exactly does it mean for a jersey to be breathable? How do you select a breathable jersey that is comfortable to wear during exercise?
This article discusses the definition of breathable jersey and recommendations for breathable jersey materials to support comfort. Read on to avoid confusion when choosing jersey materials!
Brief Summary:
- Breathable jerseys offer numerous benefits that emphasize comfort and enhance performance during sports activities.
- The most breathable jersey materials include cotton, linen, polyester, mesh, and hemp.
- All sports require breathable jerseys, especially those that require athletes to wear additional layers.
What is a Breathable Jersey?
Breathability in clothing refers to the ability of vapor and moisture to pass through the fibers and circulate.
The breathability of clothing is determined by the type of fabric used, the manufacturing process, the absorbency of the material, and the moisture-wicking technology added to the jersey.
Benefits of a Breathable Jersey
Why should jerseys be breathable? Here are the benefits of wearing breathable jerseys during rigorous activities.
Regulates Body Temperature
Breathable jersey material is cooler and more comfortable. Air circulates easily through breathable fabric, allowing your body temperature to remain stable even during physical activities.
Reduces Sweat and Body Odor
With a breathable jersey, sweat can evaporate quickly. This prevents the accumulation of bacteria that causes body odor.
Allows Faster Drying
Breathable jersey material generally absorbs moisture quickly, so it dries quickly, too. This makes exercising much more comfortable because your jersey is not constantly wet with sweat.
Prevents Skin Irritation
If a fabric is not breathable, it traps sweat on your skin. This results in the accumulation of bacteria that can cause skin irritation.
Comfortable when Layered
If you exercise in cold weather, you might have to wear additional layers such as an undershirt. Breathable jersey helps you stay warm in low temperatures.
For athletes who wear hijabs, a breathable jersey helps regulate body temperature to prevent overheating, even while wearing additional layers.
5 Most Breathable Jersey Materials
Looking for breathable jerseys? Choose jerseys made of these materials.
Cotton
Benefits:
- Breathable: Soft and lightweight, allowing air to circulate easily.
- Absorbent: Cotton can absorb large amounts of moisture despite its lightweight material.
- Soft: Made from natural fiber extracts and suitable for all skin types.
- Hypoallergenic: Made from natural materials without chemical additives, minimizing the possibility of irritation.
Maintenance:
- Machine washable: Due to its soft texture, use a gentle cycle.
- Must be ironed: Cotton wrinkles easily and becomes creased if not ironed.
- May shrink: When cotton jersey is washed and dried in a dryer for the first time, it may shrink. However, after that, the fabric will retain its size.
Polyester
Benefits:
- Breathable: Polyester is commonly used in sportswear due to its breathability.
- Does not wrinkle easily: Durable and wrinkle-resistant, making it suitable for physical activities.
- Fade-resistant: Polyester fabric does not fade easily even after prolonged use.
- Quick-drying: Polyester is waterproof, so it dries quickly. After washing, this fabric does not require heat-drying
Maintenance:
- Use a mild detergent: This is crucial for maintaining the texture of the fabric.
- Avoid bleach: Do not use bleach or harsh chemicals to wash polyester jerseys.
- Air dry: Air drying polyester jerseys is recommended. If you must use a dryer, use a low heat setting.
Mesh
Benefits:
- Breathable: Mesh jerseys are covered with small holes for air circulation.
- Moisture-wicking: Mesh jerseys absorb sweat quickly. Moisture is carried to the surface of the fabric to dry quickly.
- Quick-drying: Mesh is hydrophobic, meaning it repels water and dries quickly.
- Lightweight: Mesh is not heavy on the skin and is comfortable to wear.
Maintenance:
- Machine washable: Use a gentle cycle and cold or warm water.
- Avoid bleach or strong detergents: Mesh fabric colors may fade from harsh cleaning products.
- Avoid rough and sharp surfaces: Mesh is knitted, so damage to one part can ruin the entire fabric.
- Air dry: Avoid heat-drying mesh and keep it away from direct sunlight.
Hemp
Benefits:
- Breathable: Lightweight, soft, and more breathable than cotton.
- Absorbent: Absorbs moisture easily, making it suitable for summer jerseys.
- Hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial: Hemp fibers contain cannabidiol (CBD), which has antibacterial properties.
- UV protection: Hemp fabric protects the skin from harmful UV rays.
- Durable: Much stronger and more durable than cotton.
Maintenance
- Machine washable: Wash dyed hemp jerseys using cold water.
- Avoid high temperatures: Dry hemp jerseys by hanging them up. Avoid using a heat dryer.
Linen
Benefits:
- Breathable: Linen has hollow fibers that allow air to pass through easily.
- Absorbent: Linen is one of the natural textiles with the best moisture absorption capabilities.
- Dries quickly: In summer, a soaked linen can dry in just a few hours.
- Cool: Linen supports good air circulation, making it suitable for summer sports jerseys.
- Lightweight: Made from flax plants, it retains a lightweight texture.
- Durable: Does not tear easily, even with frequent use.
Maintenance:
- Wash gently: Some linen jerseys can be machine-washed, while others must be hand-washed. Follow the care instructions on the label.
- Avoid high temperatures: Do not wash with hot water and avoid using a dryer.
- Iron at low temperature: To remove wrinkles, use a steam iron at low temperature.
Sports that Require Breathable Jerseys
In essence, all types of sports require breathable jerseys to regulate body temperature. Breathable jerseys allow sweat to dry quickly, reduce body odor, and ensure the athletes feel comfortable.
However, there are some types of sports where breathable jerseys are absolutely necessary, because athletes must wear additional layers. Here are some of them.
Running
A runner must endure various weather and environmental conditions, from highways to mountains. Therefore, they need to wear an underlayer to protect their skin from scratches, bumps, and prolonged exposure to sunlight and dust.
If their jersey is not breathable, the runner will overheat because the sweat accumulated in their underlayer cannot circulate easily.
Cycling
Similar to runners, cyclists often wear additional layers to protect their arms and legs. Therefore, they need breathable jerseys so that sweat dries quickly.
Skiing
Winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding require more than one layer of clothing. Breathable jerseys help regulate body temperature to avoid overheating from sweat while retaining warmth.
Tips to Choose a Breathable Jersey
Here is a quick guide to determine whether a jersey is breathable or not.
- Mesh Panels: Look for sections with a mesh-like texture on the waist or back.
- Minuscule Holes: Breathable jerseys usually have precise, tiny holes on the shoulders or back.
- Zipper Collar: Some jackets or jerseys feature a zipper collar lined with mesh to improve air circulation when needed.
- Lightweight: Breathable jerseys are sheer and thin.
Conclusion
Breathability is a crucial factor that cannot be compromised when choosing a sports jersey. Breathable jerseys help wick away sweat, regulate body temperature, and provide a cool and comfortable feel during exercise.
Looking for a comfortable and authentic breathable jersey? DRX Wear’s collection is made from breathable materials that prioritize comfort without compromising style. Additionally, each jersey is equipped with an NFC chip that guarantees authenticity. Check out the authentic jersey collection from DRX Wear today!
