Finding the Perfect Balance
When choosing your sailing clothing, the most obvious question to ask is, “how waterproof is it?”. Staying dry and warm in wet and windy conditions is vital. However, it’s not all about stopping water getting in, it’s also about letting moisture out, so it is important to consider a product’s rating in both waterproofness and breathability. When you’re working hard, your body naturally sweats to cool you down, which can soak your clothing and make you uncomfortable. So how can you maintain the balance of keeping water, while exerting yourself to the max and getting sweaty? That’s where the breathability of a fabric comes in, and when you’re choosing your clothing, you need to weigh up how much waterproofness vs breathability you need for optimum comfort in your sport.
At first glance, waterproofness and breathability might appear to be at odds with each other, but the days of the traditional heavy oilskin are long gone, and innovative fabrics now effectively repel water while still allowing moisture from sweat to escape. The magic lies in striking the right balance between these two properties.
What is waterproofness?
Waterproofness refers to a material's ability to prevent water from penetrating through its surface. In sailing, where exposure to rain, water splashes, and even immersion is common, garments must provide a reliable barrier against water ingress to keep the wearer dry and comfortable.
What is breathability?
Breathability pertains to how well a fabric allows moisture vapour (i.e., sweat) to exit through it, enabling the body to regulate temperature and avoid that clammy, suffocating feeling often associated with non-breathable materials.
How They Work Together: The Zhik Science
Zhik use market leading technical materials and membranes like Vecta, AeroShell, Isotak® and eVent® Fabrics, which provide unrivalled breathability, supreme waterproofness, and superior waterproof durability. The integration of these waterproof membranes, together with strategically placed ventilation zones and moisture-wicking linings, cleverly keeps you dry.
Waterproof membranes act as the primary defence against external moisture, featuring microscopic pores that are too small for water droplets to penetrate but large enough to allow water vapor molecules (i.e., sweat) to escape. Meanwhile, ventilation zones, typically located in areas prone to heat and perspiration build up, such as under the arms or along the back, facilitate airflow to enhance breathability. On top of that, moisture-wicking linings help draw sweat away from the skin, further promoting comfort and dryness. What’s more, these fabrics are light as air to wear, allowing maximum flexibility and are hard wearing.
Understanding the Ratings
To evaluate the performance of sailing clothing in terms of waterproofness and breathability, the industry relies on various standardized rating systems designed to measure and compare these essential features. These ratings provide critical insights into how well a garment can withstand water penetration and regulate moisture, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable during your time on the water. By understanding these ratings, including metrics such as hydrostatic head for waterproofing and moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) for breathability, you can make informed decisions when selecting gear that best suits your specific sailing conditions and activity levels. Whether you’re facing heavy rain, waves, or varying temperatures, choosing the right clothing with the appropriate performance ratings is key to maximizing comfort and performance.
Understanding the Ratings
Waterproofness is typically measured in millimeters (mm) and indicates the level of water pressure a fabric can endure before it allows water to penetrate. This is determined through a process known as the Hydrostatic Head Test, a standard method used across the industry to assess the fabric's resistance to water. During this test, the material is stretched tightly beneath a sealed tube with a 1-inch diameter, which is then filled with water. Over a period of 24 hours, the fabric is observed to determine how many millimeters of water it can withstand before leakage occurs. The resulting measurement reflects the material's waterproof rating, with higher values signifying greater resistance to water penetration. For instance, a rating of 10,000 mm means the fabric can withstand a water column 10 meters high before leaking, making this a critical benchmark for assessing the suitability of sailing gear for various weather conditions.
Common ratings include:
- 1,500mm – 5,000mm: Suitable for light rain and splashes.
- 10,000mm – 15,000mm: Suitable for moderate seas and moderate to heavy rain
- 20,000mm – 25,000mm: Ideal for rough seas, heavy rain and extended exposure.
- 30,000mm and above: Designed for extreme conditions, including heavy rain and immersion.
Zhik sailing clothing boasts high waterproof ratings throughout it’s waterproof clothing range, ensuring reliable protection even in the harshest maritime environments.
Breathability Ratings
Breathability is measured using the Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR), a standard metric that quantifies how effectively a fabric allows moisture to pass through it. This measurement is typically expressed in grams per square meter per 24 hours (g/m²/24h) and represents the amount of moisture vapor that can escape through one square meter of the fabric over a single day. Higher MVTR values indicate superior breathability, meaning the fabric is better equipped to transfer moisture away from the body, keeping you dry and comfortable during strenuous activity. This is especially important for sailing and other outdoor pursuits, where maintaining thermal regulation and minimizing sweat buildup can significantly enhance overall comfort and performance. Understanding MVTR ratings can help you choose the right gear for your activity level and environmental conditions, ensuring a balance between waterproof protection and breathable comfort.
- 5,000 - 10,000: Perfect for light activities in cooler weather, like fishing or inshore sailing.
- 10,000 - 20,000: Ideal for aerobic activity in variable weather, like snow sports or fast paced sailing .
- 20,000 - 30,000: High-aerobic activity in warmer weather, like undertaking intense sailing or vigorous outdoor activities.
Zhik’s garments consistently deliver exceptional breathability to keep sailors dry and comfortable during exertion. The METS DAME Award winning Seaboot 700 proves even feet can be kept moisture free.
The Benefits of Waterproofness and Breathability in Zhik Gear
The integration of waterproofness and breathability in Zhik sailing clothing offers a multitude of benefits for enthusiasts navigating the high seas:
- Comfort: By allowing sweat to escape while preventing water ingress, Zhik gear ensures sailors remain comfortable and focused, regardless of weather conditions.
- Performance: The enhanced breathability of Zhik apparel enables unrestricted movement and optimal thermal regulation, no matter how strenuous the activity, promoting peak performance on the water.
- Durability: With robust waterproof membranes and reinforced seams, Zhik garments are built to withstand the rigors of marine environments, providing long-lasting protection and reliability.
- Versatility: Whether facing light showers or heavy downpours, Zhik's versatile clothing adapts to varying weather conditions, offering peace of mind and adaptability for sailors.
- Sustainability: Zhik use a more environmentally friendly method of waterproofing in many of their garments called XWR, a C0 Durable Water Repellent. Zhik also works relentlessly to source the most sustainably made fabrics with their suppliers, to ensure the smallest footprint at the beginning of the product’s lifecycle, and the longest footprint in terms of durability. Zhik’s dedication to sustainable practices underscores their commitment to environmental responsibility, paving the way for a greener future in sailing apparel production.
Navigating the Waters with Confidence
Through relentless innovation and an unwavering dedication to quality, Zhik continuously redefines the boundaries of performance, comfort, and durability in sailing apparel. Each product is designed with cutting-edge technology and meticulously tested to meet the demands of the harshest marine environments. Whether you’re racing at the highest levels or embarking on a casual day on the water, Zhik ensures you’re equipped to navigate with confidence. By prioritizing functionality and style, Zhik empowers sailors to face the unpredictable elements head-on and push their limits to achieve new heights of performance on the water.
