What does "breathability" mean in ski clothing and why is it so important?

When skiing, the body produces heat and sweat. Without sufficient breathability:

• Moisture cannot escape
• condenses in the material
• leads to a feeling of coldness, reduced performance and an increased risk of catching a cold.

Breathable clothing ensures:

• a dry, pleasant indoor climate
• effective heat storage
• improved comfort and endurance on the slopes

Important to know: Even with very high breathability, short-term moisture build-up can occur during intense exertion and unfavorable weather conditions. This is because the membrane's evaporation rate cannot exceed that of the body.
Moisture is produced. Therefore, a functioning layering system is just as crucial as choosing the right jacket.

• MVTR shows how much water vapor diffuses through a material per unit area and time. 20,000 g/m²/24h indicates a very high evaporation rate.
• RET measures evaporative resistance. Values ​​below 6 are considered very breathable, up to 13 good.

In short: high MVTR + low RET = optimal wearing comfort during movement .

• Microporous membranes (e.g. Gore-Tex): tiny pores allow water vapor to pass through, but block water droplets.
• Hydrophilic membranes (e.g. Sympatex): transport moisture through molecular diffusion without pores – effectively and environmentally friendly.
• Ventilation zippers help with active heat and moisture regulation.
• The fabric's construction also plays a role: The inner layer should quickly absorb moisture and wick it away to the membrane, while the outer layer must not impede vapor diffusion. Only when all layers work together will the jacket remain truly breathable.

Another influencing factor is the care of the jacket: dirt, skin oils or detergent residues can impair the function of the membrane.
Regular washing according to instructions and refreshing the DWR impregnation ensure that breathability is maintained in the long term.

Belowzero padded ski jackets and ski pants:

• MVTR: approx. 20,000 g/m²/24 h – Extremely high value
• Material structure: stores heat, efficiently wicks away moisture
• Sustainability: plant-based raw materials, durable & washable

Sympatex 3-layer technology:

• MVTR: 10,000 g/m²/24 h – very good performance for active use
• Material structure: 100% waterproof, windproof, recyclable, PFC-free
• Robust and easy to clean for frequent use

Whether you're enjoying leisurely turns or racing up and down the mountain under intense pressure, your breathability requirements will vary. Important: It's not just the MVTR value that matters, but also how durable, weatherproof, and easy-care a jacket performs in real-world conditions.

Our ski jackets are not only ideal for winter sports, but also for everyday wear. Here are some of our top products that will support you both on the slopes and on your daily adventures:

Breathability is not an extra, but a basis for function, comfort & safety.

Our Sorona Aura jackets with 20,000 MVTR offer extremely high performance for intense days on the slopes. The Sympatex models, with 10,000 MVTR, provide excellent breathability and reliable weather protection.

Pay attention to the specifications, ventilation, and proper care – this way you can enjoy your ski clothing for a long time.