The Fabric Shift: How Breathability Became Fashion’s Biggest Talking Point

By Nelson Jaffery, Head of Design, Liva

Fashion conversations just a while ago would revolve mainly around silhouette, color, and trends which shifted from one day to another. This, however, seems to have changed significantly, as thediscourse appears to have evolved into a much more realistic one, where there is greater emphasis on more aspects beyond mere appearance. The key word here is breathability.

While the significance of materials has always been apparent, the role they play currently cannot be denied. Breathability, what was previously a technical matter, has now become an integral part of design processes. It has ceased being merely an added advantage and become an expectation

It hasn’t happened in isolation either; it is an answer to how people’s lifestyles have changed. Today, we travel through many different spaces within one day. Long commutes, prolonged working hours, and various social events mean that our clothing should adjust not only aesthetically but also practically as well. There simply isn’t enough time and comfort in such a fast-paced world for clothing that limits mobility and holds on to heat.

This is why, when thinking about luxury today, we should be more focused on comfort rather than aesthetics. Previously, luxury implied heaviness, rich textiles, and intricate designs. Nowadays, the ability to breathe and move in clothes becomes the very essence of luxury

At Liva, this philosophy is key to how our design process works. Essentially, the concept revolves around designing fabrics which not only look great but also feel good. The breathability of our products impacts the way they hang and move, thus resulting in more elegant and graceful silhouettes.

Breathability is also linked to sustainability. Our breathable fabric not only looks better but is also much more comfortable than others available in the market. Hence, customers have a higher chance of buying and using such garments for an extended period, thereby promoting sustainable fashion trends.

What’s interesting to note is the trend of customers asking about fabrics used to make different clothes. As they want to know more about the materials used, the way garments are processed and their design

For fashion designers, it is both an obstacle and an inspiration. This will encourage them to think outside the box, explore new materials, and even question conventional methods. They are required to achieve harmony between aesthetics and practicality without sacrificing any one.

In the end, fashion design is moving away from being merely decorative towards becoming more human. The focus shifts from creating a garment solely for aesthetic purposes to creating one that can actually be worn comfortably.

This is where breathability comes into play. It is not only about comfort but also about versatility and confidence. When clothes move and interact with you and fit your daily schedule, they become more than mere fashion.