Performance and Sustainability Perspectives of Waterproof Breathable Fabrics in Modern Textiles

Waterproof breathable fabrics play a critical role in modern textiles by providing protection against environmental moisture while allowing perspiration vapor to escape, thereby maintaining thermal comfort and wearability. These materials are widely used in outdoor apparel, protective clothing, medical textiles, and technical applications where both waterproofness and breathability are required. However, achieving an optimal balance among water resistance, moisture vapor transport, durability, and environmental sustainability remains a significant challenge in textile engineering. This review provides a comprehensive overview of waterproof breathable fabrics by examining their historical development, moisture transport mechanisms, material structures, and performance evaluation methods. The review critically compares major technologies including membrane‐based systems, coated fabrics, laminate constructions, and emerging hybrid materials. Key performance parameters such as hydrostatic resistance, moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR), and evaporative resistance (RET) are discussed to evaluate the functional effectiveness of these fabrics under practical conditions. Recent advances in nanotechnology, smart textiles, adaptive polymers, and sustainable materials are highlighted as emerging approaches for improving moisture management, durability, and environmental compatibility. In addition, the review discusses the limitations of current technologies, including durability challenges, environmental concerns associated with fluorinated treatments, and the influence of environmental conditions on breathability performance. Finally, future research directions are outlined, emphasizing the development of PFAS‐free coatings, recyclable membrane systems, smart moisture‐regulating fabrics, and advanced manufacturing technologies. By synthesizing recent progress and identifying key challenges, this review provides insights that may guide the development of next‐generation waterproof breathable fabrics with improved performance and sustainability.