Another range of breathable fabrics are hydrophillic fabrics that transfer water vapour from one side if the fabric to the other through a chemical process. This process is helped by a pressure difference, which drives the water vapour from the high pressure inside the clothing system to the low pressure outside. While not as efficient or as durable as GORE-TEX© fabric, hydrophillic fabrics do offer a lower price point.

Breathable waterproof fabrics have taped seems, thus making them fully waterproof for coastal, inshore and dinghy sailing, as well as onshore use.