Significant progress has been made in the development of environmentally sustainable waterproof breathable fabrics. Waterproof breathable fabrics have become extremely popular in a number of applications -- including athleisure apparel, outdoor apparel, workwear and sportswear -- because of the levels of protection and comfort they provide. As a result, many players have entered the market, competition has become fierce, and the range of waterproof breathable fabrics now available is diverse. Several manufacturers are experimenting with the fiber compositions of waterproof breathable fabrics and are utilising natural fibers -- including organic cotton -- and fibers derived from recycled waste materials. Materials used in the manufacture of waterproof breathable fabrics include membranes and durable water repellent finishes. These are essential to the manufacture of waterproof breathable fabrics, and are required to impart waterproof properties -- especially in the outdoor apparel sector.

However, there remains much room for improvement in the development of waterproof breathable fabrics which are environmentally sustainable. Also, much work needs to be done to improve the understanding regarding the environmental sustainability credentials of materials made using alternative chemistries, especially as the hazards associated with some of them -- such as those incorporating dendrimers or nanoparticles -- are not widely documented