Meaning & use
breathables
Last updated
“breathables” is a form of “breathable”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
nounpluralinformal
light clothes or fabrics that let air pass through, especially outdoor or sports gear
Grammar: Always plural and usually with 'the' or a possessive: 'pack your breathables'.
Patterns
- wear breathables
- a range of breathables
For the hike, pack breathables instead of heavy cotton.
The store sells breathables designed for hot, humid weather.
He changed into his breathables before the long climb.
Common combinations
- lightweight breathables
- These lightweight breathables dry in minutes.
- a range of breathables
- The brand offers a range of breathables for runners.
- pack breathables
- Pack breathables if you are going somewhere warm.
Synonyms and how they differ
- breathable fabrics
- This fuller phrase is the neutral, more formal way to say the same thing.
- activewear
- Activewear means all sports clothing, not only the kinds that let air through.
Word family
- breathable adjective
- allowing air to pass through, so the wearer does not get too hot
- breathability noun
- the quality of letting air pass through a material
- breathe verb
- to take air into your lungs and let it out
Commonly confused: breathables or breath?
breathables vs breath
'Breath' is the noun for the air you take in; 'breathable' comes from the verb 'breathe' and describes material that lets air through.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'breathables' naturally?
Choose one answer.
'Breathables' is a plural noun for airy clothing, so it works as the object of 'take'. The other options use it as a verb or adjective, or with a singular article, which does not fit.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “breathables”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.