Hold it out in front of you and "talk at" it. Before you go to the fabric store, do that at home and try talking toward a sheet rock wall so you can hear what the reflections sound like.
If people look at you funny at the fabric store, just tell them you're communicating with the mother ship.
> I find it hard to get fabric that can breath through at a low cost, and look good at the same time, so if there are other choices it would be great. <
Dyed burlap can look pretty good if you get a decent quality, and it's not expensive. Muslin is also good yet cheap. I think the weave (open versus closed) is more important than what material the fabric is made from.
--Ethan