You must have heard of a word “moisture-wicking”. A lot of brands manufacture clothing using moisture-wicking fabric. But what does it actually mean?

A moisture-wicking fabric helps transfer the sweat to the outer layer of the fabric quickly and enhances the evaporation process that wicks the moisture away from the clothes. This helps keep you dry and comfortable.

Working of Moisture-Wicking Fabric

A moisture-wicking fabric works on the process of capillary action. Through the molecular spaces in the fabric, the sweat is moved out to the external layer of the fabric. The fabric goes under a variety of tests and treatment to measure its moisture-wicking ability.

You need not study the about the fabric construction, but only look for the word “moisture-wicking” while purchasing the clothing for outdoor activities.

Types of Moisture-Wicking Fabrics

Synthetics: High Moisture-Wicking Performance

A fabric can have a poor moisture-wicking performance and good moisture-wicking performance. The fabric with poor performance traps the liquid in the yarns and does not transfer out from the fabric. On the other hand, a fabric with good moisture-wicking performance, resists the penetration of liquid in the yarns. These are synthetic fabrics which are also known as hydrophobic fabric. The most commonly known synthetic fabrics include nylon, polyester, spandex, Nike Dri-fit, and polypropylene

Wool: Low Moisture-Wicking Performance

The wool has tiny openings in it that absorb a little amount of moisture. Through these openings, it wicks the moisture away, keeping the wool yarns dry.

Cotton: No Moisture-Wicking Ability

The cotton is a non-moisture-wicking fabric as it absorbs the liquid, becomes heavy and takes a time to dry. At first, you’ll feel greasy and hot and after some time when the fabric starts to dry, it leaves your skin cool. There are many cotton fabrics that are manufactured with moisture-wicking technology, but still they cannot meet the standard of the synthetics and wool. The garments manufactured with cotton having moisture-wicking performance are ideal for low-impact activities such as yoga, walking, and riding a bicycle.

Reason to Shop for Moisture-Wicking Clothing

During perspiration, the evaporation process of sweat gives you a cooling sensation. Your body stops sweating once the skin reaches the normal temperature. For those, who indulge in sports activities or heavy workout, having a moisture-wicking clothing is a must. It gives you a soft feel while keeping you dry throughout the activity.

Washing Instructions for Moisture-Wicking Clothing

It is necessary to follow the washing instructions for moisture-wicking clothing. Washing them using a liquid or a dry sheet fabric softener is not recommended. The performance of the fabric is reduced as the fabric softener leaves a greasy residue on it.

You need to turn the garment inside out and wash it in the cold water without using any fabric softener or detergent. Use only water. Allow it to dry naturally. It is suggested not to use a dryer to dry it out as the high intensity of heat can affect the moisture-wicking performance of the fabric.