Wicking fabric | The main feature of fabric wicking | Advantages

Wicking fabric 

Wicking fabric is designed to pull sweat and moisture from the skin on the outside of the fabric for rapid evaporation. This process is often called moisture management. Wicking is done with a combination of fibers used in the fabric and weaving or knitting used in the manufacturing process.

Cellulosic or natural fibers like wool are hydrophilic, meaning the fabric is able to absorb sweat and moisture. Hydrophilic finishes compensate for the low moisture and water absorption capacity of synthetic fibers. Synthetics like polyester are hydrophobic, meaning the fabric does not like moisture or sweat. However, hydrophobic fibers can be made hydrophilic with chemicals.

The main feature of fabric wicking

There are three main ways we can offer Garment's wicking property.

i. Yarn construction

Wicking yarns have a different structure than regular yarns. A common yarn is round. Wicking yarn is not round. It can be cross or flower-shaped. Finally, it is designed for more space and channels through which moisture can circulate. Wicking yarn is always a synthetic filament so it is only available in materials like polyester and nylon.

ii. Knitting structure

This process is sometimes called one-way wicking or Mechanical wicking. The fabric (like this) is knitted into a special pattern. The pattern of the fabric creates moisture on the outer layer of the garment. This means that the sweat is removed from the skin and spreads over a large portion of the outer fabric. It is able to evaporate quickly and efficiently.

iii. Adding a chemical finish

We can give regular fabric-wicking properties by adding a hydrophilic molecular chemical finish. It is usually added when dyeing or setting clothes. After the fabrics are treated, the connector is attached to the yarn surface and makes the yarn hydrophilic. A chemical-wicking finish is cheaper than wicking yarn. But when the clothes are washed, the finishing is slowly removed.

Different suitable moisture-wicking fabrics

i. Polyester

Polyester fabric or its synthetic blend is a reliable moisture-wicking fabric. When blended with other materials, polyester is an ideal choice for activewear because it is breathable, lightweight, and dries quickly. However, it retains odors and can even contribute to bacterial growth.

ii. Polypropylene

Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer like polyester. In addition to increasing humidity, polypropylene dries quickly and is highly respected for its thermal properties, making it ideal for cold-weather gear and clothing. However, like polyester, it retains odor. It is not as soft as the other fabrics on the list.

iii. Merino wool

Today merino wool is one of the best moisture-waking fabrics on the market. It is a natural fiber that is breathable and extremely suitable for lightweight and warm weather. Unlike polyester, it does not retain odor. Now not just for sweaters, merino wool is now available in lightweight fabrics that are ideal as undershirts and active clothing.

iv. Wool

Wool is a natural fiber that is a fantastic moisture-wicking material. It is a heat regulator, soft and warm, which makes it the perfect material for winter clothing. However, as we all know, wool is not as soft as merino wool and can irritate sensitive skin. It is less durable than synthetic fabrics.

v. Nylon

Nylon is moisture-wicking, prevents mildew, and dries quickly. It is comfortable to wear because it is stretched and light, which makes it suitable for workout wear. You will find many fitness gears made of nylon for this reason.

vi. Micromodal

Micromodal is the most breathable sweat-wicking fabric currently in use. It has unusual temperature-controlling features so you can be comfortable in any weather. Due to its soft, silk-like texture, it is ideal for wearing underwear, lingerie wear, and any clothing close to the skin.

vii. Bamboo fiber

Like micro modals, bamboo fiber is derived from plants, so its fibers are naturally wicking. It has a soft and cool texture and it regulates body temperature well, so it is ideal for wearing all year round. However, bamboo moisture wicking fabrics are more expensive than other natural fabrics such as cotton. If you have hyperhidrosis or excessive situational sweating, there are many clothing options to help you manage it. Sweaty clothes, anti-odor clothes, breathable clothes, and sweat-absorbing clothes make life easier with sweat.

How to add moisture-wicking properties to textile

You can add moisture-wicking properties to your clothes in natural and technical ways. By weaving hydrophilic fibers into hydrophobic, polyester becomes more breathable. Thus moisture is drawn towards the hydrophilic fibers and carried through the capillary action. Another option is to change the structure of the polyester fibers during the extrusion process and turn them into more regularly structured trilobal fibers. This is a great start, but more often than not, the fibers need a little more help in the form of chemical changes. In this case, you apply a hydrodynamic finishing agent to add moisture-wicking to the fabric. It increases the transport of moisture and helps you meet the needs of your customer.

Advantages of Moisture-Wicking Fabric

This moisture-wicking fabric actually absorbs and releases steam when you start sweating on the surface of the shirt or pants for rapid evaporation. It's not only really helpful, but it's also a well-organized technology. Moisture-wicking fabrics have more benefits. Such as below-

i. It keeps wicking clothes cool in hot temperatures. When the temperature starts to rise and you start sweating more, this ingredient will help to keep the lightweight and your skin from sweating, keeping you cool despite the heat.

ii. It prevents the growth of bacteria. By not letting sweat just sit, it eliminates the risk of bacterial growth.

iii. It prevents hypothermia. It may not seem like you will need this stuff in the winter, but you can still sweat in the cold, and if you don't wear something that makes you sweat, you'll freeze in a moment, and your clothes will make you feel cold instead of warm.

iv. It does not fade or shrink. This is important, especially for a sports uniform that will stay in the ingredients and be washed many times during the season.

v. It's easy to take care of. There are no special wash instructions with this type of material, you can put it in the washer and dryer, without worrying about it being damaged.

vi. Relieves night sweats or hot or cold flashes. When there is a hot flash or night sweats, you can’t get wet from this ingredient. Same with cold flashes, it will still help keep you insulated and help control your body temperature, even when you are cold.

Although many consider moisture-wicking fabrics only for the summer, it has several advantages over winter wear, making it a great alternative to all kinds of sports uniforms.