Ever go hiking in your jeans and tees, then come back chilled? Ever play sport in a cotton tee, then wring it out at the end of the game? This does not have to happen any more.
There are some great fabrics being manufactured today which solve a big problem in our modern, active, everyday life: perspiration.
These moisture-wicking materials have the unique ability to wick or move moisture away from our bodies. This is particularly important for people playing sports, exercising, or simply going through “hot flashes.” The sweat created by these exertions do not sit on the skin or get absorbed into the garments, but rather are moved to the outside of the garment away from the skin, making the wearer comfortable and dry.
The real advantage to this fabric is that it can be used in so many different ways to benefit the wearers. These types of garments have been typically used in the past by athletes and people exercising in hot climates. Today, however, we have found many more applications for this wonder fabric.
By layering these individual pieces, these “hot weather” garments are now used in extremely cold climates, protecting the wearers from hypothermia. When a day goes from cold to hot to cold, hikers avoid cottons and seek out special moisture-wicking clothing, especially socks, tees, and pants–all of which keep the hikers dry, blister-free, and unchilled as they go from hot to cold in the erratic weather.
When the days are hot, people can play golf or tennis or simply live their daily lives without being soaked by sweat when wearing these garments. When the military is stationed in the hot climes of the world, they often use moisture-wicking attire under their uniforms, keeping them somewhat cool in the extreme temperatures. Anyone who feels the heat can benefit from this specially designed apparel.
There are numerous types of moisture wicking garments available today for the active individual, including polo shirts and pants, yoga wear, socks, and even bras made from this fabric.
There are two basic ways in which a garment can be manufactured to be “moisture wicking.” The first is to apply a topical treatment to a garment made from hydrophobic fibers, such as polyester, to give it the ability to absorb sweat. The hydrophilic (water-loving) finish or treatment will allow this type of garment to absorb residue, while its hydrophobic (water-hating) fibers will help it to dry fast, keeping the wearer more comfortable.
The second way in which a garment can qualify is to be manufactured with an intimate blend of fibers that include both hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers. Optimized blends of these fibers will allow the hydrophilic fibers to absorb fluid, moving it over a large surface area, while the hydrophobic fibers speed drying time. The benefit of these garments is that the moisture management properties are inherent in the fiber blend, meaning they will never wash or wear out.
When you hike, golf, play tennis, or just want to sleep, comfort is probably the number one reason you will wear clothing which is moisture-wicking. Layer it in the winter for warmth and dryness; wear a single garment in the summer to stay cool. Because of the comfort that the fabric creates, you will find that clothing made from moisture-wicking fabrics will consistently be your favorite clothes to wear.
Matthew Bywater
Marketing Strategist
For more marketing insight from Matthew check out his blog – www.matthewbywater.com
