Viviana Cheng

What is moisture-wicking fabric technology and how does it work?

What is “moisture-wicking”?

Moisture-wicking refers to the process by which moisture is drawn away from the skin to the outer surface of the fabric and into the air. Fabrics with moisture-wicking properties are most commonly used in activewear with the purpose of quickly moving sweat out of the body and drying before sweat can soak the fabric.

This is achieved through capillary action. Capillary action, or capillarity, is defined by the Cambridge Dictionary as “the force that causes liquid to rise in a tube or other narrow space against the force of gravity”. In other words, it is liquid’s (sweat’s) ability to move away from your skin and through the tiny spaces of your clothing. 
 

 
The reason why moisture-wicking or sweat-wicking clothing is more and more talked about by brands and consumers alike becomes clear: no one wants to feel or smell sweaty. Fabric that is specially designed to transfer sweat out of our clothes to be quickly evaporated is ideal for exercising as well as everyday wear.

Best fabrics for moisture-wicking? 

Moisture-wicking fabrics come in different types, materials, and designs. Merino wool is one of the materials most known for being moisture-wicking as wool absorbs little amounts of liquid and allows moisture to path through easily. Additionally, synthetic fabrics such as polyester and polypropylene make good candidates for moisture-wicking fabrics since they are lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying. Polyester also naturally resists water penetration.

 
Our Koup cinnamon t-shirts and base layers are made with 100% recycled polyester from plastic bottles with the aim to reduce plastic waste ending up in landfills and our natural environment through a circular economy approach that designs waste out of the system while offering quality performance wear without the use of harmful chemicals. 

Usually, moisture-wicking along with anti-odor are achieved by adding chemical coatings to the fabric. However, we didn’t want to cause further harm to the planet and our bodies with these chemicals being in contact with our skin and toxins leaking into the environment when these clothes are thrown away. For the moisture-wicking aspect, instead of using chemical coatings, we use physics to do the work. We use a more expensive customized yarn that has a special cross-section to promote capillary action. This design helps draw water away from the skin quicker and keeps you feeling dry and comfortable after work-outs.

And, to combat odor, our yarns and fabrics are infused with cinnamon extracts, a natural antimicrobial and antibacterial agent, that inhibit the growth of odor-producing bacteria on the skin. The cinnamon t-shirt also has a textured jacquard structure (almost like many pores in the fabric) that allows air and sweat to exchange freely through the fabric. This allows body heat to pass through the fabric to the ambient environment, so you feel comfortable when wearing the t-shirt.

Learn more about our fabric technology here!

Why wear moisture-wicking clothes?

There are numerous benefits of wearing moisture-wicking clothes. The sweat-wicking and quick-drying features make this type of fabric ideal for exercising, outdoor activities such as hiking and trekking, hot and humid climates, and if you tend to sweat a lot (nothing wrong or embarrassing about that). Moisture-wicking clothes allow you to feel more comfortable, dry, and cool throughout the day with capillary action helping to move moisture out of the fabric, away from your body and clothes. This way, you will no longer have to deal with feeling sticky and smelling sweaty while painfully waiting for your clothes to dry! 

Give moisture-wicking shirts a try and let us know how you like it! Share with us your photos and fun adventures on Instagram (@koup.co) if you try the Koup Cinnamon T-shirt! 

 

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