An Introduction To Moisture Wicking Clothing And Its Benefits
Moisture wicking clothing has many applications in today’s busy lifestyles. Whether someone likes to go hiking or is going through menopause, numerous people are using this type of clothing to increase their comfort. These new garments wick, or absorb, sweat caused by exertion, exercise, or hot flashes, pulling it away from the wearer’s skin. Able to be developed into multiple garment styles ranging from t-shirts and loungewear to undergarments such as bras and thermal underwear, this new technology has had an impact on sports performance and the level of comfort experienced by people who are bothered by excess perspiration. In addition, this type of clothing has also found its way into military use, improving the comfort of soldiers serving in hot climates.
How Moisture Wicking Clothing Works:
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.
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