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What is Moisture Wicking Fabric?

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

Moisture wicking fabric is a kind of fabric that is commonly used in workout clothing and sportswear because the material is designed to pull moisture away from the skin. As such, the fabric draws sweat and perspiration off of the skin and out to the exterior of the fabric. It is much easier for the moisture to evaporate on the surface of the fabric than when it is trapped between the garment and the skin. Moisture wicking fabric is popular for the construction of workout clothes because it keeps people comfortable while they are exercising. However, moisture wicking fabric is sometimes used in the construction of casual and business casual clothes for people who need to look professional and put-together even in hot and humid conditions.

In addition to keeping people comfortable while they are working out, moisture wicking fabric can also be important in the prevention of hypothermia. When people exercise outdoors in cold weather or participate in winter sports, they have to wear warm clothing, often in layers. Once they begin exercising, however, their bodies heat up and they may begin to perspire. In low temperatures, it can be dangerous for sweat to collect on the skin.

A sports bra made out of moisture wicking fabric.
A sports bra made out of moisture wicking fabric.

If, once the person begins to slow down, the sweat it cools or even freezes there on the skin, the person can become very cold very quickly. Imagine, for example, wearing a soaking wet undershirt in below-freezing temperatures. Not only would it be very uncomfortable, but it could also cause serious illness, even death. When moisture wicking fabric pulls the sweat to the surface of the material, this problem is largely avoided.

Exercise pants made out of moisture wicking fabric.
Exercise pants made out of moisture wicking fabric.

There are many different kinds of garments that are made out of moisture wicking fabric. There are even undergarments such as sports bras that are made out of moisture wicking fabric. Long-sleeved shirts, t-shirts, polo shirts, and undershirts can all be found in moisture wicking fabric. Pants such as running pants, trousers, and leggings area also made in moisture wicking fabrics. There are also pullovers, jackets, and fleeces that are made out of moisture wicking fabric.

Wicking shorts and a top are usually appropriate for aerobic exercise in mild to warm weather.
Wicking shorts and a top are usually appropriate for aerobic exercise in mild to warm weather.

These sorts of garments are often more expensive that garments made out of more common fabrics. This is because of the technology that goes in to creating fabric that can pull moisture away from the skin. However, they are not prohibitively expensive and are used by many people who enjoy fitness and the great outdoors.

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for TheHealthBoard, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for TheHealthBoard, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Discussion Comments

anon992623

1. How do manufacturers turn non-wicking, non-absorbent fabrics (like nylon and polyester) into wicking fabrics?

2. How does one know that a non-absorbent fabric wicks?

Whiteshark1

Any comments on dual layer wicking fabric, SMART Tiers? They guarantee it improves performance and keeps you dry.

irontoenail

Clothes made from this kind of fabric are also good for runners.

People don't realize it but the salt in sweat can rub your skin raw if you keep it next to your skin. It can cause a rash, or even, in long distance runners, scrape away the skin. Wicking clothing pulls the salt away from your skin as well as the moisture.

They can be much more expensive than ordinary fabrics though. Merino is particularly good because it's natural but has the same properties as synthetic materials.

Warbler

Moisture wicking pajamas are a godsend for folks bedridden with illness or age. One heavy night sweat can create a miserable situation in standard cotton PJs.

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    • A sports bra made out of moisture wicking fabric.
      By: Karen Roach
      A sports bra made out of moisture wicking fabric.
    • Exercise pants made out of moisture wicking fabric.
      By: nito
      Exercise pants made out of moisture wicking fabric.
    • Wicking shorts and a top are usually appropriate for aerobic exercise in mild to warm weather.
      By: Sergejs Rahunoks
      Wicking shorts and a top are usually appropriate for aerobic exercise in mild to warm weather.
    • Moisture wicking leggings and tops keep moisture away from the skin for comfort purposes.
      By: Syda Productions
      Moisture wicking leggings and tops keep moisture away from the skin for comfort purposes.
    • Moisture wicking socks are recommended for people participating in winter sports to keep feet dry.
      By: Marina Karkalicheva
      Moisture wicking socks are recommended for people participating in winter sports to keep feet dry.