Moisture wicking fabric, or more specifically workwear, is probably a term you have heard multiple times, but what does it actually mean? Here we'll be exploring what moisture wicking fabric is and the benefits of wearing garments which have this specific quality.

What is Moisture Wicking Fabric?

Moisture wicking fabrics are a relatively recent invention in modern fabric which has the special ability to draw moisture away from the body.

Wicking fabrics are often made of a specific polyester which absorbs very little moisture compared to cotton. This means that instead of sitting on the skin, sweat and other liquids will be drawn away from the body and evaporate, this is accomplished by the fabrics cross-weave design.

For fabric to be moisture wicking, it must have two properties - Capillary Pressure and Permeability. But, without going too technical, this just means that the fabric has to be able to move liquid (such as sweat) away from the body.

Moisture Absorbing vs Moisture Wicking

They're the same, right? Well, actually, no - but let me explain why!

Where a moisture wicking garment will move sweat from the body, a moisture absorbing garment will, well, absorb it. Moisture absorbing materials are designed to capture and absorb sweat, and are usually made out of cotton or other materials such as bamboo viscose.

What should I choose?

Depending on what activity you're doing, or what reason you're wanting to avoid moisture will greatly determine whether you choose absorbing or wicking garments.

Moisture absorbing garments, as an example, are the perfect companion to the shirt wearers out there. Moisture absorbing garments are made from the perfect material to be used as an undershirt. It is beneficial to the wearer as any sweat will be absorbed and avoid underarm sweat stains. The reason why we say to favour an absorbing garment over a wicking garment is that with a wicking garment you may find that it will worsen the sweat-stains as it will almost "pool" the liquid on the surface of the garment and eventually evaporate meaning, that it is more likely to stain your shirt.

If you're constantly moving or working in hot and humid environments, moisture wicking will be your best friend. This is because when you're constantly moving and sweating, there is nothing more unpleasant than the feeling of your clothes sticking to your body, at least with a moisture wicking garment that gets taken care of!

Benefits of Moisture Wicking Workwear

Wearing moisture wicking workwear helps you stay cool and dry, so that means long gone are the days of that horrible sticky feeling! Moisture wicking fabric is most commonly seen in the sports world, but is ideal for workers in hot and humid workspaces.

It's breathable, comfortable, and wearable all year round. Moisture wicking workwear can take you through the seasons and have even been known to have been worn as a preventative layer against hypothermia in colder climates due to the insulating nature of the fabric.

Another benefit of having moisture wicking workwear is the ease of laundering the garment as moisture wicking fabric does not have to be pre-treated meaning that it does not have a limited lifespan like some other speciality garments. This essentially means that they can be washed again and again without worry!

Moisture wicking workwear can be found in many different forms and is not limited to a polo shirt. From long sleeve shirts, to shorts, caps and backpacks, what are you waiting for?

Do you think it's time to add some moisture wicking workwear to your uniform?