Not all fabrics are made equal, and some moisture-wicking materials do a better job keeping you dry than others. This is important to know because you don’t want to waste money on ineffective materials and more importantly, you don’t want to feel uncomfortable or look sweaty. That makes choosing the right moisture-wicking fabrics paramount. This post will take a look at the most effective moisture-wicking fabrics.
Merino Wool
In the world of moisture-wicking fabrics, merino wool reigns as king of them all, usually rated as the most effective material for staying dry. It combines the best of many worlds, being a natural fiber that is breathable, lightweight and appropriate for warm and cool weather.
You can wear merino wool as an undershirt, activewear and for a variety of activities as well. It doesn’t retain odors and boasts a high comfort level (merino wool of yore used to be scratchy). The only downside to merino wool is that it’s not as durable as cotton or other synthetic fabrics, but it’s still no slouch in the longevity department.
Polyester
Polyester is a close second to merino wool, when it comes to the moisture-wicking fabric hierarchy. It’s a synthetic fabric and it’s one of the best options for those who need activewear. It’s also highly effective for those who deal with excessive sweating and need a sweat-resistant fabric to stay dry.
Polyester is breathable, fast-drying and lightweight, making it suitable for all sorts of activities and weather. You’ll also love it for its wrinkle-resistance and the fact that it’s easy to wash (it’s generally stain-resistant as well). The only caveat with polyester is that it traps odours, so if B.O. is a problem, you might notice it.
Nylon
If you’re a fitness buff who sweats more than your peers, you’ll certainly appreciate nylon. This fabric provides a high level of moisture-wicking ability, not to mention, the fact that it dries fast and resists mildew. But one of key reasons fitness buffs will like it is due to its stretchiness.
Stretchy fabrics are ideal for workout wear since they accommodate a wide range of movements, making them more comfortable to wear during exercise. It’s the reason why so many fitness fabrics are made out of nylon in the first place. The only issue with nylon, like polyester, is that it can trap odours. Also, sometimes, nylon’s breathability may be reduced depending on how it’s manufactured.
Wool
Don’t underestimate or overlook the power of wool - this natural fiber is an excellent moisture-wicking material. It’s great for those who sweat excessively. One of its greatest attributes is its thermoregulating ability, namely, it’s ability to regulate heat, a welcome feat for those who get cold easily. That’s why it’s a common wintertime choice (ie. think of wool sweaters and socks while sipping hot chocolate by the fireplace).
With that said, you might have a few minor quips with wool. It’s not as soft as its more-lauded counterpart, merino wool, and it can irritate those with sensitive skin. It also lacks the durability of synthetic fabrics such as polyester.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene is a synthetic fabric that bears a resemblance to polyester. It functions as an effective moisture-wicking fabric and dries fast, making it ideal for hyperhidrosis sufferers. It also has strong thermal properties, so it’s helpful for winter sport/activity enthusiasts and for general use in cold weather regardless of hobby. Another great trait of polypropylene is the fact that it’s resistant to tearing and chemicals, making it a fairly durable fabric. With that said, it’s not perfect and like polyester, it has a tendency to retain odours.
Bamboo
Yep, bamboo is much more than a material in bedsheets and food for pandas. Since bamboo is a plant-derived material, it’s a naturally moisture-wicking fibre. It’s soft and cool and if you haven’t already heard - from people who sleep on bamboo sheets - it is amazing for regulating body temperature. This is a great feature for people who tend to overheat and by extension, sweat too much. You can wear bamboo year-round and for a variety of activities, making it even more versatile. The only caveat of bamboo is that it’s more expensive than other common natural fabrics.
Micromodal
To be frank, micromodal tends to fly under the radar of moisture-wicking fabrics - and it shouldn’t. It’s one of the most breathable moisture-wicking fabrics and it has a top-notch thermoregulating ability. It’s incredibly soft, almost silk-like, and it’s ideal for sensitive skin. That’s why micromodal is appearing in more underwear and intimate wear these days.
It offers the best of many worlds, helping you to feel and look dry while providing you with the utmost comfort. The main downside of micromodal is the fact that it doesn’t trap heat very well, so you don’t want to rely on it in the winter. It also needs more care than other moisture-wicking fabrics and isn’t the greatest in terms of durability.
The Right Moisture-Wicking Fabric for Hyperhidrosis is Magic
Moisture-wicking materials can easily double down as sweat-resistant fabrics because of their superior ability to pull moisture away from your body. That’s why if you live with hyperhidrosis, they belong in your anti-sweat arsenal.
No other type of clothing fabric will help you feel and look as dry as the moisture-wicking type. So make sure to add more of these materials in your wardrobe, whether it’s in your activewear, outerwear or an undergarment like our line of sweat proof t-shirts. You might ask yourself why you didn’t buy moisture-wicking fabrics sooner!
Looking for sweat-proof, moisture-wicking fabrics that can help you feel and look dry? Check out our line of sweat proof t-shirts made with patented technology to help you dry off fast!
