What is Moisture-Wicking Clothing?

When you’re overheated, your body’s natural cooling response is to sweat, which carries excess heat away from your body and allows it to evaporate. This reduces your body temperature during exercise or hot weather.

However, sweating can only cool you down if the sweat can evaporate. You'll quickly become overheated and sweaty if you wear non-breathable clothing on hot days, resulting in discomfort, chafing, and even heat exhaustion. Made from materials that pull moisture away from the body and allow it to evaporate, moisture-wicking clothing is designed to reduce the chance of overheating. Venting sweat helps you stay cool and dry during intense exercise or heat.

How Sweat-Wicking Fabrics Work

The key to sweat-wicking clothing is the structure of the fabric. The fibers making up sweat-wicking fabrics act like small channels that pull sweat away from your skin. They disperse moisture evenly across the fabric's surface so it can evaporate quickly. Not only does this help you stay dry, it also helps prevent overheating so you can focus on the task at hand. While the fabric is the most important part of moisture-wicking clothing, it doesn’t stop there. Some clothing includes perforations or mesh panels for even more breathability and comfort.

The Benefits of Moisture-Wicking Clothing

There are several benefits to wearing moisture-wicking clothing during physical activity. Some of the most significant benefits include: 

• Improved Comfort: Moisture-wicking clothing helps to keep you dry and comfortable, even during the most intense workouts when you sweat excessively. It’s easier to zone in on your next play, set, or mile when you're comfortable.
• Enhanced Performance: When you're not overheated or weighed down by sweat-soaked clothing, you can move more freely and perform better.
• Reduced Risk of Chafing: When loose, non-breathable clothing is soaked in sweat, it can’t move with your body and rubs against your skin. Sweat-wicking clothing can help prevent chafing and other skin irritation caused by trapped sweat. 
• Better Odor Control: Moisture-wicking fabrics are less likely to develop odors than traditional cotton clothing due to quicker evaporation. This can help you feel more confident during and after your workout.

Types of Moisture-Wicking Fabrics

There are several types of moisture-wicking fabrics, each with its own unique characteristics and advantages. 

Polyester is a prevalent choice by manufacturers due to its lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying nature. It’s durable, easy to maintain, and excellent at wicking sweat.

Nylon is a flexible and frequently tight-fitting material with great sweat-wicking abilities. However, it’s not known for breathability.

Spandex is a stretchy synthetic fiber typically blended with other breathable fabrics to provide additional stretch and support, while still soaking up moisture.

Merino wool is warm, breathable, wicks sweat well, and naturally resists odors. It makes great cold-weather athletic wear. However, it’s not particularly durable, and it requires special care.

Natural vs. Synthetic Fabrics

Natural and synthetic materials have benefits and drawbacks. 

Natural fibers like silk and wool are breathable and often have antibacterial properties. However, they’re often more expensive and less durable than synthetic fibers. 

Synthetic materials like polyester and nylon are lightweight, durable, and easy to maintain. They’re very breathable, and often less expensive than natural fibers.

Fabrics to Avoid Wearing When Working Out

Some fabrics are especially bad at wicking sweat. Instead of pulling perspiration away from your skin, these materials trap it, leading to discomfort, chafing, and overheating. Among the materials to avoid are 100% cotton fabric, silk, and denim.

Cotton: 100% cotton fabrics are great for everyday wear, but not the best choice for athletic purposes. They absorb moisture and dry slowly, making you feel weighed down and overheated.

Denim: As a dense and stiff cotton fabric, denim is not a good choice for athletic clothing. Not only does it hold moisture and breathe poorly, but it can also restrict your movements.

Types of Moisture-Wicking Clothing

A huge range of sweat-wicking clothing is available, from sweat-wicking shirts and athletic pants to socks and underwear. Choosing the right clothing type for your activity can help you stay comfortable and dry during workouts. Some types of moisture-wicking clothing include:

Shirts: Sweat-wicking shirts help your skin stay dry and comfortable during physical activity by pulling sweat away from your body. They can be form-fitting or loose, with anything from long sleeves to no sleeves.

Socks: Moisture-wicking socks provide cushioning and help your feet stay cool and dry. They can prevent blisters, odors, and discomfort.

Shorts: Sweat-wicking shorts provide breathability and moisture management in areas prone to sweating, such as your groin and thighs. They can have a tight or loose fit. Some loose-fitting shorts combine the two with a tight inner lining.

Athletic Leggings & Tights: These pants allow great ventilation for your lower body without restricting movement. Their tight fit soaks up moisture and supports muscles, making them a great choice for moisture-wicking running clothes.

Sports Bras: These bras are designed to reduce movement during vigorous workouts. They provide a lot of support and wick moisture to help you stay dry and comfortable.

Base Layers: Base layer moisture-wicking clothing helps keep you cool and dry. Base layers are also flexible, so you can move freely without feeling uncomfortable.

Headbands: Headbands absorb sweat from your forehead, keeping it out of your eyes and face.

Wristbands: Wristbands absorb sweat so it doesn’t drip on your hands and reduce your grip. They also give some extra support to your wrists.

Moisture-Wicking Clothing for Summer & Winter

Moisture-wicking clothing is helpful all year round, but some is designed for cold or hot weather. During the Summer, lightweight, ventilated clothing like sleeveless shirts, shorts, and leggings can help you stay cool on sweltering days. In Winter, heavier items like long-sleeved shirts, leggings, and jackets can help you stay warm without overheating or feeling damp.

How to Layer Moisture-Wicking Clothing

Layering moisture-wicking clothing can help you stay comfortable and warm during cold-weather runs and exercise routines. By layering multiple items, you can warm up quickly and adjust your insulation level by removing the top layers. Here are some suggestions for achieving the best results when layering sweat-wicking clothes:

1. Start with a snug-fitting base layer designed to wick moisture away from the body.
2. Add a middle layer for insulation and warmth. Lightweight jackets, hoodies, and vests are great choices.
3. Finish with a water-resistant outer layer to protect yourself from the elements. A windbreaker or rain jacket is usually a good choice, but a heavy coat may be necessary on the coldest days.

Taking Care of Moisture-Wicking Clothes

Taking proper care of sweat-wicking clothes is key to ensuring their longevity and effectiveness. Following the care instructions can keep them performing well and maximize their value. Generally, it's best to wash moisture-wicking clothing in cold water and machine dry it on low heat. Avoid fabric softeners, which can clog the fabric's pores and lessen its moisture-wicking capabilities. High heat exposure during drying or ironing can also cause damage to the material, so make sure to dry it on low heat or air dry it. Properly caring for your moisture-wicking clothing ensures that it remains functional, providing maximum comfort and dryness during your workouts.