Lightweight, odor-resistant, antimicrobial—there are a lot of positive adjectives to describe moisture-wicking fabric. But none of these answer a fundamental question: What does moisture-wicking mean, anyway?
Moisture-wicking fabric uses capillary action to pull water (or sweat) away from your body; this effect makes moisture-wicking fabrics ideal for temperature regulation, odor prevention and more.
And this is just the tip of the iceberg. In the guide below, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about moisture-wicking fabric: the science behind it, the benefits of wearing it, how to care for it and why you should incorporate it into your wardrobe.
What Is Moisture-Wicking Fabric?
What is moisture-wicking fabric, exactly?
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It’s designed to move water away from you – Moisture-wicking fabrics absorb any liquid touching your skin (sweat, for instance) and move it away from your body, keeping you cool and dry.
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It’s made from multiple materials – There are multiple types of moisture-wicking fabric, and each type is made from different varieties of fibers (more on this later).
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It’s highly functional – Moisture-wicking fabrics are lightweight, breathable, antimicrobial (and, thus, odor-resistant and ideal for sensitive skin), durable, low-maintenance and (most importantly) comfortable.
Since it’s cozy, functional and breathable, moisture-wicking fabric is most commonly used in a few different types of clothing:
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Travel gear (from airport sweatsuits to hiking pants)
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Activewear
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Everyday essentials (like socks and underwear)
How do moisture-wicking fabrics compare to other types of fabric?
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Moisture-absorbing fabrics like cotton soak up liquids, but they don’t move them away from your body as effectively as other fibers do. So, while you might find cotton blended into moisture-wicking fabrics for comfort and durability, it’s unlikely to be the main ingredient.
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Waterproof fabrics (those used to make raincoats, for instance) usually aren’t breathable. By keeping water out, they also keep water in—which is why wearing a raincoat can make you sweaty.
With the right combination of fibers, a moisture-wicking fabric can keep you cool and dry—no matter your chosen activity.
How Does Moisture-Wicking Work?
With a general overview in mind, let’s dive deeper into the science:
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The clothes we wear are made from fabrics. These fabrics are made from thread, and thread is made from fibers that are woven or twisted together.
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Many of the fibers we use to make fabrics are absorbent to a degree. However, different fibers absorb different amounts of liquid—a metric called “moisture regain.” The higher the moisture regain percentage, the more moisture a fiber absorbs.
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Some fibers don’t just absorb moisture—they also move moisture via capillary action. Capillary action is a process that moves liquids upward or outward through a medium (like a fiber), pulling it away from the source.
Moisture-wicking fabrics are made from fibers that have low moisture regain values and capillary action potential. So, these fibers aren’t bogged down by liquid and they can move liquid up and away from the body.
Non-moisture-wicking fabrics (like cotton, denim and leather), by comparison, absorb too much water (or not enough) and don’t move it via capillary action.
If cotton and denim are off the table, which fabrics should you choose for the ultimate in moisture-wicking potential?
Different Moisture-Wicking Fabrics
As you search for the perfect pair of yoga pants, loungewear or socks, look for fabrics made from:
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Synthetic materials – Synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon and spandex all wick moisture effectively, especially in combination with one another.
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Natural fibers – Some fibers found in nature also have exceptional moisture-wicking potential: Bamboo fabrics and merino wool are two great examples.
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Hybrids – Some clothing makers use blends of natural and synthetic fibers to harness the advantages of both. drirelease® fabric, for instance, uses a patented blend of natural and synthetic materials to achieve moisture-wicking comfort.
Benefits of Moisture-Wicking Fabric
Moisture-wicking fabrics can benefit a wide range of people, from athletes who need to stay comfortable during intense workouts, to people who live in hot and humid climates or those who suffer from night sweats.
In addition, moisture-wicking fabric:
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Provides relief from hot flashes
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Prevents bacterial and fungal growth
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Keeps you cool on hot days and nights
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Prevents hypothermia
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Conceals excessive perspiration
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Is easy to care for
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Is versatile and fashionable
Provides Relief From Night Sweats and Hot Flashes
Getting a good night’s sleep can be challenging if you struggle with menopausal night sweats or hot flashes. These symptoms can make it difficult to get good rest, disrupting your sleep cycle and leaving you exhausted in the morning. A recent study found that 64% of women experiencing menopause suffered higher rates of insomnia and sleeping problems due to similar symptoms.
Moisture-wicking clothing lets air in and sweat out, enabling you to face each day feeling rested and refreshed. When it comes to pajamas for night sweats and hot flashes, moisture-wicking material like Softies’ Wellness Fabric® is an excellent option. The sleepwear in this collection is designed to help you stay cool, dry and comfortable all night long, resulting in deeper, uninterrupted sleep.
Read more: The Best Clothes to Sleep in for a Better Snooze
Prevents Bacterial and Fungal Growth
Moisture-wicking fabrics are not only beneficial for keeping you cool and dry, but they also have a positive impact on your skin and overall health. Because moisture promotes the growth of bacteria, frequent sweat may lead to skin irritation, rashes and infections. This can be particularly problematic for people who are prone to skin conditions such as:
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Eczema
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Psoriasis
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Athlete's foot
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Acne
Moisture-wicking fabrics can prevent bacterial and fungal growth by pulling sweat away from the skin, preventing it from penetrating your clothing.
Keeps You Cool on Hot Days and Nights
There are few things worse than wearing uncomfortable clothing on a scorching hot day. That’s why moisture-wicking fabrics are a lifesaver for people living in hot, humid climates.
While you may have heard cotton touted as the most breathable fabric, its response to sweat pales in comparison to moisture-wicking fibers like polyester. On hot, humid and sweaty days, opt for moisture-wicking fabrics—they’ll keep you feeling fresh and comfy all day long. Athletes, hikers and fitness enthusiasts can also benefit from moisture-wicking fabric's ability to wick sweat away from your skin quickly, ensuring you’re dry during intense activities.
This material also prevents chafing, skin irritation and bad odors.
Prevents Hypothermia
While it’s highly effective in hot weather, moisture-wicking fabric is also useful on chilly days. This is especially true if:
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You sweat while gearing up for a long day spent in the cold
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You’re exercising in the cold
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You’re layering to stay warm
Wearing poorly insulated fabrics that allow sweat to seep into your clothing can actually make you feel colder and more uncomfortable. Moisture-wicking material can come in handy in these situations. They provide a layer of protection against hypothermia, keeping your skin dry and warm.
Conceals Excessive Perspiration
Excessive perspiration can be an embarrassing, uncomfortable issue for many people. With moisture-wicking fabrics, you don't have to worry about sweat stains or wetness showing through your clothing. These fabrics pull the sweat away from your skin, preventing it from penetrating your clothing and evaporating quickly, keeping you dry and fresh. This provides a physical (and mental) layer of confidence, whether you're going to work or out with friends.
Versatile and Fashionable
Gone are the days when moisture-wicking fabrics were only for athletes or workout enthusiasts. This material is now also increasingly popular in fashion and home textiles, being used in a wide range of everyday clothing. And if you want to double down on comfortable sleep, you can also find them in bedding and sleepwear.
Easy to Care For
Moisture-wicking fabrics don’t require special care in most cases; to keep them fresh and durable over time, simply:
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Machine-wash them according to the instructions on the tag.
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Machine-dry them according to the instructions on the tag (or hang them dry if desired).
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Iron them on low heat or spray them with a wrinkle-release product.
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Treat stains with normal stain removal products.
Moisture-wicking fabrics don’t shrink unless they are blended with natural fibers, so there’s no need to worry about washing or drying them too hot.
Plus, the moisture-wicking effects of the fabric are permanent, meaning it won’t fade after too many washes. In fact, these fabrics are highly durable and resistant to everyday wear and tear.
Pamper Yourself With Softies' Moisture-Wicking Fabrics
Moisture-wicking fabrics have built-in sweat-resistant, antimicrobial, odor-resistant and thermal regulation features—they’re also incredibly comfortable, making them a great match for many different types of clothing.
If you’re in search of the perfect moisture-wicking sleepwear or loungewear, turn to Softies: the home of ultra-soft, moisture-wicking fabrics designed for ultimate comfort and durability.
Explore our collection and discover your new favorite fabrics today.
