What's the difference between moisture absorbing and a moisture-wicking fabric? And how do you choose the right material for your activity?
Recently we were asked by a friend why we've chosen bamboo viscose – a moisture absorbing fabric – for our men's undershirts, rather than a moisture-wicking material. They assumed that a wicking fabric would move sweat away from the body quickly and hence be a better choice. We assured them that this was the case – so long as they didn't mind the inevitable sweat marks!
In this article, we explain the difference between absorbing and wicking fabrics, and how you can make the right choice for your activity so that you can avoid those perpetual sweat patches.
Moisture Absorbing Fabrics
Moisture absorbing materials have fibres designed to absorb and capture sweat.
The most common absorbent fibre used is cotton, but other fabrics have recently been designed that are more absorbent, such as modal, micro-modal, Tencel®, and other viscose-based fibres. All of these are made from the same base material – plant cellulose – which loves water.
Water (or your sweat) gets absorbed into tiny gaps called micropores inside the fibre:
PICTURE CREDIT LENZING AG
Pictures of cellulose-based fibres under a scanning electron microscope. The dark areas show water absorbed into the structure of the fibre.
A viscose or cotton undershirt worn under a shirt will, therefore, absorb and trap sweat before it reaches the shirt (or outer layer). Sweat is held by the undershirt inside the fabric's micropores: you won't feel wet on your skin, and your shirt won't show any sweat marks.
Moisture absorbing fabrics are especially beneficial for anyone who wants to avoid developing sweat marks or deodorant stains on outer layers. The sweat is trapped by the undershirt, and your expensive shirts and favourite tees stay looking clean and dry.
Moisture Wicking Fabrics
Moisture-wicking fabrics include synthetic fibres such as polyester or nylon, and any material that has been treated with a solution to prevent water absorption.
Polyester and nylon are water-resistant because they are made from materials with a chemistry that is similar to plastic. Instead of water being absorbed by the fibre it sits on, droplets stay on the surface and move around the fabric by running along the weave. Eventually, the water droplets reach the outside of the fabric where, if exposed to the air, they evaporate.
Picturecredit Lenzing ag
Picture of Polyester fibre (left) and Tencel viscose fibre (right) under a scanning electron microscope in a moisture-rich atmosphere. Water droplets are visible on the surface of the Polyester fibre because it is a water-resistant fibre best suited for wicking. On the Tencel viscose fibre, the water has been absorbed into the fibre itself.
Because the wicking material does not absorb moisture, the fabric will dry faster in heavy sweating conditions. This might make it a perfect single layer for sporting activities: the sweat can evaporate directly into the air to prevent your clothes from becoming drenched. However, this would be a disaster when being worn underneath an outer layer. The wicking layer would quickly deposit sweat straight onto your shirt, creating visible sweat marks that you (probably) don't want.
Conclusion
Moisture-wicking materials will cool the body a little faster than moisture-absorbing materials and are best worn in situations where sweat needs to leave the body quickly. For example, I wear a moisture wicking fabric for my sweaty yoga class.
However, when it comes to undershirts, it has to be a moisture absorbing viscose fabric to minimise sweat-through and help you stay dry. Now you can let the undershirt take care of sweat so that you can take care of business.
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© 2020 Robert Owen Undershirts
As an expert in textile technology and fabric functionality, I can provide comprehensive insights into the concepts discussed in the article about moisture-absorbing and moisture-wicking fabrics. My expertise is grounded in a deep understanding of the properties and characteristics of various textile materials. Let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the article:
Moisture Absorbing Fabrics:
Moisture absorbing fabrics, as mentioned in the article, are designed to absorb and capture sweat. The primary absorbent fiber highlighted is cotton, a traditional choice with well-known absorbent properties. Additionally, the article introduces other fabrics such as modal, micro-modal, Tencel®, and viscose-based fibers, all derived from plant cellulose.
The absorption process involves water or sweat being taken into micropores within the fiber structure. This prevents sweat from reaching the outer layers of clothing, effectively avoiding visible sweat marks. The article specifically mentions bamboo viscose as a moisture-absorbing fabric choice for men's undershirts, emphasizing its ability to trap sweat and keep outer layers dry.
Moisture absorbing fabrics, especially those made from plant cellulose, prove advantageous for individuals aiming to prevent sweat marks or deodorant stains on their outer garments.
Moisture Wicking Fabrics:
In contrast, moisture-wicking fabrics include synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon, along with materials treated to resist water absorption. The chemistry of polyester and nylon makes them water-resistant, causing water droplets to stay on the fabric's surface and move along the weave.
The wicking process prevents the absorption of moisture, allowing droplets to evaporate when exposed to air. This feature makes moisture-wicking fabrics suitable for activities where rapid moisture removal is crucial, such as in sporting activities. However, the article warns against using moisture-wicking fabrics as undershirts beneath outer layers, as they may transfer sweat to the outer garment, leading to visible sweat marks.
Conclusion:
The article concludes by highlighting that moisture-wicking materials cool the body faster than moisture-absorbing materials, making them ideal for situations where quick moisture removal is essential. However, when it comes to undershirts, the preference is for moisture-absorbing viscose fabric, like bamboo viscose, to minimize sweat-through and maintain a dry feel.
In summary, the choice between moisture-absorbing and moisture-wicking fabrics depends on the specific activity and the desired outcome—whether it's preventing visible sweat marks or ensuring rapid moisture evaporation. Understanding the properties of different fabrics is crucial in making informed decisions based on individual needs and preferences.
