Moisture wicking is gaining popularity. It was first used for exercise wear to pull the perspiration away from athletes to keep them more comfortable during strenuous workouts and in competitions. It is now available for everyone, and it is used in bras and other underwear which has proven to help women suffering from hot flashes during menopause. It has also been incorporated into the gear that soldiers in the military wear who are serving in warmer climates. Moisture wicking clothing is the best choice for workouts whether the temperatures are hot or cold. It helps to prevent the sweat from sticking to your body which can cause excessive heat in hot weather or chills in colder weather.

The fabric is a blend of fibers called hydrophobic and hydrophilic. Hydrophobic fibers will allow the garment to dry faster. The hydrophilic fibers are fibers that absorb perspiration. Because these are woven fibers, and not simply a treatment that is applied to the garment, you do not have to worry about it becoming less effective over time as it will not wash away.

Clothing made of wicking material needs special care. Of course, always follow the label instructions, but be aware of a couple more things that will make your clothing last longer. First, never use fabric softener or fabric sheets on this fabric. It will leave a coating on the fabric, and it will not work like it is supposed to. The fabric is already super soft, so there really isn’t any reason to try to soften it more anyway. If you do happen to accidentally use fabric softener or dryer sheets, tossing the garment into another wash cycle will usually remove the film. You will also want to refrain from ironing the fabric, as it will cause the fibers to melt into each other. The fabric is wrinkle-free as long as you get it out of the dryer and hang it up promptly or just line dry in the first place.