Best Fabrics for Gym Clothes

Have you ever wondered how moisture wicking fabrics actually work? Are the benefits worth the price of your favorite athletic apparel brands? Here’s the scoop on why moisture wicking gym clothes are worth it.

So what makes fabric moisture wicking?

If the fabric resists absorption it is considered moisture wicking. Moisture management is what the fabric does when it gets damp or wet so if it becomes heavy it is absorptive, not moisture wicking like you want in your gym fit. If fabric is retaining and absorbing moisture it makes it difficult for our bodies to regulate temperature like it should, and will also hurt your workout performance because the weight of the fabric will make your gym clothes heavy.

Just because you’re drenched in sweat doesn’t mean your gym clothes have to be. Moisture wicking fabrics help keep you cool and dry while working out. Moisture wicking fabric is specifically engineered to transport moisture away from your skin and to your bodies’ exterior which allows you to stay comfortable and focus on the workout itself. The best moisture wicking material uses capillary action to move away from your body so that it can evaporate from your clothes and keep you dry.

Benefits of Moisture Wicking Fabrics

Adding moisture wicking fabrics to your gym clothes collection will help keep you comfortable and in the gym for as long as your pump requires. Here are a few ways that moisture wicking technology helps:

• Keeps you cool: The most notable benefit of moisture wicking fabric is that it keeps you dry and therefore cool while you’re sweating working out.
• Breathability: The capillary spaces in moisture wicking fabrics allow air to flow in as sweat flows out, increasing comfort and breathability
• Preserves body temperature: The moisture wicking technology allows for increased ventilation and evaporation to help keep your body temperature stable, which is especially beneficial while in high heat.
• Easy maintenance: Moisture wicking fabrics house stain releasing properties and require less hassle and attention while washing. Moisture wicking apparel helps keep bacteria at bay which will protect your favorite gym clothes from smelling over time, and even help control your body odor

Top Moisture Wicking Fibers and Fabrics

Not all fabrics are created equal, some fabrics are significantly more moisture wicking than others. Effective moisture wicking is all in the fabric construction. In general, synthetic materials hold less moisture than natural materials. Most moisture wicking clothes use synthetic materials or are a blend of both synthetic and natural fibers to allow for both breathability and moisture wicking properties.

Synthetic fibers are manufactured in a process called polymerization. Common synthetic fibers include polyester fabrics, nylon fabrics, and spandex fabrics.

Polyester is a reliable, synthetic blend known for its moisture wicking capabilities. It is often blended with other materials and seen as an ideal choice for athletic apparel because it is breathable, lightweight, and dries quickly. Polyester also allows for increased elasticity, wrinkle resistance, and increased durability which are all important so that your gym clothes move and work like you do.

Nylon is an extremely elastic fiber made from a blend of synthetic polymers. It has moisture-wicking capabilities, helps resist bacteria and odors, and dries quickly. It is known for being light, stretchy, and comfortable, which makes it perfect for workout apparel. Nylon fabric is both strong and durable which helps your favorite gym clothes perform as great as they look.

Although any fabric or fiber can be used in activewear, top athletic apparel is primarily made from synthetic materials including polyester, nylon, and spandex blends (Check out our dri-weave knit fabric). Now that you know how moisture wicking fabrics work and their benefits, you can be sure that your moisture wicking gym clothes are worth the investment. Next time you’re shopping for your newest gym fit keep an eye out for the top moisture wicking fabrics!