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Moderated by Deepika, Sharon1952
Posted on: 8/1/06 3:06 PM ET
First, I'd like to say that you guys are great! This is my 1st post, but I have learned SO MUCH by reading everything new on the site at least once daily. Also, it is such an inspiration.
My question is--is there a difference between fabrics designated as wicking and other fabrics that are the same fiber content and similar feel but are not designated as wicking?
I got a wicking bundle from Wazoodle and am going to make cycling jerseys for my family, but I have a similar feeling fabric in my stash that one member prefers.
My question is--is there a difference between fabrics designated as wicking and other fabrics that are the same fiber content and similar feel but are not designated as wicking?
I got a wicking bundle from Wazoodle and am going to make cycling jerseys for my family, but I have a similar feeling fabric in my stash that one member prefers.
Posted on: 8/1/06 4:03 PM ET
Wicking fabrics are specially treated to sop up moisture (sweat) and move it to the outside of the fabric, where it evaporates. A similar-feeling, nonwicking fabric won't do that--if it's polyester, it will not pull up the moisture in the first place, and if it's cotton, it will pull it up but not move it to the outside, leaving you in either case with wet, clammy skin.
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Debbie
Viking Sapphire 930, Babylock Evolution
Viking Sapphire 930, Babylock Evolution
Posted on: 8/1/06 4:17 PM ET
In reply to patma
Patma,
Don't use fabric softener on wicking fabrics, as it will negate the fabric's ability to 'wick.' And if you put your wicking fabrics a warm dryer (I don't), don't use fabric softener sheets.
Likewise, when washing wicking fabrics, use only about 1/4 the regular amount of detergent, and cool water (never more than slightly warm, if they're really dirty).
Bothersome, a bit, but on a 120-mile cycling tour, the wicking ability of the cycle clothes (don't forget to wear wicking socks, too) makes a huge difference in comfort and eliminates rashes, blisters, and icky fungi.
Kate
Don't use fabric softener on wicking fabrics, as it will negate the fabric's ability to 'wick.' And if you put your wicking fabrics a warm dryer (I don't), don't use fabric softener sheets.
Likewise, when washing wicking fabrics, use only about 1/4 the regular amount of detergent, and cool water (never more than slightly warm, if they're really dirty).
Bothersome, a bit, but on a 120-mile cycling tour, the wicking ability of the cycle clothes (don't forget to wear wicking socks, too) makes a huge difference in comfort and eliminates rashes, blisters, and icky fungi.
Kate
Posted on: 8/1/06 4:29 PM ET
In reply to patma
Wicking fabrics wick the moisture away from the body and move it to the fabric surface where it can evaporate. This helps to cool the body, and also prevents chafing in repetitive motions (like running or walking). Natural fibers (like cotton) absorb the moisture, which is not desirable for certain garments (like athletic wear) because it becomes heavy, hot, and very rough on the skin.
I'm sure that wicking fabrics have their place in other garments besides athletic wear, but that is the area that I, personally, have a high appreciation for them.
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I'm sure that wicking fabrics have their place in other garments besides athletic wear, but that is the area that I, personally, have a high appreciation for them.
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There's no such thing as too much fabric.
Posted on: 8/1/06 4:29 PM ET
In reply to Debbie Lancaster
Do you know what kind of treatment is used--chemical? special weave?
Posted on: 8/1/06 4:50 PM ET
In reply to patma
It's a chemical treatment; a coating having very, very basic teflon-like properties (but not of course, teflon).
Don't be frightened by the word chemical; our human bodies are chemical, as is the oxygen we breathe.
Kate
Don't be frightened by the word chemical; our human bodies are chemical, as is the oxygen we breathe.
Kate
Posted on: 8/1/06 7:39 PM ET
Power Dry by Malden Mills is one of the premium wicking fabrics. Their website has some info on it.
I love the high-tech fabrics. I do put dryer sheets in with them, though (at low temperature). I don't recall ever having seen that caution before. I run the risks of stains, I know (polyester & dryer sheets).
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I love the high-tech fabrics. I do put dryer sheets in with them, though (at low temperature). I don't recall ever having seen that caution before. I run the risks of stains, I know (polyester & dryer sheets).
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With a great wardrobe that's still in the flat-fabric stage.
Posted on: 8/1/06 11:03 PM ET
There isn't a lot of magic behind wicking fabrics. All fine yarn polyester knits will wick fairly well. Poly yarns do not absorb so moisture travels along the outside of the yarns where it is easily given up to the surrounding air. Natural fibers, like cotton, rayon and hemp (yuck!) hydrate, that is they trap mositure deep into the yarns till saturated -- as opposed to wicking off.
Wicking is sometimes further enhanced by increasing the surface area of the knit. This is done 2 ways: extruding flat yarns and sanding (napping) the finished fabric. Coolmax is the former, instead of being round, the yarns are flat to increase surface area. This type of fiber is used in Dryfit, Coolmax, and other branded textiles. The latter is common in popular brands like Intera, PowerDry, and DryTech.
-- Edited on 8/1/06 11:04 PM --
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Wicking is sometimes further enhanced by increasing the surface area of the knit. This is done 2 ways: extruding flat yarns and sanding (napping) the finished fabric. Coolmax is the former, instead of being round, the yarns are flat to increase surface area. This type of fiber is used in Dryfit, Coolmax, and other branded textiles. The latter is common in popular brands like Intera, PowerDry, and DryTech.
-- Edited on 8/1/06 11:04 PM --
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Mike
www.wazoodle.com
www.wazoodle.com
Posted on: 8/1/06 11:34 PM ET
In reply to TextileMike
Really interesting info, Lee Anne. Thanks.
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Elona
Posted on: 8/2/06 12:10 PM ET
So, Lee Anne, is it the denier of the yarn that determines whether a polyester will wick or not? Very fine as opposed to not-so-fine?
Old polyester double knits were like wearing a plastic bag with the top sealed!
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Old polyester double knits were like wearing a plastic bag with the top sealed!
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Debbie
Viking Sapphire 930, Babylock Evolution
Viking Sapphire 930, Babylock Evolution
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