Fibre Properties

Cotton, like other cellulosic materials, is hydrophilic and absorbs moisture and is therefore used next to the skin to absorb perspiration. Because the fibres are hydrophilic they do not dry quickly. Sometimes this capacity to store moisture is used in two-layer fabrics, as an outer layer , to help to draw moisture away from the skin and spread the moisture to increase the rate of evaporation. It is possible to apply hydrophobic finishes to cotton to give water repellency.

Because wool fibres are hygroscopic, they generate heat when transferred from a dry environment to a damp environment. Wool has an initial resistance to wetting but because the fibres eventually absorb a great deal of moisture, garments are heavy when wet and dry slowly.

Silk is relatively hydrophilic and is sometimes used for underwear by participants in active sport.

Polyamides/nylons are relatively hydrophobic, they are used in a range of sportswear products; the wicking properties of the fibres may be enhanced by a combination of grooves along the filaments and a hydrophilic finish e.g. Coolmax and Aquator.

Polyester fibres are similar in many respects to polyamide fibres but they are more hydrophobic. Polyester filaments, especially microfibres, are claimed to have excellent wicking properties. They are used for knitted fleeces, woven outer fabrics and "wicking" underwear fabrics.