Moisture-Wicking: How Does it Work?
Moisture-wicking: the rundown
Moisture-wicking fabric works through a combination of hydrophobic and hydrophilic fibres. Hydrophobic fibres repel water - when you spill something on a polyester raincoat, you’ll notice that the water beads instead of spreading and absorbing into the knit. Hydrophilic fibres like polypropylene and cotton, meanwhile, draw moisture into themselves. If you’ve ever worked out in a close-fitting cotton t-shirt, you know just how uncomfortable it can get.
When these two very different fabric types are closely knit together, they form a capillary action, wicking sweat away from the body through the tiny holes in the polyester knit and into the outer fabric for easy evaporation and a comfortable workout.
Additionally, certain fabrics like elastane can be made hydrophobic or hydrophilic depending on its manufacturing process.
Is Merino wool moisture-wicking?
Wool is technically moisture-wicking! Like other natural fibres like cotton and silk, wool does absorb a little moisture into itself—though, thanks to its unique, naturally crimped composition, it can absorb 3x its weight in water before it starts feeling wet. Wool also has tiny holes in its structure, lending it a moisture-wicking property like polyester and polyutherane. Merino wool is even more efficient at these processes than other wool types.
The knitty-gritty of our sports compression
Sports compression sleeves, like our Performance Socks, are made of twice-wound polyamide and elastane yarn for high stretch, a soft-feeling finish, breathability, durability, and moisture-wicking.
The composition of our sports supports - like the Sports Knee Support - gets a little more sophisticated, with a textile list including polyamide, SEBS, spring steel wire, and more - but the moisture-wicking and non-slip properties remain the same. These supports incorporate more structure and gel pads for better stabilisation and sensorimotor function.
Outdoor compression products like the Outdoor Knee Support combine merino wool with polyester and polyoxymethylene (POM). Merino wool is one of (if not THE) best natural fibres for keeping you dry. It also has high breathability and offers excellent temperature regulation, which is crucial for outdoor activities. Polyester and POM also boast a high degree of moisture resistance.
Outdoor Knee Support
Why do sports supports need to wick moisture?
Well, first, because wet fabric on any part of the body - be it the foot, elbow, or knee- is uncomfortable. You want to focus on your workout and not how much you want to take the sleeve off.
Second, physical activity—whether short and intense like a cross-fit class or long like a marathon or hike—in a wet sleeve can seriously irritate the skin. Depending on where the sleeve is and how much friction movement and other items of clothing (like shoes) create, it can cause redness, blisters, and rashes. In extreme cases, you may get a bacterial or fungal infection.
Too much moisture build-up can also cause your sock or sleeve to start slipping and sliding around. The fit and placement of compression garments need to be precise in order to have the full effect. So, we need to make sure our sleeves and supports stay as dry as possible.
Caring for your Bauerfeind sports support
Follow these care instructions to maintain the moisture-wicking and compressive properties of our sports supports and sleeves.
- Wash at 30 degrees.
- Do not wash with bleach.
- Do not put the support in a dryer. It is best to let them air-dry.
- DO NOT iron the brace. Applying high heat to polymer fibres can lead to deformities in the knit.
- Go easy on detergents and softeners, as they can interfere with the fabric’s moisture-wicking properties.
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You should wash the support at least once a week, depending on how often you use it.
To sum up
Moisture-wicking fabric is a fitness essential. Transporting moisture away from the skin and to the fabric's surface keeps you drier and reduces the risk of skin irritation. Moisture wicking is also a crucial element in sports supports. Fabrics like merino wool and polyester ensure a more comfortable workout and minimise the risk of the support slipping.
More information
If you require assistance selecting the right product for your needs or wearing the brace, call us on 098015660 or contact us via live chat.
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Bauerfeind was founded in 1929, and since then, we've worked tirelessly to develop and improve our extensive range of braces, insoles, and compression products. Our mission is to provide you with top-of-the-line supports so you can reach your fitness goals or live life without pain holding you back.
Every product is produced entirely in our facilities in Germany with the guidance of doctors, clinics, and orthopaedic technicians.