Dec 15

Moisture-Wicking vs Moisture-Absorbing: Which is Better for Sportswear?

15 December 2024
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When it comes to choosing sportswear, moisture wicking and moisture absorption often confuse everyone. Despite being two sides of the same coin, both functionalities have different features and work separately during the workout. We understand this confusion and have crafted a detailed comparison guide on moisture-wicking vs moisture-absorbing.

From meaning and types to functionalities, this exclusive trivia includes everything you want to know and which functionality wins the battle. It will help you find the best sportswear and make your intense workout session bliss. So, let’s get started!

What is Moisture-Wicking?

Moisture wicking is a concept of wicking away sweat and moisture using capillary action. With micropores, moisture-wicking fabrics draw away sweat from the body to the outer surface of sportswear. It means your body stays dry even after an intense workout.

When the sweat comes in contact with oxygen, the droplets start to evaporate and keep you cool. As sweat evaporates instantly, you stay dry and comfortable instead of messing up with clothes drenched in sweat after the exercise.

Top Moisture Wicking Fabrics to Consider

Polyester

Polyester is one of the most popular moisture-wicking fabrics used in sportswear manufacturing. The credit goes to its lightweight construction, breathability, and resistance to wrinkles. While polyester can perfectly wick the moisture and evaporate it on the surface, it is prone to retaining odors if not washed properly.

Bamboo

Since polyester is not a super soft fabric, you might look for natural fibers with moisture-wicking capabilities. Bamboo can be your best bet here! Made from bamboo grass pulp, it’s a soft and breathable moisture-wicking fabric. Although it’s a less durable fabric, you can get the best out of your investment with the proper care and usage.

Merino wool

Who says moisture-wicking fabrics can’t be warm? Merino wool is here to bust myths with excellent breathability and moisture-wicking properties. Being a natural fiber, it offers you the expected softness while regulating your body temperature. The only issue is Merino wool comes from Merino sheep and is generally more expensive than other moisture-wicking fabrics.

What is Moisture-Absorbing?

Moisture absorbing is a completely different concept when compared to moisture wicking. As the name describes, it absorbs the moisture within the minuscule openings in the material and prevents evaporation. In simple words, moisture-absorbing fabrics soak your perspiration instead of wicking it away.

While moisture absorption can be uncomfortable during a workout, its only benefit is that it prevents moisture from entering other layers of clothing. So, the rivalry of moisture-wicking vs moisture-absorbing is worthwhile!

Top Moisture Absorbing Materials Used in Sportswear

Cotton

When the list of moisture-absorbing materials starts, cotton is the fabric we all are aware of. It’s a natural and soft fabric used in the form of woven cotton, cotton interlock, and jersey knit cotton. Despite its different variations, cotton features a natural moisture-absorbing functionality and prevents moisture from reaching other layers.

Nylon

Nylon may be a water-resistant fabric, but it falls under the category of moisture-absorbing materials. Being a synthetic fabric, nylon is durable and lightweight but barely used in sportswear manufacturing. That’s because it is uncomfortable to wear and can incur irritation when worn directly.

Viscose

Viscose, often called Rayon, is a semi-synthetic material made out of cellulose. Interestingly, it’s a honey-like material processed into fabrics for manufacturing garments. Viscose offers even better water absorbency than linen and cotton. However, it may break your heart to know that its fibers lose up to 50% strength when exposed to moisture.

Moisture-Wicking vs Moisture-Absorbing: The Functionality War

Aspect	Moisture Wicking	Moisture Absorbing
Feel on skin	Keeps the skin dry and comfortable by preventing sweat from pooling on the surface of the skin, even during intense activities.	Can feel damp, sticky, or heavy against the skin when saturated, especially during high levels of activity.
Drying time	Dries rapidly due to its ability to transfer moisture to the surface, where it evaporates efficiently.	Takes longer to dry as moisture is retained within the fibers, making the fabric heavier and slower to evaporate.
Durability	Performs exceptionally well in high-intensity activities like running, hiking, or gym workouts, offering consistent dryness.	More suited for low-intensity activities or everyday use, as it may feel uncomfortable when exposed to excessive moisture.
Maintenance	Requires careful washing to preserve wicking properties, such as avoiding fabric softeners, which can clog synthetic fibers.	Easy to maintain but may shrink, lose shape, or become less effective over time, particularly after repeated washing.
Ideal uses	Best suited for activewear, sportswear, and outdoor gear, where maintaining dryness and comfort is crucial.	Ideal for casual wear, home textiles (like towels), or garments designed for warmth and coziness.
Drawback	May lack the softness and warmth of natural fabrics and can be less effective in extremely humid conditions.	Can become heavy, damp, and uncomfortable when wet, making it less suitable for active or prolonged use in moisture-rich environments.

The Bottom Line

After a detailed battle of moisture-wicking vs moisture-absorbing, it’s clear that moisture-wicking is a game changer. But it is all about preferences. If you want softness and easy-to-maintain sportswear, moisture-absorbing clothes can be an option. If you’re concerned about sticky T-shirts and sweat benches, moisture-wicking fabrics can keep you dry, comfortable, and odor-free.

At TD Sportswear, we make moisture-wicking sportswear even better with our exclusive customization options. You can customize your running sportswear or triathlon clothing with all the elements of your choice. Get the best out of your sportswear today!