As athletes, you are always in search of the best gear that enhances your performance and comfort. During summer, this translates into finding the right fabrics that wick away sweat and maintain the body temperature at an optimum. Today, we’ll explore the top moisture-wicking fabrics that UK athletes can use for summer competitions.
Merino Wool: The best base layer fabric
While it might seem counterintuitive to wear wool in summer, Merino is no ordinary wool. It’s a high-performance fabric that serves well as a base layer.
Merino wool is renowned for its exceptional moisture-wicking properties. Made from the fleece of Merino sheep, it can absorb a considerable amount of sweat, keeping your skin dry and comfortable during long, sweaty runs or matches. But what sets it apart is its ability to release this moisture back into the air.
This wool can hold moisture up to 30% of its weight and still feel dry to the touch. Moreover, unlike synthetic fabrics, Merino can wick away sweat in its vapor state, before it condenses. This means you’ll start to feel cooler faster, as the sweat evaporates off your skin quicker.
Beyond its moisture management, Merino is also soft, lightweight, breathable, and naturally antibacterial. These properties make it less prone to retaining odors, ensuring you feel fresh even after a strenuous workout.
Polyester: A top choice for running shirts
Polyester has stood the test of time to become a favorite among athletes. This synthetic fabric is especially popular for running shirts due to its superior moisture-wicking ability.
When you’re running, you’re bound to sweat. The sweat, if not managed well, can make your clothes wet, heavy, and uncomfortable. However, polyester, with its water-repelling hydrophobic properties, ensures that your sweat is quickly moved away from your skin to the surface of the fabric, where it can evaporate.
Moreover, polyester is lightweight, durable, and resistant to shrinking and wrinkling. It’s also versatile and can be engineered into various finishes to meet specific athletic needs. For instance, it can be combined with other fabrics like spandex for a better fit.
The Long-Lasting Fit of Nylon
When it comes to a fabric that checks off durability, flexibility, and moisture management, nylon surely makes it to the list.
Nylon is a strong, lightweight fabric that’s highly resistant to abrasion and wrinkles. This means your athletic gear will not only withstand the rigours of intense activity but also look good for a long time.
As a synthetic fabric, nylon also fares well in wicking moisture. It dries quickly, thereby reducing the uncomfortable sensation of wet, sweaty clothes clinging to your skin.
Famous for its exceptional elasticity, nylon also offers a snug fit. This makes it an excellent choice for sports bras and compression gear for women athletes, ensuring comfort and support during high-impact activities.
The Warmth and Comfort of Fleece
While summer in the UK does not typically call for warm clothing, early morning runs or high-altitude activities may require an extra layer of insulation. In such scenarios, fleece serves as an excellent fabric choice.
Fleece is recognized for its warmth-to-weight ratio, providing substantial warmth without weighing you down. But beyond its insulating properties, fleece also excels in wicking moisture away.
When you’re working up a sweat in cold conditions, the last thing you want is your sweat cooling on your skin and making you feel colder. Fleece addresses this issue by drawing the sweat away from the skin and spreading it out over the fabric surface to facilitate quick evaporation.
The Breathability of Mesh Fabrics
Breathability is a crucial factor when choosing athletic wear for summer. Mesh, with its unique open-weave or knit design, allows for excellent airflow, preventing heat build-up and promoting quick drying.
Mesh fabrics are typically made of polyester or nylon, inheriting their moisture-wicking capabilities. The open construction of mesh also means it’s lightweight, adding to your comfort during intense physical activity.
However, mesh’s standout feature is its ventilation. The tiny holes in the fabric allow for superb airflow, cooling you down as you heat up during your summer workouts or competitions. Mesh is often used in strategic areas, like the back or underarms, in athletic wear to maximize this cooling effect.
So, when you’re gearing up for your summer sports in the UK, consider these best moisture-wicking fabrics. Whether it’s the soft and breathable Merino wool, the durable polyester, the flexible nylon, the warm fleece, or the airy mesh, each fabric offers unique benefits to enhance your comfort and performance. Remember, the right fabric can make a significant difference in not only how you feel during your sport, but also how well you perform.
The Comfort and Thermoregulation of Bamboo
Another fabric that UK athletes should consider for summer competitions is bamboo. This natural fabric is gaining popularity due to its softness, biodegradability, and excellent moisture-wicking capabilities.
Bamboo fabric is made from the pulp of bamboo grass. It has a soft and silky feel, often compared to cashmere, that makes it comfortable to wear even in hot and humid conditions. As a natural fabric, bamboo is also hypoallergenic, making it suitable for athletes with sensitive skin.
Moreover, bamboo is a superstar when it comes to moisture management. It can absorb and evaporate sweat three times faster than conventional cotton – a critical factor for optimal thermoregulation during strenuous activities.
But the advantages of bamboo do not stop here. Thanks to its hollow structure, bamboo fabric also provides excellent breathability and ventilation. This means that even as you sweat, the fabric allows for sufficient airflow, facilitating quick drying and preventing you from overheating.
Besides, bamboo has natural antibacterial and UV protective properties. This prevents unpleasant odors and offers protection against harmful UV rays, making it a great material for summer sports.
The Cooling Effect of Performance Cotton
While traditional cotton is often criticized for its poor moisture-wicking properties, performance cotton – a modern take on the classic fabric – has significantly improved in this respect.
Performance cotton is a blend of regular cotton and synthetic fibers, typically polyester. This unique combination offers the softness and comfort of cotton with the moisture-wicking properties of polyester.
When you sweat, the synthetic fibres in performance cotton wick the moisture away towards the material’s surface, where it can evaporate. This keeps you dry and comfortable during your summer workouts or competitions.
Moreover, the natural cotton in the blend helps the fabric to stay cool against the skin, offering an additional cooling effect. Performance cotton also retains the easy-care properties of cotton – it’s machine washable and resistant to shrinking and wrinkling, making it a practical choice for athletic wear.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Summer Sports Activities
In conclusion, the right fabric plays a significant role in your comfort and performance during summer sports activities. From the soft and breathable Merino wool as a base layer, the durable polyester for running shirts, the flexible nylon for a long-lasting fit, the warm fleece for early morning runs, the airy mesh for breathability, the comfortable bamboo for thermoregulation, to the cooling performance cotton, each fabric comes with unique benefits.
It’s important to consider factors like your specific sport or activity, the intensity of the workout, your personal comfort, and the weather conditions. Whether you opt for a smartwool classic thermal made of Merino wool, a long sleeve sun shirt made of polyester, or athletic wear with thumb loops made from bamboo or performance cotton, choosing moisture-wicking fabrics will certainly enhance your sporting experience in the UK summer.
Remember, when it comes to athletic wear, don’t compromise on quality. Invest in good quality gear made from moisture-wicking materials, and you’ll notice the difference in your comfort and performance.
