Moisture Wicking Polyester Fabric

Overview

Moisture Wicking Polyester Fabric is an engineered performance textile constructed from fine-denier polyester filament yarns arranged to move perspiration away from the skin toward the fabric's outer surface, where it spreads across a larger area and evaporates rapidly. The fabric relies on a combination of capillary channel geometry, cross-section modification of the fibers, and a durable hydrophilic finish that draws liquid moisture outward rather than allowing it to saturate the layer against the body. This construction delivers consistent dry-hand feel, dimensional stability, and fast drying performance suitable for high-output apparel and repeated industrial laundering.

Key Features & Specifications

• Fabric weight: available from 120 to 220 gsm, with 150–180 gsm being the most common range for activewear base layers and jerseys.
• Moisture management / breathability: moisture vapor transmission rate of 8,000–12,000 g/m²/24h, supporting rapid drying (typical dry time of 15–25 minutes under standard conditions).
• Water resistance (coated variants): hydrostatic head of 1,000–3,000 mmH₂O when finished with a light water-repellent or PU coating; uncoated versions remain air-permeable for maximum breathability.
• UV protection: UPF 30–50+ depending on construction density and color, with darker and higher-gsm constructions reaching the UPF 50+ threshold.
• Tensile strength: 400–650 N in the warp/wale direction and 300–500 N in the weft/course direction, verified per ISO 13934-1.
• Tear strength: 25–45 N, providing durability for seams and high-stress garment zones.
• Dimensional stability: shrinkage controlled to within 3–5% after five domestic wash cycles, suitable for consistent garment sizing across bulk production.
• Service temperature range: stable from -20°C to 120°C, tolerating industrial wash-and-dry cycles without significant fiber degradation. This fabric sits within our broader Moisture Wicking Fabric category alongside Quick Dry Sports Fabric for buyers comparing performance grades.

Material & Construction

The base fiber is 100% polyester filament, most commonly in the 75D/72F to 100D/144F range, with multi-channel or cross-sectional (four-channel and micro-grooved) profiles that increase surface area and capillary action. Blended constructions are also available, typically 88% polyester with 12% spandex/elastane for stretch applications, which forms the basis of our Moisture Wicking Stretch Fabric variant. The fabric is produced in both warp-knit and weft-knit (single jersey, interlock, and piqué) structures, as well as woven constructions where higher tensile strength or a flatter surface is required; open-structure knits are used to build our Moisture Wicking Mesh Fabric for high-ventilation panels, while smooth interlock and jersey bases support our Moisture Wicking Jersey Fabric line.

Functional performance is achieved through a durable hydrophilic finish applied during dyeing, engineered to survive 30–50 wash cycles while maintaining wicking rate. Optional treatments include an antibacterial/anti-odor finish (silver-ion or quaternary ammonium based) used in our Antibacterial Moisture Wicking Fabric, a water-repellent DWR or light PU coating for weather resistance, and anti-static or UV-boosting additives. Dyeing is performed via disperse-dye high-temperature processes with color fastness rated 4–5 on the ISO 105 scale for washing, rubbing, and perspiration.

Applications

• Sportswear & Activewear: base layers, running tops, cycling jerseys, training tees, and compression garments where rapid sweat transport and dry-hand feel are essential. This is the primary end-use segment for buyers serving the Sportswear & Fitness Industry.
• Outdoor Apparel: hiking shirts, trekking base layers, and lightweight outdoor tops for the Outdoor & Adventure Industry, where the coated water-resistant variants add weather protection without sacrificing breathability.
• Team uniforms and performance jerseys: sublimation-printed team kits and club uniforms produced in the smooth jersey and piqué constructions.
• Fitness and gym apparel: yoga wear, studio tops, and functional leggings using the stretch blend for freedom of movement.
• Workwear and uniform under-layers: moisture-managing shirts for logistics, hospitality, and industrial staff requiring durability through frequent laundering.
• Athleisure and casual performance wear: everyday tops and hybrid garments that combine sportswear function with casual styling.

Customization & Wholesale

Minimum order quantity is 500 meters per color for stock constructions and 1,000–2,000 meters per color for fully customized specifications. Standard roll widths are 150 cm and 160 cm, with custom widths available on request. We offer custom dyeing to Pantone/TPX references, custom gsm tuning within the 120–220 gsm range, and printing services including sublimation, digital, and screen printing for logos, patterns, and all-over designs.

OEM and ODM services cover custom fiber blends, functional finish selection (wicking, antibacterial, DWR, UV), roll packaging, and private-label labeling. Standard lead time is 7–15 days for in-stock greige and stock colors, and 20–35 days for custom dyed and finished orders, depending on quantity and finish complexity. Sample yardage and lab dips are available prior to bulk confirmation.

As an established Chinese manufacturer, we export worldwide with documentation support for FOB and CIF terms, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification available on request, and container consolidation for buyers ordering across our full Moisture Wicking Fabric range. Buyers are welcome to combine this product with related items to meet mixed-container requirements and optimize freight costs.