what is wicking fabric

Wicking fabric is a type of high-tech polyester fabric that is designed to draw moisture away from the body and transfer it to the outer surface of the fabric, where it can evaporate easily. This process is known as "capillary action," which is the movement of a liquid (sweat, in this case) through tiny spaces within a fabric due to the molecular forces between the liquid and the fabric’s internal surfaces. Wicking fabrics have a special cross-section and a large surface area, which picks up moisture and carries it away from the body, spreading it out to evaporate easily on the outside of the fabric. This helps to keep the wearer cool and dry, even during intense physical activity. Wicking fabrics are typically made of high-tech polyester, which absorbs very little water compared to cotton. Cotton will absorb 7% of its weight in water, while polyester only absorbs 0.4% . Wicking fabrics are also easy to care for and dry quickly.