What is Moisture Wicking?

Moisture Wicking is where moisture is drawn out or away from something. In the instance of clothing textiles, moisture is drawn away from the skin to the outer side of the material where it is evaporated.

How Moisture Wicking Works

Bamboo fibers are made up of a combination of hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers. They are knitted in such a way that the fibers work together to push moisture to the surface of the material. The hydrophobic fibers repel moisture while hydrophilic fibers use capillary action (where moisture travels through a narrow space without the assistance of external pressure). This action repels moisture from the skin to where it can evaporate on the outer surface of the material.

Benefits of Moisture Wicking Material

Most notable benefits when wearing material that draws moisture away from the skin:

• Cooler body temperature in a warmer climate
• Warmer body temperature in a cooler climate
• Skin stays drier
• Heat is evenly distributed
• Clothing is more breathable
• Clinging is prevented when perspiration occurs

Compare Moisture Absorption in Common Materials

Let’s see how common materials stack up against each other:

Our Bamboo Gloves are Moisture Wicking

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Sources:
The Butterfly Effect – Why Bamboo?
Wool Sports – Benefits of Wool
Otago University Applied Science – Natural Fibres in Australasia
Cool Hiking Gear
How Stuff Works – Health
Discovery Trekking
Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic fibers explained