Wicking fabrics, which used to be a luxury, are now becoming an essential part of worker safety. Wicking is an important safety feature for high visibility (hi-vis) clothing to help keep workers cool. As a result, wicking fabrics continue to improve in performance, as well as sustainability. One of the latest developments in wicking textiles is EcoChill by Reflective Apparel. Let’s take a look at how wicking fabrics work and the benefits of recent textile innovations.
What is wicking?
Wicking is the ability of a fabric to draw moisture away from the skin through capillary action, dispersing it across the surface of the material, where it can evaporate more quickly. In hi-vis safety apparel, this feature is crucial for maintaining body temperature. Cotton has long been a staple in workwear, but it falls short when it comes to moisture management. While it’s breathable, cotton absorbs moisture, holding sweat against the skin and causing discomfort. In extreme heat or cold, this moisture retention can be hazardous, leading to overheating in summer or chilling in winter, both of which can negatively affect safety and performance.
The Science of Wicking: What’s Changed?
Wicking technology has its origins in the sportswear industry, where the need for moisture control was recognized as a way to improve athletic performance. The first synthetic polyester fibers offered some level of moisture resistance but lacked breathability. Advancements in moisture-wicking fabrics have sought to resolve this by creating materials that are both breathable and capable of transferring moisture away from the skin. As wicking fabrics gain in popularity, there is also a need for more sustainable fabrics.
The Future of Sustainable, Wicking Fabrics
EcoChill has been introduced to the market as the next innovation in sustainable, wicking hi-vis garments. EcoChill high-performance garments include a combination of 50 percent recycled polyester needle mesh and COOLMAX® technology. COOLMAX® technology is a synthetic polyester fiber that is made from recycled resources such as PET bottles or textile waste. The fabric uses a four-channel polyester fiber design that wicks moisture away from the skin and onto the fabric surface, where it evaporates faster than traditional moisture-wicking fabrics.
The EcoChill product line currently consists of 104-CM-PS short-sleeve and 204-CM-PS long-sleeve ANSI Class 3 hi-vis safety shirts, with both style options available in lime and orange.
In the realm of high-visibility safety apparel, choosing the right fabric is about more than just visibility—it’s about creating a work environment where comfort and safety go hand-in-hand. With innovations like EcoChill, we can keep workers both safe and comfortable.
Want to learn more? Reach out to our team of hi-vis experts: https://reflectiveapparel.com/pages/contact.
866.998.2649
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