What the heck is wicking anyway?
Ever wondered what the type of fabric is in your workwear? – For that matter have you cared? Well, believe it or not, the type of fabric a garment is made from can make a huge difference to the wearer.
Different fabric types can vary how a garment will behave. Here at MyWorkwear, we think about the potential that materials have to react to a wearer’s skin, and how aftercare methods affect the quality of the garment, all whilst answering the question: what the heck is Wicking?
Historically, we were always told that cotton is one of the best fabrics to keep you cool. But what if you are working in a hot kitchen, outdoors in the cold or in an office? Then cotton is probably not the best fabric to be wearing.
Fabric Overload
There are many variations of fabric to consider when choosing your workwear, one most notable is Wicking Fabric. Wicking fabrics are modern technical fabrics that can draw moisture away from the body. They are made of high-tech polyester, which, unlike cotton, absorbs very little water.
Simply put, wicking is when the fabric wicks sweat and moisture away from the body to keep the skin of the wearer dry.
If you were wearing a cotton item of clothing, you would find that the clothing would hang onto your sweat (and we all hate that) like when it rains and your T-shirt feels glued to your back, definitely a shudder-worthy moment.
This will add weigh, and over time, make the garment uncomfortable to wear. Whereas, if you were wearing a wicking item of clothing, this would ensure that the sweat you produce is pulled from your body to the exterior of the clothing where it can evaporate more easily.
This works in both hot and cold conditions; it can actually prevent hypothermia as well as heat stroke which is why many tougher garments are made from wicking fabric.
Balancing style with substance
Looking and feeling good in your uniform is vital, however, substance (in other words, practicality) will always outweigh style. Wicking is a key workwear material for those who work outdoors during summer and winter months, or perhaps just those who may be partial to temperature changes, for example, in an office during the everlasting struggle to have the air conditioning on or off to please everybody.
Because wicking fabric is made from high-tech polyester, which unlike cotton absorbs very little water, it is a firm favourite amongst many companies. Cotton will absorb 7% of its own weight in water, whereas polyester only absorbs 0.4% due to the way it’s woven – the fabric is made of tiny capillaries that are large enough to let sweat out but too small to let in rain.
Practical Applications
All businesses are different. Just because you share the same industry with your competition, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you do things in the same way. That’s why your team must have the appropriate workwear to suit their needs.
Everyone perspires, whether their individual role is an active one or they are outdoors often, or maybe it’s even the fact that they might be emotionally affected and get nervous speaking with clients. By ensuring that their uniform can wick away any discomfort, it will keep your team primed and ready for anything.
For your next uniform, why not consider wicking fabric garments. The remarkable moisture-sapping fabric can have a positive effect on your entire workforce. There’s a reason it’s used for some of the world’s most popular branded clothing, and alongside that, comes the ability to ensure your team can do what it is they do best, without any hindrances from perspiration or moisture-related distractions.
Why Wicking Fabric?
Wicking material is an increasingly popular type of fabric in modern workwear due to its properties and is fast becoming the fabric of choice thanks to flexibility and comfort for the wearer. The rationale behind a decision to dress your entire team in wicking fabric garments needs to stem from your own business activities. You may say:
You may say:
“…but we’re just a team in an office and we are sat down all day”
Think about your team, and who within it always needs the air conditioning on, or the window open. By having all of your team wearing shirts that are made of wicking fabric, all of them will feel more comfortable at work.
Considering the personal touch
There are many deciding factors to consider when purchasing workwear for your team, but rather than only considering just the top-level aspects like budget, brand awareness, and timescale, perhaps look a little deeper and see the human practical requirements of the matter.
Whatever your workwear requirements, MyWorkwear has a range of over 3,000 products and thousands of variations to suit your needs. If you require a uniform, then call on the experts at MyWorkwear for their help.
James Worthington is Co-Owner and Co-Managing Director of MyWorkwear, having taken over the business from his father and founder of the company, Mike. James has decades of experience in the workwear industry, supporting businesses across the UK with their workwear requirements.
