21/09/2020
Sweat-Blocking Materials Explained: The Best Options for Underarm Sweat
For all the heavy sweaters out there, finding an affordable shirt that prevents sweat is like striking gold. Don't roll the dice with sweat proof clothing. Become a savvy shopper so you can discover the best sweat-blocking materials before investing.
TYPES OF SWEAT-BLOCKING MATERIALS
Navigating the hundreds of sweat proof shirts gets confusing. Knowing how the different sweat-blocking materials react to sweat will help you make smarter purchases.
Here's how sweat-blocking materials work: When moisture hits a fabric, the fabric either repels or absorbs it. Moisture-loving fabrics soak up and retain sweat while moisture-repelling fabrics push it outward.
Here are some examples of each:
NATURAL, WATER-LOVING FIBERS:
Cotton: Quality, lightweight cotton is one of the most breathable fabrics and offers some airflow for drying out the dampness. Because cotton is a natural fiber, it absorbs moisture rather than repelling it (forcing the sweat to sit on your skin). With standard cotton shirts, you'll also have to be mindful of the colors you choose. Since it absorbs moisture so easily, pit stains are often a problem.
Bamboo: Bamboo is a high-quality, absorbent, breathable and ultra-soft material. Itβs also a hygienic option due to its resistance to odor, mold, mildew and bacteria β even after multiple washings.
Linen: Linen is a natural fiber that is lightweight, breathable & absorbent. It also doesnβt cling to the body, which can keep you feeling cooler, but the material does wrinkle easily, making it a difficult option for everyday, repetitive use.
SYNTHETIC WATER-REPELLING FIBERS:
Polyester: Polyester is a durable yet water resistant fabric, but donβt let these words fool you. βWater resistantβ means it doesnβt absorb sweat. Instead, the moisture sits on your skin or gets pushed to your outer layer β the complete opposite effect you want from a sweat-blocking material.
Rayon: Rayon is lightweight and doesnβt trap heat, but because itβs a synthetic fabric, it repels water and doesnβt absorb it (i.e., not a good solution for heavy sweaters).
Cotton/lycra blend: While cotton is an absorbent fabric, when combined with lycra, the blend traps heat and moisture, creating a breeding ground for sweat, especially when wearing tight clothing.
Brands often use phrases like "moisture-wicking" or "performance" to describe anti-sweat workout clothing. Shirts that βwick awayβ sweat push wetness to the outer layer of your clothing.
These shirts are typically made from synthetic fibers or blends. Some brands coat their sweat proof fabrics with chemical treatments that wear off when washed. In turn, the sweat-blocking effects only last a few wears. Sweat-wicking performance materials can also be more expensive.