Does the hygroscopicity of polyester help wick away sweat and keep skin dry?

Polyester fabric is a common synthetic fiber formed from long-chain polyester molecules through chemical reactions. It is widely used in clothing, household products and industrial materials, especially in the clothing field.

The physical properties of polyester fabric determine its hygroscopic properties. Polyester fabric has high strength, which makes it resistant to wear and tear, making it suitable for making durable clothing and other textiles. Polyester fabrics remain stable at high temperatures and are not easily deformed or melted, making them suitable for heat-resistant applications. Polyester fabric has good corrosion resistance to chemicals such as acids and alkalis, is not susceptible to corrosion, and maintains a long service life. Polyester fabric has low hygroscopicity and can quickly remove sweat and moisture from the body surface, making people feel dry and comfortable. Polyester fabrics are generally easy to clean and maintain. They can be machine or hand washed, dry quickly, and are less likely to wrinkle. Polyester fabric has good antistatic properties and is not prone to static electricity, which reduces discomfort caused by static electricity during wearing. Polyester fabrics usually have a good glossiness, giving them a nice look and feel.

Considering the need to wick away sweat and keep skin dry, polyester fabrics are often designed and manufactured with some special treatments to improve their moisture-wicking properties. Coating a layer of moisture-absorbing and sweat-wicking functional coating on the surface of the polyester fabric, such as a moisture-absorbing and sweat-wicking agent or moisture-permeable film, gives the fabric better moisture absorption and breathability. By adding micropores or microporous treatment to polyester fabrics, the breathability of the fabric is increased, sweat evaporation is promoted, and the sweat wicking effect is improved. By changing the structure or weaving method of polyester fiber, such as using air cross-weave or open mesh structure, the breathability and moisture absorption performance of the fabric can be increased. Add functional additives to polyester fibers, such as moisture wicking agents, antibacterial agents, etc., to improve the moisture absorption performance and comfort of the fabric.

Even after these treatments, the hygroscopicity of polyester fabrics is difficult to match that of natural fibers. This is because the chemical properties of polyester itself limit its moisture absorption capacity, making it easy to accumulate static electricity in a humid environment, making the wearer feel uncomfortable. Polyester is a synthetic fiber usually made from polyester resin. Its molecular structure makes its surface less likely to absorb moisture, so polyester fabrics are less hygroscopic than natural fibers. However, polyester fabrics usually have quick-drying characteristics and are excellent in wrinkle resistance and wear resistance. These characteristics make polyester fabrics still have their unique advantages in some specific scenarios.

Although polyester fabric has limited moisture absorption, it still helps to wick away sweat and keep skin dry to a certain extent. Through special processing and technological improvements, the moisture absorption performance of polyester fabrics can be improved, making it more suitable for applications such as sportswear that require sweat wicking functions. However, natural fibers are still the better choice when it comes to comfort and moisture absorption.