Wicking is the movement of moisture through fabric via capillary action - water travels along or between fibres rather than simply being absorbed into them.
Wicking vs Absorption
| Wicking | Absorption |
|---|---|
| Water moves through fabric | Water held in fabric |
| Spreads moisture | Concentrates moisture |
| Aids evaporation | Holds for later release |
| Keeps surface drier | Surface may feel wet |
How It Works
Capillary action pulls water through tiny channels between fibres. Moisture spreads across a larger surface area, increasing evaporation rate.
In Sportswear
Athletic clothing uses high-wicking fabrics to:
- Pull sweat away from skin
- Keep wearer drier
- Speed evaporation
- Improve comfort
In Towels
Wicking matters differently for towels:
- Quick-dry towels wick moisture to outer surface for evaporation
- Microfibre uses wicking between (not into) fibres
- Less relevant for thick bath towels (absorption dominates)
Materials
High-wicking materials:
- Polyester (treated)
- Speciality synthetics
- Some natural/synthetic blends
Cotton absorbs but doesn't wick as effectively.
Related Terms
- Absorbency - Different property
- Quick-dry - Wicking helps achieve
- Microfibre - Uses wicking