Monthly Archives: February 2017

Polo Shirts that have moisture wicking qualities

So, how does Moisture Wicking work and what are the benefits?

Candle Wick
Candle Wick

Moisture Wicking works in much the same way as a candle wick absorbs wax and draws it up towards the flame.

Wicking is able to occur by a process called capillary action. Polyester fibres are hollow, like tiny little tubes and the moisture is able move along them. The high humidity or wet air next to the skin will try and move up towards the low humidity or dry air on the outside.

In addition to all of this the fabrics can be chemically treated so that moisture does not stay in the fibres.

So clever!

In what environments will moisture wicking Polo Shirts be most effective?

Moisture wicking will be of great benefit if your team are working in warm environments such as gyms and swimming pools. Travel companies should consider these Polo shirts for their staff working in hot climates and of course sports teams would much prefer to be wearing a garment that is going to take moisture away from the body. It goes without saying that any moisture wicking fabric is going to dry very quickly when laundered and this just adds to the appeal.

Do Polo Shirts have to be 100% Polyester to have moisture wicking properties?

Blended Polos  can still offer moisture wicking. If you still want the natural feel of cotton but the added moisture control of polyester,  there are blends that will do this for you. This is a good choice for someone working in warmer climates, where the cotton will feel cooler against the skin. The polyester will then do its job and wick any moisture away from the body. A great combination!

Choosing fabrics for your Polo Shirts – What is going to work best for you and your team.

A good place to start is to look at what your Polo shirts need to cope with.

Think carefully about where the Polo shirts will be worn, the environment is key. You want a happy team and wearing a garment that they feel comfortable in and is easy to care for will make a big difference! Think carefully about the roles your team will be performing, what does the fabric need to cope with? If you can answer these questions, you have a head start.

So what are the main fabric options?

Pure Cotton
A Cotton Plant

Cotton is a good choice and will perform well in most conditions. It has good moisture wicking abilities, breathability and decent durability. Being natural, it is also an important product for the growing organic industry. Supporting Fair trade and Organic products is a core part of our business and something that we feel very strongly about.

100% Cotton Pique Polo

T

There are different qualities of cotton. A shorter stable (fibre) cotton may tend to pill and fade after a few washes whereas a longer staple cotton will last longer and feel better on your skin.

Our Fair trade and Organic t-shirts and Polo’s are made from longer staple cotton fibres, giving them that softer, more luxurious feel.

Blended
Slim Fit Polo – Washable at 60 %

If you know that your team will be exposed to substances that might stain, then a blended fabric is a good choice. A common combination is 65% Polyester 35% Cotton. This will give the natrual feel and benefit of cotton but have the added durability of a man-made fibre. The Polyester will allow the Polo shirt to be washed at much higher temperatures, with little need for ironing. Long periods of exposure to sun light will cause cotton to fade and the polyester will combat this. Blended Polos are a good choice for people working outside for long periods of time.

Polyester

In the past we haven’t always considered Polyester the most comfortable fabric to wear but fabric technology has made a huge difference. The texture and performance of polyester has changed considerably. Polyester is so strong and durable, it doesn’t wrinkle or shrink. When you combine this with the advances in fibre technology, you have a very useful product.

Fact – Polyester does not retain moisture like natural fabrics and will only absorb 0.4% of moisture. Which is why it is such a good choice for Performance wear.

Performance Polyester

100% Polyester Performance Polo

100% Polyester Performance Polo

Engineered manmade fabrics are making a huge impact and are being used not only for Sportswear but for a whole range of garments where the wearer can benefit from their properties. Our Performance Polos have a  range of properties, including moisture wicking, UV protection, odour reduction, soft finishes plus all the durability that manmade fibres can offer.