4 Pros of Choosing Dri-Fit Material Over Cotton - (2024)

You’ve probably seen the Nike Swoosh on basketball players, football players, and even people working out at the gym. And it’s not just Nike; Adidas, Under Armor, and other brands have their own version of wicking material that they use in their performance apparel. But what exactly is this fabric, and why is it so popular? This blog post will explore the benefits of choosing Dri-Fit material over cotton for your next custom printing project.

Anyone who has ever worked out knows the feeling of being so sweaty that your clothes feel like they’re sticking to you. It’s uncomfortable, and it can even be a little bit gross. That’s where dri-fit material comes in. Dri-fit material is a type of fabric that helps wick away sweat, keeping you dry and comfortable no matter how intense your workout is. But how is dri-fit material made? Here’s a quick overview of the science behind this amazing fabric.

What Are Dri-Fit Shirts Made Of?

You’ve probably seen them everywhere, those moisture-wicking “dri-fit” shirts that are supposed to keep you cool and dry even during the most strenuous activity. But what exactly are they made of? And how do they work? Let’s take a closer look at the science of dri-fit shirts.

Dri-fit is a fabric made from a polyester blend that is designed to wick moisture away from the skin and move it to the surface of the fabric where it can evaporate more quickly. In other words, it helps you stay cool and dry even when you’re sweating buckets.

How It’s Made?

The first step in making dri-fit material is to create the yarn. This yarn is made from polyester and nylon, which are both synthetic fibres. The polyester is stiffer than the nylon, and that’s what gives the yarn its strength. The nylon, on the other hand, is more flexible, and that’s what gives the yarn its stretchiness.

Next, the yarn is knitted into a fabric. The most common type of knit used for dri-fit material is a tight interlock knit, which looks like a series of small loops that are all interconnected. This type of knit is often used for athletic clothing because it’s stretchy and breathable.

After the fabric is knitted, it’s time to add the finishing touches. A treatment called hydrophobic finishing is applied to the fabric to help repel water. This treatment helps the fabric dry quickly after it gets wet, which is perfect for when you’re sweating during a workout. Finally, an antimicrobial finish is added to help prevent bacteria from growing on the fabric. This finish also helps extend the life of the fabric by preventing it from breaking down as quickly.

How does Dri-Fit work?

The secret to dri-fit’s sweat-wicking powers lies in its ability to rapidly transport moisture through the fabric and away from the skin. This is because dri-fit fabrics are made with a special polyester blend that includes a high percentage of hydrophobic (water repellent) fibres. These hydrophobic fibres work together with the fabric’s structure—which is often more open and porous than traditional fabrics—to create a network of channels that allow moisture to travel quickly through the fabric to the surface where it can evaporate.

Is Dri-Fit better than other fabrics?

When it comes to moisture management, dri-fit fabrics definitely have an edge over traditional fabrics like cotton. However, there are some tradeoffs that you should be aware of before you choose a dri-fit shirt over another type of shirt. For one thing, dri-fit fabrics are typically more expensive than traditional fabrics. Additionally, they tend to be less breathable than traditional fabrics, which means they may not be ideal for use in hot, humid conditions. This brings us neatly onto our topic today – the benefits.

Dri-Fit Is More Comfortable

Whether you’re an athlete or just someone who likes to stay active, you know how important it is to be comfortable when you’re working up a sweat. Cotton shirts tend to get heavy and clingy when they’re wet, which can be both uncomfortable and inconvenient. Dri-Fit shirts, on the other hand, are designed to wick away moisture from your skin to keep you feeling dry and comfortable.

Dri-Fit Is More Breathable

In addition to being more comfortable, Dri-Fit material is also more breathable than cotton. This means that it will allow your skin to breathe better, which can help regulate your body temperature. If you tend to get hot and sweaty easily, then a shirt made of Dri-Fit material is a great choice for you.

Dri-Fit Helps Keep You Cooler in Hot Weather conditions

If you live in a hot climate or if you play sports outdoors in the summer heat, then you know how important it is to stay cool. Cotton shirts can actually make you even hotter because they absorb sweat instead of wicking it away. But shirts made of Dri-Fit material will help keep your body temperature regulated so you don’t have to worry about overheating.

Dri-fit Dries Quicker Than Cotton

Not only does Dri-fit Wick sweat away from your body, but it also dries much faster than cotton. So if you get caught in the rain or if you happen to spill something on your shirt, don’t worry – it will dry in no time! This quick-drying feature is also great for athletes who need to change into clean, dry clothes after a competition.

Closing Words

Now that you know all the amazing benefits of choosing Dri-Fit material over cotton and we’ve covered the age old question of “what are dri fit shirts made of”, what are you waiting for?

Whether you’re looking for a new workout shirt or you need uniforms for your team, custom printed Dri-Fit shirts are a great choice.
Oh, and if you are interested in printing those team shirts, we can help you create those perfect custom dri fit shirts that are perfect for any occasion. Swing by our homepage to look at what garments we have which includes the aforementioned dri fit material!