Why do Runners Wear Moisture-Wicking Gear?

Have you ever run wearing cotton clothes? Cotton absorbs moisture and hence, it sticks to the body making it uncomfortable and a hindrance while running. We want sweat moisture to go away and not accompany us through our run. Moisture-wicking clothing is lightweight and airy, and is the solution. Therefore, synthetic clothing is the first choice for any sportsperson as it keeps the person dry and comfortable.

How are these clothes made?

There are two ways in which these clothes are manufactured. One by applying a topical treatment to make the fabric hydrophobic (repels water) and another by giving it a hydrophilic finish. A blend of these two is also done wherein the hydrophilic finish transports moisture away from the body to the outside. and hydrophobic helps in quickly drying the absorbed moisture.

Which materials are considered good for running?

• Nylon – Most of the activewear is made using this fabric. It is resilient, does not absorb water and dries quickly. The clothes made from nylon are breathable, mildew resistant leaving you temperature-controlled.
• Polyester – This is another common fabric used for the manufacturing of sportswear. Essentially made from plastic fibers making it lightweight, durable, breathable and wrinkle-free, clothes made from polyester are a perfect choice for runners. It has insulating properties as well making it fit for any extreme weather.
• Spandex – Majorly known for its high stretchability, spandex is very popular with sportswear and gym wear manufacturers. This fabric can stretch to 5-8 times its normal size, providing flexibility for comfortable movements. Other names for spandex are lycra and elastane.
• Bamboo – Relatively new but a very strong and durable fabric made from bamboo fibers. This fabric is antibacterial, highly sweat-resistant and insulating. The best feature is that it’s the most eco-friendly fabric which can be used for manufacturing sportswear and gym wear.

Running as a sport in India does not have a core community that can help new runners to expand their knowledge base and master it. Bhaago India platform helps runners of all levels come together and build a core community to provide a one-stop solution to all the challenges that runners face.