EN
Moisture management is the most important performance property for textiles today. Sweaty, clingy textiles will leave the wearer cold, irritated, or susceptible to skin ailments. The wearers of moisture management fabrics will remain dry and comfortable throughout the entire day. Recent innovations in fibers that perform well in this critical area have led to Tencel Lyocell, which has quickly become one of the best choices for moisture management applications.
The Unique Cross Section That Drives Absorption
Tencel Lyocell’s performance as a moisture management fiber is derived from the physical properties of the fiber. The fiber possesses a unique cross section with naturally formed capillary channels that move moisture from the skin, through the fiber structure, and into the interior of the fiber-rather than allowing it to simply rest on the surface of the fabric.
This mechanism of absorption differs from that of most synthetic fibers that merely push moisture to the surface of the fabric. This allows Tencel Lyocell to absorb significantly more moisture than cotton without the fabric feeling wet against the skin. The fabric can absorb the sweat while still feeling dry to the touch. In base layers, activewear and pajamas, this greatly contributes to comfort while working out or even just everyday physical activity. At Ohyeah Textile, we ensure the natural wicking ability of the Tencel Lyocell fiber through the entire process from pre-treatment through finishing so it’s never blocked or damaged by the manufacturing process.
Rapid Moisture Release That Prevents Clamminess
However, this absorptive capacity is only one half of effective moisture management. If a fiber that absorbs a great deal of moisture does not also have the ability to release it quickly, the wearer will end up feeling damp and heavy in warm or stagnant air. Once the fiber becomes saturated with moisture, Tencel Lyocell quickly transfers that moisture to the surrounding environment, provided the environment can hold more moisture. The benefit of Tencel Lyocell’s ability to absorb moisture into its core and then release it to the environment is that it keeps the wearer from feeling damp and sticky.
This dual functionality makes Tencel Lyocell an excellent choice for activewear and commuter clothes that transition between a hot street and an air conditioned office. It prevents the wearer from feeling too warm and wet in one environment or too cool and damp in the other. In garments such as travel shirts or sports gear that are exposed to the elements, Tencel Lyocell fiber offers comfortable moisture management. With an output of over 200 tons per month, our factory at Ohyeah Textile focuses on making Tencel Lyocell knits for moisture management applications at the highest level.
Breathability That Works in Harmony with Moisture Control
Moisture management and breathability work hand in hand. The greater the moisture management of the fabric, the more rapidly moisture transfer will occur. Tencel Lyocell has a highly breathable construction. Air passes easily through the knit of the fabric, carrying away vaporized moisture from the skin.
This combined performance aspect makes Tencel Lyocell the ultimate fabric for items such as children’s clothes that demand performance as well as for summer shirts and travel clothes that need to provide ventilation. A lightweight Tencel Lyocell knit will wick away moisture and then allow it to evaporate so that the wearer remains comfortable all day long. At Ohyeah Textile, we create Tencel Lyocell knits with a high level of breathability for every application and offer many weights and knits to accomplish desired performance values. With over 100 circular knitting machines in our factory and more than 100 workers who perform quality control tests, we are capable of producing light, open knits for optimal breathability or denser, more compact knits for greater warmth-both at optimal moisture management performance levels.
Reduced Bacterial Growth Through Better Moisture Management
One aspect of skin health that many people worry about is skin conditions brought on by bacteria on the skin's surface. Bacteria require warm, moist environments to thrive. In most fibers the moisture will remain against the skin at an optimum level for bacterial growth. By drawing moisture away from the skin and into the fabric, where it can wick, evaporate, or be released, Tencel Lyocell greatly reduces the rate of bacterial growth on the skin.
This is an advantage for wearers in a wide variety of clothing such as activewear, underwear, T-shirts and other garments worn close to the skin. A Tencel Lyocell based underwear garment would remain dry longer between wash cycles while an activewear garment made with the fiber would continue to wick perspiration long after the activity had concluded, thus preventing bacterial growth and odor after the fact. At Ohyeah Textile, all our garments pass tests that confirm adequate moisture management as part of the quality control tests performed for every production run and color. Our textiles have shrinkage below 5% and color fastness levels 4 to 5.
Certified Sustainability That Complements Performance
Moisture control and performance should also complement environmental performance, which is becoming an increasingly important factor in the modern textile industry. Tencel Lyocell is manufactured in a highly sustainable, environmentally responsible process that includes a closed-loop system of water and chemical use. All solvents and water are recovered, reused and recycled. At Ohyeah Textile, we offer complete OEKO-TEX certificate from yarn to fabric, GOTS, OCS, and GRS where applicable. At Ohyeah Textile, we would be thrilled to use our expertise to help you create products that appeal to environmentally responsible consumers.
