Microfiber T-shirts are very popular these days. Thanks to the big brands, they are heavily promoted and advertised. They come in all kinds of fancy names, like Dri Fit, Clima Cool, Cool Fit and many variations of it. We will call it "wicking", which is the term when the fabric absorbs sweat via capillary action. All claim to make you dry, cool and comfortable. Unfortunately in terms of quality they can differ alot.

The actual function is these fabrics is to absorb sweat from you. The fabric is knitted as such that it absorbs moisture via capillary action. The secret is in the yarn and the way the fabric is knitted. This requires some high technology and techniques, hence the high price you pay for a shiny pair of microfiber T-Shirt. However it is impossible to tell whether it has wicking (absorbing) properties, until you wear it. Many times, vendors will sell you a shirt, charge you an arm and a leg, only to discover that it does none of the advertised properties.

Material #1 - The Common Microfiber and Chemical Wicking

The common microfiber fabric has no wicking properties. Afterall, it is 100% polyester. It's just plastic. It looks like the real thing, but essentially it is not. When you wear this fabric, you will feel hot, and after a while, sticky. Sweat is not absorbed, and forms a gluey layer between the skin and the fabric. The result, the t-shirt clings to you body making it even more uncomfortable. Fabric manufacturers know this problem, and they went a small step to make it better - add a chemical solution to make it absorb sweat. The solution works, but only good for 5-6 washes. After which, the chemical is washed/wears off, and the t-shirt reverts back to its non-wicking properties. This process is called "chemical wicking"

Material #2 - Dual Layer Microfiber

Next up the quality chart is the dual layer microfiber. The top layer is 100% polyester, while the bottom layer is cotton. Cotton still has the best wicking properties, and moisture is absorbed upon contact with the skin. The top layer give it a premium, shiny look. Good dual layer fabric is knitted in such that air can pass through the fabric easily, and helps with the evaporation. MD Textile's Dual Layer Microfiber is called Cotton Dri. It is one of the more comfortable wicking fabrics that we make. The feedbacks are positive and the price is reasonable. Hence we made it our standard range of fabric offerings.

Material #3 - Permanent Wicking Microfiber

These are the cream of the crop. Their outstanding wicking qualities, coupled with skillfully knitted patterns, helps improve air circulation and wicking properties. Sometimes a little spandex or lycra is added to give the shirt more elasticity. However, they are the most expensive, and it takes the right equipment, the right raw material and the right experience to manufacture this. In short, not every fabric manufacturer can do this. So when you ask for a "Dri Fit" shirt, be cautious of what the vendor shows you. It may be just the common microfiber because it simply looks like a "Dri Fit". Chances are the vendor does not even know of the difference in microfiber fabrics. Try to go for dual layer or permanent wicking, else it's just some plastic you are wearing.

Patterns

Microfiber fabric comes in many kinds of patterns. Here is a few.

Mini-Mesh Pattern

Eyelet Pattern