Coolmax® and Moisture-Wicking Fabrics Explained

Coolmax® and Moisture-Wicking Fabrics Explained

Moisture-wicking fabrics pull sweat away from the body and dry quickly — perfect for activewear, uniforms, and outdoor clothing.

Coolmax® is one of the best-known branded options, but there are many similar performance fabrics on the market.
At HEM APPAREL, we work with both Coolmax® and non-branded alternatives depending on the client’s needs and budget.


💧 What Is Moisture-Wicking Fabric?

  • Designed to draw moisture away from your skin

  • Keeps the body dry, cool, and comfortable

  • Dries faster than cotton or regular knits

  • Often used in activewear, workwear, and hot climates

✅ Great for any garment worn in sweaty or high-movement environments


⚙️ How Does It Work?

  • Fabric has capillary-like fibers that move sweat to the outer surface

  • Moisture spreads out → evaporates faster

  • Some blends use hydrophobic fibers (like polyester or nylon)

  • Advanced options have channel or hollow-core yarns to boost airflow


🏷️ What Is Coolmax®?

  • A branded performance fiber developed by Invista

  • Made from specially engineered polyester

  • Excellent wicking, fast-drying, and breathable

  • Used in athletic wear, uniforms, socks, and even bedding

At HEM APPAREL: We can source authentic Coolmax® yarn or fabric for OEM orders — or suggest similar alternatives with lower MOQ.


🧪 Coolmax® vs Generic Moisture-Wicking Fabrics

Feature Coolmax® (Branded) Generic Performance Fabrics
Fiber Type Engineered polyester Poly or poly-blends
Wicking Ability High-efficiency Medium to high
Brand Recognition ✅ Yes ❌ No brand value
Cost Higher More affordable
MOQ / Access Requires licensing / bulk Easier for small brands

🧥 Where to Use Moisture-Wicking Fabrics

  • Workout shirts and shorts

  • Running or cycling gear

  • Staff uniforms or sports merch

  • Undershirts and base layers

  • Outdoor apparel (hiking, fishing, golf)


🧠 HEM APPAREL’s Tip:

Want top-tier performance? Go with Coolmax® — great for premium activewear or pro uniforms.
Need something affordable but still effective? Use polyester pique or mesh knits with moisture-wicking finish — MOQ starts from 300 pcs/style.

We’ll help you choose based on your performance goals, climate, and target customer.

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