A new report from Dublin-based research company Research and Markets entitled ‘Moisture Management Fabrics, 2007 Edition’ discusses developments within the moisture management market for activewear.

It covers the influence of Invista’s portfolio of moisture management fabrics—which include CoolMax, Tactel Aquator, ThermaStat, Thermax and Thermolite—as well as the progress of its competitors, including American Fibers, Lenzing, Milliken, Patagonia, Polartec and Schoeller.

For applications in which wicking is essential, such as base layer garments, the most commonly used material is polyester. It is often chemically modified to create a fabric in which the fibres encourage moisture to migrate through it.

The number of moisture management fabrics on the market has increased dramatically in recent years and this trend is likely to continue in the near future.

In addition to sportswear and activewear, there is growing interest in the use of moisture management fabrics in the flame retardant apparel market.

The report predicts that the next generation of textiles will incorporate nanotechnology, as extremely fine fibre surfaces can offer beneficial properties. Smart fabrics that are able to respond to changes in the environment by adjusting their pore size or thickness to facilitate moisture transmission are also likely to become more prevalent.