Fabrics to Keep You Cool When you’re smoking hot, sometimes you need to cool down. That’s why our men’s athletic wear is made out of modern, state of the art fabrics. These fabrics were developed for top athletes and they’ll help you perform to your full potential. If you choose the right gear, it can really make a difference not only in comfort, but in performance. So, how can you pick out the best fabric for your sport or activity? What’s the difference between lycra, spandex, polypropylene, nylon and cotton? Cotton Cotton is a natural fabric. It has a pleasant feel when it’s dry and many cotton weaves are outstandingly soft and comfortable. However, cotton isn’t a good fabric when you’re really exerting yourself. It absorbs moisture and becomes damp when you get sweaty. That can be uncomfortable and even impair your performance. Although 100 percent cotton isn’t usually a good choice for high performance sportswear, cotton is sometimes a component of high tech blended fabrics. Nylon Nylon is strong and light. It can snap back to its original shape after being stretched. It has a natural gloss and it adds a little shine to blended fabrics. Nylon doesn’t absorb moisture, however, it doesn’t wick it away, either. A nylon mesh can be cooling, but more densely woven nylon will trap heat and moisture. Nylon will deteriorate when it’s regularly exposed to sunlight, sweat and stress. It’s often used in water resistant outerwear and as a component in blended fabrics. Nylon melts when exposed to extreme heat. Polypropylene and olefin fibres Polypropylene and olefin fibres are high-tech, artificial fabrics. They’re lightweight and strong, and they are not harmed by sweat, water or sunlight. They can wick away moisture, and they are very comfortable to wear. However, they’re not as flexible as nylon fibres. Like nylon, they will melt when exposed to extreme heat. Look for these fibres in high performance sportswear. Spandex and lycra Spandex and lycra are the same thing. Spandex is what the fabric is usually called in the US, and Lycra is the more popular name in the UK and much of Europe. It’s durable and stretchy, lightweight and soft. It is resistant to damage from sweat and friction. Spandex is easy to sew and shape, so it’s used in many different types of supportive, flexible clothing. Pure, tightly woven spandex would tend to trap moisture, but it is almost always used in blends. Many of Wear it Out’s products are made of blended fabrics for the best fit, the best performance and the best look. Fabrics are important to thermal performance, but the design and weave of a garment are both important, too. An open weave allows heat and moisture to escape, so mesh clothing is always good for staying cool. Blended fabrics are often designed to wick moisture away from the body and help heat to escape, as well. Look for information about fabric performance in Wear It Out’s product descriptions.