As flame-resistant (FR) protection has become commoditized, fabric and garment manufacturers have focused on traditional textile attributes to differentiate their products. After fabrics are dyed, a multitude of finishes can be applied to enhance the wearer’s experience, including moisture wicking, antimicrobial/odor control, stain release and bug repellent. Each finish has varying degrees of effectiveness and wear life. Below we explore these fabric finishes in more detail and what each means for FR clothing and its protection.
Wicking fabric is designed to pull sweat and moisture away from skin toward the outside of fabric in order to evaporate quicker. This process is often referred to as “moisture management.”