Caring for Swimwear and Summerwear - Page 3

High Performance Fabrics

Many high performance fibers, microfibers and finishes allow the fabric to breathe and to transport moisture away from the skin to the outer surface of the fabric, where it can evaporate. This keeps the wearer dry and comfortable. Examples include:
Under Armour
Wickers Underwear for Anywear
Moretz Sports: Kathy Ireland PowerSox for Women
Coolmax® is the industry leader when it comes to moisture management.
Search using the keywords "high performance apparel'.

With any fabric, one of the best things you can do is read and follow the care instructions on the garment label. Keep aware of different procedures for any the finishes, linings, insulations, trims, and embellishments on the garment.

• Clean regularly as needed,
• Treat stains quickly, blot don't rub, as rubbing can make the stain move deeper into the fabric. Check the stain after washing. If the stain remains, try rewashing. Once the garment has been dried in the dryer, the stain is most likely set by the heat.
• Sort and launder items made of natural and manufactured fibers separately. Natural fibers can release oils which can be attracted to and stain manufactured fibers like polyester and nylon.
• Use the delicate cycle for items with spandex (bike shorts, yoga pants, stretch tees, etc.) and for good knits (Tees, polo shirts, shorts, etc.).
• Do not bleach items with Spandex Lycra. Bleach damages the fibers of the Spandex.
• Use a low heat dryer. Fibers such as acrylic, nylon, polyester, and polyolefin dry very quickly, and should be watched closely. Polyolefin can actually melt if the dryer temperature gets too high.
• Fabrics, linings, or insulations could shrink or be otherwise damaged from using too hot a temperature or from leaving garments in the dryer too long. Take items out of the dryer when they're slightly damp. If they are hot to the touch, you waited too long
• If care instructions say no fabric softener, do not use it. The material in a fabric softener attaches directly to the fabric and makes the fabric feel softer. However, fabric softeners can buildup over time, and can reduce the ability of the fabric to manage moisture and breathe.

Some new high performance fabrics have been coming onto the market in the last couple of years. Here are some examples: