Moisture Management Testing

Consumers are demanding more function and features in apparel and textiles.  Therefore, this growing technology is becoming one of the key performance criteria in today’s apparel industry. The main purpose of the moisture management fabric is to make the skin feel comfortable and dry.

Most sports and outdoor performance apparel fabrics and home textiles today claim some moisture management properties to keep consumers more comfortable. 

SOLUTION
While performance fabrics require the typical standard tests of other fabrics, they also require an extra level of specialized testing to verify their engineered properties. 

The Bureau Veritas Buffalo laboratory has the moisture management testing capabilities to satisfy the growing demand to verify moisture management performance, quick dry and breathability claims, for apparel, workout apparel and bedding.

Our test methods include, but not limited to:
• Liquid Moisture Management Properties AATCC 195. Factors affecting movement of liquid include fabric water repellency, water resistance, and water absorption, and fiber and yarn wicking properties.
• Drying Time of Textiles AATCC 199: Drying time at body temperature is critical. Once moisture has been transported to the outside of the fabric, it should be evaporated away quickly.
• Drying Rate: Heated Plate Method AATCC 201
• Drying Rate: Absorbent Capacity AATCC 200
• Vertical Wicking and Horizontal Wicking of Textiles AATCC 197 and AATCC 198 respectively. Wicking rate is a particularly important property that measures a fabric’s ability to remove sweat from contact with the body.
• Water Vapor Transmission of Textiles AATCC 204

Benefits of Moisture Management Testing:
• Verify performance claims and benchmark against other similar products in the market.
• Manage risk of returns and recalls from performance issues
• Enhance risk management and brand protection
• Gain confidence in the products you deliver to market

TECHNOLOGY BEHIND MOISTURE MANAGEMENT FABRIC
Moisture Management fabric works by transporting moisture (sweat) away from the body quickly through the fabric and into the outside environment, where the moisture evaporates away, drying the fabric at a specific rate. 

Benefits of Moisture Management Fabric
• Fabrics that manage moisture well can help prevent perspiration from remaining next to the skin for lengthy periods
of time.
     – In hot conditions, trapped moisture can increase body temperature and lead to diminished performance.
     – In cold conditions, trapped moisture can decrease body temperature and have negative health effects such as causing
        hypothermia.
• Breathability. Ability of water vapor to pass through fabric.
• Lightweight. Excess moisture may also cause the garment to become heavy.
• Increased comfort level by helping to maintain ideal body temperature.

Moisture Management Fabric Applications:
• Apparel
• Athletic wear (active sportswear)
• Performance wear (climbing, walking, skiing)
• Comfort wear (nightwear)
• Home textiles
• Military (multi-climate clothing)
• Health (hospital bed linens)

Why Bureau Veritas Buffalo
As one of the few labs in the US with moisture management testing capabilities, Bureau Veritas Buffalo offers:
• Technical specialists to answer questions, develop a plan to best suits your needs, and interpret results
• Competitive pricing
• Quick turnaround time
• Quotations available prior to testing