Simply put, basketball suit quick drying fabric is a functional synthetic fiber fabric whose core function is to quickly absorb sweat from the skin surface and spread it to the outer layer of the fabric, thereby accelerating evaporation and keeping athletes dry and comfortable during intense exercise.
Let’s delve into it from several aspects:
1、 Why do basketball jerseys need quick drying function?
Basketball is a high-intensity sport, and athletes will sweat a lot. If sweat stays on the skin and clothes, it can cause:
Discomfort: The clothes are soaked and stick to the skin, heavy and uncomfortable.
Body temperature imbalance: Wet clothes can easily catch a cold while resting.
Friction and abrasion: Repeated friction between wet fabric and skin can easily cause redness, swelling, and even abrasion.
Performance decline: Physical discomfort can directly affect athletes’ movement, jumping, and concentration.
Therefore, quick drying fabric is a standard feature of modern basketball uniforms.
2、 The working principle of quick drying fabrics
Quick drying fabrics are not “water absorbing” and then “air drying”, but a physical moisture wicking process:
Capillary action: Fast drying fibers are usually processed into structures with grooves or irregular cross-sections (such as cross shaped, Y-shaped). These tiny grooves form countless’ capillaries’ that can generate powerful capillary effects, pulling sweat away from the skin.
Rapid diffusion: After sweat is absorbed, it will quickly spread from the inner layer to the outer layer of the fabric, expanding the evaporation area.
Accelerated evaporation: After sweat spreads to the outer layer of the fabric, due to the increased surface area and air flow during basketball sports, moisture can quickly evaporate into the air.
Simple metaphor: It’s like using a corner of a dry towel to suck water from the table, and the water will quickly spread along the fibers of the towel. Quick drying fabric utilizes this principle to transfer sweat from your body to the air.
3、 Main material composition
Almost all quick drying fabrics are chemically synthesized fibers because they can achieve moisture conductivity by modifying the fiber morphology. Although natural fibers such as cotton absorb sweat, they retain moisture and become wet and heavy, so they are not suitable for making professional sportswear.
The most common quick drying fabric material:
Polyester fiber: also known as polyester. This is the most mainstream and commonly used quick drying fabric material. Its advantages are durability, wrinkle resistance, good shape retention, and relatively low cost. Through technological transformation (such as Coolmax) ® It is a brand of modified polyester fiber with excellent quick drying performance.
Polyamide fiber: also known as nylon. The hand feel is softer and smoother than polyester, with excellent wear resistance. Many high-end basketball uniforms use nylon or a blend of nylon and polyester fabrics to enhance comfort and texture.
Spandex: also known as Lycra. It is not primarily responsible for quick drying, but its unparalleled elasticity is crucial. Usually, a small amount of spandex (such as 5% -10%) is blended with polyester or nylon to give basketball jerseys the ability to stretch on all sides, ensuring that the clothes fit snugly and without restraint when athletes perform any movements.
So, the ingredient labels you see for basketball uniforms are usually: 100% Polyester or 88% Polyester+12% Spandex and similar combinations.
4、 Core features and advantages
Moisture absorption and sweat wicking: The core function is to keep the body dry and comfortable.
Lightweight and breathable: The fabric is usually thin and lightweight, and the weaving method is loose and porous, allowing air circulation and helping with heat dissipation.
High elasticity: After adding spandex, the fabric can stretch in all directions without affecting the flexibility of movement.
Durable and Wear resistant: Synthetic fibers have high strength and can withstand the crawling, rolling, and frequent washing on the court.
Quick drying and easy care: After washing, it is easy to dry and wrinkle resistant, usually without ironing.