How do cooling fabrics achieve their cooling effect?

The key to cool fabrics lies in selecting fibers with high thermal conductivity and quick-drying properties. These fibers quickly absorb body heat and promote the evaporation of sweat, resulting in a cooling sensation. Common cooling fibers include:

Bamboo Fiber

Bamboo fiber is an ideal choice for cooling fabrics due to its unique natural structure. Its porous, hollow interior allows it to quickly absorb sweat and diffuse it outward through the fiber's capillary action, accelerating evaporation and heat dissipation.

Bamboo fiber contains bambooquinone, a natural antibacterial component that inhibits bacterial growth and reduces odor caused by sweat accumulation, making it suitable for sportswear. Its irregular natural pores enhance breathability, effectively reducing stuffiness and ensuring long-lasting dryness.

Flax Fiber

Flax fiber has excellent moisture absorption and heat dissipation properties, making it a prominent material for summer wear. Its moisture absorption capacity is 20%-30% higher than cotton, while also releasing moisture quickly. This unique “breathing” property makes flax an ideal choice for hot climates.

Flax fibers also have a naturally smooth surface that feels slightly cool to the touch, enhancing the natural cooling sensation without chemical treatments.

Viscose, Modal, and Lyocell

Viscose fibers are known for strong moisture absorption, though they lose strength when wet. Therefore, viscose is often blended with synthetic fibers to improve durability. Manufactured from natural cellulose, viscose retains comfort while providing versatility.

Modal and Lyocell (Tencel) are upgraded versions. Modal offers a silky texture, making it ideal for intimate wear. Lyocell, made with eco-friendly processes, delivers higher fiber strength and excellent moisture regulation, making it a high-end option for cool fabrics.

Coolmax® Polyester Fiber

Coolmax® is a specially engineered polyester with a cross-shaped or Y-shaped cross-section that increases surface area and creates more sweat-transfer channels. Through the capillary effect, it quickly wicks sweat away from the skin to the outer layer for rapid evaporation.

Modified versions add cooling mineral additives such as mica and jade powder, enhancing thermal conductivity and creating an immediate cooling effect. Microporous structures in the fibers further improve breathability, allowing synthetic fabrics to compete with natural ones in comfort.

Blended Fabrics with Spandex and Nylon

The addition of spandex and nylon improves elasticity and durability. Spandex ensures stretch recovery, while nylon provides abrasion resistance and strength. By reducing the air gap between the fabric and skin, these blends enhance heat transfer and indirectly improve the cooling effect.

Widely used in sportswear such as tights and yoga apparel, these fabrics often integrate mesh panels in key areas to maximize breathability, making them reliable cool fabrics for performance wear.