HealthAug15
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Today, the name Coolmax is rarely<br />
seen or heard, and when people refer<br />
to these fabrics they use the descriptors<br />
“wicking,” “moisture-management” and<br />
“technical.”<br />
The next development was in giving<br />
the fabrics a tighter, body-hugging<br />
fit. In order to accomplish this, Lycra<br />
was added. These stretchy garments<br />
wicked the moisture more efficiently<br />
and did a better job of regulating body<br />
temperature.<br />
Do these tech fabrics really work?<br />
Yes, but before tech fabrics came to<br />
running apparel, they were used in<br />
ski wear. For athletes working up a<br />
moderate sweat on a cool, dry ski<br />
slope, the fabrics work very well. In<br />
the Florida heat and humidity, even the<br />
best wicking fabric can’t completely<br />
keep up with the torrent of perspiration<br />
generated by a workout. In other times<br />
of the year perhaps, but in the summer<br />
you are not going to feel “dry” like the<br />
product descriptions claim. However,<br />
as compared to cotton, when wearing<br />
tech garments you will feel lighter,<br />
more comfortable, and have a reduced<br />
chance of chaffing.<br />
There is tech, and there is better tech.<br />
The tech t-shirts handed out at races are<br />
not the same quality as the shirts you<br />
can buy in a specialty running store.<br />
The polyester is usually coated with<br />
a membrane to enhance its wicking<br />
capabilities, but after several washes<br />
it comes off. A top-quality tech shirt is<br />
lighter, more breathable and has the<br />
coating woven into the fabric, so it<br />
stays put.<br />
One complaint about wicking fabrics<br />
is the smell. The cheaper ones in<br />
particular tend to hold odors. Wash tech<br />
clothes together, in warm water, with<br />
detergent and half a cup of vinegar.<br />
That should take care of the problem.<br />
Silver fabrics are another option.<br />
Silver acts as a thermo conductor and<br />
works well at regulating the body’s<br />
temperature. It also kills 99 percent of<br />
the bacteria it comes in contact with, so<br />
there’s no smell.<br />
And don’t forget fabrics with builtin<br />
UV protection. Today, runners have<br />
moisture management, temperature<br />
control, comfort and protection from<br />
the sun’s harmful rays — the ultimate<br />
combination for summer runs.<br />
August 2015<br />
healthsourcemag.com—11
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