What is wicking in relation to athletic wear?

Wicking refers specifically to the movement of moisture away from the skin, which is a crucial feature of many athletic wear fabrics. This property helps to keep the wearer dry and comfortable during physical activities by drawing sweat away from the body and allowing it to evaporate from the surface of the fabric. In this way, wicking fabrics enhance performance by managing body temperature and moisture, which is essential for athletes and active individuals.

While the ability of fabric to absorb water might seem relevant, it does not capture the entire function of wicking, which is about the movement and management of moisture rather than just absorption. Additionally, coloring techniques and the durability of the fabric pertain to other aspects of fabric quality and performance but do not define the key function of wicking in athletic wear.