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On 26 8 月, 2021
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Post-workout clothes feeling stuffy and sticky with sweat, getting splashed wet during rainy commutes, fearing sunburn from intense outdoor sun in summer... These daily nuisances can actually all be solved with a single "functional fabric" item. Unlike regular fabrics that only focus on basic wearability, functional fabrics—backed by technology—target the needs of different scenarios with precision, upgrading from "passive wearing" to "proactively solving problems." Today, we’ll take you through the "hidden capabilities" of functional fabrics and show you how they use technology to reshape a comfortable life.

1. Water-Resistant / Water-Repellent Fabrics: Bid Farewell to "Getting Soaked"

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Core Function

Blocks moisture penetration while maintaining a certain level of breathability (to prevent stuffiness from trapped sweat).
 
This category of fabrics is divided into two types: water-repellent and water-resistant:
 
  • Water-Repellent: Most are treated with a water-repellent coating on the fabric surface (such as the common PFC coating; more eco-friendly fluorine-free coatings are also available now). Rainwater hitting the surface rolls off like "water droplets on a lotus leaf." It is suitable for daily commutes and light rain (e.g., sudden drizzles), and is commonly used in trench coats and umbrella fabrics.
  • Water-Resistant: Features a denser fabric structure (e.g., nylon oxford cloth) plus a waterproof membrane (e.g., GORE-TEX). It can withstand moderate to heavy rain or even prolonged outdoor exposure to rain, and is commonly used in hiking jackets and mountaineering pants.

Pro Tip

The coating on water-repellent fabrics will gradually lose its effectiveness with repeated washes. You can reapply a dedicated water-repellent spray later to restore its performance!

2. Quick-Drying Fabric: No More Sticky Discomfort After Exercise

Core Function

Quickly absorbs sweat from the body and then evaporates it through the fabric surface, keeping the skin dry and comfortable.
 
The principle is straightforward: Traditional cotton fabrics "trap moisture" after absorbing sweat, drying slowly and clinging uncomfortably to the skin. In contrast, most quick-drying fabrics are made from synthetic fibers such as polyester or nylon. These fibers have numerous tiny pores on their surface that rapidly "wick" sweat to the outer layer of the fabric. Additionally, quick-drying fabrics are usually designed to be lightweight and breathable, allowing them to dry extremely fast—for example, after sweating during exercise, a quick-drying T-shirt may dry in 1–2 hours, while a cotton T-shirt can take most of the day.

Suitable Scenarios

  • Activewear (running, fitness, yoga)
  • Travel outfits (especially when visiting humid places, as they dry quickly after washing and are ready to wear soon)
  • Outdoor hiking

Pro Tip

When choosing quick-drying fabric, check its "moisture absorption and wicking index"—the higher the index, the better the quick-drying performance!
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3. Thermal Insulation Fabric: Stay Warm Even in Light Layers This Winter

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Core Function

It retains warmth by trapping air or reflecting heat to reduce body heat loss—while being much lighter than traditional thick, heavy fabrics.
 
Common thermal functional fabrics mainly fall into two categories:
 
  • Heat-Trapping Type:
    • Examples include fleece fabric (made of polyester, with dense fine 绒毛 on the surface that traps warm air around the body) and polar fleece (thicker than regular fleece with stronger insulation, suitable for jacket linings and loungewear).
    • There’s also the popular "air-layer fabric" in recent years: its structure creates a three-layer "air pocket," wrapping the body like a "warm air quilt." It’s commonly used in hoodies and thermal underwear.
  • Heat-Reflecting Type:
    • A typical example is fabric with a "silver-ion reflective layer," which can reflect infrared heat emitted by the body to reduce heat loss. It’s often used in ski suits and polar outdoor clothing—offering ultra-strong insulation without bulk.

Comparison with Traditional Insulation

At the same temperature, wearing a single fleece jacket is warmer than wearing two thick wool sweaters. What’s more, it’s lighter for movement, so you won’t feel the restrictive "being wrapped like a zongzi" (glutinous rice dumpling) sensation!

Sun-Protective Fabric: No Need to Slather Sunscreen All Over Your Body This Summer

Core Function

Blocks ultraviolet (UV) rays—especially UVA and UVB, which are highly harmful to the skin—to achieve a "physical sun protection" effect.
 
To determine if a fabric is sun-protective, the key metric to check is its UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). According to national standards, only fabrics with UPF ≥ 40 and UVA transmittance ≤ 5% can be classified as "UV-protective fabrics."
 
Such fabrics typically use one of two designs:
 
  1. High-density weaving technology (e.g., tightly woven polyester fabric with pores so small that UV rays cannot penetrate through);
  2. Incorporating sun-protective agents (e.g., zinc oxide, which reflects UV rays).
 
Sun-protective fabric is commonly used in sun-protective clothing, sun hats, and outdoor shawls. Some brands even produce sun-protective jeans and sun-protective dresses. Wearing these items with sunscreen when going out in summer doubles the sun protection effect.

Pro Tip

The sun-protective effect of sun-protective fabric will decrease when it gets wet. Therefore, if you sweat heavily or get caught in the rain, it is recommended to change into a dry one promptly!
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Maintenance Tips for Functional Fabrics

For high-quality functional fabrics, proper maintenance can extend their service life and preserve their performance:
 
  • Use neutral laundry detergent when washing; avoid bleach or fabric softener (these can damage waterproof coatings and antibacterial components).
  • Keep the water temperature below 30°C. Wash on a gentle machine cycle or by hand—do not scrub vigorously (especially for fabrics with waterproof membranes, as scrubbing may damage them).
  • Avoid direct sunlight when drying (high temperatures can age functional coatings); air-dry in the shade or tumble-dry on a low-heat setting instead.
  • For waterproof fabrics, clean them promptly when soiled to prevent oil or dirt from adhering to the coating, which would impair water resistance.
 
In fact, functional fabrics are no longer "exclusive to outdoor enthusiasts"—they have already integrated into our daily lives:
 
  • Quick-drying shirts for work solve the embarrassment of "sticky sweat from prolonged sitting";
  • Antibacterial jackets for parenting reduce worries about "picking up bacteria while holding kids";
  • Air-layer thermal underwear in winter keeps us warm without the bulk...
 
With the power of technology, it turns "inconveniences" into "ease"—and that’s probably the most appealing aspect of functional fabrics.
 
What functional fabric items have you used that worked well? Feel free to share your experiences in the comment section!
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