The right fabric can absorb plenty of sweat for those who have hyperhidrosis. That fabric will absorb so much sweat, that you’ll feel and look dryer than you’ve ever felt. But just how much sweat can they hold? After all, every fabric/fibre is different in terms of its moisture absorbing and wicking ability. This post will offer a demonstration of how much a moisture-wicking fabric can absorb and what the means for sufferers of hyperhidrosis. We’ll also talk about why this matters.
Sweat to H20
To help you visualize how much sweat a moisture-wicking shirt can absorb, we’re going to point you to a helpful example. It’s a bit gross (not terrible though).
Back in 2013, a Swedish engineer and TV personality Andreas Hammar made headlines with the Sweat Machine, a novel technology designed to provide clean drinking water to those facing daily water scarcity. How did it work? It would take human sweat and transform it into drinking water.
It worked using a purification technique used as membrane distillation. Through a Gore-Tex-like material, the Sweat Machine allows steam to pass through while filtering bacteria, salts, fibers, and other objects out.
Maybe it doesn’t sound appetizing, but it was seen as a potentially life-saving tool to keep the most vulnerable populations hydrated, and UNICEF heavily backed it.
What does any of this have to do with sweating and moisture-wicking tees you ask? Well, Hammar used a t-shirt as a reference for how much water a person could get from sweat.
"The amount of water it produces depends on how sweaty the person is, but one person's T-shirt typically produces 10ml [0.3oz], roughly a mouthful," he says.
The keyword here is typical. If you have hyperhidrosis, your volume of sweat probably amounts to much more than a mere mouthful. But the main point we’re trying to make here is that humans release plenty of perspiration into their t-shirt without realizing it.
The best fabrics - the moisture-wicking ones - can absorb and release (wick) most of that 10ml [0.3oz] (or more). The release aspect is key - the water a moisture-wicking shirt captures will evaporate. Not great for the Sweat Machine (in theory), but perfectly suited for an excessively sweaty torso.
A Demonstration of Moisture-Wicking Power
What does the absorption and release of 10ml [0.3oz] (or more) of water look like? Of course, it looks somewhat different from person to person, not to mention the environment they’re in or the activity they’re engaged in. However, it looks something like this.
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As you can see from the video demonstration, perspiration doesn’t have much time to linger in a moisture-wicking shirt. Perspiration will start to disappear almost as quickly as it begins, and that will mean a drier look and feel.
Why it’s Beneficial to Hyperhidrosis Sufferers
Can you relate to this dilemma: you start sweating and it’s so heavy, that no amount of wiping can keep you dry? You might sit under a fan or cancel plans to meet with someone because it seems uncontrollable.
If you live with axillary hyperhidrosis (sweating from the armpits or body), then a moisture-wicking t-shirt will hold and release that sweat. So even if you can’t control the sweating itself, it won’t stay on your body wearing moisture-wicking materials.
That will take the stress out of trying to stay dry and you can walk around feeling less self-conscious about sweating. Our line of NEAT Apparel tees contains a blend of moisture-wicking fibers that work fast to keep you cool and dry while minimizing feelings of stickiness and irritation.
Capture Sweat, Feel Free
Hyperhidrosis can feel overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. The relentless torrent of sweat may seem impossible to stop and that can make you feel discouraged about socializing or participating in your day-to-day activities.
However, a moisture-wicking shirt will absorb and evaporate most of that perspiration so you feel more comfortable. Even though a moisture-wicking shirt can’t treat hyperhidrosis directly, it can at least give you more confidence to go about in public.
Looking for sweat-proof, moisture-wicking fabrics that can help you feel and look dry? Check out our line of sweat-proof t-shirts made with patented technology to help you dry off fast!
