Wicking Height How It Changes with Construction and Elastane Content
Wicking Height does not stay constant when construction changes. Understanding the direction of change helps during development.
Effect of knit structure
Loop length and density move results first, usually before any yarn change is made. Working figures for Wicking Height normally sit around above 100 mm in 30 minutes in mainstream production. Note AATCC 197 vertical wicking on the tech pack so nobody tests against an older revision.
Effect of elastane content
More elastane raises recovery but changes the value measured by AATCC 197 vertical wicking, so retest after any blending change. Record elastane content alongside Wicking Height, because blends shift the measured value. A result outside above 100 mm in 30 minutes usually points to process drift rather than to the fibre itself.
Effect of finishing
Heat setting and softeners shift results, which explains differences between a hand sample and bulk. Keeping reference values for Wicking Height lets suppliers quote without extra sampling rounds. Ask for conditioning details together with AATCC 197 vertical wicking, since both affect the reading.
Typical range
Working values stay around above 100 mm in 30 minutes for mainstream activewear. Working figures for Wicking Height normally sit around above 100 mm in 30 minutes in mainstream production. Note AATCC 197 vertical wicking on the tech pack so nobody tests against an older revision.
Development advice
Change one variable at a time, then verify against AATCC 197 vertical wicking before moving to the next sample round. Record elastane content alongside Wicking Height, because blends shift the measured value. A result outside above 100 mm in 30 minutes usually points to process drift rather than to the fibre itself.
