CoolMax®“ is a specially engineered type of polyester exclusively produced by company Invista. This polyester fabric consists of fibers that are carefully engineered to wick moisture and allow the passage of heat.
Whether you decide to wear CoolMax® underwear or any other CoolMax® clothing, you can rely on one thing – it will work just as good (or even better) as traditional materials...
CoolMax® properties
Probably the most important feature of Coolmax® fibers is its special and unmistakable shape. The fiber is of course purposely designed to increase its active area to the maximum. This ensures maximum moisture transport away from the body during any physical activity and in any weather.
The fiber comes in two forms – either „Tetra-channel“ or „Hexa-channel“. The designation („Tetra“ = four „Hexa“ = six), shows how many draining channels Coolmax consists. With their help the sweat evaporates more quickly. However, it is good to remember, that the fibers themselves do not actively wicks the moisture, but rather specialize in its fastest transport away from the body.
Optimal and well-thought out moisture management and breathability make from all clothing containing CoolMax® fibers perfect choice for athletes, but also for other places where we excessively expose to sweat.
Another benefit of CoolMax® is, that opposite to other fibers, it dries faster and its water water absorption is still very low. CoolMax® guarantees breathability, while it also feels pleasant and light on the skin. And last but not not least, the fabric limits the formation of bacteria, which prevents the formation of unpleasant odours.
Whatever physical activity or sport you are doing, you can be sure of one thing - when it comes to cold, sweat and rain, there is no such thing as " too dry garments".
Where do we find CoolMax® fabric ?
Although CoolMax® can be mostly found on socks and underwear, we can also find it on many other products. In combination with other materials it is used for cycling jersey, bed sheets, headwear, and other apparel...
CoolMax® compared to other fabrics
CoolMax® provides unique features, not so common with natural materials. In general, its optimal moisture management and breathability makes perfect combination during water activities or on snow for example. Simply, sweat and body moisture evaporates more quickly than with cotton.
Of course, due to the water the fiber will increase and thus interrupt the effective air circulation (which is highly important for both breathability as well as perfect stabilization of our body temperature). On the other hand, CoolMax® fiber is hollow, so it contains air. This air ensures that the wearer stays warm.
CoolMax® does not accept any moisture, so it always works just as well. It allows much better performance at a much wider temperature range than with a standard clothing. Overall, thanks to its presence the thermal regulation of your body is better.
There are situations where it does not really matter what base layers or underwear you are wearing, however, this doesn´t mean that CoolMax® still isn´t one of the best choices for most of the sport activities.
Some numbers in the end: tested CoolMax® products dried in 66 seconds, polyester and Polypropylene in 79 seconds, nylon in 83 seconds, silk in 90 seconds and cotton in 96 seconds.
CoolMax® care
Because it is a synthetic material, machine wash requires maximally 40°C. Thanks to its properties, it dries almost immediately after washing. We should never use fabric softeners or bleach containing chlorine with CoolMax® textiles, as well as CoolMax® products shouldn´t be dried in a tumble drier and ironed.