Which fiber is synthetic, commonly used in sportswear for moisture-wicking and quick drying?

Which fiber is synthetic, commonly used in sportswear for moisture-wicking and quick drying?

• A. Merino Wool
• B. Polyester
• C. Cotton
• D. Nylon

Answer: (B)

Moisture management in athletic fabrics comes from fibers engineered to move sweat away from the skin and dry quickly. A synthetic fiber fits this role well because its properties can be tuned to wick moisture efficiently and vent it to the fabric surface where it evaporates fast. Polyester is the standout for sportswear because its fibers resist absorbing water, so sweat is drawn through the material by capillary action and the fabric dries rapidly. This combination—moving moisture outward and drying quickly—helps keep you cooler and lighter during activity. Merino wool can wick but is natural and tends to hold moisture longer; cotton absorbs water and stays damp; nylon is strong and durable but isn’t as optimized for moisture management in athletic fabrics as polyester.

Moisture management in athletic fabrics comes from fibers engineered to move sweat away from the skin and dry quickly. A synthetic fiber fits this role well because its properties can be tuned to wick moisture efficiently and vent it to the fabric surface where it evaporates fast. Polyester is the standout for sportswear because its fibers resist absorbing water, so sweat is drawn through the material by capillary action and the fabric dries rapidly. This combination—moving moisture outward and drying quickly—helps keep you cooler and lighter during activity. Merino wool can wick but is natural and tends to hold moisture longer; cotton absorbs water and stays damp; nylon is strong and durable but isn’t as optimized for moisture management in athletic fabrics as polyester.