Effect of knit structure on the moisture management of sports jersey fabrics

Abstract

The knit structure is the primary factor that influences the moisture management properties and liquid transport in sportswear fabrics. Four polyester microfibre sports jersey fabrics were characterised by their fibre composition using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and their moisture management performance was assessed in terms of absorption rate, wetting time, spreading speed, maximum wetted radius, Accumulative One-way Transport Index (AOTI), and Overall Moisture Management Capability (OMMC). Results showed that different knit structures had a noticeable impact on overall moisture management, with polar eyelet fabric showing faster surface wetting, a larger wetted radius on the bottom surface, and higher spreading speeds on the top and bottom surfaces of the fabrics. Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD showed significant differences between the fabrics in terms of spreading speed, wetted radius, AOTI, and OMMC. Overall, the polar eyelet fabric offered rapid surface wetting and spreading, while the interlock fabric performed better in one-way moisture transfer.