Performance Knit Fabric Developer & Bulk Supplier
Moisture-Wicking Fabric Manufacturer
Lightweight performance knits with moisture management built into the yarn, not just sprayed onto the surface. Developed, knitted and tested in our own mill, for apparel brands, OEM garment factories and fabric wholesalers.
- 20+ years in performance knits
- Our own vertically integrated mill
- In-house testing lab
- Custom development & bulk wholesale
Why yarn-level
Moisture Management Engineered at the Yarn Level
Many "wicking" fabrics on the market get their performance from a hydrophilic finish applied after dyeing. It works on day one and then fades with every wash.
Mibein starts earlier in the process. As a performance fabric developer and manufacturer, we build moisture transport into the fabric itself through three layers of engineering:
- 01Functional yarns
Profiled cross-section polyester, Y+O hollow-core fibers (our AirLume® series), cationic polyester and bio-based SORONA®. These pull sweat along the fiber by capillary action.
- 02Knit constructions
Double-face, birdseye mesh, waffle and micro-texture structures move moisture from the skin side to the outer face, where it spreads and evaporates.
- 03Finishing
Used to fine-tune performance or add functions, not to create the wicking effect from scratch.
Because the function comes from the fiber and the construction, it stays with the fabric wash after wash. At the same time, each fabric can deliver lightweight stretch, a matte surface and a cotton-like touch, so your product doesn't have to give up comfort or style for function.
New to the topic? Read how moisture-wicking fabric works.
- SkinSweat forms next to the body
- Functional yarnCapillary channels pull it along the fiber
- Knit constructionMoves it from the skin side to the outer face
- Outer faceSpreads it across a larger surface
- EvaporationDries fast instead of sitting on the skin
What sets us apart
What Makes Mibein Moisture-Wicking Fabrics Different
Yarn-Level Functionality
Wicking, quick-dry and cooling properties come from the yarn itself, such as hollow-core, profiled or bio-based fibers. Performance doesn't wash out the way topical finishes do.
- Hollow-core
- Profiled
- Bio-based
Lightweight, High Stretch
Moisture-wicking qualities from 80 to 200 g/m², with stretch and recovery for running, training, travel and everyday wear.
Spandex-Free Stretch
Selected fabrics stretch through inherent-stretch polyester fibers and knit structure instead of elastane. Compared with spandex at fiber level, this means better chlorine and heat resistance, lower-temperature dyeing, and an all-polyester composition designed for recycling. Elastane vs. mechanical stretch explained.
Multiple Functions in One Fabric
Moisture-wicking can be combined with UV protection, antibacterial odor control, cooling touch, abrasion resistance or warmth in a single construction. Fewer fabrics to source, simpler product lines.
- Moisture-wicking
- UV protection
- Antibacterial
- Cooling touch
- Abrasion resistance
- Warmth
Matte, Textured Surfaces
Low-sheen faces, two-tone cationic effects and waffle or mesh textures avoid the shiny "synthetic" look. Pieces move easily from the gym to the street.
Cotton-Like Handfeel
Spun-polyester and cotton-linen-feel surfaces feel natural against the skin, yet dry far faster than cotton. Cotton-feel fabric vs. real cotton.
Lab-tested
Performance You Can Verify
We do not ask buyers to take quick-dry on trust. This is a real third-party report, with original and after-wash results set against each requirement.
| Test item | Test method | Indicator | Unit | Requirement | Original | After 5 washes | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Absorption and quick-drying | GB/T 21655.1-2023 FZ/T 01071-2008 Washing: GB/T 8629-2017, 4N Drying: line-dried | Water absorption rate | % | ≥ 80 | 215 | 223 | Pass |
| Drip diffusion time | s | ≤ 6 | < 1.0 | < 1.0 | Pass | ||
| Wicking height (warp / weft) | mm | ≥ 80 | 163 / 154 | 227 / 220 | Pass | ||
| Drying rate | g/h | ≥ 0.20 | 0.48 | 0.42 | Pass |
Wicking height is judged on the larger of warp and weft. Results vary by construction and color. Full test reports are available on request.
Learn more: AATCC 195 moisture management test explained · How to verify a supplier's wicking claims
AirLume® Lightweight Comfort Fabric — XWT1505
100% Polyester · 140 g/m² · 155 cm
Built on AirLume® Y+O hollow-core fibers. Air spaces inside the yarn keep the fabric light and add thermal comfort, while the fiber structure moves moisture quickly for a drier feel. Yarn-level function in its purest form.
Best for: Performance T-shirts, urban commuting, travel & leisure, light workouts
SORONA® Lightweight Textured Knit — XWP1013-1
100% Polyester (SORONA® + inherent-stretch polyester) · 115 g/m² · 140 cm
The lightest fabric in this selection. SORONA® and profiled polyester yarns are twisted together for a subtle heathered surface and fast moisture transport. Stretch comes from the fibers, not spandex. SORONA® hangtags are available.
Best for: Summer tees, everyday active T-shirts, lightweight layering
SORONA® Cool-Touch Matte Soft-Stretch Fabric — TP25239
100% Polyester (SORONA®) · 160 g/m² · 160 cm
Cool against the skin and soft in motion. A matte, fine-knit surface and a cotton-like hand, with spandex-free recovery from SORONA®'s spring-like molecular structure. Four functions in one fabric.
Best for: Performance tees, polo shirts, athleisure, travel apparel
Airslim® Lightweight Soft-Stretch Knit — XWP1021
100% Polyester · 130–140 g/m² · 178 cm
Gentle stretch, a silky hand and natural drape for next-to-skin wear. Moisture spreads quickly across the fabric and dries fast. A subtle heather gives depth while keeping the surface clean and structured.
Best for: Base layers, light outdoor tops, everyday active T-shirts
Naturish Quick-Dry Cotton-Linen Feel Fabric — XWT1528-1
100% Polyester · 155 g/m² · 152 cm
A fine-textured face over a vertical-stripe back. The channels on the back help draw moisture away from the skin. It looks and feels like cotton-linen, but dries fast and resists wrinkles.
Best for: Travel shirts, urban casual tops, light outdoor T-shirts
Naturish Cationic Double-Faced Mesh — XWT1526
100% Polyester (spun polyester + cationic polyester filament) · 165 g/m² · 160 cm
A classic wicking construction with a modern look. The birdseye mesh back lifts moisture off the skin, and the spun-polyester face spreads it out to dry while feeling smooth and cotton-like.
Best for: Training tees, polo shirts, casual activewear
Two-Tone Mini Waffle — XWT1508
100% Polyester · 145 g/m² · 160 cm
A cationic two-tone mini waffle that combines a refined heathered look with odor control. Built for tops worn all day, from workout to weekend.
Best for: Athletic T-shirts, training tops, casual polo shirts
Cationic Polyester Waffle — XWT35979
100% Polyester · 205 g/m² · 150 cm
A fine waffle with subtle two-tone depth and a natural cotton-linen feel. It stacks quick-dry performance with UV and abrasion resistance, making it a durable choice for long-sleeves and outdoor-casual styles.
Best for: Waffle long-sleeves, outdoor casual tops, lifestyle activewear
| Code | Fabric | Composition | Weight | Width | Key functions | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XWT1505 | AirLume® Lightweight Comfort | 100% Polyester | 140 g/m² | 155 cm | Rapid moisture transport, Quick-dry, Hollow-core yarn | Performance T-shirts, urban commuting, travel & leisure, light workouts |
| XWP1013-1 | SORONA® Lightweight Textured Knit | 100% Polyester (SORONA® + inherent-stretch polyester) | 115 g/m² | 140 cm | Moisture-wicking & quick-dry, Spandex-free stretch, Partly plant-based | Summer tees, everyday active T-shirts, lightweight layering |
| TP25239 | SORONA® Cool-Touch Matte Soft-Stretch | 100% Polyester (SORONA®) | 160 g/m² | 160 cm | Wicking & quick-dry, Cool touch, Matte finish | Performance tees, polo shirts, athleisure, travel apparel |
| XWP1021 | Airslim® Lightweight Soft-Stretch Knit | 100% Polyester | 130–140 g/m² | 178 cm | Moisture spreading & quick-dry, Easy stretch, Lightweight with coverage | Base layers, light outdoor tops, everyday active T-shirts |
| XWT1528-1 | Naturish Quick-Dry Cotton-Linen Feel | 100% Polyester | 155 g/m² | 152 cm | Moisture absorption & quick-dry, Dry touch, Wrinkle resistant | Travel shirts, urban casual tops, light outdoor T-shirts |
| XWT1526 | Naturish Cationic Double-Faced Mesh | 100% Polyester (spun polyester + cationic polyester filament) | 165 g/m² | 160 cm | Moisture-wicking & quick-dry, Cotton-like touch, Breathable | Training tees, polo shirts, casual activewear |
| XWT1508 | Two-Tone Mini Waffle | 100% Polyester | 145 g/m² | 160 cm | Moisture-wicking, Antibacterial odor control, Two-tone texture | Athletic T-shirts, training tops, casual polo shirts |
| XWT35979 | Cationic Polyester Waffle | 100% Polyester | 205 g/m² | 150 cm | Wicking & quick-dry, UV resistance, Abrasion resistance | Waffle long-sleeves, outdoor casual tops, lifestyle activewear |
The products shown on this website represent only part of our fabric portfolio. Contact us for more fabric options, technical data, color cards, and sample support.
Specifications are from Mibein product data sheets. Functional performance is confirmed by test reports for each production lot.
Choosing a weight? See our GSM guide for moisture-wicking fabric and nylon vs. polyester for wicking.
How it is built
How We Engineer Moisture-Wicking Performance
-
Fiber & Yarn Engineering
We start with the yarn. AirLume® Y+O hollow-core fibers, profiled cross-section polyester, cationic polyester and bio-based SORONA® create capillary channels that pull sweat away from the skin. Because the function lives in the fiber, it doesn't wash out. Through our technical exchange with The LYCRA Company, we also evaluate next-generation fibers for stretch and fit retention.
-
Knit Construction
Double-face, birdseye mesh, waffle and stripe-back structures put different yarns or textures on each side. This creates a one-way moisture gradient: sweat moves outward and spreads to evaporate instead of sitting on the skin. The same structures deliver mechanical stretch, matte textures and cotton-like hand.
-
Finishing & Function Stacking
Finishing is where we add extra functions, such as UV protection, antibacterial odor control, cooling or anti-static properties, on top of the yarn-level wicking. Every combination is lab-tested before it's approved for bulk.
Where it goes
One Fabric, Multiple Scenarios
Because our fabrics stack several functions, a single quality can often serve several product categories. This simplifies sourcing and spreads MOQ across a whole collection.
Active Performance
Running, training and gym wear where sweat control matters most.
Outdoor & Trail
Breathable, quick-dry comfort in changing conditions, with UV protection where needed.
Golf & Polo
Matte, textured fabrics that stay dry and look refined on and off the course.
Urban Commute & Travel
Cotton-like comfort, wrinkle resistance and all-day dryness.
Mill & lab
Production & Quality Assurance
We knit, dye, finish and test in our own vertically integrated mill, so quality is controlled at every stage rather than outsourced.
- Dye lot control
Every lot is checked for color, weight, width, handfeel and functional performance.
- Fabric inspection
Inspected to the US Standard 100-Yard Fabric Grading System (4-Point System) before shipment.
- Functional testing
Wicking and drying performance rechecked on bulk, not only at sampling.
- See where it's made
Knitting, dyeing, finishing and the testing lab, all in one mill.
Partners
Working With Leaders Across the Fiber Supply Chain
Stock & sourcing
A Ready Fabric Library Behind Every Order
Beyond custom development, we keep 50+ greige fabric qualities in stock, so sampling and bulk orders start faster. Our team follows the market every season and recommends the colors and functional fabrics buyers are asking for.
Ready base fabrics across UV protection, cool touch, quick-dry and stretch, so most programs start from stock rather than from scratch.
Built around your order
Quantities, dye lots and delivery are planned around your program, from first sample yardage to repeat bulk.
Following market trends
We track what sells each season in outdoor, golf and summer active wear, and update the range to match.
Popular colors & functional picks
Tell us your market and price point. Our team recommends the colorways and functional fabrics currently in demand.
Sourcing for a distribution or wholesale program?
FAQ
Moisture-Wicking Fabric Questions, Answered
01What is moisture-wicking fabric?
Moisture-wicking fabric pulls sweat away from the skin by capillary action and spreads it across the outer surface, where it evaporates quickly. At Mibein, this effect comes mainly from the yarn (hollow-core, profiled or bio-based fibers) and the knit construction, not just a surface finish. Read the full guide.
02Does the moisture-wicking effect wash out?
Finish-only fabrics often lose a large part of their wicking after repeated laundering. Our fabrics build wicking into the fiber and structure, and we test wash durability to AATCC 135.
03Can a fabric stretch without spandex?
Yes. Fabrics such as TP25239 and XWP1013-1 get their stretch and recovery from inherent-stretch polyester and SORONA® fibers rather than elastane. Our FLEXERA™ series is dedicated to spandex-free high stretch. At fiber level, these fibers resist chlorine and heat better than spandex, and all-polyester fabrics are easier to design for recycling.
04Can moisture-wicking be combined with other functions?
Yes, and that's our specialty. Examples from this page include wicking + UV + abrasion resistance (XWT35979), wicking + antibacterial (XWT1508), and wicking + cool touch + spandex-free stretch (TP25239). We can develop other combinations to your spec.
05Polyester or nylon: which is better for moisture-wicking?
Polyester generally dries faster, holds color well and costs less. Nylon offers a softer, stronger hand. Most of our moisture-wicking range uses engineered polyester yarns for the best balance of performance and price. See the full comparison.
06What GSM should I choose?
As a rule of thumb, 115–145 g/m² suits summer running and training tops, 145–170 g/m² suits everyday performance tees and polos, and 200+ g/m² suits waffle long-sleeves and cooler-weather layers. GSM guide for moisture-wicking fabric.
07What test reports can you provide?
In-house lab reports for wicking, drying, air permeability and wash durability come with samples. What is AATCC testing?
08How do you make sure bulk matches the approved sample?
Each dye lot is checked against the approved standard for color, weight, width, handfeel and functional performance. Fabric is inspected to the 4-Point System before shipment, and laboratory testing continues throughout production to keep every batch consistent.
09Do you work with wholesalers and smaller brands?
Yes. We supply ready-stock qualities to fabric distributors and garment factories, and we co-develop custom fabrics with brands and product teams of different sizes.
Start a collection
Build Your Next Moisture-Wicking Collection With Mibein
Tell us your product, target weight and the functions you need. We'll recommend matching fabrics from our range or outline a development plan. Swatches and data sheets included.
Further reading: Moisture-wicking fabric buyer's guide · Breathable fabric buyer's guide · Stretch fabric buyer's guide
1Target weight
2Functions besides wicking
8 matching qualities on this page