At Rise & Fall, we choose natural fibres first, not just because they perform beautifully, but because they feel better on the skin and age gracefully.
If you’re choosing clothing for summer, travel or everyday comfort, understanding the difference between moisture-wicking and breathable fabrics will help you choose the right material. While many breathable fabrics also have moisture-wicking properties, when is one superior and when can they complement each other?
What Is Moisture-Wicking?
Moisture-wicking refers to a fabric’s ability to draw moisture (typically perspiration) away from the skin and move it to the outer surface of the fabric, where it can evaporate quickly. This prevents the fabric from feeling damp or heavy, enabling the wearer to stay dry, cool and comfortable.
Synthetic & Natural Moisture-Wicking Fabrics
Moisture-wicking materials are often made from synthetics (e.g. polyester, nylon or polypropylene) using water-repelling fibres and capillary-like structures that transport moisture away.
However, natural fibres can also provide excellent moisture-wicking benefits, depending on the fibre type and garment construction. These are ideal for base layers, outdoor wear and cover ups for all-day comfort.
Benefits of Moisture-Wicking Fabrics
Whether you're on the go or slowly meandering, comfort isn’t just about softness. How a specific material responds to movement and changing temperatures will quietly shape how your day feels — and not all natural fibres behave the same. Moisture-wicking fabrics are designed to help you stay dry and comfortable:
- Natural comfort: they feel soft and breathable against the skin.
- Temperature regulation: they maintain a balanced body temperature by removing moisture and allowing airflow.
- Odour resistance: they are naturally antibacterial and odour-resistant.
- All-day wearability: they feel fresh and comfortable over extended periods of wear.
- Reduced skin irritation: they are less likely to chafe or cause irritation caused by clingy, wet fabric.
At Rise & Fall, we lean towards the use of natural, responsibly sourced fibres. These reign supreme with the additional advantages of being produced through more eco-friendly processes and being biodegradable.
The Best Natural Wicking Fibres
Here’s a breakdown of natural moisture-wicking fabrics:
| Fibre | Moisture-Wicking Ability | How It Works | When To Use |
| Merino Wool |
Excellent |
Naturally wicks moisture while remaining breathable and insulating. Can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling wet. This helps to keep the wearer dry and comfortable.Ideal for everyday wear. |
Wear fine merino when the forecast can’t decide. Soft, insulating and naturally odour-resistant, it keeps pace with the cool outdoors, busy indoor spaces and everything in between. |
| Cashmere | Excellent | Can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture. | Wear Grade A cashmere for year-round weather. Its hollow fibres make it naturally breathable and moisture-managing for transeasonal moments. |
| Silk | Moderate | Lightweight and naturally wicks some moisture but not as effective as wool or synthetics. |
Wear silk when lightness matters. Naturally temperature-regulating and soft against the skin, it’s ideal for warm nights, long flights or layering with ease. Also ideal for evening wear. |
| Cotton (Treated) | Moderate |
Regular cotton is highly absorbent but holds moisture. However, treated or blended cotton (e.g. Dri-FIT®) have enhanced moisture-wicking properties. |
Wear premium cotton when you want everyday comfort with a clean finish. Naturally breathable and gentle on the skin, it suits everything from slow mornings to officewear. Choose long-staple cotton bedding for sleep that stays cool, clean and comfortable. Its natural breathability and smooth finish makes it ideal for every season, every sleeper, every night. |
| Bamboo (Viscose Bamboo) | Good |
Bamboo-derived fibres are soft, breathable and can wick moisture. Performance depends on the processing method. |
Opt for bamboo when softness is non-negotiable. Cool to the touch and naturally absorbent, it’s ideal for warm sleepers and gentle mornings. |
| TENCEL™ / Lyocel | Good |
A semi-synthetic fibre derived from wood pulp. Naturally wicks moisture and dries quickly; highly breathable. |
Wear TENCEL™ when you want calm, clean comfort. Silky smooth and sustainably made, it drapes beautifully and breathes with ease — perfect for layered living. |
| Modal | Good |
Also derived from wood pulp; common in active and loungewear. Smooth and moisture-wicking. |
Wear modal when you need movement without compromise. Light, soft, flexible and quietly luxurious, it lends itself to long, busy days. |
What Does Breathability Mean
Breathability refers to how well a fabric allows heat, air and moisture to pass through it, facilitating ventilation and temperature regulation while still providing coverage. This is especially important in warm and humid conditions.
The degree to which natural materials are breathable depends on 3 key factors:
- The type of fibre.
- Fabric density (i.e. looser weaves are more breathable).
- Are coatings or treatments applied?
Top Benefits of Wearing Breathable Fabrics
The advantages of wearing breathable clothing is similar to those which are moisture-wicking. The key benefits include:
- Temperature regulation via the natural flow of air.
- Reduction of sweat build-up as moistire can evaporate quickly.
- Odour control by inhibiting bacterial growth.
- Supports healthier skin. Good ventilation supports overall skin health and by keeping you dry, irritation, chafing and rashes can be avoided.
- Versatile for all seasons. Breathable fabrics keep you cool in the summer and can be layered in cooler weather to maintain warmth and comfort.
- Eco-friendly. Many natural breathable fabrics (like cotton, linen, hemp, and merino wool) are sustainable and biodegradable.
- Better sleep quality. Breathable materials (like cotton and linen) are often used in sleepwear and bedding because they help to keep you cool. Explore our cotton and linen bedding sets today.
The Best Breathable Natural Fibres
Here’s a breakdown of naturally breathable fabrics:
| Fibre | Breathability | Notes |
| Merino Wool | Excellent | Breathable and temperature-regulating; also moisture-wicking. |
| Cotton | Excellent | Soft and highly breathable; absorbs moisture well. |
| Linen | Excellent | Very breathable; ideal for hot climates; dries quickly. |
| Cashmere | Excellent | Allows for good airflow, helping to regulate body temperature and provides insulation without overheating. |
| Hemp | Excellent | Strong and breathable; eco-friendly and durable. |
| Bamboo (Viscose Bamboo) |
Excellent to good |
Breathable and soft; performance depends on processing. |
| Silk | Good | Lightweight and breathable; good for layering. |
| TENCEL™ / Lyocell | Good | |
| Modal | Good |
Breathability vs. Moisture-Wicking Properties
As you may have established, moisture-wicking and breathability properties are very similar but there are some distinct characteristics which sets them apart. Depending on the desired look and functionality of a garment a Designer may opt for one over the other. Or they may use several strategies to bring both properties together into a single piece of clothing. This can be achieved through a treatment, fabric blend or layered system.
The table below shows the similarities and differences between moisture-wicking and breathability:
| Moisture-Wicking | Breathability | Comparison | |
| Primary Function | Move moisture (sweat) away from the skin to the outer fabric to improve comfort and dryness. | Allows air and moisture vapour to pass through the fabric to lower temperature and improve overall comfort. | Different |
| How It Works | Uses capillary action; the fibres push moisture outward. | Fabric structure and fibre type enable airflow and vapours to escape. | Different |
| Comfort Enhancement | Quick drying qualities reduces dampness. | Keeps the body cool by allowing airflow and vapour to move. | Different |
|
Performance in Hot Weather |
Helps manage sweat; keeps skin dry. |
Helps regulate body temperature; prevents overheating. |
Different |
| Performance in Cold Weather | Essential to prevent sweat from causing a chill. | Important for comfort but excess airflow may increase heat loss. | Different |
| Odour Control | Helps reduce odour by minimising moisture retention. | Helps reduce odour indirectly through improved ventilation. | Similar |
| Best Applications | High-intensity activities, and sleeping environments. | Warm-weather clothing, casual wear, sleepwear, outdoor layers.
|
Different |
|
Durability (Synthetic Fibres) |
Very durable; synthetics like polyester maintain wicking over time. Some may trap odour; hydrophobic fibres can feel less natural. |
Variable; highly breathable natural fibres can be less durable. | Different |
|
Durability (Natural Fibres) |
Merino wool offers durable wicking but can pill; bamboo less so. | Natural breathable fibres (linen & cotton) can stretch, wear faster or wrinkle. | Different |
| Natural Fibre Options | Yes, merino wool, bamboo, TENCEL™, modal. | Yes — cotton, linen, hemp, silk, merino wool, TENCEL™, modal. | Similar |
| Layering Compatibility | Works well as base layers. | Can be layered to enhance ventilation and comfort. | Similar |
| Limitations | Not ideal for cold conditions where insulation is more important. | Environments where heavy, sustained sweating occurs — breathability alone won’t move liquid sweat efficiently. | Different |
Fabric Treatments: What We Use and What We Don’t
At Rise & Fall, we take a materially better approach. We’re particular about what touches our skin, what enters your home and what we put into the world. That’s why we balance comfort, performance and responsibility by choosing fabric treatments with the same care and diligence as our fibres.
Some treatments serve a quiet purpose. Softening, anti-static, mercerisation (i.e. sodium hydroxide concentrate) and water repellency can improve the durability and handfeel of a garment. Where we use these, we ensure our suppliers meet EU REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) safety thresholds. And, if a mill lacks OEKO-TEX certification then we go one step further by sending the fabric to an independent laboratory for compliance tests. It’s an added check that keeps us intentional and honest.
However, there are other treatments we deliberately avoid. One example is PVA - a synthetic polymer often used in superfine, sheer fabrics and towelling to boost fibre strength during spinning. While it dissolves in water and seems to vanish, it’s a microplastic. We now know, all too well, that these can harm the environment and your health over time.
Selecting the Right Fabric for Your Needs
Factors to Consider: Activity and Environment
At Rise & Fall, we work with natural fibres chosen for how they feel and perform in real life. Whether you’re travelling, relaxing or moving from place to place the best fabrics match up to the way you live and effortlessly adapt to quiet shifts in your day.
Here’s how to find the one that fits your rhythm.
1. Level of Physical Activity
- High-intensity requires effective moisture-wicking and breathability to manage sweat and body heat. Recommended natural fibres: bamboo, TENCEL™ / Lyocell.
- Low to moderate activity (daily wear, office, lounging) benefits from breathable, comfortable fabrics that regulate temperature. Recommended natural fibres: cotton, linen, hemp, merino wool, cashmere.
2. Climate / Temperature
- Hot and humid climates call for prioritising breathability and lightweight fabrics to stay cool. Recommended natural fibres: linen, cotton, TENCEL™ / Lyocell.
- Cool to cold climates require prioritising moisture-wicking to prevent sweat build-up while layering for warmth. Recommended natural fibres: merino wool, bamboo, hemp, cashmere.
3. Layering
-
For base layers moisture-wicking is critical to keep skin dry. Recommended natural fibres: bamboo, TENCEL™ / Lyocell.
- For outer layers or mid-layers, breathability helps regulate overall comfort. Recommended natural fibres: merino wool, cashmere, cotton, linen, hemp.
4. Skin Sensitivity
- Soft, breathable fabrics reduce irritation, especially in warmer conditions or during prolonged wear. Recommended natural fibres: fine grade merino wool, TENCEL™ / Lyocell, bamboo.
In Summary
Moisture-wicking and breathable materials address different, but complementary, needs when it comes to fabric performance:.
- Moisture-wicking moves sweat away from the skin to keep you dry.
- Breathability allows heat and moisture to escape, helping regulate temperature and prevent overheating for comfortable everyday wear.
When garments offer both properties, they provide superior comfort and versatility across a wider range of activities and environments. Sustainable natural fibre clothing excels at this. While synthetic fibres generally offer longer-lasting wicking, some natural breathable fabrics may sacrifice durability for comfort.
Our Customer Promise
- Ethically sourced
- Long-lasting quality
- Exceptional value
- B Corp values
Explore breathable, natural fabrics across our womenswear, menswear and homeware collections curated for modern, effortless comfort.
