What is ProCool? The Complete Guide to Performance Moisture-Wicking Fabrics

What ProCool Is and What Problem It Solves

ProCool is AKAS Tex's performance fabric line engineered to move moisture away from skin for evaporation, keeping the wearer cool, dry, and comfortable during physical activity or extended wear. Unlike absorbent fabrics that capture and hold liquid within their structure, ProCool fabrics transport perspiration from the skin surface to the fabric exterior, where airflow carries it away as vapor.

Key Concept: Wicking moves moisture THROUGH and OFF the fabric for evaporation. Absorption holds moisture IN the fabric for containment. These are opposite functions. ProCool wicks — it does not absorb.

ProCool achieves its moisture management through four proprietary wicking technologies — TransWICK, Dri-QWick, Cooling, and Foundation Wicking — each engineered for different performance priorities and validated by independent AATCC laboratory testing. The performance differences between these technologies are measurable: in AATCC 197 vertical wicking testing, ProCool's fastest construction transports moisture more than 9× farther than its foundation construction over the same time period. Every ProCool fabric is manufactured in the USA by AKAS Tex and free from harmful chemicals.

The ProCool Product Landscape

ProCool fabrics are organized into product families based on their wicking technology and construction type. Within each family, you'll find variants that add antimicrobial treatment (Silver), enhanced stretch (Stretch-FIT), food-contact certification (FoodSAFE), recycled content (REPREVE), or printed patterns.

TransWICK Series — One-Way Directional Transport (Highest Performance)

TransWICK X-FIT Sports Jersey Mesh: Four-way stretch jersey mesh with Lycra recovery and one-way directional wicking — moisture moves from skin to exterior and cannot return. The highest stretch specification in the TransWICK family
TransWICK X-FIT Performance Mesh: Directional one-way moisture transport using hydrophilic and hydrophobic fiber placement — mesh construction maximizes breathability while preventing reverse moisture migration
TransWICK Sports Jersey Mesh LITE: Lightweight directional wicking for base layers and performance linings where minimal bulk and one-way transport are both priorities
TransWICK Supima Cotton Jersey Mesh: 60% Supima cotton with 40% polyester — natural cotton comfort with engineered one-way directional wicking performance
TransWICK LuxeGleam Cotton Jersey Mesh: Cotton-poly blend with metallic yarn exterior — combines stay-dry inner performance with aesthetic outer surface for visible applications like bras and fashion-forward activewear

Dri-QWick Series — Directional Fiber-Channel Transport (Quick Drying)

Dri-QWick Jersey Mesh: Lightweight jersey mesh with engineered fiber-channel wicking — no curling edges, no runs, customer-validated as softer than retail craft store alternatives
Dri-QWick Sports Pique Mesh: Medium-heavy 300 GSM textured mesh combining professional pique appearance with rapid directional moisture transport — suitable for structured athletic wear and performance polos
Dri-QWick Sports Fleece: Single-sided fleece with napped exterior and smooth wicking interior — engineered for cooler conditions where directional moisture management and soft warmth are both needed

Cooling Series — Fiber-Engineered Evaporative Cooling (Active Cooling)

Nylon Sports Interlock: Nylon-based double-knit combining nylon durability with active evaporative cooling through fiber-engineered capillary architecture
360° Stretch-FIT Sports Jersey: Maximum four-way stretch (75%) with complete shape recovery and active evaporative cooling — the highest stretch specification in the entire ProCool line

Foundation Series — Verified Moisture-Wicking (Foundation)

Performance Interlock: Lightweight double-knit with smooth flat surfaces both sides — no edge curling, easy to sew. The most versatile entry point for athletic wear, stay-dry liners, and general moisture management. Available in Standard, Silver, Print, Heavy, REPREVE, ReInspire, and FoodSAFE variants — the broadest selection in the ProCool line
Performance Lightweight: Ultra-light 65 GSM jersey for minimal-bulk base layers, athletic tees, and garment linings where wicking without weight is the priority

Structure Series — Structural Performance With Integrated Wicking

Nylon Spandex Performance: Four-way stretch with compression-grade structure and integrated moisture-wicking fiber channels — for compression garments, yoga wear, and form-fitting performance apparel
Ponte De Roma: Structured double-knit with professional drape and wrinkle resistance — bridges athletic wicking performance with polished everyday appearance

Specialty Applications

MediPlus Level 3 Barrier: Medical-grade liquid barrier with integrated wicking for protective medical gowns meeting ANSI/AAMI PB70 Level 3 standards
FoodSAFE Variants: FDA-certified food-contact versions across multiple constructions — the only performance wicking fabrics tested for repeated-use food storage
REPREVE Variants: Recycled polyester versions using post-consumer plastic bottles — matching virgin polyester performance with verified sustainability credentials

Handling Notes for Makers

Use ballpoint needles on ProCool knit fabrics. All ProCool fabrics are knit constructions. Sharp/universal sewing needles cut the connecting yarns in knit fabrics, creating damage that may not be visible during sewing but appears as runs and holes after the first wash. Ballpoint (jersey) needles push between yarns instead of cutting through them, preserving fabric integrity through the life of the product.

Stretch-FIT fabrics have active recovery. ProCool Stretch-FIT fabrics containing Lycra® will pull back toward their relaxed state during handling and construction. When cutting, be aware of the primary stretch direction and avoid stretching the fabric during layout. The fabric's stretch and recovery properties are an asset in the finished product but require awareness during construction.

Knit edges curl. ProCool fabrics curl at cut edges — this is standard behavior for knit fabrics, not a defect. Edges will be enclosed or finished in the final product.

→ For protecting wicking performance through laundering, see Care Instructions & Troubleshooting by Fabric Type

ProCool Performance Technology: Four Wicking Systems, One Platform

ProCool Performance Technology is AKAS Tex's proprietary moisture management platform, spanning four wicking technologies each engineered for different performance priorities. Performance differences between these technologies are not theoretical — they are measured by independent AATCC-certified laboratories using standardized test methods.

In AATCC 197 vertical wicking testing, a fabric strip is suspended vertically with its bottom edge touching liquid. The test measures how far liquid climbs through capillary action over 30 minutes — a direct measurement of how fast and how far the fabric transports moisture through its structure. In AATCC 195 Moisture Management Testing, synthetic perspiration is applied to the skin side and sensors on both surfaces measure wetting speed, absorption rates, moisture spread, directional transport, and overall moisture management.

TransWICK Technology — One-Way Directional Transport

TransWICK Technology is AKAS Tex's highest-performance moisture management system. The dual-surface construction creates asymmetric moisture behavior — the skin-contact side resists absorption while the exterior surface actively pulls moisture through at nearly 4× the rate. This one-way transport means moisture moves from skin to exterior and cannot migrate back to the skin surface.

Wicks in under 3 seconds — moisture begins transporting from skin side to exterior in under 3 seconds of contact (AATCC 195 Moisture Management Testing: 2.94-second mean wetting time)
4× absorption asymmetry — the exterior surface absorbs moisture at nearly 4× the rate of the skin side (AATCC 195: 109 vs 29 %/sec), creating the directional gradient that keeps skin dry
5.5 inches of moisture spread in 30 minutes — the fastest wicking in the ProCool line, more than twice the distance of any other ProCool construction (AATCC 197 vertical wicking)
One-Way Transport Index: +640% — moisture overwhelmingly moves from skin to exterior with negligible reverse migration (AATCC 195)

TransWICK is the technology choice when keeping moisture permanently away from skin is the primary performance requirement — period underwear, incontinence products, high-exertion athletic wear, and applications where reverse moisture migration is unacceptable.

Dri-QWick Technology — Directional Fiber-Channel Transport

Dri-QWick Technology creates directional moisture transport through engineered fiber-channel construction. The smooth interior contacts skin and channels perspiration to the textured exterior surface, where it spreads across a larger area for accelerated evaporation.

2.7 inches of moisture spread in 30 minutes — 4.5× faster wicking than foundation interlock construction (AATCC 197 vertical wicking)
Rapid initial response — 1.0 inch of wicking within the first 30 seconds of contact (AATCC 197)
Smooth/textured architecture — the smooth skin-contact interior and textured exterior create a natural moisture gradient that drives directional transport

Dri-QWick is the technology choice when directional moisture transport with rapid evaporation matters — athletic jerseys, performance mesh, and wicking fleece for cooler conditions.

Cooling Technology — Fiber-Engineered Evaporative Cooling

Cooling Technology delivers active evaporative cooling through fiber-engineered capillary architecture. The nylon/polyester/Lycra fiber blends and knit structures create efficient moisture transport pathways that move perspiration to the fabric surface for evaporation, generating measurable cooling effect during activity.

1.1 inches of moisture spread in 30 minutes — nearly twice the wicking rate of foundation interlock construction (AATCC 197 vertical wicking)
Active cooling through evaporation — the fiber cross-section and capillary architecture move moisture to the surface where evaporation creates a cooling effect the wearer can feel
Stretch + cooling combined — Cooling Technology fabrics pair moisture management with high-stretch performance (up to 75% four-way stretch), making them the choice for body-conforming garments that must also cool

Cooling Technology is the choice when evaporative cooling effect matters alongside stretch and compression performance — yoga pants, cycling jerseys, sports bras, compression garments, and full-coverage athletic wear.

Foundation Wicking Technology — The Accessible Entry Point

Foundation Wicking Technology delivers reliable moisture-wicking through engineered polyester fiber channels in interlock double-knit and lightweight constructions. This is the broadest, most versatile technology tier in the ProCool line — serving the widest range of applications with the easiest sewing characteristics.

0.6 inches of moisture spread in 30 minutes — verified moisture management per independent AATCC 197 testing
Broadest variant selection — Standard, Silver, Print, Heavy, REPREVE, ReInspire, and FoodSAFE variants across multiple weight tiers
Most beginner-friendly construction — interlock double-knit handles more like woven fabric than typical knit, with stable flat edges that don't curl

Foundation Wicking is the technology choice when versatile, reliable moisture management is needed across the widest range of applications — athletic wear, stay-dry liners, travel clothing, baby products, and general-purpose wicking.

Performance in Context: All four ProCool wicking technologies transport moisture away from skin for evaporation — the difference is speed, directionality, and how aggressively the fabric keeps the skin side dry. TransWICK's 5.5-inch wicking distance is 9× greater than Foundation Wicking's 0.6 inches over the same 30-minute period. Choose higher-tier technology when the speed and permanence of moisture removal directly affects the product's function. Choose Foundation Wicking when reliable moisture management is one of several requirements alongside ease of sewing, variant selection, or cost.

How to Choose: Navigating ProCool Options

Selecting the right ProCool fabric involves two decisions: which wicking technology matches your performance requirement, and which construction type suits your product.

Choosing your wicking technology: If maximum one-way directional moisture control is critical — moisture must leave the skin and never return — start with TransWICK. If you need rapid directional transport with a smooth-to-textured moisture gradient, explore Dri-QWick. If active evaporative cooling paired with stretch performance defines your application, look at Cooling Technology. If you need versatile, reliable wicking across the broadest range of variants and the easiest sewing, start with Foundation Wicking. For a detailed technology comparison, see ProCool Wicking Technologies Compared.

Choosing your construction type: Interlock provides the easiest sewing with flat surfaces both sides — best for liners, base layers, and general athletic wear. Jersey Mesh offers textured directional wicking with lightweight breathability. Pique Mesh delivers structured professional appearance with active moisture management. Sports Fleece adds soft warmth for cooler-condition performance wear. Ponte de Roma bridges athletic function with everyday polish. Nylon Spandex constructions provide compression-grade structure for form-fitting applications.

Choosing your variants: Add Silver for antimicrobial odor control in extended-wear applications. Add Stretch-FIT for form-fitting compression or high-movement garments. Choose FoodSAFE when your product will contact food. Select REPREVE when recycled content and sustainability documentation matter for your market.

Common Applications for ProCool Fabrics

ProCool fabrics serve applications where moving moisture away from skin improves comfort, performance, or hygiene. The most common applications include:

Athletic and fitness: Running shirts, cycling jerseys, sports bras, yoga pants, compression wear, team uniforms, base layers for any sport requiring sustained moisture management during exertion
Healthcare and medical: Scrubs, surgical caps, medical gowns (MediPlus), face masks, bed pads, incontinence underwear linings, any clinical textile where cooling and moisture control improve caregiver comfort
Baby and child care: Cloth diaper stay-dry liners, bibs, burp cloths — wicking layers that keep moisture away from sensitive skin
Menstrual and incontinence care: Period underwear wicking layers, reusable pad topsheets — the stay-dry surface layer in multi-layer absorbent systems
Food service: Reusable food storage bags, bowl covers, snack pouches (FoodSAFE variants) — the only wicking fabrics certified for direct food contact
Workwear and hospitality: Performance uniforms, chef coat panels, industrial workwear for physically demanding environments

For fabric recommendations tailored to a specific product you are making, see the Application Discovery articles for your product category.

Certifications and Safety Standards

ProCool fabrics carry multiple safety certifications tested and documented at the fabric level.

Safety Certifications

CPSIA Certified: Meets mandatory U.S. federal standard for children's products — tested for lead content, phthalates, and flammability
Verified Moisture Management: Wicking performance independently tested per AATCC 195 (Moisture Management) and AATCC 197 (Vertical Wicking) test methods by certified laboratories
FoodSAFE (select styles): FDA 21 CFR 177.1680 and 175.300 compliant for direct, repeated food contact from -20°C to 250°F
MediPlus (select styles): ANSI/AAMI PB70 Level 3 barrier standard for medical protective gowns
UPF 15–50+ (varies by product): UV protection ratings ranging from 93% to 98% radiation blocking depending on fabric weight and construction

Chemical-Free Verifications

Forever Chemicals-Free: Manufactured without PFAS, PFOA, PFOS, or PTFE
BPA-Free: No bisphenol A in any fabric or finishing treatment
Phthalate-Free: No phthalate plasticizers in any product
No Harmful Chemical Treatments: Wicking performance achieved through fiber engineering and knit construction, not chemical surface treatments

All ProCool fabrics are manufactured by AKAS Tex in EPA-compliant facilities in the United States under fair labor standards. All fabric specifications may vary ±10% due to textile industry manufacturing standards.

For detailed explanations of what each certification requires and how to download certification documents, see Certifications, Chemical Safety & Compliance Standards.

Where ProCool Fits in the Wazoodle Ecosystem

ProCool is one of several specialized fabric brands in the Wazoodle ecosystem, each engineered for a distinct primary function. Choosing the right brand starts with identifying what your fabric needs to do.

Brand Routing: Choose ProCool when your fabric's primary job is wicking moisture away from skin for evaporation — athletic wear, performance apparel, and stay-dry liners where moisture must LEAVE the system. Choose Zorb when you need absorption and liquid retention. Choose ProSoft when you need waterproof barrier protection. Choose ProTEC when you need a stay-dry fleece surface that passes moisture through to an absorbent layer behind it. Many reusable products combine multiple brands in a layered system.

ProCool vs ProTEC — The Key Distinction: Both brands keep skin dry, but they move moisture to different destinations. ProCool wicks moisture to the fabric exterior for evaporation into the atmosphere — it needs airflow to work. ProTEC passes moisture through to an absorbent layer behind it — it needs an absorbent fabric partner. For a detailed comparison, see Stay-Dry Systems Compared: ProTEC Fleece vs ProCool Wicking vs Zorb Stay Dry Dimple.