ProCool Dri-QWick Sports Fleece: The Complete Guide to Wazoodle's Wicking Fleece Fabric

What ProCool Dri-QWick Sports Fleece Is and Why It Matters

ProCool Dri-QWick Sports Fleece is AKAS Tex's performance wicking fleece — a single-sided fleece construction that delivers Dri-QWick Technology directional moisture transport through a soft, napped polyester knit. In independent AATCC 197 vertical wicking testing, Dri-QWick construction transports moisture 2.7 inches in 30 minutes — more than 4× the distance of ProCool Foundation fabrics and 2× the Cooling tier.

What makes this fleece distinct from standard polyester fleece is the engineered wicking: the smooth interior side contacts the skin and actively transports perspiration through the fabric to the napped exterior surface for evaporation. This is directional moisture transport built into the fiber-channel architecture — the smooth/textured surface engineering creates pathways that channel moisture from skin to exterior for evaporation. The napped fleece exterior provides the soft hand feel and moderate insulation expected from fleece while the smooth interior maintains a stay-dry microclimate against the skin.

At 240–250 GSM with 0.045–0.051" thickness, 60–63" width, and UPF 50+ sun protection (blocking 98% UV radiation), Dri-QWick Sports Fleece delivers the comfort and body of traditional fleece with performance wicking that standard fleece cannot match. The 3-variant family offers Standard, Silver antimicrobial, and FoodSAFE treatments. All variants are 100% polyester, manufactured in the USA, CPSIA certified, and Forever Chemicals-Free (no PFAS, BPA, phthalates).

For how Dri-QWick Technology works and how it compares to other ProCool wicking technologies, see ProCool Wicking Technologies Compared: TransWICK vs Dri-QWick vs Cooling vs Foundation Wicking.

The Complete ProCool Dri-QWick Sports Fleece Lineup

All Dri-QWick Sports Fleece variants share single-sided fleece construction (napped exterior / smooth interior), 100% polyester fiber, verified directional wicking per independent AATCC testing, UPF 50+, and 60–63" width. The Standard and Silver variants share identical specs at 250 GSM. The FoodSAFE variant uses slightly different construction (240 GSM, thicker pile, different stretch profile — see Specifications for details).

Dri-QWick Sports Fleece — 240–250 GSM (3 Variants)

W-212 — Dri-QWick Sports Fleece: 250 GSM, 0.045" thickness, 20% × 15% stretch. The untreated baseline — Dri-QWick directional wicking at the best value. UPF 50+. Customer-validated for hoodie construction and creative applications including pet care cage liners (guinea pig bedding where moisture transport keeps the surface dry).
W-211 — Dri-QWick Sports Fleece Silver: Same 250 GSM construction with Silver Plus antimicrobial (99.9% bacterial inhibition through 50+ wash cycles). Choose for athletic base layers, workout tops, and extended-wear performance garments where odor control between washings matters alongside directional wicking.
W-344 — ProCool FoodSAFE Medium Weight Soft Fleece: FDA food-contact certified (21 CFR 177.1680, 175.300) — validated safe for repeated food contact from −20°C to 250°F including acidic and fatty foods. 240 GSM with 0.051" thickness and 15% × 15% stretch (slightly different construction from Standard/Silver — see Specifications). Customer-validated for adult disability care bibs where food contact, soft comfort, and moisture management are all required. Also suited for reusable food storage bags, baby bibs and burp cloths, breast milk storage linings, and cloth diaper stay-dry layers.

Key Concept — Dri-QWick Sports Fleece vs ProTEC Microfleece: Both are polyester fleece with soft hand feel, and both are manufactured by AKAS Tex. The difference is engineered wicking. Dri-QWick Sports Fleece delivers Dri-QWick Technology directional moisture transport — moisture moves from the smooth interior to the napped exterior by design, transporting 2.7 inches in 30 minutes per independent AATCC 197 testing, keeping the skin-contact surface dry. ProTEC Microfleece is a comfort-first microfleece without engineered wicking technology — it provides softness and light insulation but does not actively transport moisture directionally. Choose Dri-QWick Sports Fleece when stay-dry performance matters (athletic apparel, cloth diaper stay-dry liners, performance base layers). Choose ProTEC Microfleece when soft comfort and light warmth are the priorities without the need for active moisture transport (blankets, comfort linings, general soft-goods).

All fabric specifications may vary ±10% due to textile industry manufacturing standards.

Choosing Your Dri-QWick Sports Fleece: Treatment Guide

All three variants share single-sided fleece construction with directional wicking — selection is treatment-driven.

Choosing Your Treatment

Standard (W-212) — Untreated baseline: Dri-QWick directional wicking at the best value. Choose when antimicrobial treatment and food certification aren't needed. The most versatile option for athletic apparel, performance hoodies, base layers, and pet care applications.
Silver (W-211) — Antimicrobial odor control: Silver Plus inhibits 99.9% bacterial growth through 50+ wash cycles. Choose for workout tops, athletic base layers, and any extended-wear garment where odor control between washings matters. No bleach on Silver variants — bleach permanently destroys antimicrobial treatment.
FoodSAFE (W-344) — FDA food-contact certified: Validated safe for repeated food contact from −20°C to 250°F including acidic and fatty foods. Choose for reusable food storage bags, baby bibs, breast milk storage linings, adult disability care bibs, and cloth diaper stay-dry layers where food safety and wicking are both required.

FoodSAFE Spec Differences: The FoodSAFE variant (W-344) uses slightly different construction than Standard/Silver — 240 GSM (vs 250), 0.051" thickness (vs 0.045" — thicker pile), and 15% × 15% stretch (vs 20% × 15%). All three variants achieve the same directional wicking performance, but the FoodSAFE's thicker pile and lower crosswise stretch may handle slightly differently during sewing.

For Standard vs Silver across all Wazoodle fabrics, see Article 40 — Standard vs Silver: When Antimicrobial Treatment Matters. For Dri-QWick compared to other ProCool wicking technologies, see ProCool Wicking Technologies Compared: TransWICK vs Dri-QWick vs Cooling vs Foundation Wicking.

Working With Dri-QWick Sports Fleece: Sewing and Construction Guide

Dri-QWick Sports Fleece handles like standard single-sided fleece on domestic sewing machines. The smooth interior side must face skin in finished products for directional wicking to function — the napped pile side faces outward.

Cutting and Layout

Nap direction consistency: Cut all pattern pieces with the nap running the same direction for consistent appearance and hand feel. Inconsistent nap direction creates visible shade differences in finished garments.
Smooth side = skin contact: The smooth, flat interior side must face the wearer's skin. The napped fleece exterior faces outward. Mark orientation clearly during cutting — the two sides are distinct but can be confused when handling multiple cut pieces.
Edge stability: Fleece construction provides good edge stability with minimal raveling. Cut edges remain clean without immediate finishing — though serging or overlocking is recommended for seam durability.
Rotary cutter: Recommended for clean cuts through the napped pile surface.

Sewing Recommendations

Needles: Ballpoint or stretch needles (70/10 or 80/12) prevent fiber damage and skipped stitches in the knit structure.
Seam construction: 4-thread overlock, stretch straight stitch, or twin needle construction. Stretch stitches accommodate the 15–20% crosswise stretch without seam popping.
Presser foot: Walking foot or even-feed system prevents the napped surface from shifting layers during sewing.
Food storage construction (W-344): Minimize stitching holes in food storage applications — enclose or bind seam allowances to prevent liquid seepage through needle penetrations.
Thread: Polyester thread for stretch compatibility and strength.

Pairing Dri-QWick Sports Fleece With Other Wazoodle Fabrics

Dri-QWick Sports Fleece functions both as a standalone garment fabric and as a wicking layer in multi-layer systems.

Standalone Use — Athletic and Comfort Garments

Primary use mode: Single-layer construction for hoodies, athletic pullovers, workout tops, performance base layers, training shirts, and children's active clothing. The 250 GSM weight with napped exterior provides enough warmth and structure for standalone garments while the smooth interior maintains directional wicking against the skin.

As a Stay-Dry Layer in Multi-Layer Systems

Cloth diaper stay-dry liners: Smooth interior against baby's skin transports moisture directionally to absorbent core layers beneath. CPSIA certified for children's products — FoodSAFE variant (W-344) adds FDA food-contact safety for potential mouth contact.
Pet care liners: Standard variant (W-212) validated for guinea pig cage liners — the directional wicking keeps the surface dry while moisture passes through to absorbent layers below.
FoodSAFE applications: W-344 for reusable food storage bags, baby bibs, and breast milk storage linings — optionally paired with ProSoft FoodSAFE PUL for waterproof backing in food storage items.

Your results may vary based on product design, construction method, and end-use requirements.

Common Applications for Dri-QWick Sports Fleece

Dri-QWick Sports Fleece's defining advantages are the combination of fleece comfort with Dri-QWick directional wicking, UPF 50+ protection, and the soft napped exterior — making it the preferred ProCool construction for applications where soft hand feel and stay-dry performance must coexist.

Athletic Hoodies and Pullovers — Customer-validated for hoodie construction where the napped fleece exterior provides casual comfort while the smooth interior actively wicks perspiration during activity. The 250 GSM weight suits layered and standalone athletic outerwear.
Performance Base Layers and Workout Tops — Silver variant (W-211) for athletic base layers, training shirts, and workout tops where moisture management and odor control combine for extended-wear comfort during high-exertion activity.
Children's Active Clothing — CPSIA certified for children's products. Performance play clothes and youth sports uniforms with stay-dry wicking and soft fleece comfort. Silver variant adds antimicrobial freshness for active play.
Cloth Diaper Stay-Dry Liners — The smooth interior wicks moisture directionally away from baby's skin while the soft napped exterior interfaces with absorbent core layers. FoodSAFE variant (W-344) provides FDA food-contact safety for potential mouth contact.
Adult Disability Care Bibs — FoodSAFE variant (W-344) validated for adult bibs in assisted care settings where food contact safety, soft comfort, moisture management, and laundering durability are all required.
Pet Care Cage Liners — Standard variant (W-212) validated for guinea pig cage liners where directional moisture transport keeps the surface dry. The fleece surface provides comfortable bedding while wicking passes moisture to absorbent layers beneath.
Reusable Food Storage — FoodSAFE variant (W-344) for reusable food bags, bowl covers, baby bibs, burp cloths, and breast milk storage linings. FDA certified safe for repeated food contact from −20°C to 250°F.

For fabric recommendations for your specific project, see the Application Discovery articles for your product category.

Dri-QWick Sports Fleece Certifications: Safety, UV Protection, and Made in USA

All Dri-QWick Sports Fleece variants are certified safe for children's products and verified free of harmful chemicals.

Safety Certifications

CPSIA Certified: Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act — mandatory U.S. federal standard for children's products (lead, phthalates, flammability)
Verified Moisture Management: Wicking performance independently tested per AATCC 197 (Vertical Wicking) test method by certified laboratory
FDA Food-Contact Certified (W-344): 21 CFR 177.1680 and 175.300 — validated safe for repeated food contact from −20°C to 250°F
California Proposition 65 Compliant
EU REACH SVHC Compliant
EU RoHS 10 Compliant
UPF 50+: Blocks 98% UV radiation across all variants
Made in USA: Manufactured by AKAS Tex under EPA/OSHA standards

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: Verified free of all regulated phthalate compounds
Nanoparticle-Free (Silver variant): Silver Plus antimicrobial uses silver ion compounds, not engineered nanoparticles
pH Neutral: 7.4 — no acidic or basic residues

Fabric vs. Finished Product: CPSIA certification of the fabric component does not automatically certify your finished product. Depending on how your product is constructed, independent CPSIA testing of the finished item may also be required.

For what CPSIA certification requires, see CPSIA Certified: What CPSIA Certification Means for Children's Products.

Dri-QWick Sports Fleece Care: Washing, Drying, and What to Avoid

Dri-QWick Sports Fleece's wicking performance is built into the fabric's fiber-channel architecture — the directional moisture transport is a function of the smooth/napped surface engineering, not a chemical surface treatment. Proper care protects the fiber channels that make the technology work.

Washing

Wash at medium temperature with like colors using a zero-residue detergent. Extra rinse cycle recommended to prevent detergent buildup that degrades wicking. Pre-washing optional but recommended to remove manufacturing residue.

Pilling in fleece is normal — and intentional. Our fleece is manufactured without anti-pill chemical treatments. Anti-pill finishes use silicones, resins, or chemical crosslinkers that reduce breathability, compromise softness, and introduce environmental concerns — with effectiveness lasting only 5–30 washes. Some surface pilling is expected with wear and friction. Use a fabric shaver to restore the surface — never pull pills by hand, which damages the base fabric structure.

Drying

Dry on medium heat. Avoid high heat — excessive temperatures can degrade the Silver Plus antimicrobial treatment on the W-211 variant. Polyester structure tolerates moderate heat but extended high-heat exposure is unnecessary.

What to Avoid

Never use fabric softeners or dryer sheets with any Dri-QWick Sports Fleece variant. These coat wicking channels and permanently destroy directional moisture transport. On the Silver variant (W-211), softeners also eliminate antimicrobial effectiveness. No bleach — bleach damages polyester fibers, causes yellowing, and permanently destroys the Silver Plus antimicrobial treatment. Body oils, lotions, and detergent buildup also reduce wicking over time.

For why fabric softener damages performance fabrics, see Care Article 8 — Why Fabric Softener Destroys Performance Fabrics.

Dri-QWick Sports Fleece Specifications

The Standard and Silver variants share identical construction at 250 GSM. The FoodSAFE variant uses slightly different construction.

Specification	Standard / Silver (W-212, W-211)	FoodSAFE (W-344)
Fiber Content	100% polyester	100% polyester
Construction	Single-sided fleece (napped / smooth)	Single-sided fleece (napped / smooth)
Weight	250 GSM (7.2 oz/sq yd)	240 GSM (7.1 oz/sq yd)
Thickness	0.045"	0.051"
Width	60–63"	60–63"
Stretch (W × L)	20% × 15%	15% × 15%
OMMC Value	5	5
UPF Rating	50+ (98% UV block)	50+ (98% UV block)
Silver Plus	W-211 only (99.9%, 50+ washes)	No
FDA Food-Contact	No	Yes (21 CFR)
Color Fastness	4.5	4.5
pH	7.4 (neutral)	7.4 (neutral)
Shrinkage	Minimal both directions	Minimal both directions
Skewness After Wash	NIL	NIL
CPSIA Certified	Yes	Yes
Made in USA	Yes	Yes

All specifications may vary ±10% due to textile industry manufacturing standards.