ProCool TransWICK X-FIT Performance Mesh

What ProCool TransWICK X-FIT Athletic Performance Mesh Is and Why It Matters

ProCool TransWICK X-FIT Athletic Performance Mesh is AKAS Tex's dense-mesh athletic fabric — a double-facing mesh construction that delivers TransWICK Technology one-way directional moisture transport and evaporative cooling. In independent AATCC 195 Moisture Management Testing, TransWICK construction wicks moisture from skin to exterior in under 3 seconds, with the exterior surface absorbing at nearly 4× the rate of the skin side — keeping skin dry by moving moisture one direction and preventing it from returning.

This fabric shares the same tri-fiber blend (45% polyester / 40% nylon / 15% Lycra) and 200 GSM weight as the TransWICK X-FIT Sports Jersey Mesh family — but uses a denser mesh construction that produces a tighter, more structured hand feel with 25% × 15% stretch (compared to the Sports Jersey Mesh's 40% × 20%). The TransWICK dual-fiber architecture creates one-way moisture transport (hydrophobic push at the skin surface, hydrophilic pull at the exterior) that prevents reverse migration back to the skin. In AATCC 197 vertical wicking testing, TransWICK fabrics transport moisture 5.5 inches in 30 minutes — more than twice the distance of any other ProCool construction. The denser mesh provides UPF 50+ sun protection (blocking 98% UV radiation) while maintaining open-mesh breathability for evaporative cooling.

Important: This fabric is 38" wide — significantly narrower than standard ProCool fabrics (58–60"). Verify pattern requirements against 38" width before ordering. The 2-variant family offers Standard and Silver antimicrobial treatments. Both variants are manufactured in the USA, CPSIA certified, and Forever Chemicals-Free (no PFAS, BPA, phthalates).

For how TransWICK 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 TransWICK X-FIT Athletic Performance Mesh Lineup

Both variants share identical construction: tri-fiber blend (45% polyester / 40% nylon / 15% Lycra), 200 GSM weight, 0.027" thickness, 38" width, 25% × 15% stretch with Lycra recovery, double-facing mesh construction (mesh side faces skin, smooth side faces exterior), and verified moisture-wicking performance per independent AATCC testing. Variants differ only by treatment.

TransWICK X-FIT Athletic Performance Mesh — 200 GSM / 0.027" Thickness (2 Variants)

W-253 — TransWICK X-FIT Athletic Performance Mesh: 38" width, 25% × 15% stretch with Lycra recovery. The untreated baseline — TransWICK one-way directional wicking at the best value. UPF 50+. Customer-validated for athletic shirts and workout pants construction, with customers reporting the fabric sews beautifully. The two-tone construction (black mesh interior, navy/black smooth exterior) creates a distinctive dual-surface aesthetic in finished garments.
W-248 — TransWICK X-FIT Athletic Performance Mesh Silver: Same construction with Silver Plus antimicrobial (99.9% bacterial inhibition through 50+ wash cycles). UPF 50+. Customer-validated for hot-weather work clothing — specifically tested for barn and equestrian activities in heat where extended wear demands moisture management, odor control, and cooling during sustained physical exertion.

Key Concept — Performance Mesh vs Sports Jersey Mesh Within X-FIT: Both the Athletic Performance Mesh and the Sports Jersey Mesh share the same tri-fiber blend (45% polyester / 40% nylon / 15% Lycra), the same 200 GSM weight, and the same TransWICK one-way directional wicking. The difference is mesh density and width. Performance Mesh uses a denser, tighter mesh construction with 25% × 15% stretch at 38" width — producing a more structured athletic hand feel suited for panel-based garment construction (athletic tops, performance pants, mesh inserts). Sports Jersey Mesh uses a more open mesh with 40% × 20% four-way stretch at 58–60" width — providing higher stretch recovery for body-conforming fitted garments (running shirts, compression shorts, sports bras, leggings). Choose Performance Mesh when structured mesh breathability and panel construction matter most. Choose Sports Jersey Mesh when maximum stretch with Lycra recovery and standard fabric width are the priorities.

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

Choosing Your TransWICK X-FIT Performance Mesh: Treatment Guide

Both variants share identical construction — selection is purely treatment-driven.

Choosing Your Treatment

Standard (W-253) — Untreated baseline: TransWICK one-way directional wicking at the best value. Choose when antimicrobial treatment isn't needed. Validated for athletic shirts, workout pants, and general performance apparel construction.
Silver (W-248) — Antimicrobial odor control: Silver Plus inhibits 99.9% bacterial growth through 50+ wash cycles. Choose for hot-weather work clothing, equestrian apparel, extended-wear athletic garments, and any application where odor control between washings matters alongside directional cooling. No bleach on Silver variants.

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

Working With TransWICK X-FIT Performance Mesh: Sewing and Construction Guide

TransWICK X-FIT Performance Mesh sews beautifully on standard machines — customers report smooth construction for both shirts and pants without special handling beyond standard knit techniques. The mesh side must face skin in finished products for directional wicking to function.

38" Width — Verify Before Ordering: This fabric is 38" wide (96 cm) — significantly narrower than standard ProCool fabrics at 58–60". Customers report reordering when initial yardage calculations assumed standard width. Check all pattern pieces against 38" usable width before purchasing. For larger garment sizes or patterns requiring wider layouts, consider the TransWICK X-FIT Sports Jersey Mesh (58–60" width) as an alternative with the same tri-fiber blend.

Cutting and Layout

Pattern weights over pins: Pin holes permanently enlarge mesh perforations. Use pattern weights and a rotary cutter for clean edges.
Mesh side marking: Identify the textured mesh side (skin contact / garment interior) and the smooth face side (exterior). The two-tone colorway (black mesh interior, navy/black smooth exterior) helps with orientation — but mark clearly before cutting to avoid confusion during assembly.
Bolt relaxation: Allow fabric to relax 30 minutes after unrolling before cutting — the Lycra content stores tension on the bolt.
Pre-wash: Pre-wash for dimensional stability before cutting to account for minimal shrinkage.

Sewing Recommendations

Needles: Ballpoint or stretch needles to prevent snagging the mesh structure and damaging Lycra fibers.
Seam construction: Stretch stitches or narrow zigzag for seams accommodating the 25% crosswise stretch. Standard straight stitch acceptable for low-stress seams but stretch stitches recommended for durability.
Presser foot pressure: Reduce pressure to prevent stretching during feeding. Walking foot recommended for longer seams.
Seam planning: Consider the two-tone appearance when planning seam placement — the black mesh interior and navy/black smooth exterior create distinct visual surfaces.
Thread: Polyester thread for stretch compatibility and strength.

Pairing TransWICK X-FIT Performance Mesh With Other Wazoodle Fabrics

TransWICK X-FIT Performance Mesh functions primarily as a standalone garment fabric — the 200 GSM weight and dense mesh construction provide sufficient structure for complete athletic garments.

Standalone Use — Athletic and Work Performance Garments

Primary use mode: Single-layer construction for athletic shirts, workout pants, performance tops, cycling jerseys, and hot-weather work clothing. The denser mesh construction produces more structure than the Sports Jersey Mesh, making it effective for athletic garments that benefit from a firmer hand feel with breathable mesh airflow.

As Mesh Panels in Multi-Fabric Construction

Ventilation zones: The 38" width and dense mesh breathability make Performance Mesh effective as ventilation panels — mesh inserts at underarms, back yokes, or side panels in garments constructed primarily from other fabrics, providing targeted cooling zones in high-heat areas.

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

Common Applications for TransWICK X-FIT Performance Mesh

TransWICK X-FIT Performance Mesh's defining advantages are the dense mesh construction for structured breathability with evaporative cooling, one-way wicking with reverse migration prevention, and the durable tri-fiber blend — making it the preferred TransWICK fabric for athletic and work performance garments where structured mesh airflow matters more than maximum stretch.

Athletic Shirts and Workout Tops — The primary application. Performance tops where the dense mesh provides structured breathability while TransWICK directional wicking creates a dry microclimate against the skin during high-intensity activity. Customers report the fabric handles well for both casual and athletic shirt construction.
Workout Pants and Athletic Bottoms — Customer-validated for pants construction where 25% × 15% stretch provides comfortable movement range without the compression fit of higher-stretch fabrics. The 200 GSM weight drapes appropriately for athletic bottoms.
Hot-Weather Work Clothing — Silver variant (W-248) specifically validated for barn and equestrian work in hot conditions where extended physical exertion demands moisture management, antimicrobial odor control, and evaporative cooling. The dense mesh maximizes airflow while providing structured coverage.
Cycling Jerseys and Base Layers — Performance underlayers where the 0.027" thickness adds minimal bulk while providing directional cooling and UV protection (UPF 50+) during outdoor riding.
Mesh Ventilation Panels — The 38" width makes Performance Mesh practical for targeted ventilation zones in multi-fabric garments — breathable mesh inserts at underarms, back panels, or side vents where concentrated cooling matters.

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

TransWICK X-FIT Performance Mesh Certifications: Safety, UV Protection, and Made in USA

All TransWICK X-FIT Performance Mesh 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 195 (Moisture Management) and AATCC 197 (Vertical Wicking) test methods by certified laboratories
California Proposition 65 Compliant
EU REACH SVHC Compliant
EU RoHS 10 Compliant
UPF 50+: Blocks 98% UV radiation across both 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.

TransWICK X-FIT Performance Mesh Care: Washing, Drying, and What to Avoid

TransWICK X-FIT Performance Mesh's wicking performance is built into the fabric's dual-surface fiber architecture and mesh construction — the one-way moisture transport is a function of the physical structure, not a chemical surface treatment. Proper care protects the fiber channels and Lycra stretch recovery that make the technology work.

Washing

Wash at medium temperature with like colors using a zero-residue technical sports detergent. Extra rinse cycle recommended to prevent detergent buildup that degrades wicking. Pre-wash recommended before cutting to manage minimal shrinkage.

Drying

Dry on medium heat only. Avoid high heat — excessive temperatures degrade Lycra fibers, reducing stretch recovery. The open mesh construction means this fabric dries rapidly even on lower heat settings.

What to Avoid

Never use fabric softeners or dryer sheets with any TransWICK X-FIT Performance Mesh variant. These coat wicking channels and permanently destroy the TransWICK one-way moisture transport and cooling performance. On the Silver variant (W-248), softeners also eliminate antimicrobial effectiveness. Body oils, lotions, and detergent buildup also reduce wicking over time — use zero-residue detergent and thorough rinsing to maintain wicking function.

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

TransWICK X-FIT Performance Mesh Specifications

Both variants share identical construction. The only difference is the Silver Plus antimicrobial treatment on W-248.

Specification	All Variants
Fiber Content	45% polyester / 40% nylon / 15% Lycra
Construction	Double-facing mesh (textured mesh / smooth face)
Weight	200 GSM (5.9 oz/sq yd)
Thickness	0.027"
Width	38" (96 cm)
Stretch (W × L)	25% × 15%
OMMC Value	5
UPF Rating	50+ (98% UV block)
Silver Plus	W-248 only (99.9%, 50+ washes)
Color Fastness	4.5
pH	7.4 (neutral)
Shrinkage	Minimal both directions
Skewness After Wash	NIL
CPSIA Certified	Yes
Made in USA	Yes

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