ProCool Dri-QWick Jersey Mesh: The Complete Guide to Wazoodle's Open-Mesh Wicking Fabric

What ProCool Dri-QWick Jersey Mesh Is and Why It Matters

ProCool Dri-QWick Jersey Mesh is AKAS Tex's lightweight, open-hole mesh wicking family — a single-knit jersey construction with engineered perforations that create exceptional breathability and airflow beyond what solid jersey or pique mesh can deliver. Dri-QWick Technology creates directional moisture transport through smooth/textured fiber-channel architecture, moving perspiration from skin to exterior for accelerated evaporation. 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.

The textured mesh side must face the skin in finished products for directional wicking to function. Moisture is transported from the mesh face to the smooth back surface for evaporation. At 150–225 GSM with 0.023–0.027" thickness, Jersey Mesh creates a thin, lightweight profile that reduces bulk in layered applications — cloth diaper liners, menstrual pad top layers, athletic base layers, and performance underwear. Customers consistently describe the hand feel as "butter soft," noting the fabric becomes even softer after washing.

The 8-variant family spans three construction types (Standard polyester, Stretch-FIT with Lycra, and Micromodal), four treatment options (Standard, Silver antimicrobial, Print, FoodSAFE), and is entirely 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 Jersey Mesh Lineup

All Jersey Mesh variants share open-hole mesh construction, verified directional wicking per independent AATCC testing, and dual-sided design (mesh face + smooth back). Variants differ by fiber content, stretch behavior, treatment, and weight.

Standard Polyester Series — 100% Polyester, 150 GSM, 0.023" Thickness (5 Variants)

W-434 — Dri-QWick Jersey Mesh: 60–62" width, 25% × 10% stretch. The baseline Jersey Mesh — edges resist curling and seams don't run (unlike typical jersey), making it the easiest-to-sew variant. UPF 15–20. Customer testing shows it "wins by far" over microfleece and microsuede for cloth diaper stay-dry liners. Identified as the same fabric used in commercial Ergodyne cooling dew-rags.
W-433 — Dri-QWick Jersey Mesh Silver: 60–62" width, 20% × 10% stretch with Silver Plus antimicrobial (99.9% bacterial inhibition through 50+ wash cycles). Customers describe it as "1000% better" than retail craft store jersey — both sides "butter soft." Validated for cloth diapers, incontinence pads (church groups making for communities), and menstrual pads for school girls in South Sudan. Rinses clean "like a dream" — resists staining in diaper applications.
W-622 — Dri-QWick Jersey Mesh Print: 60–62" width, 20% × 10% stretch. Printed pattern surface. Customer-validated for wheelchair seat covers and pet cooling scarves. Thin, slippery construction — requires spray adhesive or stabilization when layering with other materials during sewing.
W-623 — Dri-QWick Jersey Mesh Silver Print: 60–62" width, 25% × 10% stretch. Combines Silver Plus antimicrobial with printed surface for athletic tops, cycling jerseys, and stay-dry liners where visual appeal matters alongside odor control.
W-337 — ProCool FoodSAFE Jersey Mesh: 60–62" width, 25% × 10% stretch. FDA food-contact certified (21 CFR 177.1680 and 175.300) tested from −20°C frozen to 250°F sterilization. The only jersey mesh certified for repeated-use food storage — reusable food bags, baby bibs, and children's products requiring both wicking performance and food safety.

Stretch-FIT Series — 91% Polyester / 9% Lycra (2 Variants)

W-427 — Dri-QWick Stretch-FIT Jersey Mesh: 60–62" width, 150 GSM, 0.027" thickness, 25% × 20% stretch with Lycra recovery. The only Jersey Mesh with 4-way stretch — returns to original shape without bagging. Lycra Stretch-FIT Technology adds shape memory that standard polyester variants lack. Customers note unexpected warmth from air pockets in the dimensional mesh pattern — consider for applications where some insulation alongside wicking is welcome.
W-605 — Dri-QWick Stretch-FIT Jersey Mesh Silver: 60–62" width, 175 GSM, 0.027" thickness, 25% × 20% stretch with Silver Plus antimicrobial. The heaviest Standard-polyester Jersey Mesh variant. Validated for cloth diapers and incontinence underwear where stretch recovery, moisture management, and odor control all matter.

Micromodal Series — 100% Micromodal, 225 GSM, 0.025" Thickness (1 Variant)

W-426 — Dri-QWick Micromodal Jersey Mesh: 57" width (narrower than polyester variants), 25% × 10% stretch. The only Jersey Mesh made from regenerated cellulose fiber (beech tree pulp) — silk-like softness that improves with washing, biodegradable, and bio-based. Pre-wash mandatory: shrinks 16% lengthwise and grows 7% widthwise. Add 20% length to patterns before pre-washing. For customers who want natural-origin fiber with directional wicking in diaper liners and athletic base layers.

Key Concept — Mesh Orientation Is Critical: All Dri-QWick Jersey Mesh variants have a textured mesh side and a smooth flat side. The mesh side must face the skin for directional moisture transport to work. The open-hole mesh captures perspiration at the skin surface and the Dri-QWick construction channels it to the smooth back for evaporation. Reversing the orientation significantly reduces wicking performance. Mark the mesh side clearly during cutting — once pieces are separated, the two sides can be confused during assembly.

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

Choosing Your Dri-QWick Jersey Mesh: Construction, Treatment, and Fiber Guide

Jersey Mesh selection involves two decisions: which construction type provides the stretch and fiber properties your project needs, and which treatment adds required functionality.

Choosing Your Construction Type

Standard Polyester (W-434, W-433, W-622, W-623, W-337) — Widest treatment range, easiest to sew: 100% polyester at 150 GSM with 20–25% crosswise stretch and 10% lengthwise stretch. Five treatment options available (Standard, Silver, Print, Silver Print, FoodSAFE). Minimal shrinkage — no pre-wash required. Choose when treatment selection or food-contact certification matter most.
Stretch-FIT (W-427, W-605) — 4-way stretch with shape recovery: 91% polyester / 9% Lycra at 150–175 GSM. 25% crosswise × 20% lengthwise stretch with Lycra recovery that prevents bagging. Choose for athletic underwear, sports bras, body-conforming base layers, and any application where the garment must return to shape after stretching. Available in Standard and Silver treatments only.
Micromodal (W-426) — Natural-origin fiber with silk-like softness: 100% micromodal (regenerated beech cellulose) at 225 GSM. Biodegradable and bio-based. Silk-like hand feel that softens further with washing. Choose when natural-origin fiber content matters for product positioning or customer preference. Pre-wash mandatory — significant dimensional change (16% length shrinkage, 7% width growth).

Choosing Your Treatment

Standard — Untreated baseline: Dri-QWick directional wicking at the best value. Available in all three construction types (Standard, Stretch-FIT, Micromodal).
Silver — Antimicrobial odor control: Silver Plus inhibits 99.9% bacterial growth through 50+ wash cycles. Choose for cloth diapers, incontinence products, extended-wear athletic garments, and face masks. Rinses clean and resists staining. No bleach on Silver variants. Available in Standard Polyester (W-433) and Stretch-FIT (W-605).
Print — Decorative surface: Printed patterns for visual appeal in athletic wear and reusable products. Available with or without Silver. Standard Polyester only (W-622, W-623).
FoodSAFE — FDA food-contact certified: Tested from −20°C frozen to 250°F across variable pH and fat content. Choose for reusable food storage bags, baby bibs, and products requiring dual wicking + food-contact function. Standard Polyester only (W-337).

Semi-transparency note: All Jersey Mesh variants are semi-transparent due to the open-hole mesh construction. This is inherent to the mesh design that creates breathability — not a defect. Plan for use as an internal layer (diaper liner, garment lining) or pair with an opaque outer fabric when external coverage is needed.

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 Jersey Mesh: Sewing and Construction Guide

Dri-QWick Jersey Mesh is lightweight and flexible, which makes it comfortable in wear but requires attention during construction. The Standard variant (W-434) has a notable advantage: edges resist curling and seams don't run, unlike typical jersey — customers find it notably easier to sew than expected for a performance fabric. Other variants may exhibit normal jersey edge curl that requires stabilization.

Cutting and Layout

Pattern weights over pins: Pin holes permanently enlarge mesh openings. Use pattern weights and a rotary cutter with a fresh blade for clean edges through the open mesh structure.
Mesh side marking: Identify and clearly mark the textured mesh side (skin contact) before cutting. Once pieces are separated, the two sides can be difficult to distinguish in solid-color variants.
Micromodal (W-426) — pre-wash mandatory: Shrinks 16% lengthwise and grows 7% widthwise. Add 20% length to pattern dimensions before pre-washing. Allow fabric to relax 30 minutes after pre-washing before cutting.
Black colorway dye bleeding: Black Jersey Mesh (W-434, W-433) requires 2–3 pre-washes before using with light-colored fabrics or faux fur to prevent dye transfer.

Sewing Recommendations

Needles: Ballpoint or stretch needles (70/10 or 80/12) prevent fiber damage and skipped stitches. For Stretch-FIT variants, size 75/90 accommodates the Lycra blend.
Machine speed: Sew at slower speeds — the lightweight mesh can jam if fed too quickly. Customers confirm this is a common issue resolved by simply slowing down.
Presser foot pressure: Reduce pressure to prevent stretching during feeding. Walking foot recommended for multi-layer construction.
Layer stabilization: Jersey Mesh slides when layered with absorbent fabrics like Zorb. Customer-validated solution: spray adhesive or basting tape to hold layers in position before stitching.
Edge management: Standard W-434 resists curling at edges. Other variants may curl toward the mesh face — stabilize with stay tape, fold-over elastic, or serge/overlock immediately after cutting.
Thread: Polyester thread for standard variants. Coats & Clark Ecoflex stretch thread specifically validated by customers for Jersey Mesh Silver (W-433).

Pairing Dri-QWick Jersey Mesh With Other Wazoodle Fabrics

Dri-QWick Jersey Mesh functions in two primary modes: as a standalone fabric for lightweight garments and accessories, or as an internal stay-dry layer in multi-layer absorbent systems. The stay-dry liner role is its dominant use case based on customer data.

As a Stay-Dry Liner in Absorbent Systems

Cloth diaper construction: Jersey Mesh as the skin-contact stay-dry liner, Zorb absorbent core (3D or Original) for liquid capture, and ProSoft PUL as the waterproof outer shell. The dominant customer application — users report Jersey Mesh "wins by far" over microfleece and microsuede alternatives for diaper liners, preventing friction rash and rinsing clean without staining.
Reusable menstrual pads: Jersey Mesh as the stay-dry top layer with Zorb absorbent core beneath. Silver variants (W-433, W-605) add antimicrobial odor control for this application.
Incontinence products: Silver Jersey Mesh (W-433) as top layer for rapid wicking with odor control, paired with absorbent and waterproof backing layers. Church groups and community organizations validate this configuration for charitable pad-making projects.

Standalone Use — Garments and Accessories

Athletic wear: Running tops, training shirts, cycling jerseys, sports bras, and performance underwear. Stretch-FIT variants (W-427, W-605) add Lycra shape recovery for body-conforming athletic garments.
Cooling accessories: Cooling dew-rags, headbands, hat liners, and neck wraps where evaporative cooling effect matters. Identified by customers as the same fabric used in commercial Ergodyne cooling dew-rags.
Garment linings and panels: Lightweight wicking lining for jackets, techwear, and western riding shirts. Customers use as side-panel air vents in long-sleeve shirts where full coverage is required but cooling is needed.

FoodSAFE Applications

Food storage systems: FoodSAFE Jersey Mesh (W-337) for reusable food bags and covers. Pair with ProSoft FoodSAFE PUL for complete FDA-certified food-safe system construction.

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

Common Applications for Dri-QWick Jersey Mesh

Dri-QWick Jersey Mesh's defining advantages are its lightweight open-mesh breathability, soft hand feel, and rapid directional wicking — making it the preferred ProCool construction for skin-contact stay-dry applications and lightweight athletic wear.

Cloth Diaper Stay-Dry Liners — The dominant application across the family. Jersey Mesh as the skin-contact liner keeps baby's skin dry by wicking moisture into the absorbent core beneath. Customers report it "wins by far" over microfleece and microsuede alternatives, prevents friction rash, and rinses "like a dream" without staining. One customer stopped using disposable flushable bamboo inserts entirely after switching to Jersey Mesh, calling them "a waste of money by comparison." Silver variant preferred for odor control.
Menstrual and Incontinence Products — Stay-dry top layer for reusable menstrual pads and incontinence underwear. Silver Jersey Mesh (W-433) chosen for a humanitarian project making menstrual pads for school girls in South Sudan. Church groups use Silver variant for community incontinence pad programs. Stretch-FIT Silver (W-605) validated for incontinence underwear where stretch recovery matters.
Menopause Sleepwear — Multiple customers specifically making menopause pajamas and nightgowns for managing night sweats and temperature regulation during sleep.
Athletic and Performance Wear — Running shirts, training apparel, cycling jerseys, sports bras, performance underwear, and golf skort liners. Cooling dew-rags identified as matching commercial Ergodyne products. Western riding shirt side panels for air venting in long-sleeve garments requiring coverage with cooling.
Baby and Children's Products — Baby carrier linings for summer/water use ("perfect material"), lightweight hats for babies wearing hearing aids and cochlear implants, bibs and burp cloths (FoodSAFE variant). The thin 0.023" profile doesn't interfere with medical devices while providing breathability.
Face Masks — Silver variant (W-433) breathable enough for people with asthma to wear comfortably during extended periods. Multiple customers validate both inner and outer mask layer use.
Costume and Fursuit Linings — Breathable internal lining for fursuits and performance costumes. Despite being lightweight, customers report surprising strength and durability for this application. Silver variants add odor control inside sealed costume environments.
Pet Applications — Dog show coat preparation (keeping Cavalier King Charles Spaniel coats flat and dry before entering ring), pet harness linings with batting, and pet cooling scarves.
Marine and Specialty — Boat clear vinyl window cover liners preventing water retention and mildew. Wheelchair seat covers for youth users. Knee pillow covers.
Food Storage (FoodSAFE W-337) — Reusable food storage bags, bowl covers, and children's snack pouches with FDA food-contact certification.

Use as stay-dry liner (1 layer) in multi-layer systems, or as standalone fabric for lightweight garments and accessories.
For fabric recommendations for your specific project, see the Application Discovery articles for your product category.

Dri-QWick Jersey Mesh Certifications: Safety, Chemical-Free, and Made in USA

All Dri-QWick Jersey Mesh variants are certified safe for children's products and verified free of harmful chemicals. The FoodSAFE variant additionally carries FDA food-contact certification.

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-337 only): 21 CFR 177.1680 and 175.300 for repeated-use food storage, tested from −20°C to 250°F
California Proposition 65 Compliant
EU REACH SVHC Compliant
EU RoHS 10 Compliant
UPF 15–20: Lighter colors provide UPF 15 (93% UV block), darker colors achieve UPF 20 (95% UV block) — 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 variants): 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 Jersey Mesh Care: Washing, Drying, and What to Avoid

Dri-QWick Jersey Mesh's wicking performance is built into the fabric's fiber-channel architecture and mesh construction — the directional moisture transport is a function of the physical structure, not a chemical surface treatment. Proper care protects the fiber channels that make the technology work. Customers note the fabric actually becomes softer after washing while maintaining performance properties.

Washing

Wash at medium temperature with like colors using a zero-residue detergent. Extra rinse cycle recommended to prevent detergent buildup. Use mesh laundry bags to prevent snagging on other garments. Pre-washing is not required for polyester variants (minimal shrinkage) but is mandatory for Micromodal (W-426).

Drying

Dry on medium heat. Avoid high heat — especially on Stretch-FIT variants (W-427, W-605) where excessive heat permanently degrades Lycra stretch recovery. Jersey Mesh dries rapidly due to the open-mesh construction and Dri-QWick directional wicking.
What to Avoid

Never use fabric softeners or dryer sheets with any Dri-QWick Jersey Mesh variant. These coat wicking channels and permanently destroy moisture transport. On Silver variants (W-433, W-605, W-623), softeners also eliminate antimicrobial effectiveness. No bleach on Silver variants (degrades antimicrobial treatment). No chlorine bleach on Stretch-FIT variants (breaks down Lycra bonds). No bleach on Micromodal (causes fiber degradation). 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 Jersey Mesh Specifications: Construction Type Comparison

The three construction types share jersey mesh architecture and verified directional wicking per independent AATCC testing but differ in fiber content, stretch, weight, and dimensional behavior.

Specification	Standard Polyester	Stretch-FIT	Micromodal
Fiber Content	100% polyester	91% polyester / 9% Lycra	100% micromodal
Weight	150 GSM	150–175 GSM	225 GSM
Thickness	0.023"	0.027"	0.025"
Width	60–62"	60–62"	57"
Stretch (W × L)	20–25% × 10%	25% × 20%	25% × 10%
Lycra Recovery	No	Yes (4-way)	No
Shrinkage	Minimal	Minimal	16% length / +7% width
Pre-Wash Required	Optional	Recommended	Mandatory
OMMC Value	5	5	5
UPF Rating	15–20	15–20	15–20
Silver Available	Yes (W-433, W-623)	Yes (W-605)	No
FoodSAFE Available	Yes (W-337)	No	No
Color Fastness	4.5	4.5	4.5
pH	7.4 (neutral)	7.4 (neutral)	7.4 (neutral)
Bio-Based	No	No	Yes (beech cellulose)
CPSIA Certified	Yes	Yes	Yes
Made in USA	Yes	Yes	Yes

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