ProCool Performance Interlock: The Complete Guide to Wazoodle's Foundation Moisture-Wicking Fabric

What ProCool Performance Interlock Is and Why It Matters

ProCool Performance Interlock is AKAS Tex's foundation moisture-wicking fabric family, combining interlock double-knit construction with Foundation Wicking Technology for reliable moisture transport and accelerated evaporation. The interlock construction creates flat, smooth surfaces on both sides with stable edges that don't curl — handling more like a woven than a typical knit despite offering up to 35% crosswise stretch. In independent AATCC 197 vertical wicking testing, Foundation Wicking construction transports moisture 0.6 inches in 30 minutes — the baseline performance tier that anchors the ProCool line.

The wicking performance is permanently engineered into the fiber structure during manufacturing — not a chemical treatment that washes out. With 12 variants across two weight tiers (Standard 105 GSM and Heavy 220 GSM), four treatment types (Standard, Silver antimicrobial, Print, FoodSAFE), and two recycled-content lines (REPREVE and ReInspire), this is the broadest interlock family in the ProCool line. Every variant is manufactured in the USA, CPSIA certified, and Forever Chemicals-Free (no PFAS, BPA, phthalates). UPF 15–20 across all variants.

For how Foundation Wicking 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 Performance Interlock Lineup: Standard, Heavy, REPREVE, and FoodSAFE

ProCool Performance Interlock shares identical core engineering across all 12 variants — engineered polyester fibers in interlock double-knit construction with verified wicking per independent AATCC testing. Variants differ by weight tier (profile vs. opacity), treatment (antimicrobial, print, food-safe), and fiber source (virgin vs. recycled polyester).

Standard Series — 105 GSM / 0.016" Thickness (4 Variants)
  • W-440 — ProCool Performance Interlock: 62–66" width, 35% width / 10% length stretch. The baseline ProCool interlock — lightweight with a buttery soft hand feel that customers describe as "silky." The most versatile entry point for athletic wear, stay-dry liners, and moisture management applications.
  • W-435 — ProCool Performance Interlock Silver: Same construction with Silver Plus antimicrobial (99.9% bacterial inhibition through 50+ wash cycles). Customers prefer this over Jersey Mesh alternatives for period underwear due to the smooth flat surface against skin. No pilling reported even with extended use.
  • W-513 — ProCool Performance Interlock Print: 58–61" width (narrower than solid variants). Printed pattern surface for visual appeal — colors described by customers as "amazing" and "gorgeous," maintaining vibrancy after washing.
  • W-624 — ProCool Performance Interlock Silver Print: 58–61" width combining Silver Plus antimicrobial with printed surface. Odor control plus visual appeal for cycling tops, golf dresses, and menstrual products.
Heavy Series — 220 GSM / 0.027" Thickness (2 Variants)
  • W-654 — ProCool Heavy Performance Interlock: 60–63" width, 20% width / 10% length stretch. More than double the weight of Standard — provides opacity and body for standalone garments without lining. Reduced stretch delivers more structured fit for performance tops and athletic wear.
  • W-652 — ProCool Heavy Performance Interlock Silver: Same heavyweight construction with Silver Plus antimicrobial. Maximum body with odor control for performance underwear and extended-wear athletic garments.
REPREVE & ReInspire Series — 105–120 GSM / 0.019" Thickness (3 Variants)
FoodSAFE Series — 105 GSM (3 Variants)
  • W-341 — ProCool FoodSAFE Lightweight Lining Interlock: 62–66" width, 35% width / 10% length stretch. FDA food-contact certified (21 CFR 177.1680 and 175.300) tested across eight conditions to 250°F. The only wicking lining interlock certified for repeated-use food storage.
  • W-474 — ProCool FoodSAFE Light-Medium Weight Interlock: FDA food-contact certified interlock variant.
  • W-475 — ProCool FoodSAFE REPREVE Lightweight Lining Interlock: Combines FDA food-contact certification with REPREVE recycled content.
Key Concept — Interlock vs. Jersey Construction: ProCool Performance Interlock uses double-knit construction creating smooth flat surfaces on both sides with stable edges that don't curl. Unlike single-knit jerseys that curl at edges and stretch unevenly, interlock handles like woven fabric during cutting and sewing while maintaining knit comfort and stretch. This is why customers consistently describe ProCool Performance Interlock as beginner-friendly for stretch fabric construction.

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

Choosing Your ProCool Performance Interlock: Weight, Treatment, and Fiber Guide

ProCool Performance Interlock selection involves two decisions: which weight tier provides the body and stretch your project needs, and which treatment adds the functionality your application requires. All variants share Foundation Wicking Technology, interlock stability, CPSIA certification, and Forever Chemicals-Free manufacturing.

Choosing Your Weight Tier
  • Standard (105 GSM) — Thinnest, fastest-drying, most versatile: Best for stay-dry liners, athletic tops, travel garments, and layered products. The 35% crosswise stretch provides comfortable fit without compression. Some customers find Standard weight thinner than expected — doubling layers works well for sport shorts and applications needing more body.
  • Heavy (220 GSM) — Opacity and structure without lining: More than double the weight for standalone garments where see-through is a concern. The 20% crosswise stretch delivers a more structured fit than Standard. Choose for performance tops, underwear, and any application where a single opaque layer matters.
  • REPREVE/ReInspire (105–120 GSM) — Recycled content with slightly different stretch: Sits between Standard and Heavy in thickness (0.019") with 20% crosswise stretch — noticeably less stretch than Standard weight's 35%. Choose when recycled content documentation and sustainability credentials matter for your product line or market positioning.
Choosing Your Treatment
  • Standard — Untreated baseline: Full wicking performance at the best value. Choose when antimicrobial, printed aesthetics, food certification, or recycled content aren't required.
  • Silver — Antimicrobial odor control: Silver Plus inhibits 99.9% bacterial growth through 50+ wash cycles. Choose for extended-wear applications — overnight diapers, incontinence products, period underwear, athletic wear between washes. Customers specifically prefer Silver Interlock over Jersey Mesh alternatives for period underwear gussets. No bleach on Silver variants.
  • Print — Decorative surface: Printed patterns for visual appeal in cycling jerseys, baby bibs, and menstrual products. Available with or without Silver. Narrower width (58–61") than solid variants — plan pattern layout accordingly.
  • FoodSAFE — FDA food-contact certified: Tested to 250°F across hot, cold, acidic, and fatty food conditions. Choose for reusable food storage bags, bowl covers, baby bibs with oral contact, and breast milk storage.
  • REPREVE/ReInspire — Verified recycled content: 100% recycled polyester with third-party sustainability documentation. Customer-validated for dance wear, sustainable fashion lines, and university eco-design projects.

Transparency note: Light colors (especially yellow) in Standard weight show see-through in some applications. Use Heavy weight, add a lining layer, or choose darker colors when opacity is critical. Heavy weight provides full opacity without doubling.

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

Working With ProCool Performance Interlock: Sewing and Construction Guide

ProCool Performance Interlock sews smoothly on standard domestic machines and sergers — customers consistently describe it as behaving "more like woven than knit" despite its stretch properties. The interlock construction eliminates edge curling, prevents raveling and fraying, and feeds evenly without special handling. Even stretch-fabric beginners report success with this family.

Cutting and Layout
  • Edge behavior: Interlock edges lay completely flat without curling — no stay-stitching required. This is a significant advantage over jersey knit constructions.
  • Both sides identical: Standard and Heavy variants have smooth surfaces on both sides with no visible right/wrong distinction. Print variants require pattern orientation awareness.
  • Rotary cutter recommended: Lightweight Standard variants (105 GSM) shift easily during cutting — secure with weights or pins and use a rotary cutter for clean edges.
  • Stretch direction: Standard weight stretches 35% crosswise and only 10% lengthwise. Orient pattern pieces so greater stretch wraps around the body. Mark direction during cutting to avoid orientation errors in finished garments.
Sewing Recommendations
  • Needles: 70/10 or 80/12 ballpoint (SES) for Standard and REPREVE weights. Step up to 90/14 for Heavy weight (220 GSM). Customers report success with universal needles as well, though ballpoint prevents potential skipped stitches.
  • Presser foot: Standard presser foot works for solid-color variants. Walking foot recommended for Print variants to prevent pattern shifting during construction.
  • Serger advantage: Serger construction produces superior results for athletic wear and stretch seams. Standard machines work well with narrow zigzag or stretch stitches.
  • Multi-layer technique: When building period underwear gussets, use backing paper behind the fabric to prevent slippage. Iron-on sheerweight interfacing improves handling for multi-layer mask construction and structured applications.
  • Thread: Polyester thread throughout for stretch compatibility.

Pairing ProCool Performance Interlock With Other Wazoodle Fabrics

ProCool Performance Interlock functions as a standalone garment fabric requiring airflow for evaporation, or as the skin-contact wicking layer in multi-layer absorbent systems where it passes moisture to the absorbent core beneath.

Standalone Use (Athletic and Garment Applications)
  • No partner layers needed: ProCool Performance Interlock works as a single-layer fabric for athletic tops, base layers, travel garments, and performance apparel. Airflow at the outer surface enables evaporative wicking.
What Goes Below ProCool Performance Interlock (Absorbent Core Partners)
What Goes Below the Absorbent Core (Waterproof Barrier Partners)
Proven Layer Stack Configurations
  • Menstrual pad: ProCool Performance Interlock (W-440) → Zorb Original (W-202) → ProSoft 1 mil ECO-PUL (W-375). Customer-validated construction with wicking top, absorbent core, and waterproof backing. Users report the Interlock surface maintains like-new appearance through repeated use — outperforming velour and French terry alternatives.
  • Period underwear: ProCool Performance Interlock Silver (W-435) → Zorb 3D Stay Dry Dimple (W-229) → ProSoft 1 mil ECO-PUL (W-375). Antimicrobial wicking layer with smooth flat surface preferred over textured mesh alternatives for direct skin contact.
  • Food storage bag: ProCool FoodSAFE Lining Interlock (W-341) → ProSoft FoodSAFE PUL (W-396). Both layers FDA food-contact certified for complete food-safe system construction.
  • Pet incontinence pad: ProCool Performance Interlock (W-440) → Zorb Original (W-202). Customer-validated with an incontinent cat — Interlock wicks urine into Zorb while keeping significantly less moisture on fur compared to direct absorbent layer contact.

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

For complete build guidance, see the Application Discovery articles for Cloth Diapers, Reusable Menstrual Pads, Period Underwear, Incontinence Pads, and Reusable Food Storage Bags.

Common Applications for ProCool Performance Interlock

ProCool Performance Interlock serves the broadest application range of any single ProCool construction type, driven by the combination of verified wicking, beginner-friendly interlock sewing characteristics, and the widest treatment selection in the line. Top applications span athletic wear, absorbent product liners, travel clothing, and specialty uses.

  • Athletic Tops and Activewear — Running shirts, cycling jerseys, golf dresses, exercise tops, and sport shorts. Customer-validated in 80°F heat with confirmed wicking performance during extended outdoor activity. Lightweight garments feel so minimal that wearers report "hardly realizing" they're wearing them. Silver variants extend freshness between washes for gym and training use.
  • Stay-Dry Liners for Absorbent Products — The most common layered application across cloth diaper inserts, reusable menstrual pads, and incontinence underwear. Users report superior appearance retention compared to velour and French terry alternatives — Interlock maintains a like-new surface through repeated use and washing. Silver Interlock specifically preferred over Jersey Mesh for period underwear gussets due to its smooth, comfortable surface against skin.
  • Travel Clothing — T-shirts and raglan tops that dry overnight after hotel sink washing, validated by makers traveling in tropical Southeast Asian climates. Lightweight and highly packable for minimalist luggage.
  • Menopause Sleepwear — Affordable alternative to commercial menopause pajamas for managing night sweats. Users report effective wicking and cooling across multiple color options at a fraction of retail pricing.
  • Baby Products — Bibs, burp cloth linings, and stay-dry diaper liners. FoodSAFE variants for items contacting a baby's mouth. Notably, the fabric was approved as comfortable by a child with sensory processing sensitivities — suggesting suitability for tactile-sensitive users.
  • Costume and Performance Wear — Circus performer costumes (requested without seams or markings), fursuit interior linings for heat management, sneaker linings, and costume padding covers. The directional stretch (firm lengthwise, stretchy crosswise) benefits structured costume construction.
  • Pet Care — Stay-dry top layer in pet incontinence pads. Customer-validated for managing cat incontinence — Interlock wicks moisture into absorbent pads below while keeping fur significantly drier than direct absorbent layer contact.
  • Medical and Mobility — Breathable cover layer over waterproof wheelchair seats, providing moisture management during extended sitting for youth users.
  • Food Storage (FoodSAFE variants) — Reusable food storage bag linings, bowl cover inner layers, and breast milk storage where FDA food-contact certification is required.
  • Sustainable Fashion (REPREVE/ReInspire variants) — Dance wear, cooling performance apparel, and university sustainable fashion thesis projects focused on eco-conscious design credentials.

Use 1–3 layers depending on application requirements.

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

ProCool Performance Interlock Certifications: Safety, Chemical-Free, and Made in USA

ProCool Performance Interlock (all variants) is certified safe for children's products and verified free of harmful chemicals. FoodSAFE variants additionally carry FDA food-contact certification.

Safety Certifications
  • CPSIA Certified: Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, sections 101 and 108, 16 CFR Part 1303 — mandatory U.S. federal standard for children's products
  • Verified Moisture Management: Wicking performance independently tested per AATCC 197 (Vertical Wicking) test method by certified laboratory
  • FDA Food-Contact Certified (W-341, W-474, W-475 only): 21 CFR 177.1680 and 175.300 for repeated-use food storage, tested across eight conditions to 250°F including frozen, refrigerated, hot, acidic, and fatty food environments
  • California Proposition 65 Compliant: Meets California's safe harbor levels for listed chemicals
  • EU REACH SVHC Compliant: Verified against the European Substances of Very High Concern list
  • EU RoHS 10 Compliant: Meets European restrictions on hazardous substances
  • UPF 15–20: Lighter colors provide UPF 15 (93% UV block), darker colors achieve UPF 20 (95% UV block)
  • Made in USA: Manufactured by AKAS Tex in EPA-compliant facilities under fair labor 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
  • Lead-Free and Heavy Metals-Free: No lead, cadmium, dioxins, or formaldehyde
  • Nanoparticle-Free (Silver variants): Silver Plus antimicrobial uses silver ion compounds, not engineered nanoparticles

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. For what FDA food-contact compliance means, see Food Safe: Understanding FDA Food-Contact Fabric Compliance.

ProCool Performance Interlock Care: Washing, Drying, and What to Avoid

ProCool Performance Interlock's wicking performance is built into the fabric's engineered polyester fiber channels — the 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. Hand feel softens with use, with customers describing the texture as "buttery soft" after washing.

Washing

Wash at medium temperature with a zero-residue detergent free of softeners, fragrances, or oils. Extra rinse cycle recommended to prevent detergent buildup that gradually reduces wicking. Pre-washing is not required due to minimal shrinkage — pre-wash for hygiene in skin-contact applications only.

Drying

Dry on medium heat. Standard weight variants (105 GSM) dry rapidly — customer-validated for overnight drying after hotel sink washing. Avoid sustained high heat on Heavy variants and any Stretch-FIT applications where heat degrades Lycra recovery.

What to Avoid

Never use fabric softeners or dryer sheets with any ProCool Performance Interlock variant. A single exposure coats fiber channels and permanently destroys wicking performance. No bleach on Silver variants (degrades antimicrobial treatment) or FoodSAFE variants (degrades certification compliance).

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

ProCool Performance Interlock Specifications: Weight Tier Comparison

ProCool Performance Interlock's weight tiers share identical wicking performance and interlock double-knit construction. The primary differences are weight, thickness, stretch behavior, and available treatments. REPREVE/ReInspire variants sit between Standard and Heavy in both thickness and stretch characteristics.

Specification Standard (105 GSM) REPREVE / ReInspire Heavy (220 GSM)
Weight 105 GSM (3.1 oz/sq yd) 105–120 GSM (3.1–3.6 oz/sq yd) 220 GSM (6.5 oz/sq yd)
Thickness 0.016" 0.019" 0.027"
Width 58–66" (varies by variant) 58–64" 60–63"
Stretch (W × L) 35% × 10% 20% × 15% 20% × 10%
Fiber Content 100% polyester 100% recycled polyester 100% polyester
OMMC Value 5 5 5
UPF Rating 15–20 15–20 15–20
Silver Available Yes Yes (REPREVE only) Yes
FoodSAFE Available Yes Yes (W-475) No
Shrinkage Minimal both directions Minimal both directions Minimal both directions
Color Fastness 4.5 4.5 4.5
pH 7.4 (neutral) 7.4 (neutral) 7.4 (neutral)
CPSIA Certified Yes Yes Yes
Made in USA Yes Yes Yes

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

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