What is the difference between functional T-shirts and ordinary cotton clothing?

COTTON - THE BEST FIBRE FOR CLOTHING, RIGHT?

Cotton has long been used to make clothing and is still one of the most popular textile materials. It is a natural fibre and is softer than polyester.

Cotton fabrics have very good properties. Cotton absorbs moisture and helps regulate body temperature, which makes it suitable for year-round wear. Cotton fibres take up dyes extremely well, so they are an excellent choice for dyeing. It is also biodegradable, which means it breaks down over time.

However, during more intense physical activity cotton is not the best solution, because it does not wick moisture away when you sweat but absorbs it. A T-shirt can quickly become wet, and you risk catching a cold.

POLYESTER - JUST PLASTIC?

Polyester is indeed a synthetic fibre, but precisely because of that it is distinguished by its ability to wick moisture away. Like cotton, it is becoming an increasingly popular choice for workwear.

Polyester garments are resistant to creasing and fading, and are long-lasting and durable. A polyester work T-shirt is an excellent choice for a worker who spends a lot of time in the field and needs a robust shirt that can withstand frequent wear and washing. Because polyester is less absorbent than cotton, it is also more resistant to sweat stains and dries faster.

SO WHAT ARE FUNCTIONAL GARMENTS?

Functional garments are made from a combination of natural and synthetic materials that bring together their best properties to create a top-quality garment. The outer side is usually polyester fibre, which is quick-drying, lightweight and stretchy, and does not crease. On the inner side we find cotton, which is hypoallergenic, kind to the skin and helps regulate body temperature.

The cotton in direct contact with the skin wicks moisture to the outer layer, which, thanks to its polyester composition, dries quickly. Together, these two materials create the most optimal conditions for physical activity, even in heat, rain or a humid environment.

NOT ALL POLYESTER T-SHIRTS ARE FUNCTIONAL

Of course, a polyester-only T-shirt will not have the same effect if there is no cotton on the inner layer. 

The difference between low-cost products and products ranked high in price and quality is also obvious. The latter usually have years of testing and research behind them, as well as the development of their own innovative materials and technologies. What matters a lot is how the fibres are processed, because this structures the fibres in different ways and gives them functional properties such as breathability, antibacterial action, UV protection and durability. These properties come into their own after the product has been used a few times, and they can make a big difference to how we feel.

At UTG Vodnik you can find a variety of functional work trousers, T-shirts, jackets and more, in all colours and sizes, for different professions and price ranges. Check out our range of functional clothing here, or drop by our store in Vir near Domžale, where our experts will be happy to advise you on your choice.