KNIT-180-MW — Performance Piqué Knit 180gsm with Inherent Moisture Wicking

KNIT-180-MW is a 100% polyester piqué knit constructed from moisture-wicking engineered fiber — the fabric works at the fiber level, not the finish level. The multi-lobal cross-section of each individual filament creates microscopic capillary channels that actively pull moisture from the skin surface and spread it across the fabric for rapid evaporation.

Description

Technical Specifications

Specification Value
Product Code KNIT-180-MW
Composition 100% Polyester — moisture-wicking engineered fiber (multi-lobal cross-section)
Weight 180 GSM (±5%)
Width 160 cm / 63″ (usable) — open width
Structure Piqué knit
Yarn 75D/72F textured polyester with capillary channel cross-section
Wicking Technology Inherent — fiber geometry engineered at extrusion stage, permanent for fiber life
Wicking Height ≥120mm in 30 minutes (AATCC 197)
Drying Rate ≤30 minutes to 90% dry (room temperature, still air)
Shrinkage ≤2% after 5 washes (ISO 6330)
Colorfastness to Washing Grade 4 (ISO 105-C06)
Colorfastness to Light Grade 4 (ISO 105-B02)
Pilling Resistance Grade 4 (ISO 12945-2)
Bursting Strength ≥350 kPa (ISO 13938-1)
UV Protection UPF 50+ (AS/NZS 4399)
Finishing Anti-pilling, moisture-wicking (inherent — no topical finish applied)

Inherent vs. Treated Moisture Wicking — The Critical Difference

Factor Treated (Hydrophilic Finish) Inherent (KNIT-180-MW)
How it works Chemical coating attracts water to fiber surface Fiber shape creates capillary channels — physical, not chemical
Wash durability 30–50 washes — gradually decreases Permanent — for fiber life
Performance after 50 washes Reduced — coating partially stripped Unchanged
Cost Lower Moderately higher
Compatible with antimicrobial Yes (finish + finish) Yes (inherent wick + embedded antimicrobial = KNIT-180-AM)

Because the wicking property is built into the fiber geometry, it cannot wash out, wear off, or degrade with detergent chemicals. The fabric will wick moisture as effectively after 200 washes as it did on day one.

The piqué knit structure provides the classic textured polo appearance that hospitality and corporate uniform programs demand — dimensional, breathable, and more premium than flat-knit or jersey alternatives.

Fabric Hand & Appearance

  • Hand feel: Soft, dry, cotton-like hand. No synthetic shine or plasticky feel despite 100% polyester composition.
  • Appearance: Classic piqué honeycomb texture. Matte finish. Deep, saturated colors.
  • Drying time: Wrings out and air-dries to 90% dryness in approximately 30 minutes — significantly faster than cotton or poly-cotton blends.

Performance Summary

Property Performance
Wicking mechanism Inherent — multi-lobal fiber cross-section (permanent)
Wicking height ≥120mm in 30 min — AATCC 197
Drying time ≤30 min to 90% dry — 3× faster than cotton
UV protection UPF 50+ — blocks 98% of UVA/UVB
Sublimation printing Fully compatible
Anti-pilling Grade 4 — minimal fiber fuzzing
Shrinkage ≤2% — dimensionally stable

Applications

Application Why KNIT-180-MW
Hotel & resort staff polos Professional piqué appearance with active moisture management — stays dry through long shifts
Restaurant & F&B uniforms Sweat-wicking in hot kitchen and dining environments
Casino staff uniforms All-day comfort in climate-controlled but high-activity settings
Corporate casual polos Premium piqué look with no-iron, stay-dry performance
Valet & bellhop uniforms Outdoor + activity — wicks sweat in humid or hot conditions
Fitness center & gym staff Moisture management for active roles — quick-dry between shifts
Golf course & country club staff UPF 50+ sun protection + breathable for outdoor roles
Event and promotional staff Sublimation-ready for branding — stays fresh through long event days
Airport ground crew Durable, quick-drying, comfortable through long outdoor shifts

Available Variants

Variant Product Code Description
Standard moisture wicking KNIT-180-MW 100% Polyester — inherent wicking — piqué
With antimicrobial KNIT-180-AM Same base + embedded silver ion — moisture wicking + odor control
Lightweight jersey KNIT-160-J Same fiber technology — 160gsm jersey — T-shirts, base layer
Heavyweight piqué KNIT-200-MW Same construction — 200gsm — for cooler climates

Color Options

Stock Colors (10 — held in continuous inventory):

Color Application
Black Universal — highest volume — hospitality, F&B, security
Navy Hotel, corporate, security
White F&B, culinary, medical reception
Red Restaurant, hospitality, valet
Royal Blue Event staff, corporate, fitness
Charcoal Corporate, industrial, management
Bottle Green Resort, golf, hospitality
Maroon Restaurant, hospitality, management
Light Blue Corporate, front desk, admin
Grey Corporate, industrial

Custom Dye:

  • Pantone / Lab-dyed match: ≤0.5 delta E
  • MOQ: 500 meters per color
  • Color strike-off: 3–5 working days
  • Bulk lead time: 20–25 days

Sublimation Printing

KNIT-180-MW is fully compatible with sublimation printing. The 100% polyester composition accepts dye-sublimation inks at high temperature, producing vibrant, permanent colors that will not crack, peel, or fade.

  • Suitable for: Logo placement, full-front/back prints, all-over patterns
  • Recommended temperature: 200°C ±5°C
  • Recommended time: 45–60 seconds
  • Sublimation does not affect moisture-wicking performance (inherent fiber property)

Ordering Information

Parameter Details
Stock color MOQ 200 meters per color
Custom color MOQ 500 meters per color
A4 sample swatch Free, dispatched within 3 working days
Bulk lead time (stock) 15–20 days
Bulk lead time (custom dye) 20–25 days
Packing Roll on tube or flat fold, polybag wrapped, export carton
Shipping FOB Shanghai / CIF / DDP — air, sea, or express (DHL, FedEx)

Care Instructions

Step Instruction
Washing Machine wash 60°C, normal cycle — industrial wash compatible
Bleaching Compatible — polyester is chlorine-stable
Drying Tumble dry medium — quick-dry fabric reaches 90% dry in ~30 min
Ironing Low iron (110°C)
Dry cleaning Permitted (PCE)

✅ Care advantage: Because the moisture wicking is inherent (fiber geometry, not chemical finish), there is no special care protocol. Bleach, high-temperature wash, fabric softener — none of these affect wicking performance. The fabric can be laundered identically to standard polyester polo fabric.


FAQ

Q: How is this different from a “moisture wicking finish” applied to regular polyester? A: Standard polyester does not wick moisture — it is hydrophobic (water-hating). A moisture-wicking finish adds a hydrophilic (water-loving) coating to the fiber surface. This works initially but gradually washes off. KNIT-180-MW uses fiber engineered with a multi-lobal cross-section that creates capillary channels — the wicking is a physical property of the fiber shape, not a chemical coating. It cannot wash off.

Q: Does this fabric feel like a standard polyester polo? A: No. The piqué knit structure and textured yarn give this fabric a soft, dry, cotton-like hand feel. It does not have the shiny or plasticky feel of standard polyester knits. Most wearers cannot distinguish it from poly-cotton in blind touch tests.

Q: How fast does it dry compared to cotton? A: Approximately 3× faster. Cotton absorbs moisture and holds it — drying time 60–90 minutes. This fabric wicks moisture to the surface where it spreads and evaporates — drying time 25–35 minutes. For restaurant and hospitality staff working double shifts, this means a fresh-feeling uniform through both service periods.

Q: Can this be sublimation printed with logos? A: Yes. 100% polyester is the ideal substrate for sublimation printing. The dye bonds permanently with the fiber. Unlike surface-treated moisture-wicking fabrics, the wicking performance is unaffected by the high-temperature sublimation process.

Q: What is the most popular color for hospitality polo programs? A: Black — approximately 40% of all orders. Navy follows at 25%. White for culinary and F&B. Red for restaurant front-of-house.

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