In hot weather, during exercise or prolonged physical activity, your body produces sweat to cool down. But comfort depends not only on the temperature, but also on how quickly your clothing moves moisture away from your skin. This is what COOLMAX® technology is designed to do.
What is COOLMAX®?
COOLMAX® is a technology based on specially engineered synthetic fibres. Their structure helps move moisture away from your body to the outer surface of the fabric, where it spreads over a larger area and evaporates more quickly.
KRAMATAN garments use functional COOLMAX® polyester fabric designed for active movement, everyday wear and demanding physical activity.
How does moisture wicking work?
- Your body produces sweat. This is a natural cooling response to heat or physical activity.
- The fibres move moisture outwards. Special channels in the fibres help draw moisture away from the skin.
- Moisture spreads across the fabric. Instead of collecting in one spot, it spreads over a larger area.
- Evaporation speeds up. This helps the fabric dry faster and reduces contact between wet fabric and your skin.
COOLMAX® does not generate cold on its own. The feeling of comfort comes from moving moisture away from the skin and helping it evaporate more quickly.
Benefits and possible drawbacks of COOLMAX® fabric
Benefits
– Moisture wicking. The fabric helps move sweat away from your skin to its outer surface.
– Quick drying. Moisture spreads across the fabric and evaporates faster than it does from conventional cotton fabric.
– Comfort during activity. The fabric remains relatively lightweight when damp and is well suited to hot weather and intense physical activity.
– Breathability. The fabric structure allows air to circulate.
– Lasting performance. Moisture-wicking properties are built into the fibre structure, rather than relying only on a surface finish.
Possible drawbacks
– Synthetic fabric feels different against the skin compared with natural cotton.
– Polyester can retain odours during prolonged, intensive use, so it needs regular washing.
– The fabric is sensitive to excessive heat – avoid high temperatures when washing, drying or ironing.
– Knitted fabric can snag on hook-and-loop fasteners such as Velcro, sharp edges, branches or rough surfaces. We recommend fastening all hook-and-loop closures before washing and washing the garment separately from clothing with metal hardware.
– COOLMAX® helps manage moisture, but it does not replace ventilation, suitable clothing layers or drinking enough water.
– Actual performance and feel depend on the garment's construction, fit and specific fabric composition.
When is COOLMAX® clothing particularly useful?
T-shirts and long-sleeve tops made from functional fabric are a practical choice for:
– Workouts, running and outdoor activities.
– Spending long periods outdoors.
– Physically demanding work and service duties.
– Travelling and hiking.
– Everyday wear in hot weather.
– Wearing as a functional base layer.
COOLMAX® or regular cotton?
Cotton feels soft and absorbs moisture well. However, once wet, it can stay damp for longer and become heavier. COOLMAX® polyester fibres work differently: they help move moisture outwards and speed up evaporation.
For relaxed everyday wear, you can choose whichever material feels comfortable. In hot weather, during sports and other physical activity, the main advantage of COOLMAX® is moisture management.
How should you care for your garments?
To help your clothing retain its shape, appearance and functional properties, always follow the care instructions on the label of your particular garment. Avoid excessive heat, harsh bleaches and any care methods not recommended by the manufacturer. Fasten all hook-and-loop closures before washing and avoid contact with sharp objects or metal hardware that could snag the fabric.
Functional clothing by KRAMATAN
We use COOLMAX® in T-shirts and long-sleeve tops made for people who value freedom of movement, practicality and comfort during physical activity. The fabric is paired with a comfortable cut and designs printed directly into its structure.
Browse COOLMAX® T-shirts in the KRAMATAN catalogue
You can learn more about how the technology works on the official COOLMAX® website.
