Novel wicking fabric and clothing

Abstract

A fabric and method of making is provided whereby a sugar alcohol is disposed on wicking fabric to increase moisture wicking characteristics.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A fabric for use in wicking clothing comprising:
 fabric strands having micropores formed thereon; and   a sugar alcohol disposed on said fabric strands.   
     
     
         2 . The fabric of  claim 1  wherein said sugar alcohol is sorbitol. 
     
     
         3 . The fabric of  claim 2  exhibiting an increase of 10-80% of measured overall liquid moisture management capability versus fabric not having said disposed sugar alcohol. 
     
     
         4 . A method of producing wicking clothing, said method comprising the steps of:
 providing a fabric of  claim 1  wherein said fabric has strands with micropores formed thereon;   preparing a solution in a solvent containing between 0.1 to 10 g/liter of a sugar alcohol;   disposing said sugar alcohol onto said fabric, whereby said disposing includes evaporation of said solvent;   
       incorporating said fabric with sugar alcohol into an article of clothing; 
       said fabric providing a reduction in microbial growth compared to untreated cotton fabric. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein said sugar alcohol is sorbitol. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4  wherein said solvent is aqueous, organic, or an aqueous organic co-solvent. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the fabric retains 70-125% wicking property after 15 washings compared to an unlaundered fabric.