This research examined the hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions of different athletic apparel fibers like Dri-Fit, Fastskin swim suits, and Lululemon using a series of tests. Through contact angle, force, sweat, and chlorine tests, the researchers aimed to determine which fiber combinations best optimize performance and durability. The tests showed that Dri-Fit and newer Fastskin fibers repelled water and sweat more than older fabrics, but absorbing liquids weakened the fibers and caused faster tearing. The Fastskin PRO suit absorbed less chlorine and sweat than other fabrics, and tore less during strength tests. The research helps understand how fiber properties impact athletic performance and design.

1. What Is True About Athletic Apparel?
Cindy Jezuit and Dr. Jason J. Keleher
Department of Sports and Exercise Science
Department of Chemistry
Lewis University
Surface Energy Testing
Dri- Fit (60% cotton and 40% polyester)
Abstract
Athletic apparel is becoming more common for the everyday user and large retailers are looking to see how this apparel can be more effective and more water resistant. Also,
companies are trying to improve athletic performance by enhancing the fibers used in the apparel. This research examines the hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions of different
apparel such as Dri-Fit, Fastskin swim suits, and Lululemon. These interactions will aid in the understanding of which fibers to use. Series of tests, such as contact angle, force test,
sweat test, and chlorine test were used to observe these interactions. Through experimentation, the combination of fibers best suitable for optimal performance, along with the
strength and resistance of each fiber will be determined.
Material Strength Testing
Experiment Observations
Project Motivation
Athletic apparel companies are always trying to design
the next best thing. Designs and apparel are always
changing, but why? Athletes performances are getting
better but is the apparel helping or hindering their full
potential?
This research set out to develop a correlation between
the manufacturers reported performance metrics and
experimental result. Furthermore a connection
between the material properties and the performance
design metrics were evaluated.
Conclusions
Contact Information
Dr. Jason Keleher
Associate Professor and Chair
keleheja@lewisu.edu
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank Dr. Ralph Miller
Strength TestStrength Test:
Performance Apparel-
•Water did soak into the
fiber causing the fiber to
break quicker.
•Sweat soaked into the
fiber causing the material
to break even quicker than
the regular water.
Aquatic Gear:
Old
•Sweat caused the fiber to
break easier.
New
•Sweat caused the fiber to
break easier.
Surface Energy TestSurface Energy Test:
Performance Apparel-
•Water did not soak into the
material.
•Sweat did soak better than the
water.
Aquatic Gear-
Old
•Water quickly absorbed into
the fiber.
•Sweat absorbed quickly into
the fiber
New
•Water had a harder time being
absorbed into the fiber.
•Sweat absorbed about the
same as the water.
Dri-Fit (water) Contact Angle (degrees)
Drop #1 130.22
Drop #2 134.21
Drop #3 132.79
Dri-Fit (NaCl) Contact Angle (degrees)
Drop #1 143.75
Drop #2 136.12
Drop #3 140.94
Fastskin (80% polyester and 20% lycra)
Fastskin (Water) Contact Angle (degrees)
Drop #1 125.54
Drop #2 121.22
Drop #3 125.22
Fastskin (NaCl) Contact Angle (degrees)
Drop #1 64
Drop #2 73
Drop #3 76
Fastskin FS-Pro (Water) Contact Angle (degrees)
Drop #1 127.53
Drop #2 128.66
Drop #3 132.81
Drop #4 125.35
Fastskin FS-Pro (NaCl) Contact Angle (degrees)
Drop #1 112.25
Drop #2 106.14
Drop #3 113.43Hydrophobic
Material
• Dri-Fit repelled water until the material/fiber was stretched. When Dri-Fit
came in contact with water or sweat it changed the properties of the fibers
and caused the material to rip quicker than if the material absorbed
nothing.
• The Speedo FS-Pro repelled sweat and chlorine better than the Fastskin.
• The Speedo FS-Pro had a hard time absorbing chlorine when it was
submerged for 2 min, same thing with the sweat.
• The FS-Pro had a hard time ripping during all of the tests compared to the
Fastskin.
• The Speedo Fastskin repelled sweat and chlorine until the fibers were
stretched and then it absorbed the water and chlorine much quicker
• When the Fastskin was submerged in chlorine for 2 min the properties of
the fibers changed and the suit ripped with less force.
• Fastskin ripped quicker than the FS-Pro.
Fastskin FS-Pro (70% Nylon and 30% Lycra)
Hydrophillic
Material