Coolmax

Coolmax is a brand of polyester fibre and fabric originally developed by DuPont and now owned by The Lycra Company. Its fibres have a special cross-section with channels that move sweat away from the skin to the outside of the fabric, where it evaporates quickly.

In motorcycling it is used in base layers, socks, helmet liners, balaclavas and the inner linings of jackets, gloves and boots. Keeping the skin dry improves comfort in summer and also helps in cold weather, because wet skin loses heat much faster.

Wear a wicking base layer instead of cotton under your riding gear, especially on long rides and in enduro. Wash Coolmax garments at moderate temperature without fabric softener, which can block the wicking channels.