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If you practice road cycling, you’re probably on the lookout for the perfect cycling kit to gear up from head to toe. But do you know the different types of fabric that exist? Today, we’re putting the spotlight on micro-perforated fabric jerseys to discover their advantages and disadvantages.
What is micro-perforated fabric?
Unlike other synthetic materials like polyester, polyamide, or polypropylene, micro-perforated fabric is not a synthetic material per se but a production technique that results in an even lighter and more breathable fabric. It is thus made from synthetic fabric, whether polyester, polyamide, or polypropylene, and sometimes even a blend of several different synthetic fabrics.
Why is micro-perforated fabric used for making cycling clothing?
Due to its design, micro-perforated fabric allows for enhanced sweat wicking and is ultra-lightweight, making it ideal for sportswear – especially cycling apparel – notably in summer when temperatures are very high. It effectively regulates body temperature thanks to its rapid sweat evaporation and high breathability.
Even though its properties are recognised for sportswear, especially cycling jerseys, micro-perforated fabric is nonetheless more fragile than other synthetic materials. Indeed, being much thinner, it is much more prone to damage from friction (backpack straps, glove Velcros, zippers during washing, etc.). Its durability over time is thus particularly impacted.
In which cycling garments can micro-perforated fabric be found?
Due to its specificities, micro-perforated fabric is particularly appreciated for designing jerseys, especially short-sleeve cycling jerseys and sleeveless jerseys with a fitted cut, used during summer in extreme heat. The ultra-thin and ultra-breathable fabric provides cyclists wearing these jerseys with excellent breathability to avoid overheating under the sun. In some models, micro-perforated fabric is only present in certain areas where the risk of overheating is higher, such as the sides, back, and chest, to allow for more efficient and quicker sweat evaporation.
Micro-perforated fabric can also be found in the composition of bib shorts. In this case, the micro-perforated or honeycomb fabric is mainly used for the straps, around the stomach, and lumbar areas – places with higher risks of friction and sweating – to provide optimal comfort to the cyclist, whether during training or competition, on a road bike or MTB. In a bib short, you can find this micro-perforated fabric combined with other materials like polyester, elastane, polyamide, or lycra, for example.
Thanks to its properties, micro-perforated fabric can also be used for making technical base layers for the summer season. It’s also found in short cycling gloves used during high heat in the summer: this allows riding with hands protected in case of a fall, without overheating and improving sweat wicking. It’s also used in socks to keep feet dry during intense heat.
How to wash cycling garments made of micro-perforated fabric?
Micro-perforated fabric is washed like other synthetic fabrics, either by hand or in a washing machine. However, as this fabric is more fragile than other synthetic materials, extra caution is needed. It’s essential to follow a few small guidelines, such as washing at a maximum of 30°C with a gentle cycle (ideally using the hand wash cycle on your machine if it has one). Remember to use a mild detergent, Marseille soap, or a specific synthetic fabric detergent to prolong the lifespan of your clothing.
Micro-perforated fabric should be air-dried in a ventilated area and should not be tumble-dried as the heat could damage its fibers. Similarly, it is strongly advised against using an iron which is unnecessary anyway since the fabric is wrinkle-free.
Now that you are well-versed in micro-perforated fabric cycling jerseys, how about doing the same with polypropylene cycling jerseys, polyester cycling jerseys, and polyamide cycling jerseys?
