Question about moisture wicking types of shirts

[martywest 0]

A while back there was a post where someone claimed that these types of shirts should not be washed that often because it washes away the effectiveness of the shirt. I can't find that post again because I know that it was not originally part of the topic. Is that true about these shirts? I received a RBK Triple Impact for Christmas and it is excellent. Not only does it keep me cooler than my old Russel athletic shirt, but it has removable pads protecting the wrists and sides. Now after wearing it once, the shirt reeks, but I'm afraid to wash it. It was too expensive to only get a few months out of. What should I do?

[hockeymom 2]

You can wash them but do not use fabric softener and do not dry them in the dryer... just hang to dry.

Fabric softener or dryer sheets clog up their pores and the dryer melts them a titch.

[Hooah4 12]

Did the shirt come with a tag? I wash mine after every game. Of course I use a target champion C9 shirt (14.99). It still works for me.

I have noticed that some of the wicking shirts do tend to "absorb" and retain smells. Could just be my funky body though.

[hockeymom 2]

They do retain smells - that's why I prefer the PuckSkin shirt and pants... going into its 2nd season and no smellies.

[Roach 0]

Agreed on the retaining smell. My Nike Dri-Fits smell rather funky. I've been wearing and washing them for the past 5+ years.

I am intrigued by all the positive reviews on Puckskin. Distribution in the US does not seem very good. I'm going to have to call some of their distributors to try some of their shirts.

[NuggyBuggy 0]

I've had several different types of moisture wicking garments (Nike Dri-fit, UA, Brooks Runderwear) and never found any of them to retain odours, even after multiple wearings without washings. The exception is the Jock-plus shirt I have, which stunk from the first time I wore it.

As for washing, I distinctly remember JR advising against doing this more than absolutely necessary.

[stick9 905]

My wife used fabric softener and dried my brand new UA long sleeve. $40 right down the crapper.

Thinking maybe it's time to dry one of her expensive sweaters.

[number21 3]

Did the shirt come with a tag? I wash mine after every game. Of course I use a target champion C9 shirt (14.99). It still works for me.

I have noticed that some of the wicking shirts do tend to "absorb" and retain smells. Could just be my funky body though.

that's what i use too. When they are on sale for $9.99 i buy a couple. I usually wash them and hang dry, sometimes i forget and toss one in the dryer (like on saturday) but when they are cheap, no biggie!

i have never noticed a lingering smell, but i rotate 4 of them and rarely wear them twice in a row, so...

[hockeymom 2]

I've had several different types of moisture wicking garments (Nike Dri-fit, UA, Brooks Runderwear) and never found any of them to retain odours, even after multiple wearings without washings. The exception is the Jock-plus shirt I have, which stunk from the first time I wore it.

As for washing, I distinctly remember JR advising against doing this more than absolutely necessary.

Now, who are you going to believe for washing instructions.... JR or someone named hockeymom??? LOL

But JR is a smart man so I am sure you are misremembering him... it must have been he said don't use the dryer or don't use fabric softener

[jjtt99 0]

Hockeymom has it right.

Wash, no fabric softner, I use cold water, definitely hang to dry. Over time they will retain odour. When that happens I give them a good soak and it helps.

Edit: When it comes to wikking materials, I find no major difference between the big brands and the cheap and cheerfuls. Basically it's Polyester.

[Andoy 5]

Puckskin = good.

3 seasons now with the longsleeve and apart from the graphics coming off it's still as good as ever.

[number21 3]

call me overly cautious. but i don't really trust some "nano technology". I am referring to the nano silver particles in the puckskin stuff. There is really very little research into how nano particles react to our skin/bodies.

Personally i don't want to risk absorbing nano particles into my body.

but that's just me. :D I just think how great everyone thought asbestos was back in the day.

[Patrick67 1]

My puckskin stinked from the getgo...

Can't wear it around the house, cause people are always complaining about the smell, which I guess steems from the nano-antibacteria technology.

[KYHockey3 0]

underarmor shorts get bad after a while of washing. i had a pair that shrunk and seemed to deteriorate

[mack 44]

Wait, the silver isn't working in the shirts? I've got it in some North Face shoes and other clothes and it works like a champ.

[Jason Harris 31]

My puckskin stinked from the getgo...

Can't wear it around the house, cause people are always complaining about the smell, which I guess steems from the nano-antibacteria technology.

Most of us haven't had the problem with odors that you have, so maybe you received a defective piece. You should contact them to see if they have any solutions for you, such as possibly replacing the product.

[NuggyBuggy 0]

Now, who are you going to believe for washing instructions.... JR or someone named hockeymom??? LOL

But JR is a smart man so I am sure you are misremembering him... it must have been he said don't use the dryer or don't use fabric softener

I don't know, I remember clearly that it was someone whose opinion I had come to trust. If it wasn't JR - and I am still fairly certain it was - it could only have been one of a few other people ;). I did a search and couldn't come up with the post, so maybe the man will chime in himself.

[RadioGaGa 162]

I have 3 UA shirts (that I've had for 2-3 years) and 3 of a brand I'd never heard of "Medalist". The UA shirts were 39.99 each....the others were 12.99. I honestly can't tell the difference between them. The only thing I could find is the seams on the UA's and much less noticeable under equipment.

I hang the them to dry after the skate and wash them every 3-4 skates. I try to remember not to put them in the dryer...but I don't always. Even if they've lost some of their actual effectiveness...they are still better than a cotton t-shirt.