TECHNICAL TERMINOLOGY
(Because any knowledge is good knowledge)

FABRICS

Yarn (i.e. not the kind Grandpas spin after fishing trips): Continuous strands of fibers, filaments, or material suitable for weaving, knitting, or intertwining to form textile fabrics.

Fabric Construction (i.e. keeping things tight): Various methods, in which yarns are interloped, knotted, interlaced, or otherwise applied to form fabrics. When yarn’s not present, this term represents how fibers are arranged and fastened to form a sound structure.

Interstices (e.g. the space in-between your tiny threads): The spaces between individual fibers within yarns and between individual yarns in a sheet of fabric. This is where water can get stored on the inside of your Nylon—but that problem is solved because the interstices of HydraSilk™ do not suck up water.

Denier (i.e. are you smooth?): Refers to yarn size…the lower the denier, the smaller the yarn size—and vice versa. Obviously. Most basic (low end) suits have Nylons with heavier denier. This means their larger fibers are coarse—not comfy.

Hydrophilic Fibers (i.e. they suck): Means water absorbent or “water loving.” They suck water like it’s their job. Hydrophilic finishes become wetter than unfinished fabrics and are often used in exercise garments because they wick away from the skin.

Hydrophobic Fibers (i.e. not the sucking type): Means water resistant or “hating on that water.” These fabrics are typically Polyester or nylon fabrics that exhibit enhanced wicking of water over their surfaces. A good example is Matuse’s Hydra Silk™.

Hygroscopic (e.g. your wet blanket): Hydrophilic fibers that absorb lots and lots of moisture without feeling wet to the touch—like Fleece and Polypropylene.

Nylon (i.e. granddaddy of spandex): First developed in 1938 by scientific superhuman, Wallace Carothers (and Carothers’ army of unnamed interns), this thermoplastic material has a protein like structure and resists moisture absorption. Nylon was first intended to mimic the properties of silk. On that note, Matuse’s Hydra Silk™ is smooth and soft (like natural silk) but designed to withstand surfing’s rigors.

Matuse’s Hydra Silk™ (i.e. get your Greek Mythology on): It won’t snag; it doesn’t suck (up water); it’s butter soft. For a literary frame of reference, read up on Hercules’ battle against the Hydra monster—because that thing had some mighty impressive skin.