5 Common Misunderstandings About Summer Activewear
A technical perspective from FJORATEX, powered by the TIDEA® functional yarn system
When summer comes around, words like “breathable,” “moisture-wicking,” and “lightweight” dominate the conversation around activewear. Yet, many people still find themselves feeling hot, sticky, and uncomfortable during exercise—even when wearing so-called breathable fabrics.
At FJORATEX, we believe that the real issue isn’t what you’re wearing—but what you understand about functional textiles.
Backed by our TIDEA® functional yarn and fabric systems, we’re here to clear up 5 common misconceptions and introduce how our MOVE / SKIN / WARM fabric series help deliver truly effective summer performance.
1. “Breathable = Thin” ❌
Just because a fabric is thin doesn’t mean it’s breathable. Many lightweight garments lack airflow and trap heat. True breathability requires a combination of yarn-level performance and structural engineering. For instance, our MOVE series fabrics use 3D mesh and honeycomb constructions, leveraging the capabilities of TIDEA® yarn to promote airflow and fast drying—even in humid environments.
Below pictures shows the honeycomb constructions.
2. “Moisture-Wicking Means You Won’t Sweat” ❌
Sweating is your body’s natural cooling system. Functional fabrics don’t stop sweat—they help move it away from your skin. TIDEA® yarn is engineered for high moisture transport, pulling sweat to the surface of the fabric where it can evaporate quickly. The result? A lasting dry and comfortable experience.
3. “Cotton Is the Best Summer Fabric” ❌❗️
While cotton feels soft, it absorbs moisture and dries slowly—often sticking to your skin after workouts. TIDEA®-based fabrics, by contrast, are lighter, faster-drying, and more breathable, especially when used in our MOVE series. Whether you’re hiking, training, or commuting in hot weather, they provide long-lasting freshness.
For those who still love the natural hand feel of cotton, FJORATEX also offers TIDEA®-based sweat knits that mimic cotton’s texture while delivering superior performance—the best of both worlds. (Picture below)
4. “All Functional Fabrics Are Basically the Same” ❌
Not all functional fabrics are created equal!!! Many just rely on surface coatings, which wear off over time.
TIDEA® is a functional yarn system—infused with far-infrared mineral particles during the yarn-making process. This enables it to reflect body heat, improve blood circulation, and offer mild recovery support. It’s this core technology that powers our three fabric directions:
- MOVE (for breathable performance)
- SKIN (for soft, skin-friendly layers)
- WARM (for recovery and temperature regulation)
5. “It Says Breathable, So It Works Everywhere” ❌
Labels don’t always reflect reality. What works for commuting may not work for a marathon. We encourage brands to match fabric functions with real-world use cases:
- MOVE series: For intense outdoor or high-sweat training
- SKIN series: For daily base layers and indoor-focused movement like yoga
- WARM series: For temperature-fluctuating environments and post-exercise recovery
Final Thoughts
Breathability isn’t just about weight—it’s about how yarns perform and how fabric is built.
TIDEA® is more than a fabric. It’s a foundational functional yarn system designed to meet the evolving needs of performance apparel. Combined with our MOVE, SKIN, and WARM fabric series, it brings comfort and technicality together for smarter summer wear.
