Functional yarn, also called technical yarn, special yarn, or performance yarn, is widely used in textiles including sewing, crocheting, knitting, weaving, embroidery, and rope making.
In this blog, we mainly focus on functional yarn used for knitting and weaving, as these represent the largest application areas.
1. Why Talk about Functional Yarn?
Nowadays, consumers increasingly expect extra functionality from apparel and textile products they buy, such as moisture-wicking, anti-UV, and thermal regulation. Functional yarns enhance the performance of sportswear, outdoor wear, and everyday clothing. The use of functional yarns is rapidly expanding, according to the Knitting Industry.
2. What is Yarn?
To understand functional yarn clearly, let’s first define yarn. Yarn is a continuous length of interlocked fibers used for textile production. It involves two key factors:
a. Fiber (Material for Yarn)
- Natural fibers: Cotton, silk, linen, hemp, wool, cashmere.
- Synthetic fibers: Nylon, acrylic, rayon, polyester.
- Recycled fibers: Recycled cotton, recycled polyester.
b. Structure
- Spun yarn: Created by twisting staple fibers.
- Filament yarn: Made from continuous long fibers twisted or grouped together.
3. What is Functional Yarn?
Functional yarn refers to yarn with special added values such as moisture-wicking, thermal regulation, anti-bacterial, anti-UV, recycled, and high tenacity. Based on fabric requirements, functional yarn is categorized into:
- Human body protection series
- Comfort improvement series
- Environmental regeneration series
- High-performance series
4. How is Functional Yarn Manufactured?
Manufacturers apply special fibers, structures, or a combination of both to achieve specific yarn functions.
5. How is Functional Yarn Applied?
Functional yarns are widely used in apparel and home textiles such as:
- Underwear and socks
- Gloves and bedding
- Medical and healthcare products
- Outdoor and casual wear
- Sportswear and footwear
- Home textiles and military supplies
- High-grade industrial fabrics
Popular brands you may recognize include CoolMax, Thermolite, and Dralon.
6. Introduction of Popular Functional Yarns
1) Moisture Wicking Yarns
- Mechanism: Profiled or superfine fiber cross-sections help moisture escape.
- Materials: Polyester, nylon (filament or spun).
- Example: WellCool polyester yarn by Hikingtex.
2) Cool Feeling Yarns
- Mechanism: Mineral particles added to fibers; reduced hairiness for better cooling.
- Materials: Polyester, nylon (filament or spun).
3) Anti-UV Yarns
- Mechanism: UV protection additives in fibers.
- Materials: Polyester, nylon (filament or spun).
4) Thermal Yarns
- Mechanism: Hollow-core fibers or fluffy structures for insulation.
- Materials: Polyester, acrylic, cotton, wool.
5) Far Infrared Yarns
- Mechanism: Embedded nano-powders emit infrared rays, improving circulation.
- Materials: Polyester (filament or spun).
6) Thermo Regulation Yarns
- Mechanism: Adjust temperature based on body heat.
- Materials: Rayon, lyocell (spun yarns).
7) Anti-bacterial Yarns
- Mechanism: Fibers infused with copper, silver, or zinc ions to inhibit bacteria.
- Materials: Polyester, nylon, rayon.
- Example: TechNa-Cotton from Hikingtex.
8) Strong and Long-lasting Yarns
- Mechanism: High tenacity and abrasion-resistant fibers like polyester, nylon, aramid.
- Brands: Kevlar, Cordura.
- Example: Iraklis by Hikingtex.
9) Anti-static Yarns
- Mechanism: Metal fibers integrated to prevent electrostatic discharge.
- Materials: Polyester.
10) Flame Retardant Yarns
- Mechanism: Non-flammable, resistant to ignition.
- Materials: Polyester, aramid.
- Brands: Nomex, Kevlar.
11) Recycled Yarns
- Mechanism: Produced from recycled textile fibers.
- Materials: Recycled cotton (spun), recycled polyester (filament or spun).
12) Multi-functional Yarns
Combination of multiple features in one yarn:
- Moisture-wicking and antimicrobial: TechNa-Poly by Hikingtex
- Moisture-wicking, cooling, anti-UV: Hakuu-Poly by Hikingtex
- Thermal and far infrared: WooFit-Poly by Hikingtex
7. Advantages of Functional Yarn
Functional yarns enable innovative developments in apparel and home textiles, including:
- Athletic clothing with excellent comfort and durability.
- Antibacterial clothing and bedding for family health, especially after COVID-19.
- Outdoor gear such as ropes, tents, and fishing lines that withstand extreme conditions.
- Industrial and safety products like compressive stockings, furniture, and protective clothing.
Overall, functional yarns significantly enhance textile products, improving their comfort, durability, safety, and sustainability, making them essential in modern textile manufacturing.
