Dri-FIT
Nike's proprietary moisture-wicking polyester microfiber fabric. Engineered to pull sweat from the skin to the fabric surface where it evaporates quickly, keeping athletes dry and comfortable.
Material Score Breakdown
7-axis material rubric, not a garment verdict — see disclosure below.
How long the fabric lasts with regular use
Softness, feel against skin, wearability
Air flow and ventilation
Heat retention and insulation
Ability to pull sweat away from skin
Environmental impact of production and disposal
How easy it is to wash, dry, and maintain
Products with dri-fit
We don't have any garments containing dri-fit in our catalog yet. Browse the full synthetic materials or check the product catalog.
What this score doesn't measure
This is a material rating, not a verdict on any specific garment made from dri-fit. The axes above are research-backed averages for the fiber itself.
- ×Construction. Yarn staple length, weave / knit structure, stitch count, finishing. Identical fiber, very different garments.
- ×Fabric weight (GSM). A 140 GSM tee and a 220 GSM tee made of the same dri-fit feel and last very differently.
- ×Dye + finishing chemicals. Beyond the three we flag (PFAS, formaldehyde, antimony), dozens of textile finishes aren't modelled.
Best For
Excellent durability (70) and comfort (72) for office wear
Good breathability (78) and moisture wicking (92) for light activity
Good comfort (72) and care ease (75) for casual wear
Good comfort (72) and breathability (78) for sleeping
Good breathability (78) and comfort (72) for undergarments
Good moisture wicking (92) and durability (70) for weather protection
Good durability (70) and breathability (78) for outdoor activities
Detailed Use Case Scores
Pros
- ✓ Exceptional moisture wicking — pulls sweat away from skin rapidly
- ✓ Lightweight and breathable for high-intensity activities
- ✓ Dries much faster than cotton — stays comfortable during workouts
- ✓ Shape-retentive and resists stretching out
Cons
- ✗ Synthetic — not biodegradable, petroleum-based
- ✗ Can develop persistent odor after repeated use
- ✗ Premium Nike pricing for branded technology
- ✗ Fabric pilling can occur over time with friction
Better alternatives
Higher-scored synthetic materials. Same category — what to consider instead.
+8 vs Dri-FIT · 76/100
Membrane technology that is waterproof yet breathable. A laminate applied to other fabrics rather than a fabric itself.
+7 vs Dri-FIT · 75/100
Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber — the world's strongest fiber by weight. 15x stronger than steel, used in cut-resistant gear, ultralight backpacks, and high-performance sails.
+6 vs Dri-FIT · 74/100
Waterproof breathable membrane fabric (Gore-Tex, eVent, or similar technology) laminated to a face fabric. The gold standard for rain and storm protection in technical outerwear.
Care Guide
Special Notes
• Never use fabric softener — ruins moisture-wicking
• Cold wash to preserve performance properties
• Air dry or tumble dry low
Additional Care Tips
- • Machine wash cold (30°C/85°F) with like colors — heat degrades wicking treatment
- • Do not use fabric softener — it coats fibers and reduces moisture wicking
- • Tumble dry on low heat or hang dry for best longevity
- • Turn inside out before washing to reduce pilling
- • Do not iron — synthetic fibers can melt
Cost
$$$$$
Mid-range
Shrinkage
Minimal shrinkage — follow care instructions
Eco Rating
High environmental impact