When we set out to design the world's best pair of e-bike shirts, we knew we needed to start with fabric.
We found that cyclists are looking for a few main things in their apparel:
- Sweat Wicking
- Odor Resistance
and often forgotten: wearability! It works, but does it look good?
Types of Chitosante Technology
1) Chitosante Interlock
Chitosante Interlock is a polyester fabric made with biomass from shrimp and crab shells, combined with textile fibres. It is antibacterial, odor resisting, moisture wicking, breathable, fast-drying, anti-static, and resists pilling.
- 100% Polyester
- Breathable
- Antibacterial
- Moisture Wicking
- UPF 50
- 4-way stretch: (30% side-to-side 15% lengthwise)
It has beautiful drape and less stretch than Chitosante Extreme.
2) Chitosante Extreme
Chitosante Extreme is a polyester fabric made with chitosan, biomass from crab or shrimp shells, combined with textile fibres. It is antibacterial, odor resisting, moisture wicking, breathable, fast-drying, anti-static, pill resistant and has UPF 50.Similar to the Chitosante Interlock fabric but with more stretch due to the addition of spandex.
- 92% Polyester/8% Spandex
- 4-way stretch: (60% side-to-side 40% lengthwise)
- Breathable
- Antibacterial
- Moisture Wicking
- UPF 50
Care Instructions
Hand or machine wash cold, use mild detergent, do not use bleach, hang to dry, iron on low.
Benefits of Chitosante Fabric
- Sweat-Wicking
- Odor-Resistant
- Wrinkle-Resistant
- Non-Pilling
Note: ChitoSanté is entirely safe for people with shellfish allergies because it is non-protein based.
Comparing Sweat Wicking Fabrics
Below are the best sweat wicking fabric materials. These materials are used to in part to build specialized fabrics like Chitosante.
1) Polyester (used in Chitosante)
Polyester, a synthetic blend, is a reliable moisture-wicking fabric. When blended with other materials, polyester is the perfect choice for active apparel because of its breathable, lightweight and quick-drying characteristics.
2) Polypropylene
Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer like polyester. Aside from wicking moisture, polypropylene dries quickly and is highly regarded for its thermal properties.
- Ideal for cold weather gear
- Retains odors
- Not as soft
3) Merino Wool
Merino wool is one of the higher end moisture-wicking fabrics available today. It is a natural fiber that is breathable and lightweight.
- Doesn't retain odors
- Suitable for warmer weather
- Breathable
- Less durable than polyester
No longer just for sweaters, merino wool is now available in lightweight fabrics that are ideal as undershirts and active wear.
The main con to merino wool, one of the best moisture wicking materials? It is less durable than cotton and other synthetic fabrics.
4) Nylon
- Moisture-wicking
- Resistant to mildew
- Dries quickly
You'll find that a lot of cycling apparel is made of nylon. It is comfortable to wear because it is also stretchy and light, which makes it perfect for workout wear.
Despite Nylon's moisture wicking capabilities, there are some major cons. First, nylon may retain odors – not great if you're cycling to work! Nylon's breathability can also depend on the size of its weave.
S.Cuff Apparel
When we set out to make the best bike gear, we weren't sure what we would find. We didn't just want to be another brand of cheap shorts that you 1) don't wear or 2) have to replace in a year.
We're proud to say we accomplished this goal, and can wear our gear with pride!
View our top of the line cycling shirts and shorts.