Plaited double-knit fabric with moisture management and improved thermal insulation

摘要

A composite textile fabric for rapidly moving moisture away from the skin, and for retaining body heat, is provided. The composite fabric includes an inner fabric layer made of a yarn comprising a plurality of fibers primarily of polyester or other synthetic yarns which have been rendered hydrophilic, and an outer fabric layer made of a yarn comprising a plurality of fibers primarily of polyester or other synthetic yarns which have also been rendered hydrophilic. The inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer are formed concurrently by knitting a plaited construction so that the layers are distinct and separate, yet integrated one with the other. The yarn fibers of the inner fabric layer are embedded with particles of a refractory carbide, or may be treated by metal vapor deposition to enhance the retention of body heat.