In a revolutionary advancement in moisture management assessment, the test method TM217-2025 has been developed by the AATCC in conjunction with the textile test instrument designer and manufacturer James Heal, to help the textile and garment industry to better understand wicking properties in textile fabrics.

The new test method requires an advanced test instrument that incorporates state-of-the-art imaging technology and data analysis to measure, evaluate and classify wicking properties of textile fabrics, oriented in both vertical and horizontal directions, uniquely provided by the James Heal WickView.

This method of testing does not replace existing tests, which use basic distance and time as a measure to assess the spread of moisture but gives an alternative that better reflects actual wear conditions, and therefore a truer picture of a fabric’s real-life performance.

Integrated cameras mounted either side of the test specimen within the WickView, uniquely track, record and measure the multidirectional movement of moisture through a fabric on both skin and face sides, even on patterned or dark fabrics. Numerous parameters can be measured for comparison, and features in the software allow users to identify and discount aspects that may skew the results, such as the effects of gravitational pull, giving the most precise results.

With the James Heal WickView and AATCC test method combined, textile laboratories can be confident that they are testing to achieve the most realistic, accurate results. A wealth of data is available within the WickView software, from video recordings of the live test through to the resulting graphs and tables showing the grades of performance across a range of parameters. All of which can be shared digitally.

James Heal Business Development Manager, Colin Whittaker comments, “Present-day developments called for a review of moisture management test methods to bring procedures in line with contemporary testing technology, and the AATCC has undoubtedly taken the lead in this. It has been a huge team effort involving every department at James Heal, with support and guidance from the team at AATCC.

The WickView combined with the new AATCC test method offers brands, retailers and manufacturers the opportunity to gain deeper insights into the moisture management of their fabrics and garments.”

AATCC TM 217-2025 is now available through the AATCC website and will be included in AATCC 2026 Manual of International Test Methods and Procedures, set to be released in January 2026.

Established in Halifax, UK in 1872, James Heal design and manufacture textile testing instruments and consumables, sold worldwide. The brand is part of the wider PPT Group, with sister brands each focusing on testing many aspects of materials and products.