FabricIQ
Reading the label…
CoolMax
C
Engineered polyester fabric with a modified cross-section fiber that enhances moisture transport. Designed specifically for athletic performance.
Material Score Breakdown
Material-quality rubric (6 axes), not a garment verdict — see disclosure below. Sustainability is a separate Eco score, shown apart.
62/100
DurabilityAbove-average75
How long the fabric lasts with regular use
ComfortTypical65
Softness, feel against skin, wearability
BreathabilityTypical55
Air flow and ventilation
WarmthPoor25
Heat retention and insulation
Moisture WickingStrong92
Ability to pull sweat away from skin
Care EaseStrong85
How easy it is to wash, dry, and maintain
Sustainability (separate Eco score)
SustainabilityPoor22
Environmental impact of production and disposal
Brands using coolmax
1 brand has products in our catalog whose composition contains coolmax. Sorted by how many garments they offer with this fiber.
Brand grade = average overall score across all of their products containing coolmax.
Products with coolmax
See all →Top-scored garments in our catalog whose composition contains coolmax. Click through for the full quality + health + eco breakdown.
LululemonD
Flow Y Bra Nulu Light Support, A–C Cups
56% Polyester, 33% Coolmax Polyester, 11% Elastane
LululemonD
Sweetheart Mini Dress
56% Polyester, 33% Coolmax Polyester, 11% Elastane
LululemonD
Wunder Train High-Rise Short 4"
56% Polyester, 33% Coolmax Polyester, 11% Elastane
LululemonD
lululemon Align™ Dress
56% Polyester, 33% Coolmax Polyester, 11% Elastane
LululemonD
lululemon Align™ Cami Strap Dress
56% Polyester, 33% Coolmax Polyester, 11% Elastane
LululemonD
Define Jacket Nulu
56% Polyester, 33% Coolmax Polyester, 11% Elastane
What this score doesn't measure
This is a material rating, not a verdict on any specific garment made from coolmax. 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 coolmax 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
👔Formal/Office
ExcellentExcellent durability (75) and comfort (65) for office wear
🌧️Rain/Weather
ExcellentExcellent moisture wicking (92) and durability (75) for wet conditions
👕Everyday Casual
GoodGood comfort (65) and care ease (85) for casual wear
⛰️Outdoor/Hiking
GoodGood durability (75) and breathability (55) for outdoor activities
Detailed Use Case Scores
activewear90
Pros
- ✓ Superior moisture-wicking
- ✓ Quick-drying
- ✓ Keeps skin cool and dry
- ✓ Durable
Cons
- ✗ Still petroleum-based
- ✗ Can retain odors
- ✗ Higher cost than basic polyester
- ✗ Not eco-friendly
Better alternatives
Higher-scored synthetic materials. Same category — what to consider instead.
Gore-TexB
+14 vs CoolMax · 76/100
Membrane technology that is waterproof yet breathable. A laminate applied to other fabrics rather than a fabric itself.
DyneemaB
+13 vs CoolMax · 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.
HardshellB
+12 vs CoolMax · 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
Washcold (30°C)
Cyclepermanent press
Detergentregular
BleachDo not bleach
Drytumble low
Ironlow
Dry Cleanavoid
SoftenerNo
Special Notes
• Cold wash preserves moisture-wicking properties
• Avoid fabric softener — clogs performance fibers
Additional Care Tips
- • Machine wash cold (30°C/85°F) on permanent press cycle — wash after each wear for hygiene
- • Tumble dry on low heat or line dry — remove promptly to prevent odor buildup
- • No fabric softener — it clogs the moisture-channeling fiber structure that makes CoolMax work
- • Iron on low heat only if needed — the modified polyester fibers are heat-sensitive
- • Use sport-specific or enzyme-based detergent to combat odor retention
- • Store folded or hung; CoolMax is wrinkle-resistant and low-maintenance
Cost
$$$$$
Mid-range
Shrinkage
Won't shrink with normal washing
Eco Rating
High environmental impact