Abstract: A hybrid yarn and a fabric including the hybrid yarn are provided. The hybrid yarn is formed of a plurality of fibers of a plurality of different fiber compositions. The fibers of different configurations are homogenized and intimate with one another throughout the yarn. The yarn may be formed using fibers made of the same material or a plurality of different materials. The different fiber compositions may include fibers of three or more different cross sections, fibers made of different materials or a combination of the two. Fibers having tips or ends are made so that the tips are rounded rather than squared to improve the manufacture and quality of the yarn. The materials may be synthetic and/or natural materials. Fabrics made with the hybrid yarn will have selectable functional features and also be of lighter weight than previously possible.

Abstract: A fabric for thermal management including the cooling of an object, such as a person's skin. The fabric is formed of a plurality of functional zones arranged to extend the period of cooling without the use of artificial cooling chemicals. The functional zones include one or more of three different functional zone types. The first type diverts moisture. The second type retains and stores moisture. The third type absorbs moisture. One of the functional zones may be punched to create perforations to provide fabric flexibility and to assist in liquid diversion from within the fabric. An anchor system facilitates retention of the fabric on the object.