<p>In textile engineering and moisture management, the precise evaluation of fabric-wicking properties is essential for assessing fabric performance and comfort. This research introduces an innovative instrument for determining horizontal wicking in fabrics by employing periodic imaging to track moisture propagation across the fabric surface. The captured images undergo detailed analysis using MATLAB software to quantify the moisture spread. To validate the reliability and accuracy of our method, statistical analysis, including one-way ANOVA, was conducted to compare the wicking test results obtained from our developed tester and conventional methods. The statistical findings confirm a significant correlation between the two approaches, reinforcing the credibility of our instrument in fabric moisture management assessment. Furthermore, our tester consistently delivers uniform results, making it a valuable tool for investigating the wicking performance of different fabric structures. By integrating image analysis technology with statistical validation, this study advances fabric moisture management evaluation, offering researchers and manufacturers a precise and efficient method to enhance textile performance.</p>