Sportswear has been rising in popularity in recent years among not only sports fanatics but also fashion enthusiasts. With the increasing use of lightweight, silky, and more improved versions of materials and textiles, so many athletic fabric types now enable diverse outfit styles for both men and women, perfect for both intense workout sessions and leisure and casual outings. For those planning to start an activewear brand, there’s now a variety of fabric choices available to create your unique athletic apparel lines. However, out of the sea of options, you may be struggling to choose the best fabric to start with. This 101 manufacturing guide serves to help you learn all the major types, enabling you to launch the ideal collection that fits your brand vision.  

Mesh Fabric

Ventilation’s champion, mesh is a staple in athletic lines. Its signature open weave breathes life into performance gear, serving as a cooling agent in base layers or paneling. From delicate to rugged, its varied textures promote airflow, a must for intense heat or activity. Unlike dense fabric types, mesh acts as a natural air conduit, a cornerstone of any active wardrobe.

Jersey Fabric

For comfort’s embrace, jersey fabric delivers a soft, fluid experience, a go-to for daily movement and casual style. Pairing seamlessly with leggings or shorts, it creates an effortlessly adaptable look. Its inherent stretch and drape, born from interlocking loops, offer a relaxed fit, a departure from more rigid textile types. Sportswear brands seeking customer appeal in comfort-driven pieces, like yoga pants or relaxed tops, find jersey’s easygoing nature a winning formula.

Spandex/Elastane

As a fabric that molds to the body, spandex/elastane offers flexible support. It seamlessly transitions between high-energy workouts and gentle flows, a testament to its dynamic nature. Its exceptional stretch and recovery, a stark contrast to inflexible materials, empower a full range of motion. Often blended with other fibers, such as cotton, nylon, and wool, it’s the secret behind sports bras, leggings, and form-fitting tops to ensure unrestricted movement.

Nylon

Strength and refinement intertwine in nylon, a smooth, robust fiber that elevates activewear construction. Its durability and subtle polish make it ideal for outerwear or base layers, broadening a brand’s product offerings. Unlike less sturdy materials, nylon resists abrasion and boasts impressive tensile strength. The fabric is the best material for certain sportswear, such as hiking pants or windbreakers, as it is built to withstand challenging conditions.

Polyester

Another resilient and durable material, polyester can withstand wear and tear, inject longevity into activewear, and, when compared to nylon, is more resistant to piling. Its versatility spans numerous sports, and when enhanced with moisture-wicking, it becomes a powerhouse in technical garments. Unlike natural fibers, polyester repels water for quick drying. Envision it in compression wear, running gear, or lightweight jackets, where its resistance to wrinkles and shrinkage ensures lasting performance.

Rib-Knit Fabric

A touch of sophistication comes with rib-knit, and its textured weave is appealing to the style-conscious athlete. Athletic brands aiming for elevated basics find rib-knit a valuable addition, as it offers a refined choice for various activities. Its vertical ribbed structure, setting it apart from flat knits, provides a snug, flexible fit, perfect for fitted tops, cuffs, and necklines, adding a dash of elegance to functional garments.

Tricot Fabric

Modernity meets performance with tricot; its smooth, fine knit lends a contemporary edge to tops and bottoms. Tricot is a prime choice for sportswear brands seeking a fabric type that blends technical appeal with comfort. Its smooth surface and excellent drape, distinguishing it from other knits, make it ideal for swimwear, linings, and lightweight athletic apparel, delivering a sleek, polished aesthetic.

Microfiber Fabric

Offering a feather-light touch, microfiber fabric is exceptionally soft and smooth, providing a luxurious feel against the skin. Its tightly woven structure, composed of ultra-fine fibers, ensures superior moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties, making it ideal for high-performance activities. Unlike heavier fabrics, microfiber’s dense weave provides excellent wind resistance while maintaining breathability. This unique fabric can be used for seamless garments, lightweight tops, or even as a soft, comfortable lining, offering a refined, technical edge to any activewear collection.

Stretch Mesh Fabric

Unlike standard mesh, stretch mesh fabric typically incorporates more flexible materials such as spandex, allowing for a more form-fitting and dynamic fit. It gently contours the body and enhances movement without feeling restrictive. This type of fabric works well for a capsule collection aimed at creating mix-and-match performance wear and is a great way to introduce a trendy, breathable option to your brand’s activewear lineup. Often used in ventilation panels or as a lightweight overlay, stretch mesh adds both functionality and style to garments.

Selecting the Right Fabrics for Your Activewear Line

Activewear fabrics directly influence both performance and style, demanding a precise alignment with your brand’s vision and functional requirements. The right fabrics can ensure comfort, durability, and the specific performance features your target audience expects.

If you need assistance in choosing the ideal fabrics for your activewear, Hammax offers expert design and production support to bring your vision to life. Let us help you create a distinctive collection.