Sportswear has been the fastest-growing textile category since the 2010s. With the athleisure trend, technical fabrics are no longer in demand only by athletes but also by everyday consumers. So what exactly is a "performance fabric"? Which fabric is ideal for which sport?
4 Key Features of Performance Fabric
- Moisture management: Drying speed and removal of sweat from the skin.
- Elasticity: Freedom of movement, 4-way stretch.
- Air permeability: Body temperature balance.
- Durability: Resistance to washing and rubbing cycles.
1. Performance Polyester
70% of sportswear is polyester-based. However, microfiber polyester is used rather than standard polyester.
- Very fast drying (1-2 hours)
- Low water absorption rate (0.4%)
- High elasticity (if mixed with elastane)
- Color fastness is very high
In which sport: Running, fitness, football jersey, training t-shirts.
2. Merino Wool
When it comes to wool, most people think of thick winter clothing; But merino wool is a thin and breathable wonder of nature.
- Natural antibacterial (does not smell)
- Cools in hot weather, warms in cold weather
- Contains UV protection
- hypoallergenic
Which sport: Hiking, skiing, mountaineering, yoga, travel wear.
Performance fabric protects the athlete not from sports; Protects from post-exercise discomfort.
3. Nylon (Nylon)
A fiber stronger than polyester, more expensive and less breathable. Ideal for climbing gear, swimwear, raincoats, and backpacks.
4. Elastane/Spandex/Lycra
Not used alone; blended with other fibers at 3–15%. Stretches up to 500% and retains shape. Critical for yoga leggings, fitness shorts, and compression products.
Performance Fabric Technologies
- Coolmax: Polyester's modified 4-channel fiber structure; moisture-wicking.
- Dri-FIT (Nike): A branded polyester technology.
- Climacool (Adidas): Perforated mesh that provides airflow.
- Polartec: Artificial fleece wool; for outdoor.
- Tencel/Lyocell: Cellulose-based sustainable alternative.
Sustainable Sportswear
The fact that sportswear is predominantly polyester creates environmental costs. Alternatives:
- Recycled polyester (rPET): It is produced from plastic bottles.
- Organic merino: From animal-friendly certified farms.
- Tencel/Lyocell: Bio-fabric produced from eucalyptus.
Things to Consider in Sportswear Production
- Minimize friction at seams (flat-lock seam).
- Choose outsourced printing, not internal label printing.
- Keep the body mold tolerance narrow for compression products.
- Use heat seal transfers instead of accessories.
- All fabrics must be OEKO-TEX 100 certified.
Sandline
Our workshop has flat-lock machines, ultrasonic welding and thermal transfer printing technologies on performance fabrics. We offer production options starting from 100 pieces for new sportswear brands.
