A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Fabric for Your Activewear Line

Gone are the days when activewear only denotes exercise in the gym. There has been a huge shift in the apparel side as well. Sneakers, hoodies, tracksuits, all these activewear pieces come through a great revolution. Hence, choosing the perfect fabric is important for sportswear and activewear brands. 

The fabric needs to play a pivotal role without getting sweaty and uncomfortable all day. That is why, we have brought you a guide on how to choose the perfect fabric for your activewear sessions in this article.

Perfect Fabric Properties for Your Activewear

Your activewear line depends on perfect fabric materials and the right material depends on several factors. That is why, it is a head start for you to get a narrow down list of crucial properties that your fabrics for activewear should have. 

Here are 15 perfect fabric properties given for your activewear: Such as:

• Moisture-Wicking Regulation: For working out purposes, functional sportswear must be needed. It wicks the moisture out of the material and lessens the chance of fungal attacks. Besides, moisture-wicking properties do not usually make the garment heavy, uncomfortable, and low-quality. 
• Anti-Bacterial: Sweat can be a hub for breeding and the comfort ground for bacteria to gather on. Sweat can cause skin issues and other problems while working out.
• Durability: The activewear line must be strong, durable, and quality. A strong fabric comes in great use for this purpose without breaking. That is why investing in premium quality activewear that stays bold enough during intense workout sessions is always better.
• Comfort: Comfort is the main criterion to look for the perfect fabric. Because fabrics impact your performance level and your confidence level to feel better. Any discomfort can lead you out of focus. 
• Stretchable: Sporting activity always includes muscle expansion. For expanding muscle, you need a stretchable fabric. A fabric has to be stretchable without breaking or causing restrictions. Fabric that stretches easily, stays the strongest.
• Fit: There are hardly any activewear enthusiasts who do not want to look trendy in workout sessions. Since everyone wants it, it becomes crucial to choose the perfect fabric materials for activewear to perform and fit well.
• Cost-Effective: Activewear has to be both comfortable and stretchable possessing all qualities including a budget-friendly cost. The amount you are willing to spend also depends on how long you want to use that material. Plan your budget accordingly based on the lifespan of your activewear.
• Lightweight: For the activewear line, fabric has to be lightweight, breathable, and highly durable. Lightweight fabric materials ensure the evaporation quickly. Apart from these lightweight properties, it is also important to have extra protection in some areas. For example, padded knees on leggings, and extra protection around the arms area while wearing shirts.

Fabric Available for Your Activewear Line

There are a handful of fabrics that fully belong to the activewear line. Here is the list of available fabrics for your activewear line. For instance:

• Polyester Blends: Polyester blends are fabrics made from polyester and natural fibers. Polyester, being a synthetic fiber, gets blended with natural fibers (cotton, rayon). Polyester blends are also known as synthetic or natural blends.
• Nylon-Spandex Blends This blend presents lightweight and breathable features. This blend comes in great use as activewear. It emphasizes proficiency in moisture-wicking and guarantees indispensable support. 
• Cotton-Polyester Blend: Cotton, itself is not suitable for activewear due to its not having quick-drying properties. But this fusion of both cotton and polyester strengthens breathability and comfort. 
• Nylon: Nylon is an artificial type of fiber. It has resilience and high s strength as per the ratio properties. Nylon has uses in outerwear, underwear, and other clothing items. Because, nylon possesses great durability, strength, and good moisture management. 
• Spandex: Spandex, an elastic and synthetic fiber, provides stretchiness. It retains shapes over time. Besides, it hardly loses elasticity under stress. The most common uses of spandex are leggings, yoga pants, and other exercise clothing. Lycra is another type of spandex. It offers premium recovery performance.

• Bamboo: Bamboo is an eco-friendly material that provides comfort. It creates a lightweight fabric with a natural essence. It has excellent moisture-wicking properties as well. But the only cons of bamboo is that bamboo is expensive compared to other alternatives. But bamboo exceeds in terms of its benefits as well.
• Thermal fabrics: Thermal fabrics usually keep your customers warm in cold weather. They are soft, durable, and dense. These fabrics are perfect for outdoor exercise as well. The overall objective is to wick away sweat and offer great breathability.
• Knit Fabrics: Knit fabrics are a must-have in the activewear line. Seamless knit fabrics are an ideal tool for activewear. These fabrics reduce the risk of chafing. Besides, these seamless fabrics are stretchy, lightweight, soft, and comfortable. 
• Lyocell: Lyocells are cellulose-type fibers. They are well-made by dissolving wood pulp. Besides, they are biodegradable. Besides, lyocell requires little water.

Fabrics to Avoid for Your Activewear Line

In this quest for a perfect fabric for activewear, not all fabrics will include in the list. For example: Cotton. Cotton is a popular fabric for many uses. Thanks to its features of breathability and easy-to-care-for qualities. Besides, cotton retains water well. But some cons of Cotton make it not suitable enough for activewear lines. For instance:

• Cotton takes a long time to dry.
• Wet cotton is uncomfortable while exercising.
• Cotton can cause chaffing in extremely hot weather.

Factors for Choosing the Perfect Fabric for Your Activewear Line

There are certain factors to look for while choosing the perfect fabric for your activewear. Some of the factors are given below:

• Type of Activity: There are several activity types- high-intensity workouts, yoga, pilates, indoor or outdoor activity, leisurewear, and more. Select your activity first and look for the level of intensity that activity requires to hop in. 
• Garment Usage: Fabrics (nylon, polyester, or polyester-nylon blends) are all ideal because of their moisture-wicking properties. They are durable and breathable for high-intensity workouts. Besides, these fabrics offer comfort and a smooth feel against the skin. Besides, fabrics with UV protection and wind resistance offer added treatments to the activewear performance. 
• Desired Texture: Some fabrics provide desired textures, like smooth, silky, soft, comfortable, and textured patterns. Fabrics provide smooth, silk texture and a modern to athletic look. They are gentle on the skin. 

• Drape: Drapeability is an important determinant. Because fabrics with good drapes are perfect for a relaxed fit and required movement. They tend to be lightweight. For example: polyester. Blended fabrics are also an ideal tool.
• Stretchability: Fabrics with stretchability or elastane content make a good recovery. It makes them ideal for flexibility and movement. Besides, a perfect fabric can enhance the performance and ensure your preference.
• Fit: Your activewear wardrobe will lack if you do not put your focus on perfect fitting. Ill-fitting clothes are hardly comfortable. Meanwhile, garments with the perfect fabric must ensure that they fit well, and feel soft, and supportive.
• Care and Maintenance: It is necessary to choose a fabric that is easy to care for. Ease of maintenance mostly depends on the washability. That is why, clearly go through the maintenance instructions in the clothing package. 

Check all the special care properties- gentle washing, dry cleaning, and machine washable temperature to ensure the optimum maintenance to increase the fabric’s longevity. 

FAQs

Is there any best activewear material?

Choosing the perfect fabric for your activewear line depends on several factors. Activewear materials tend to be stretchy and breathable. But bamboo and polyester blends are excellent choices. Nylon is good for providing stretchiness,  quick-drying, and breathable properties.

Conclusion

Not all fabrics ensure all-in-one features (comfort, style, trendy, and chic look). Sometimes, fabrics come in a blended version and ensure that all-in-one feature. A right activewear hardly compromises its performance. Now that you are aware of the guide to choosing the perfect fabric options for your activewear lines. 

Factors like garment usage, the type of activity, and personal preference all enhance comfort and performance. Wish you achieve your workout goals with the chosen perfect fit for your activewear line without having any restrictions.