Item No.
SM21028
- Composition
- 48% nylon / 47% viscose / 5% spandex
- Weight
- 195 GSM
- Width
- 61″ (155 cm)
Knit Fabric Manufacturer Since 2009 · China
SCUBA KNIT · FABRIC SOURCING
Scuba Knit Fabric Manufacturer
Runtang Textile manufactures scuba (air-layer) knit fabrics for structured sweatshirts, trousers, knit jackets, dresses and shorts. Choose cotton/polyester/spandex, polyester/spandex/viscose, viscose/nylon/spandex or modal blends with a smooth, full body. Stock orders start at 1 roll (~23 kg) per colour; custom colours start at 200 kg per colour.
26 fabrics online · Explore the details
Collection & Ordering at a Glance
Scuba Knit Fabric for apparel brands, garment manufacturers and fabric sourcing teams.
- Stock MOQ
- From 1 roll (~23 kg) per colour
- Custom MOQ
- From 200 kg per colour
- Lab dip
- 3–5 working daysHow lab dips work
- Bulk production
- 15–25 days
- Payment
- T/T · L/C
- Trade terms
- FOB · CIF · DDP
- Inspection
- 4-point system (ASTM D5430), every roll
01
Explore Our Scuba Knit Fabrics
Explore our online scuba knit range, backed by a library of 268 options.
Item No.
SM21020
- Composition
- 55% cotton / 37% polyester / 8% spandex
- Weight
- 220 GSM
- Width
- 72.8″ (185 cm)
Item No.
DM2125
- Composition
- 50% viscose / 43% polyester / 7% spandex
- Weight
- 230 GSM
- Width
- 63″ (160 cm)
Item No.
KQ2153
- Composition
- 48% modal / 48% polyester / 4% spandex
- Weight
- 250 GSM
- Width
- 59.1″ (150 cm)
Item No.
KQ2220
- Composition
- 89% polyester / 3% nylon / 8% spandex
- Weight
- 250 GSM
- Width
- 61″ (155 cm)
Item No.
KQ2221
- Composition
- 24% cotton / 24% viscose / 44% polyester / 8% spandex
- Weight
- 260 GSM
- Width
- 61″ (155 cm)
Item No.
KQ32013
- Composition
- 54% tencel / 10% nylon / 13.5% cotton / 13.5% viscose / 9% spandex
- Weight
- 280 GSM
- Width
- 61″ (155 cm)
Item No.
KF1347
- Composition
- 65% cotton / 35% polyester
- Weight
- 300 GSM
- Width
- 72.8″ (185 cm)
Item No.
KQ32011
- Composition
- 33% cotton / 67% polyester
- Weight
- 310 GSM
- Width
- 68.9″ (175 cm)
Item No.
KQ32003
- Composition
- 34% viscose / 63% nylon / 3% spandex
- Weight
- 310 GSM
- Width
- 61″ (155 cm)
Item No.
KQ32004
- Composition
- 36% viscose / 55% nylon / 9% spandex
- Weight
- 320 GSM
- Width
- 61″ (155 cm)
Item No.
KQ32002
- Composition
- 36% viscose / 55% nylon / 9% spandex
- Weight
- 320 GSM
- Width
- 63″ (160 cm)
Item No.
DM2115
- Composition
- 45% viscose / 48% polyester / 7% spandex
- Weight
- 320 GSM
- Width
- 63″ (160 cm)
Item No.
KF2066
- Composition
- 65% cotton / 35% polyester
- Weight
- 320 GSM
- Width
- 72.8″ (185 cm)
Item No.
KQ32005
- Composition
- 40% cotton / 53% polyester / 7% spandex
- Weight
- 350 GSM
- Width
- 61″ (155 cm)
Item No.
KF877
- Composition
- 78% cotton / 16% polyester / 6% spandex
- Weight
- 350 GSM
- Width
- 66.9″ (170 cm)
Item No.
KQ32009
- Composition
- 79.6% cotton / 15% polyester / 5.4% spandex
- Weight
- 350 GSM
- Width
- 61″ (155 cm)
Item No.
KQ32001
- Composition
- 34% cotton / 61% polyester / 5% spandex
- Weight
- 360 GSM
- Width
- 61″ (155 cm)
Item No.
JQ5368
- Composition
- 72% cotton / 21% polyester / 7% spandex
- Weight
- 360 GSM
- Width
- 68.9″ (175 cm)
| Item | Composition | Weight | Width | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SM21028 | 48% nylon / 47% viscose / 5% spandex | 195 GSM | 61″ (155 cm) | View specifications |
| SM21020 | 55% cotton / 37% polyester / 8% spandex | 220 GSM | 72.8″ (185 cm) | View specifications |
| DM2125 | 50% viscose / 43% polyester / 7% spandex | 230 GSM | 63″ (160 cm) | View specifications |
| KQ2153 | 48% modal / 48% polyester / 4% spandex | 250 GSM | 59.1″ (150 cm) | View specifications |
| KQ2220 | 89% polyester / 3% nylon / 8% spandex | 250 GSM | 61″ (155 cm) | View specifications |
| KQ2221 | 24% cotton / 24% viscose / 44% polyester / 8% spandex | 260 GSM | 61″ (155 cm) | View specifications |
| KQ32013 | 54% tencel / 10% nylon / 13.5% cotton / 13.5% viscose / 9% spandex | 280 GSM | 61″ (155 cm) | View specifications |
| KF1347 | 65% cotton / 35% polyester | 300 GSM | 72.8″ (185 cm) | View specifications |
| KQ32011 | 33% cotton / 67% polyester | 310 GSM | 68.9″ (175 cm) | View specifications |
| KQ32003 | 34% viscose / 63% nylon / 3% spandex | 310 GSM | 61″ (155 cm) | View specifications |
| KQ32004 | 36% viscose / 55% nylon / 9% spandex | 320 GSM | 61″ (155 cm) | View specifications |
| KQ32002 | 36% viscose / 55% nylon / 9% spandex | 320 GSM | 63″ (160 cm) | View specifications |
| DM2115 | 45% viscose / 48% polyester / 7% spandex | 320 GSM | 63″ (160 cm) | View specifications |
| KF2066 | 65% cotton / 35% polyester | 320 GSM | 72.8″ (185 cm) | View specifications |
| KQ32005 | 40% cotton / 53% polyester / 7% spandex | 350 GSM | 61″ (155 cm) | View specifications |
| KQ2200 | Specification on request | 350 GSM | 63″ (160 cm) | View specifications |
| KF877 | 78% cotton / 16% polyester / 6% spandex | 350 GSM | 66.9″ (170 cm) | View specifications |
| KQ32009 | 79.6% cotton / 15% polyester / 5.4% spandex | 350 GSM | 61″ (155 cm) | View specifications |
| KQ32001 | 34% cotton / 61% polyester / 5% spandex | 360 GSM | 61″ (155 cm) | View specifications |
| JQ5368 | 72% cotton / 21% polyester / 7% spandex | 360 GSM | 68.9″ (175 cm) | View specifications |
Looking for More Scuba Knit Options?
Our fabric library includes 268 scuba knit options. Contact us for more compositions, weights and colours for your collection.
What Is Scuba Knit Fabric?
Scuba knit, also called air-layer fabric, is a double knit in which two separate faces are joined by a spacer yarn, leaving a thin layer of air between them. The result is a smooth, dense and slightly springy fabric that holds a sculpted shape, takes prints cleanly and resists creasing. Despite the name, apparel scuba is a textile knit, not the rubber neoprene used for wetsuits. In our library, most scuba weighs 260–350 GSM, and almost all of it is above 200 GSM. Cotton/polyester/spandex is the largest blend, followed by polyester/cotton/spandex, cotton/polyester and polyester/spandex/viscose. Scuba keeps sweatshirts, trousers and jackets looking crisp and structured, but it is warmer and less breathable than single-layer knits and does not drape softly.
02
Scuba Knit Fabrics by Composition
Cotton-rich stretch scuba covers most sweatwear and trousers in our library, while viscose and modal blends add a softer, smoother face.
| Fabric type | Fabric examples | Apparel applications |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton/polyester/spandex and polyester/cotton/spandex scuba | 260–350 GSM, such as KQ32005 (53% polyester / 40% cotton / 7% spandex) at 350 GSM | Trousers, sweatshirts, knit jackets and shorts |
| Cotton/polyester scuba | 270–325 GSM, such as KF1347 (65% cotton / 35% polyester) at 300 GSM | Sweatshirts, streetwear and dresses |
| Polyester/spandex/viscose and polyester/modal/spandex scuba | 250–330 GSM, such as KQ2153 (48% modal / 48% polyester / 4% spandex) at 250 GSM | Sweatshirts, jackets and soft structured dresses |
| Viscose/nylon/spandex scuba | 310–380 GSM, such as KQ32004 (55% nylon / 36% viscose / 9% spandex) at 320 GSM | Tailored trousers and structured sweat sets |
03
Scuba Knit Weights for Your Collection
Choose 220–300 GSM for structured T-shirts and lighter dresses, 260–350 GSM for sweatshirts, trousers, shorts and knit jackets, and 350 GSM and above for heavyweight outer layers. About two-thirds of the scuba in our library weighs 300 GSM or more.
Below 200 GSM
1 qualities
200–299 GSM
6 qualities
300 GSM and above
19 qualities
04
Scuba Knit vs Ponte Roma and Double Knit
All three are firm double knits. Compare thickness, surface and how sculpted a shape each one can hold.
| Feature | Scuba Knit | Ponte Roma | Double Knit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | Two faces joined by a spacer yarn | Interlock base with extra courses | Two needle sets knitting one fabric |
| Thickness and body | Thick, springy and sculptural | Firm and stable | From soft to firm, depending on structure |
| Surface | Smooth and dense | Matte with a fine horizontal line | Smooth or textured |
| Typical weights in our library | 260–350 GSM | 210–320 GSM | 220–310 GSM |
| Typical garments | Sweatshirts, trousers and jackets | Trousers, dresses and blazers | Tops, dresses, trousers and sweatwear |
05
Scuba Knit Fabric Recommendations
Xiwen Zhang, our co-founder and CEO, recommends these scuba weights and blends for the structured pieces our customers develop most often, drawing on our knit fabric experience since 2009.
STRUCTURE WITHOUT FLEECE
Scuba Sweatshirts & Hoodies
- Weight
- 270–350 GSM
- Composition
- Cotton/polyester/spandex or polyester/spandex/viscose
- Hand feel
- Smooth, dense and springy
Read moreRead less — Scuba Sweatshirts & Hoodies
270–350 GSM scuba works well for structured sweatshirts and hoodies. Sweatshirts are the largest use for scuba in our library. The air layer gives warmth and a clean, rounded silhouette without the fluff of brushed fleece.
A SHARP LEG LINE
Structured Trousers & Joggers
- Weight
- 260–350 GSM
- Composition
- Cotton/polyester/spandex or polyester/cotton/spandex
- Hand feel
- Firm, with stretch
Read moreRead less — Structured Trousers & Joggers
For structured joggers and straight-leg knit trousers, start with 260–350 GSM stretch scuba. The firm body keeps the leg line crisp and resists creasing, while spandex keeps the trousers comfortable for all-day wear.
SHAPE FOR AN OUTER LAYER
Knit Jackets & Bombers
- Weight
- 260–350 GSM
- Composition
- Cotton/polyester/spandex or polyester/cotton/spandex
- Hand feel
- Firm and smooth
Read moreRead less — Knit Jackets & Bombers
Choose 260–350 GSM scuba for bomber jackets, zip jackets and knit blazers. It holds collars, zips and shoulders with little interlining, and the smooth face takes prints well.
SCULPTED, NOT CLINGY
Structured Dresses & Skirts
- Weight
- 250–350 GSM
- Composition
- Cotton/polyester or polyester/modal/spandex
- Hand feel
- Smooth, with a sculpted body
Read moreRead less — Structured Dresses & Skirts
250–350 GSM scuba works well for A-line dresses, skater skirts and structured midi skirts. The fabric holds flare and volume on its own, so a skirt keeps its shape without petticoats or heavy lining.
NEAT SHORTS WITH BODY
Scuba Shorts
- Weight
- 260–340 GSM
- Composition
- Cotton/polyester/spandex or polyester/cotton/spandex
- Hand feel
- Firm and smooth
Read moreRead less — Scuba Shorts
For sweat shorts and smart knit shorts, start with 260–340 GSM stretch scuba. The shorts keep a clean hem and shape, and they can be matched to a scuba sweatshirt as a set.
A TEE THAT KEEPS ITS SHAPE
Structured T-Shirts
- Weight
- 220–300 GSM
- Composition
- Cotton/polyester or polyester/modal/spandex
- Hand feel
- Smooth and substantial
Read moreRead less — Structured T-Shirts
Choose 220–300 GSM scuba at the lighter end of our range for boxy and structured T-shirts. It gives a tee the standing shape of a heavyweight shirt with a smooth, print-friendly face.
06
Scuba Knit Fabric FAQs
Is scuba knit the same as neoprene?
No. Apparel scuba is a knitted air-layer fabric made from yarns such as cotton, polyester, viscose and spandex. Neoprene is a synthetic rubber foam used for wetsuits. Scuba knit gives a similar sculpted look but is lighter, breathes better and sews like a knit.
What GSM scuba should I use for sweatshirts and trousers?
Most scuba sweatshirt and trouser qualities in our library weigh 260–350 GSM. Choose the lighter end for T-shirts and dresses, and 350 GSM or more for heavyweight jackets and outer layers.
Can scuba knit be printed?
Yes. The smooth, dense face suits digital, screen and sublimation printing on polyester-rich qualities. Test the print on a sample of the selected fabric, as fibre blend and colour affect the result.
What should I test on scuba knit?
Scuba's tight double structure keeps it stable, so the common specification lines are pilling on cotton/polyester/spandex faces and bursting strength for structured trousers. Our lab runs the steel ball burst test; a hydraulic kPa value in your specification is arranged with a third-party lab. Add washing fastness for dark and bright shades.
What is the minimum order quantity for scuba knit fabric?
Stock fabric orders start at 1 roll (~23 kg) per colour. Custom-colour orders start at 200 kg per colour.
Explore More Fabric Collections
Compare complementary fibres and knit constructions for your next apparel collection.
Scuba Knit Fabric Guides
Read practical guides to fibre blends, garment selection and knit construction.
