Sportswear Manufacturer's Guide to Fabric Selection

In today's competitive sportswear market, sportswear manufacturers understand the importance of fabric selection in creating quality sportswear products. Fabrics not only affect the comfort of wearing, but also the flexibility during exercise and the durability of the garment. This article will take a deep look at five common sportswear fabrics to help sportswear manufacturers better understand the characteristics of these fabrics and provide consumers with a better sports experience.

Spandex Fabric: The Elastic Foundation of Sportswear

Spandex, also known as Lycra or elastane, is a synthetic fiber commonly used by sportswear manufacturers in products such as yoga pants and activewear. It has a stretch strength of up to five times its original size, making it ideal for enhancing the elasticity of garments. Sportswear manufacturers often blend spandex with other fabrics such as cotton or polyester to achieve the perfect balance of fit and flexibility.

Pros:

Excellent stretch and flexibility for close-fitting sportswear
Provides comfort and freedom of movement for high-intensity activities
Durable and long-lasting, it retains its shape over time

Cons:

Higher cost than other fabrics
Elasticity may decrease with prolonged exposure to heat

Care Tips:

Wash in cold water, avoid fabric softeners
Hang or lay flat to dry to retain shape

Lycra Spandex Fabric: Ideal for Performance Sportswear

Lycra Spandex fabric is a blend of Lycra (a well-known brand of spandex) and other fibers such as polyester or cotton. Sportswear manufacturers favor this fabric because it has excellent stretch and recovery, which helps the garment retain its shape after wear, making it suitable for high-performance sportswear.

Pros:

Excellent stretch and recovery for a great fit
High-quality elastic for casual and high-intensity workouts
Moisture-wicking properties to keep athletes dry

Cons:

Higher cost than other fabrics
Elasticity may degrade over time at high temperatures

Care Tips:

Machine wash in cold water on gentle cycle, avoid bleach
Lay flat or hang to dry to preserve fabric elasticity

Polyester Spandex Fabric: Durability meets comfort

Polyester Spandex fabric is a blend of durable, moisture-resistant polyester and stretchy, flexible spandex. Activewear manufacturers often use this fabric to make activewear such as leggings and sports bras because it combines strength and comfort.

Pros:
 

Durable, wrinkle-resistant, long-lasting shape
Excellent moisture-wicking properties to keep you dry
Lightweight and breathable for activewear

Cons:
 

Not as breathable as natural fibers, may trap heat
Sometimes not as soft as cotton blends

Care Tips:

Wash in cold water, tumble dry on low
Avoid fabric softeners that reduce moisture-wicking capabilities

Cotton-Spandex: A comfortable, breathable choice for exercise

Combining the breathable softness of cotton with the stretch and flexibility of spandex, cotton-spandex fabrics are often used to make casual activewear such as yoga pants and sports bras. It is an ideal choice for activewear manufacturers who value comfort.

Pros:

Cotton's breathability regulates body temperature during exercise
Spandex provides stretch and recovery to improve fit
Softer and more comfortable than some synthetic fabrics for everyday wear

Cons:

Not as breathable as polyester or Lycra blends
May lose shape if not properly cared for

Care Tips:

Machine wash in cold water, avoid high heat drying
Lay flat or hang to dry to prevent deformation

Polyester Lycra Spandex Fabrics: The Key to High-Performance Sportswear

Polyester Lycra Spandex fabrics are premium blends that combine the durability of polyester with the premium stretch of Lycra and spandex. They are often chosen by sportswear manufacturers for high-performance sportswear such as athletic leggings and compression garments.

Pros:

Excellent stretch and recovery for performance and sportswear
Moisture-wicking properties to keep athletes dry
Durable for frequent washing and long-term use

Cons:

May be less breathable than cotton
Costs more than standard polyester blends

Care Tips:

Machine wash in cold water on gentle cycle, tumble dry on low temperature
Avoid heat exposure to protect elasticity

Conclusion

For sportswear manufacturers, choosing the right sportswear fabric is key to ensuring product comfort, performance, and durability. Whether it’s high-stretch spandex and lycra spandex, durable polyester spandex, or breathable cotton spandex, understanding the pros and cons of these fabrics can help sportswear manufacturers make informed decisions based on their product needs.

At Sansansun Sports, we understand the needs of activewear manufacturers and offer a wide range of fabric options, including high-quality Lycra, synthetic blends, and cotton spandex to meet different performance needs. Whether you design yoga pants, active tops, or fitness leggings, we offer low-MOQ custom solutions for emerging brands, helping you create the perfect activewear product that combines style, comfort, and performance.