The choice of fabric for sportswear is crucial for comfort, performance and even safety during exercise. Modern sportswear makes extensive use of a wide range of natural and synthetic fibers, often combined with special techniques to meet the demands of different sports. Below are some common sportswear fabrics and their properties:
Polyester
Characteristics: This is one of the most commonly used fabrics for sports. It is very durable, wrinkle-resistant, does not shrink easily, is hydrophobic (quickly conducts sweat away from the skin to the surface of the fabric, i.e., “wicking”), and dries quickly.
Uses: Widely used in T-shirts, shorts, jackets, sports underwear and almost all types of sportswear.
Nylon (Nylon / Nylon)
Characteristics: High strength, very resistant to abrasion, good elasticity, lightweight and silky smooth. It also has good wicking and quick drying properties.
Uses: Often used in garments that require high abrasion resistance, such as outdoor jackets, sweatpants, socks, backpacks. Also used in swimwear for its smoothness and quick-drying properties.
Spandex (Spandex / Elastane / Lycra)
Characteristics: Super elastic, can be stretched to several times its original length and return to its original shape. It is not hygroscopic, but is often blended with other fibers (usually 5%-30%) to provide excellent stretch and fit in garments to ensure freedom of movement during exercise.
Uses: Spandex is added to almost all athletic apparel that requires elasticity, such as leggings, yoga wear, swimwear, cycling apparel, and sports underwear.
Polypropylene
Features: Extremely lightweight, the lightest of all synthetic fibers. It has excellent wicking ability (almost no water absorption at all, transferring moisture directly out) and good warmth retention.
Uses: Ideal for use as a base layer, especially in cold weather or for activities that require efficient wicking.
Merino Wool
Characteristics: A natural fiber that is finer and softer than traditional wool and does not irritate the skin. It has excellent thermoregulation (keeps you warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot), good breathability and moisture wicking (retains warmth even when wet), and is naturally anti-bacterial and odor resistant.
Uses: Suitable for use as a four-season fit layer, socks, hats and mid-layer warm clothing, especially favored by outdoor sports enthusiasts.
Cotton
Characteristics: Natural fiber, soft, comfortable, breathable. However, its biggest drawback is that it is highly moisture-absorbent but dries slowly, and becomes heavy and sticky after sweating, which can lead to discomfort and loss of body temperature due to skin friction.
Uses: More suitable for low-intensity exercise (e.g. walking, light yoga) or casual wear after exercise. Performance sportswear usually avoids the use of cotton. Sometimes blends of cotton and synthetic fibers (such as polyester) are used to improve performance.
Bamboo Fabric
Characteristics: Usually refers to recycled cellulose fibers (e.g. bamboo viscose) derived and processed from bamboo. It is soft to the touch, breathable, moisture-wicking, and has some natural antibacterial properties. It is considered a relatively environmentally friendly choice.
Uses: Used to make T-shirts, yoga wear, socks, etc.
Fabric technology and blends:
Blends: In order to combine the advantages of different fibers, blended fabrics are often used in sportswear. For example, blends of polyester and spandex provide perspiration and elasticity; blends of cotton and polyester improve the quick-drying and durability of cotton.
Functional Finishes: Fabrics also undergo special treatments to enhance performance, such as:
Moisture-Wicking Treatment: Enhances the fabric’s ability to conduct perspiration away from the skin.
Anti-Odor/Antimicrobial Treatment: Inhibits the growth of bacteria and reduces odors.
UV Protection: Provides protection from the sun’s ultraviolet rays (UPF).
Waterproof/Water-Repellent Finish: Used on jackets, etc. to prevent rainwater penetration.
Compression: Provides compression through a tight weave that may help with muscle support and recovery.
How to choose:
Which fabric to choose depends on a number of factors:
Type and intensity of exercise: High-intensity aerobic exercise (running, cycling) requires excellent moisture wicking and breathability (e.g. polyester, nylon, polypropylene). Yoga or Pilates require high elasticity and comfort (spandex blends).
Climatic conditions: Hot weather requires lightweight, breathable, quick-drying fabrics. Cold weather requires a warm, sweat-wicking body layer (e.g. merino wool, polypropylene) and a wind and waterproof outer layer.
Personal Preference: Personal preference for fabric feel, fit, appearance, etc.