Sportswear embroidery can be sewn in a wide variety of fabrics. Several factors go into determining what fabric is best for your specific needs, such as comfort level, durability and moisture-wicking quality.
Polyester is a popular choice as it’s long-lasting, wrinkle-free and inexpensive. It’s also non-absorbent and doesn’t retain sweat like other fabrics.
Cotton
When looking for fabric to make sportswear, it is important to consider its texture, comfort level and moisture-wicking qualities. Some materials may feel too rough on the skin, and others can be difficult to move in or can chafe when wet. The best way to test the fabric is to request a sample. Many online fabric retailers offer free (or low-cost) sample swatches, which can help you try the fabric’s color, feel and stretch to see if it will suit your project.
Cotton is a popular choice for sportswear because it is soft and comfortable. However, cotton can clump together when wet and tends to shrink and wrinkle. It is often blended with polyester to prevent these issues to create a more durable fabric. This combination also helps reduce the fabric’s tendency to shrink or wrinkle.
Another best fabric for sportswear is spandex, known for its ability to stretch up to 100 times its original size. Spandex is also highly breathable and can absorb sweat while keeping the wearer cool and comfortable. However, it can be sticky in humid environments and is not easy to embroider.
Nylon is another synthetic fabric commonly used for sportswear. It is lightweight and dries quickly, making it an ideal choice for sportswear in warm weather. It is also resistant to odors and easy to clean, but it can be uncomfortable to wear when wet and slippery on the skin.
Calico
When it comes to fabric sourcing, there are many factors to consider. Aside from evaluating fiber content, weight, stretch percentage and color options, it is important to understand how your chosen fabrics will help your customers perform their athletic tasks comfortably.
For example, the material of your athletic shirts and shorts must be breathable and wick moisture away from the skin. This helps keep the wearer cool and dry, significantly improving their performance. Examining the fabric’s ability to withstand friction from moving muscles and joints is also necessary.
One of the most popular sportswear materials is polyester, made out of plastic fibers that are both lightweight and breathable. This type of cloth is resistant to stains and wrinkles and is long-lasting. It is also non-absorbent, which means it will not soak up sweat and moisture from the body and will allow it to evaporate quickly.
Another great option for sportswear is nylon, which is durable and breathable. This material has a lot of versatility and can be used for everything from running pants to athletic shoes. It is available in various weaves, including plain, dobby and double-weave. It can be treated with special finishes to offer added features such as liquid resistance and antimicrobial properties.
Polyester
When creating sportswear, some fabrics are better than others. For example, some fabrics must be moisture-wicking and breathable to keep athletes cool and comfortable. Other features sought include stretchiness and compression, which can help improve an athlete’s performance. In addition, some sports require waterproof fabrics or insulated against the elements.
Polyester is a common fabric choice for sportswear because of its softness, strength, durability and moisture-wicking properties. It is also easy to wash and dry and wrinkles less than some other fabrics. In addition, it resists mildew, rot and insects. While polyester can be ironed, it is best to do so on a low heat setting and with a press cloth between the iron and the fabric to protect it from melting.
In addition to pure polyester, you can find polyester blends such as polyester-linen or polyester-elastane, which are popular for activewear and workout clothes because of their elasticity. For instance, polyester-elastane can stretch 100 times its original size, providing flexibility and comfort for strenuous sports activities. You can also find polyester wool blends, which are ideal for winter sports because they offer a warm and cozy fit.
Nylon
When it comes to sportswear, polyester is a common and affordable material that is used in various athletic garments. It is a synthetic fabric made of plastic fibers, known for being lightweight, durable, wrinkle-free, breathable, and non-absorbent. This means the material doesn’t absorb the sweat from your body and is left to dry on the surface, making it ideal for high-intensity activities requiring quick and efficient moisture evaporation.
Nylon is also good for high-intensity sports because it’s lightweight, breathable, and mildew-resistant. It is often found in track pants, windbreakers, and swimwear. It is typically mixed with other fabrics, such as cotton or polyester, to create athletic wear with the desired properties.
Nylon is a type of synthetic thermoplastic fabric that is derived from petroleum. Because it is a fossil fuel-based product, it does have certain environmental concerns associated with it. Fortunately, producers have begun to use nylon in conjunction with other materials to provide some of this fabric’s benefits while mitigating some of the negative effects. This is a good example of how mixing fabrics can help reduce the amount of petroleum needed to produce one particular textile. Requesting samples is the best way to determine if nylon is right for your athletic apparel. Most online retailers now offer free or low-cost swatches to test color, feel, shrinkage, and stretch percentage.