Activewear is more than just clothes; it's a silent partner in your customer's fitness journey. But with so many fabric options, crafting the perfect activewear line can feel intimidating. But fear not, this guide equips activewear brands with the knowledge to choose the ideal fabrics for their activewear collections.

Polyester/Recycled Polyester 

When it comes to activewear fabrics, polyester reigns supreme for a reason – it delivers exceptional performance at a highly competitive price point (think around $1 per pound), making it a fantastic choice for your brand (source: What Is Sportswear Made Of? The 5 Most Dominant Fabrics). Here's why you should strongly consider incorporating polyester and recycled polyester into your activewear line:

• Moisture Management Mastery: Polyester excels at wicking away sweat, keeping athletes cool and dry during workouts. This translates to increased comfort and performance for your active customers.

• Durability Dynasty: Activewear needs to be tough. Polyester is a champion in this regard, withstanding wear and tear from demanding workouts and multiple washes. This translates to happy customers who get a long lifespan out of their activewear pieces.

• Bonus Benefits Bundle: The advantages of polyester go beyond sweat-wicking and durability. It's lightweight, keeping athletes feeling agile. It dries quickly, minimizing post-workout dampness. Plus, it's wrinkle-resistant, ensuring your garments look fresh, wash after wash.

• Eco-Conscious Option: Recycled polyester offers a sustainable alternative to virgin polyester, utilizing post-consumer plastic bottles. This allows you to cater to environmentally conscious consumers without sacrificing performance.

While polyester is awesome, it's not perfect. Some folks find it a bit less breathable than natural fibers. This can mean you might feel a little warmer in really hot weather.

Spandex 

Spandex might seem like a minor player, but it's the secret weapon behind many comfy and flattering activewear pieces. Here's why it's a valuable addition to your activewear arsenal:

• Moves Like You Do: Spandex is the king of stretch! It allows for incredible flexibility and bounces right back into shape, ensuring your activewear moves with you, not against you. No more feeling restricted during lunges or awkward bunching during squats.

• The Blending Buddy: While spandex is amazing, it's usually used in small amounts blended with other fabrics like polyester. This dream team combines the stretchiness of spandex with the structure and sweat-wicking power of other materials, creating the perfect activewear recipe.

While spandex is fantastic for flexibility, using too much can make the fabric a little less durable. Think of it like a super stretchy rubber band – too much stretch, and it might lose its snap over time. That's why it's best used strategically in blends for optimal performance and longevity. 

Nylon 

Need a fabric that can handle tough workouts? Look no further than nylon! Here's what makes it a great choice for your activewear line:

• Built for Action: Nylon is a super strong and resilient fabric. This makes it ideal for activewear designed for high-impact activities like running, HIIT classes, or anything that gets your heart pumping. Your customers will appreciate garments that can keep up with their most intense workouts.

• Drys in a Flash: Nobody likes feeling damp after a workout. Nylon is a champion at drying quickly, wicking away moisture and keeping athletes feeling fresh. This translates to shorter laundry times and happier customers.

• A Wardrobe Workhorse: Nylon's versatility makes it a great choice for a variety of activewear pieces. From leggings and shorts to jackets and sports bras, nylon offers the durability and flexibility your customers need for their entire workout wardrobe.

While not the most breathable fabric, nylon offers a decent balance for many activities. For high-intensity workouts, consider blending it with other materials to maximize airflow.

Merino Wool 

Selecting High-Performance Fabrics For Activewear

Don't let the word "wool" fool you – merino wool is a game-changer for activewear. This superfine natural fiber offers surprising performance benefits that your eco-conscious customers will love:

• Sweat? No Problem: Merino wool is a natural moisture-wicker. It pulls sweat away from the skin and releases it into the air, keeping athletes feeling dry and comfortable during workouts. No more feeling clammy or weighed down by sweat.

• Cool in Summer, Warm in Winter: Merino wool is a temperature regulator. It keeps you cool when you're exercising and warm when it's chilly outside. This makes it a versatile choice for year-round activewear.

• Say Goodbye to Stink: Naturally odor-resistant, merino wool helps prevent that post-workout funk. This means your customers can wear their merino wool activewear multiple times before needing a wash – a win for them and the environment.

Unlike some synthetic fabrics, merino wool might require a little extra care. Handwashing or a gentle machine wash on a cold cycle will keep your merino wool garments looking and feeling their best. This information can be easily included on garment care tags.

Picking the Perfect Fabric: It's All About Your Customers

Now that you know the superpowers of each fabric, here's how to choose the right ones for your activewear line:

• Know Your Audience: High-intensity workouts call for different fabrics than yoga sessions. For sweat-drenched activities, polyester's moisture-wicking will be a champion. For yoga or pilates, merino wool's breathability might be preferred. Consider your target market and the activities they'll be doing in your clothes.

• Weather Matters: Climate plays a role too. Merino wool's temperature regulation makes it great for cooler weather or year-round activewear. For hot and humid climates, lightweight, quick-drying polyester will be a lifesaver.

• Comfort is King (or Queen): While performance is important, remember – comfort sells! Some customers might love the natural feel of merino wool, while others prefer the easy-care nature of synthetics. Offer a variety of fabrics to cater to different preferences.

By understanding your target market, the climate they'll be sweating in, and their comfort preferences, you can choose the perfect fabric blends to create an activewear line that keeps your customers comfortable, performing at their best, and coming back for more. 

Inflow: Your Ultimate Partner For Producing Activewear

Feeling overwhelmed by the choices? Inflow is here to streamline your activewear production process! We're a B2B on-demand manufacturing company that empowers fashion brands to bring their activewear visions to life.

We offer a wide range of high-performance fabrics you just learned about, from moisture-wicking polyesters and durable nylons to comfortable merino wool and everything in between. Plus, we have access to innovative new materials constantly hitting the market.

Skip sourcing & supply chain headaches. Inflow does it all, from fabric selection to production. We'll guide you to the perfect fabric blends for your designs and target market. Collaborate with Inflow today!