Register Login
support
shop
menu
close
  1. Home
  2. Knowledge hub
  3. Inspiration
  4. Best fabrics for sportswear
Sportswear

Best fabrics for sportswear

Sportswear needs fabrics that support movement, comfort and performance. The best choice depends on the garment type: leggings need stretch and recovery, while swim shorts need lightweight structure and quick drying. A training top, travel outfit or swim garment can all fall within sportswear, but they do not need the same fabric properties.

For sportswear, it is important to look at stretch, opacity, breathability, drying speed and care behaviour. Technical properties such as QuickDry or UPF50 UV protection can also be relevant, especially for outdoor and swim-related garments.

View Sportswear collection

How to choose fabrics for sportswear

Start with the movement level of the garment. Close-fitting sportswear needs stretch and recovery, while looser garments often need light weight, shape retention and fast drying.

Also check how the fabric behaves during wear. A sportswear fabric should remain comfortable under movement, keep enough coverage when stretched and recover well after use.

Stretch jerseys for fitted sportswear

Stretch jerseys are useful for garments that need to move closely with the body. Swimsuit Jersey and power stretch fabrics usually offer strong stretch and recovery, which makes them suitable for active garments with a close fit.

Opacity under stretch is important for leggings, swimwear and fitted tops. Always test lighter colours and prints while stretched, because transparency can change during movement.

Best for:

  • Leggings
  • Fitted sports tops
  • Swimsuits
  • Bikini tops
  • Dancewear

Traveler Jersey for comfort and easy care

Traveler Jersey is a stretch jersey that combines comfort with a clean appearance. It is useful for garments that need movement, easy care and a neat look during travel or long wear.

This fabric works well when sportswear overlaps with casual or travel clothing. It gives more freedom than most woven fabrics, while still looking smoother than many basic knits.

Best for:

  • Travel trousers
  • Stretch dresses
  • Comfortable skirts
  • Easy-care tops
  • Lightweight travel layers

Swimshort and technical fabrics for quick drying

Swimshort fabric is usually more stable than stretch swimwear jersey. It is suitable for looser garments where quick drying, light weight and shape retention are more important than strong stretch.

Technical polyester and recycled polyester fabrics are also useful for outdoor sportswear and lightweight layers. Some qualities may offer QuickDry or UPF50 UV protection, depending on the specific article.

Best for:

  • Swim shorts
  • Lightweight sports shorts
  • Windbreakers
  • Outdoor training layers
  • Packable sports garments

Practical tip

Test sportswear fabrics under movement before production. Check stretch recovery, opacity, drying speed and colour behaviour after contact with perspiration, water, chlorine or sunlight.

Do you have a specific question about Best fabrics for sportswear or an application?
Our AI assistant will help you immediately.

Ask a question

Back

written by

Nooteboom Textiles

posted on

placed in

Added to cart

Welcome back

0
ART.NR.

You still have 0 articles in your cart

View cart Continue shopping