Top 5 Fabric Picks for Performance T-shirts

Published on June 27, 2024

Top 5 Fabric Choices for Performance Gym Wear T-shirts

Choosing the right fabric for performance gym apparel is essential for ensuring comfort, durability, and peak performance. With so many possibilities available, it might be difficult to decide which fabrics are perfect for your designs. In this blog, we'll look at the top five fabric choices for gym gear, highlighting their unique characteristics and why they make the cut. By the end of this blog, you will be able to make an informed selection about the best fabric for your next design project.

1. Cotton-Spandex Blend

Composition: 95% cotton / 5% Spandex
Weight: 180 GSM (grams per square meter)

Cotton-spandex is a common material in sportswear collections for a reason. Cotton alone is not normally considered a performance fabric due to its lack of elasticity and tendency to retain moisture; however, the addition of spandex changes the game. The combination of materials mixes the softness and breathability of cotton with the flexibility and durability of spandex. This blend enables the fabric to stretch up to 600% of its original size while maintaining tension, resulting in a form-fitting and durable garment. The 180 GSM weight is ideal for athletic wear, providing an excellent blend of durability and comfort.

2. Bamboo-Spandex Blend

Composition: 95% Bamboo / 5% Spandex
Weight: Variable

Bamboo fabric is ideal for performance wear due to its natural softness, breathability, and hypoallergenic characteristics. It's also UV resistant, which makes it ideal for outdoor exercises.The spandex component provides the essential stretch, increasing the garment's flexibility and comfort. Although bamboo fabric is more expensive and less commonly available than cotton or polyester, its luxurious feel and outstanding performance features make it worth investing in, especially for high-end activewear collections.

3. Polyester-Spandex Blend

Composition: 91% Polyester / 9% Spandex
Weight: 180–200 GSM

Polyester-spandex blends are very popular in the sportswear industry due to their affordability, durability, and excellent performance features. Polyester is wrinkle-resistant, UV repellent, and has superior moisture-wicking properties, which helps keep the athlete cool and dry during intense workouts. The addition of spandex improves the fabric's capacity to stretch. However, one significant disadvantage of polyester is its tendency to retain smell due to bacterial buildup. Despite this, the blend remains a go-to option for many sportswear brands.

4. Functional Polyester-Spandex with Bamboo Charcoal

Composition: 85% Polyester / 15% Spandex
Weight: 200 GSM
Special Feature: Bamboo Charcoal Inner Lining

This fabric is a step up from the standard polyester-spandex blend due to the incorporation of a bamboo charcoal inner lining. This lining helps to reduce smell by preventing bacterial growth, addressing one of the main issues with polyester. Although this blend is more expensive, its enhanced performance and durability make it a valuable addition to any sportswear collection. The 200 GSM weight provides a robust yet comfortable fabric that is suitable for high-intensity activities.

5. Nylon-Spandex Blend

Composition: 88% Nylon / 12% Spandex
Weight: 180 GSM

Nylon, often referred to as synthetic silk, offers a silky smooth texture and excellent durability. It wicks moisture away more efficiently than polyester and dries quickly, making it ideal for high-performance gym wear. Nylon is also highly resistant to damage and retains its shape well over time, ensuring long-lasting wear. While it is slightly more expensive than polyester, its superior performance characteristics justify the cost, particularly for premium sportswear lines.

Conclusion

Choosing the right fabric for your sportswear designs can significantly impact the performance, comfort, and durability of your garments. With current activewear trends highlighting the importance of versatile and high-performance materials, these various fabric blends offer unique benefits that cater to different needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize cost, comfort, moisture-wicking, or durability, there's a fabric blend that will meet your requirements.

About FittDesign

FittDesign is a full-service design and production company specializing in the sportswear and activewear industry. We provide comprehensive solutions including innovative design, detailed technical packs, and high-quality manufacturing. Our expertise supports brands in creating functional and durable sportswear that meets the demands of a competitive market.