Perhaps the only silver lining we have observed in the last few years is the increase in health and fitness awareness. In turn, this has created increased demands for general sportswear and athleisure apparel, including sports tops for women. The global fascination with sportswear fashion is increasing at a rapid rate. What fabric should you choose for sports tops for women?
Sportswear is usually made out of a blend of a wide range of materials. Some of the most popular options are polyester, spandex, and nylon. These synthetic fabrics are lightweight, moisture-wicking, and durable -ideal for activewear. An increasing trend is replacing synthetic fibers with natural and recycled fibers.
Garments like recycled polyester, bamboo, organic cotton, and hemp are a few of the more sustainable fibers that aim to replace synthetic fibers. Still, there is a long road ahead.
What Material is Sportswear Made of?
Sportswear can be regarded as a broader term, ranging from yoga pants to sports tops for women and so more. The type of sportswear you refer to will determine the material from which it is made.
For instance, activewear like yoga pants, leggings, and sports tops for women are usually made out of a polyester-spandex blend. This unique blend of polyester and spandex materials is moisture-wicking, lightweight, and stretchy -perfect for your workout session.
On the other hand, other items, like soccer jerseys, are made out of 100% polyester materials. It is a durable fabric that is capable of handling the common wear & tear of the intense game.
What are the Most Popular Sportswear Materials?
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Polyester
In the world of sportswear, polyester is the most common fabric or material. This athleisure material is popular for several reasons. It is cheap, durable, and has a wide range of properties to make it an ideal material for activewear. Polyester is usually blended with other similar materials to design highly versatile garments.
For instance, polyester is usually mixed with spandex to design a fabric that delivers impressive stretch and improved recovery. This mix is usually used for designing activewear like spoerts tops for women, leggings, sports bras, and other forms of compression garments. In some cases, polyester is also mixed with cotton to design a fabric that is both breathable and lightweight -ideal for summer activewear.
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Spandex or Elastane
Spandex is also known as elastane. This synthetic fiber first came into existence during the 1940s. Popular for unmatched performance and comfort, this activewear material delivers impressive stretch and recovery traits. Spandex can be stretched up to 5 times its capacity while returning to the original form once released.
Therefore, spandex is considered an ideal material for designing activewear. It is usually blended with cotton or polyester because it delivers a full range of motion without compromising on the garment’s integrity. Spandex is mostly used for the construction of activewear like sports tops, leggings, yoga pants, swimwear, and compression garments.
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Nylon
Nylon is another popular synthetic polymer that came into existence during the 1930s as a leading alternative for silk. The fabric is both durable and strong, making it perfect for activewear garments experiencing significant wear & tear.
Nylon is most commonly used in the construction of sports bras, compression garments, and even cycling shorts as it delivers excellent support. Moreover, nylon is also used as a reinforcement material in other fabrics. For instance, most sports bras feature a nylon outer later along with polyester or cotton as the inner layer.
When nylon is used as a knit fabric, it is regarded as the ideal material for swimwear due to its sleek fit and high stretch. It delivers moderate moisture-wicking characteristics and low breathability, which make it ideal for outerwear construction.
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Merino Wool
It is a form of wool that has been derived from the merino sheep. It is a famous breed that originally hailed from Spain. Now, the breed is prevalent across the world. Merino wool is incredibly soft and delivers excellent moisture-wicking characteristics, making it perfect for activewear.
Merino wool is most commonly used in the form of base layers as it is quite gentle on the skin. It is also a leading option for the design of socks as it prevents blisters and helps regulate temperature effectively.
Merino wool serves to be a natural fiber. Still, it requires ample resources to produce. Moreover, merino wool is not as durable as synthetic fibers and is usually prone to pilling.
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MMCFS
MMCFS, also known as Man-Made Cellulose Fibers, are a type of material that is made out of wood pulp, a sustainable and renewable resource. It could also feature a wide range of natural resources like bamboo, beech, eucalyptus, and so on.
Nowadays, most activewear manufacturers might use this material as the sustainable alternative to synthetic fibers. MMCFS also feature some of the common traits of synthetic fibers as they are strong, durable, and ensure quick drying.
Conclusion
The choice of the right fabric for sportswear is important for comfort, performance, and durability. From natural materials like cotton to synthetic fibers like nylon, polyester, and spandex, each option delivers unique benefits.
While choosing sportswear, you should look into the specific activity you will be indulging in and your personal preferences. By understand the traits of different fabrics, you can eventually make informed decisions and choose the perfect sports apparel to boost your comfort and performance.