With the rise of athleisure, long gone are the days when activewear only belonged in the gym.
From sneakers and hoodies to leggings and tracksuits, people are now sporting activewear pieces on the streets, and even mixing and matching them with dressier pieces for more formal events.
You might be tired of us saying this, but we’re still gonna say it—choosing an ideal fabric is extremely important, especially when it comes to manufacturing for your sportswear or activewear brand.
The choice of activewear / sportswear fabrics plays a pivotal role for a comfortable and pleasant workout experience, ‘cos who wants to be dripping in sweat in a restrictive outfit feeling warm, uncomfortable and clammy?
Sportswear / Activewear fabrics properties to consider and look out for
A few other important points to note, when starting your own activewear/sportswear line, always circle back to the garment’s intended use and how the fabric can help (or not).
Look out for properties such as anti-bacterial, moisture-wicking, breathable, anti-mold, as well as fabric characteristics such as its stretch, stiffness, lightness, movement, and how it feels on the skin.
For higher intensity workouts, you may also keep in mind properties such as anti-stink, anti-chafe and high-performance materials that allow sweat to quickly wick away from the surface and skin, keeping the wearer cool, dry, and comfortable.
Fabrics that remain damp or wet longer can chafe against the skin and also add weight.
For sports that require movement and flexibility such as yoga or pilates, pay attention to activewear fabrics that are breathable, non-restrictive, durable, comfortable, and strong yet stretchy enough to pass the ‘squat test’ without ripping.
- Anti-chafe
- Anti-bacterial
- Anti-mold
- Anti-stink
- Hypoallergenic
- Lightweight and breathable
- Cooling
- Moisture-wicking
- Evaporates quickly
- Does not retain water
- Stretchy
- Durable
- How it feels on the skin
- Fabric density and weight
Avoid Cotton Fabrics
While cotton is well-loved and popular for many clothing types thanks to its breathable, hypoallergenic and easy to care for qualities, you’ll want to avoid cotton fabrics when it comes to activewear or sportswear garments.
Cotton is a hydrophilic material that holds a lot of water and takes a long time to dry, and wet cotton can lead to an extremely uncomfortable experience with clammy and heavy clothing.
This means that cotton garments can also cause chaffing in hot weather or hypothermia in cold weather.
Stick to breathable and moisture-wicking lightweight materials instead for the best workout experience—read on to find out some of our recommendations!
Table of Contents
Jersey
Also known as single knit, jersey-knit fabrics are one of the most basic forms of weft knitting and are a commonly used, highly diverse popular choice for clothing in the fashion industry.
Known for its stretchiness and close knits, the lightweight fabric is highly absorbent and breathable, making it a great choice for activewear, t-shirts, underwear, and baby clothes.
Pros:
- Stretchy
- Versatile
- Wrinkle-resistant
- Lightweight yet durable
Cons:
- Prone to piling
- May snag
Recommended for: sports bra, tanks, leggings, bike shorts, tracksuits, running tops
Lululemon Cropped jersey top
Gucci Jersey tracksuit jacket
Givenchy Jacquard-trimmed jersey leggings
Balenciaga Cotton jersey sports bra and shorts
Interlock/Double Knit
A variation of the rib knit, the double knit construction of interlock fabrics results in a thicker fabric that’s soft, insulant, firm, and absorbent. Although it is heavier, thicker, and firmer than single jerseys, the interlock fabric remains breathable and feels soft and light, making it an ideal choice for activewear and undergarments.
Pros:
- Soft and comfortable
- Reversible and smooth
- Thicker fabric type
- Naturally stretchy
- Same texture on both sides
- Does not roll and curl at the edges
Cons:
- May tend to snag, fuzz, or pile
Recommended for: sports bra, tanks, leggings, bike shorts, tracksuits, running tops, hoodies, jackets
Lululemon Jacquard Interlock bra
Hugo Boss Interlock cotton track pants
Calvin Klein Interlock leggings
Tom Ford Interlock cashmere hoodie
Jacquard Knit
Image via Eysan fabrics
Not to be confused with woven jacquard fabrics, jacquard knits are single or double knit fabrics made with the Jacquard mechanism, with a pattern knitted directly into the material.
Durable, comfortable, and stylish, jacquard knits combine the elegance of classic weaving with the quality of knitwear.
As the pattern is directly woven in the fabric, it creates a long-lasting and unique garment that will not fade or wear off unlike stamped or printed designs.
Usually made from nylon or polyester, knitted jacquard fabrics feature more stretch, increased breathability, and a flexible drape, offering mobility and movement for activewear garments.
Pros:
- Thicker than most knits
- Wrinkle-resistant
- Unique pattern that is fade-resistant
- Stretchy and flexible
Cons:
- Fabric may catch onto things and snag
Recommended for: legging sports bra, tanks
MISBHV Jacquard sports bra top
Sandro Jacquard knit bra top
Twenty Montréal Jacquard knit bra top and leggings
Adidas Jacquard tank top
Mesh
Image: moodfabrics.com
Characterized by its net-like open pattern, lightweight heft, and permeable texture, mesh fabrics are woven or knitted loosely, resulting in its open hole structure.
The lightweight properties and open holes provide breathable ventilation while remaining durable against ripping or tearing, making it a great choice for activewear and warm climates.
Pros:
- Durable and resistant to rips/tears
- Allows for ventilation
- Mildew resistant
- Lightweight, breathable
- Wicks sweat and moisture away quickly
Cons:
- Holes in mesh fabric can easily catch onto things and snag if not careful
Recommended for: sports bra, tanks, running shorts, running tops
Koral Mesh sports bra
Nike Mesh running tee
Lorna Jane Mesh high-performance shorts
Tricot
Image via fibre2fashion
A smooth-textured knit fabric, tricot is known for its resilience, water-absorbing, antibacterial and quick-drying properties.
Conforming nicely to the body while retaining its shape, the lightweight yet durable fabric can be combined with yarns of various properties such as deodorizing or heat retention to create a suite of activewear products with various advantages.
Pros:
- Durable and resilient
- Good elasticity and shape stability
- Crease and wrinkle-resistant
- Breathable
- Can be combined with other yarns for various advantages and properties
Cons:
- Fabric surface snags easily
Recommended for: running shorts, running tops, hoodies, jackets, tracksuits
Emporio Armani Tricot tracksuit
Peuterey Cotton tricot t-shirt
Nike Jordan tricot shorts
Scuba/Neoprene
Often mistaken for the same fabric and used interchangeably, scuba and neoprene fabrics are two very different distinct types of fabrics despite their close similarities.
A synthetic rubber foam sandwiched between two layers of fabric, neoprene fabrics are commonly used for wet suits.
Neoprene gives body to garments with an extremely smooth finish, but due to its foam content, it is very insulating and can be hot to wear in tropical or warmer climates.
Scuba, on the other hand, is a double-knit fabric made from spandex and polyester.
Known as the fashion version of neoprene, scuba is springy with a smooth texture, and is commonly used in the industry for flouncy skirts, sportswear, and form-fitting dresses.
Due to its double-knit construction, scuba does not fray and can be left raw for a different look.
Neoprene and scuba fabrics are also available in a variety of weights and thicknesses, so if overheating is an issue, you may opt for a thinner and lighter fabric that can help to combat these concerns.
Scuba
- Made from spandex and polyester
- Double-knit fabric
- Won’t fray so edges can be left raw
Neoprene
- Made with foam sandwiched in between two fabrics
- Very insulating
Pros:
- Holds shape very well
- Insulating
- Provides a structured fit and silhouette
- Provides support
- Stretchy
- Weather and stretch-resistant
Cons:
- Can feel hot in warmer, tropical climates
Recommended for: leggings, bike shorts, tracksuits, hoodies, jackets
Michael Kors Scuba track pants
Lululemon Scuba hoodie
Koral activewear Scuba leggings
Commando Neoprene leggings
Rib (nylon and polyester)
More durable and elastic than regular plain knits, rib-knit fabrics use knit and purl stitches in alternating raised and lowered rows, creating cross-grain elasticity.
Available in an array of textures and weights, the fabric’s density is determined by the closeness of the knitting stitches.
When it comes to activewear garments, we recommend polyester or nylon rib-knit fabrics for their lightweight and moisture-wicking properties.
Combined with the stretchy and elastic advantages of rib knit, it makes for a great fabric choice for leggings and bike shorts, providing movement and an interesting appearance with its parallel rib pattern.
Pros:
- Elastic and durable
- Interesting ribbed texture
Cons:
- Fabric may fray if unraveled
Recommended for: leggings, bike shorts
Alo Yoga Ribbed high-waist leggings
Year of Ours Ribbed legging
H&M Ribbed cycling shorts
Onzie High-waist rib bike shorts
Taslan
Image: leantex.com
A popular choice in the manufacturing of outerwear due to its resistance to wear, wind, and water, Taslan is a highly durable lightweight polyamide fabric.
Treated with water-repellent and hydrophobic properties, its porous structure allows heat and vapor to dispel from the fabric while making it resistant to stains, wind, rain, and grease.
A resilient fabric with strength, wear, and weather resistance while retaining its breathable and vapor permeability, Taslan is also resistant to ultraviolet rays, making it a great option for light, outerwear for a comfortable workout.
Pros:
- Quick-drying
- Moisture-wicking
- Stain-resistant
- Strong and durable
- Wind and rain resistant
Cons:
- Fabric tends to generate rustling sound
Recommended for: windbreakers
Louis Vuitton Monogram reversible windbreaker
DKNY Taslan windbreaker
Tommy Hilfiger Taslan windbreaker
Oxford (nylon/polyester)
A popular high-quality choice for shirts, the oxford fabric was created in 19th century Scotland by a mill that named its 4 fabrics after the most prestigious universities of that time—Cambridge, Harvard, Yale, and of course—Oxford.
Light, lustrous and soft, oxford features a basketweave structure made by weaving multiple yarns together in a crossed vertical and horizontal direction.
Thin yarns are woven over a thicker filler yarn, with threads passing in one direction dyed while the others are left white, creating a thicker fabric with a fine texture and unique checkerboard appearance.
Pros:
- Wrinkle-resistant
- Ages well and gets softer with use
- Resistant to damage and wear
- Durable and versatile
Cons:
- Thicker compared to other shirting fabric
- Insulating properties can make it less breathable in hot climates
- Not suitable for formal attire
Recommended for: windbreakers
ALG Oxford windbreaker jacket
Volcom Oxford tan windbreaker
Stone Island Membrana Oxford windbreaker
Microfiber
Image: Eysan Fabrics
A synthetic fabric made from ultra-fine fibers, microfiber is popularised by its widespread use in cleaning products—loved for its ability to pick up more dirt and grime than other types of cloths.
Durable, absorbent, and water-repellant, the nature of microfiber wicks moisture away from the skin while keeping the wearer cool and dry from perspiration, making it a popular choice in athletic wear.
Being elastic, microfiber also allows movement and mobility during workouts, allowing stretch and elasticity while providing comfort.
Pros:
- Lightweight yet durable
- Moisture-wicking and water-repellant
- Wicks sweat away from skin
Cons:
- Tendency to accumulate static
Recommended for: windbreakers
Simons Microfiber half zip shirt
Superdry Microfiber wind bomber jacket
Adidas by Stella McCartney Microfiber windbreaker jacket
Nylon Poplin
Image: Sealanguage Textile
Made with a tightly woven plain weave, poplin is a sturdy durable fabric often used for making shirts and upholstery.
Originally made in fifteenth-century France with a silk warp and wool weft, the poplin fabrics that are used today are available in a wide variety of derived materials such as cotton, silk, polyester, lycra, and nylon.
Thin, lightweight, durable, and breathable, nylon-blend poplin fabrics make for an excellent choice for outerwear, as the nylon fiber content allows for the fabric to dry quickly.
Pros:
- Luxurious sheen
- Wrinkle and crease-resistant
- Easy to iron
- Breathable
Cons:
- Fabric is thin – may not provide enough insulation for cooler climates
Recommended for: windbreakers, shorts
Frankie Shop Poplin shorts
Polo Ralph Lauren Poplin windbreaker
Balenciaga Poplin windbreaker
Ripstop
Typically used for tactical gear and outdoor products such as sleeping bags, ripstop was originally designed to prevent ripping and tearing. Highly versatile and durable, the balanced square weave is made with an extra set of warp and weft yarns which creates extra reinforcement and tearing resistance.
Pros:
- Durable and strong
- Interesting square texture and appearance
- Lightweight and smooth
- Moisture-wicking
- Can be made to resist and repel water
Cons:
- Abrasion can cause holes to open along seams
Recommended for: windbreakers
Heron Preston Ripstop windbreaker
Adidas by Stella McCartney Floral print recycled ripstop windbreaker
Prada Printed ripstop windbreaker
Twill
A plain-weave fabric, the yarns in twill are packed closely together to result in its signature thick pattern of diagonal parallel ribs.
A weaving technique, fabrics made with a twill weave generally have a front (technical face) and back (technical back) side, with the front being more visually attractive, durable, and pronounced.
Often used for sturdy work clothing, trousers/pants, and upholstery, the durable fabric choice is also prevalent and distinguishable in denim, chino, drill, herringbone, and gabardine fabrics—which are all a type or variation of the twill.
For water and weather-proofing properties, twill fabrics can be treated with a durable water-resistant finish to resist wind and rain.
Pros:
- Durable
- Shows less wrinkles and creases
- Opaque
- Stain-resistant
Cons:
- Prone to shrinkage if not washed correctly
Recommended for: windbreakers
Calvin Klein Satin-twill windbreaker
Helmut Lang Lace-up twill jacket
Rick Owens Cropped twill windbreaker
Pongee
Image: leantex.com
Thin, and soft, pongee was originally named after a sheer fabric in China woven from raw silk.
Today, pongee is referred to as a durable lightweight woven fabric with an appearance of irregular filling and fine warp yarns.
Strong, durable and tightly woven, pongee is durable, waterproof, mildew and mold-resistant and dries quickly.
The abrasion-resistant fabric is also a top choice for umbrella manufacturers as it dyes and holds colors and designs well, and is stronger, tougher, and denser than nylon and polyester.
A durable fabric, pongee is a great choice for activewear windbreakers as it provides light and comfortable protection from wind and rain while allowing breathability.
Pros:
- Abrasion-resistant
- Waterproof and quick-drying
- Mildew and mold resistant
Cons:
- Generates static electricity
Recommended for: windbreakers
Fila – Pongee track jackets
French Terry (loopback)
Image: seamwork.com
Inconspicuous at first glance with its outer resemblance of ordinary jersey fabric, French terry features a smooth knitted outer side and a loosely woven, thread-looped pile inner, which gives it its alternative name the loopback.
Lighter than conventional sweatshirt fabrics, the looped backing provides a touch of warmth without being bulky, which makes for great light activewear garments that are suitable for layering.
Pros:
- Moisture-wicking
- Lightweight
- Wrinkle-resistant
- Easy care
Cons:
- Prone to piling
Recommended for: tracksuits, hoodies, jackets
Nike French terry hoodie
Lululemon French terry joggers
Armani French terry tracksuit
Hugo Boss French terry sweatshirt
Polar Fleece
Image via BST fabrics
Thicker and warmer than microfleece, polar fleece is a warm, soft, and lightweight fabric commonly used for apparel, outdoor clothing, as well as blankets.
Made by creating a cut-pile surface and a brushed back, polar fleece is typically constructed from lightweight polyester fiber.
Quick-drying and insulating, polar fleece has revolutionized the outdoor apparel industry and replaced heavy wool knitwear as it performs just as well at a fraction of the weight.
Soft, warm, and cozy, polar fleece can be worn alone or layered with a windbreaker to provide extra warmth in cool and windy conditions.
Pros:
- Plush and soft
- Cozy, warm, and provides insulation
- Quick-drying
- Lightweight and durable
- Can be worn year-round
Cons:
- Brushed fleece side has tendency to pill
Recommended for: hoodies, track pants, tracksuits
Stüssy Polar fleece hoodie
Fear of God Essentials Polar fleece hoodie
Adidas Originals Polar fleece tracksuit
Fleece
A synthetic fabric not to be confused with the coats of sheep, fleece fabric is created from polyester.
Woven into a light fabric that is brushed to aid in increasing fiber volume, it provides plush and cozy insulation.
Its moisture-resistant properties make it a popular choice for cooler weather and sportswear, wicking perspiration and allowing air to circulate to keep the skin comfortable and dry.
Pros:
- Warm, soft, cozy and plush
- Versatile and dynamic
- Wrinkle-resistant
- Good insulation
Cons:
- Can’t be washed, tumble dried, or ironed at high temperatures
- Prone to attracting lint and dust due to high static electricity
Recommended for: hoodies, jackets, sweatpants, shorts
FEAR OF GOD Cotton jersey hoodie
Nike Tech fleece hoodie
Alo Yoga tri-blend fleece hoodie
Plain Weave (nylon/polyester)
A type of weaving pattern, plain weave is the most simple and common type of basic weave made by horizontal and vertical yarns alternating over and under to create a durable, versatile and strong fabric.
Plain weave fabrics come in a variety of options spanning from chiffon, organza, to velvet, poplin and flannel.
Nylon and polyester plain weaves offer strength and durability while retaining properties such as being lightweight and breathable, which make them great choices suitable for activewear such as running tops and shorts.
Pros:
- Moisture-wicking
- Breathable
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Attracts lint
Recommended for: running shorts, running tops
Adidas Originals Nylon plain weave shorts
Adidas Polyester plain weave run shorts
Adidas by Stella McCartney Plain woven shorts
Dobby Weave
Nylon dobby weave with a honeycomb geometric pattern
Nylon dobby
Images via globalsources
Produced on a specialized dobby loom, the dobby weave is characterized by its small geometric patterns woven into the fabric.
Lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking, dobby weave fabrics used for sportswear may also incorporate a variety of different fibers such as cotton, silk, or nylon, and can also be coated to have liquid-resistant and antimicrobial properties.
Pros:
- Can be coated to be antimicrobial and water-resistant
- Lightweight, breathable and airy
- Flexible and stretchy
Cons:
- Cotton/polyester blends have a tendency to pill
Recommended for: running shorts
Adidas Dobby shorts
Under Armour Dobby shorts
Polo Sport Dobby weave running shorts
Adidas by Stella McCartney Dobby shorts
Double Weave
A weaving pattern in which two layers of fabric are weaved at the same time, double weave fabrics are fused to form a thicker, stronger, and more substantial fabric.
Due to the double construction, the thickness, hand-feel, construction and insulation properties of double weave fabrics are all increased.
This results in a weightier fabric that’s great for hoodies and sweatpants which provides a bit more structure yet remains soft to wear.
Pros:
- Increased thermal properties
- Thick and cozy
- Strong and durable
Cons:
- Fabric may fray
Recommended for: hoodies, jackets, sweatshirts
and wander Nylon double cloth hoodie
Brunello Cucinelli Virgin wool and cashmere double cloth sweatshirt
Needles Double cloth pants
Ponte di Roma (Double Knit)
Image: twintextile.com
Roughly translated to ‘Roman Bridge’ in Italian due to the fabric’s structure resembling classic roman bridges, Ponte Di Roma (also known as Ponte or Ponte Roma) is a soft, sturdy and thicker double-knit fabric with a slight horizontally ribbed appearance.
Made from a combination of rayon, polyester and spandex, the highly versatile Ponte di Roma is comfortable and flattering, and also easy to care for due to its layers of interlocking knit.
Found in various weighs, the fabric allows for a two-way stretch, molding to the body shape while it provides a smooth, sleek and streamlined silhouette.
Pros
- Very resilient and stable
- Almost rigid like a woven fabric
- Wrinkle-resistant
- Reversible
Cons
- Prone to snags
Recommended for: hoodies, tracksuits
Nike Tech ponte hoodie
Armani Ponte joggers
Under Armour Ponte hoodie
