If you want to order a batch of performance fabrics for sports but don’t know how to choose the right manufacturer, then please keep reading. Choosing the wrong fabric can lead to a series of problems such as certification failure and returns. We will offer you strong assistance for your business decision from 6 performance dimensions, professional certifications, and applicable sports scenarios.
What Are Performance Fabrics?
Definition:
Performance fabrics, also known as performance textiles, are special fabrics that have been engineered for specific purposes. They not only meet the daily requirements for aesthetics and comfort, but also can fulfill some specific functional needs.
These fabrics are developed to enhance professional performance in fields such as sports, outdoor activities, healthcare, military and industry. The performance fabrics in sports meet the demanding requirements of athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Comparison: Performance Fabrics vs. Natural Fibers
In sportswear, the fabrics are mainly divided into performance fabrics and natural fibers.
Performance Fabrics: They are made of synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon and spandex, which can enhance athletic performance and comfort.
Natural Fibers: For instance, natural fibers such as cotton and linen are very comfortable to wear, but they lack the functionality required for physical activity.
6 Core Performance Metrics of Performance Fabrics
Moisture-wicking
Definition: The moisture-wicking feature enables the rapid removal of sweat from the body during intense exercise, and then the evaporation of moisture occurs on the surface of the clothing. This ensures that the wearer remains dry even when sweating profusely during exercise or in hot summer weather.
Working principle: The main principle of the moisture absorption and sweat discharge function is based on the capillary action.
Through the combination of hydrophilic fibers and hydrophobic fibers, as well as key mechanisms such as the two-stage mechanism of water conduction in the irregularly shaped cross-section fibers, the liquid flows within the tiny spaces of the fibers, thereby allowing water vapor to evaporate.
Industry testing standards: The main industry certification standards include AATCC 195, AATCC 197, and so on. You can ask the manufacturer about these certifications to determine whether the fabric’s moisture-wicking performance is good.
Stretch And Recovery
Definition: This performance enables the fabric to return to its original shape after being stretched during movement. Not only does it provide sufficient freedom of movement, but it also makes the clothing less prone to deformation.
Working principle: By using elastic fibers and special textile techniques, such as the combination of nylon and Lycra materials, injuries during exercise can be prevented.
Industry testing standards:Fabrics certified by ASTM D4964 and ASTM D3107 have an elastic recovery rate of over 90% and can be stretched to 100% – 300% of their original length.
Thermal Regulation
Definition: The temperature-regulating fabric can sense the changes between the human body temperature and the ambient temperature in different environmental conditions.This enables active management of heat, maintaining a comfortable body temperature.
Working principle: Mainly using PCM technology, reversible conversion between solid and liquid states occurs within a specific temperature range, absorbing and releasing heat. Graphene, boron nitride and carbon nanofibers have also been used to enhance thermal conductivity, phase stability and flexibility.
Industry testing standards: The main certifications include ASTM F1868 and ISO 11092, which are important indicators for measuring this performance. You can pay more attention to it when placing your order.
UV Protection
Definition: This fabric, through a special structure and treatment, can effectively block harmful ultraviolet radiation, protecting the skin from sunburn.
Working principle: The main idea is to utilize high-density textile technology to prevent light from passing through this layer of fabric. During the spinning process, nano-sized ultraviolet absorbers are also added, which convert ultraviolet rays into harmless heat energy for release.
Industry testing standards: The main certifications include AATCC 183 and AS/NZS 4399. In addition, there is the UPF rating that can determine the UV Protection effect. Fabrics with a UPF value of 15 or above are considered to have protective functionality.
Antimicrobial And Odor Control
Definition: This is one of the notable features of the sport performance fabric. It prevents the generation of odors by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. This ensures that the clothes do not smell unpleasant due to prolonged wearing and sweating.
Working principle: This performance fabric utilizes a skin-friendly silver-based solution, through which the silver ions in the solution act as antibacterial agents to inhibit the growth of bacteria.
It may also use climate-active nanofibers, along with inorganic antibacterial components.This makes the fabric soft, breathable and with excellent fit. It won’t give off any unpleasant odor.
Industry testing standards: This type of fabric mainly includes JIS L 1902 and AATCC 100 certifications.The certified fabrics also have washability and can be washed repeatedly.
Waterproofing And Breathability
Definition: This fabric can effectively prevent external moisture from entering, while the internal moisture can be discharged. It is both waterproof and does not make wearers feel stuffy.
Working principle: The main principle is that a waterproof breathable membrane is applied. The small holes on the membrane are smaller than water droplets, which prevent rainwater from entering but allow water vapor to pass through.
It also uses DWR technology to make the fabric surface hydrophobic. This can cause the rainwater to quickly form droplets and roll off, avoiding prolonged soaking of the fabric.
Industry testing standards: The main certifications include ISO 811:1989 and BS EN 20811:92.
Application of Performance Fabrics in Different Sports
Running / Fitness
When doing these exercises, it is recommended to choose sports clothes made of moisture-wicking and lightweight materials.
Running and fitness training are both high-intensity exercises that cause a lot of sweating. Therefore, moisture-wicking fabrics are very important. Also, for ease of movement, the fabric needs to be lightweight as well. Polyester and spandex are highly recommended.
Yoga / Pilates
Yoga and Pilates place more emphasis on the flexibility of the body and the execution of difficult movements. It is recommended to choose fabrics with high elasticity and soft texture, such as blends of nylon and spandex.
Outdoors / Mountaineering
When engaging in outdoor activities or mountain climbing, it is recommended to choose fabrics with windproof, waterproof, moisture-permeable, and wear-resistant properties. Sometimes it’s difficult to predict outdoor weather changes. In case of rain, waterproof sports clothes can provide you with convenience.
During the mountain climbing process, scratches are inevitable. Therefore, durable climbing clothes are also very important.
Team Ball Games
During basketball, football and baseball games or training sessions, after prolonged training, sweat gets absorbed and bacteria can easily multiply. Therefore, sportswear that is easy to wash and has antibacterial properties is the first choice.
Of course, to maintain the uniqueness and aesthetic appeal of the team, some fabrics with good color fastness are also suitable.
Winter Sports
In winter sports, heat insulation and UV protection are very important. Especially for skiing, the reflection of snow causes strong ultraviolet rays. Therefore, not only is it necessary to keep warm, but also it is equally important to avoid sunburn.
Cycling
During cycling, especially during long rides, the leg muscles are prone to injury. Therefore, it is necessary to choose sports clothing made of fabrics with compression function, elastic recovery and wear resistance, such as nylon-lycra blends.
Swimming / Beach Sports
When doing these exercises, the ultraviolet rays are very strong. You can choose UV protection and quick-drying fabrics to make sports clothes. It’s best to select those with UPF 50+.
FAQ
How Long Does the Effect of Moisture-proof And Antibacterial Treatment Last?
This depends on the manufacturing process. The common moisture-proof and antibacterial fabrics can be washed about 20 times, because the chemical coating will lose its effectiveness after being washed 20 times. However, the fabrics using silver ion antibacterial technology can be washed repeatedly for more than 50 times and remain effective.
Is Performance Fabric Just for Athletics?
Of course not! More and more performance fabrics will be used in everyday clothing, such as skirts, shirts, sweatshirts, and so on. The UV protection feature has always been an advantage, and people always want to have this feature in their daily clothing. Work clothes can enhance comfort by adding moisture-wicking, sweat-wicking and antibacterial functions, making them more popular among people.
What Are the Common Mistakes When Purchasing Performance Fabrics?
Some certifications do not match the fabric performance, and it is difficult to detect such errors without careful inspection. Some certifications may have expired, but the manufacturers still use them. You should also be aware of this when placing an order.
In the Next Two Years, Which Types of Performance Fabrics Should We Pay Attention to?
Multifunctional fabrics, recyclable and renewable fabrics are popular. The current demand is for the fabric that possesses comprehensive performance, meaning it should incorporate all the features such as moisture-wicking, antibacterial properties, quick drying, and UV protection in one. The recycled polyester and biobased nylon that have obtained GRS certification are moving from the high-end market to the mainstream market.
Final Thoughts
Goal Sportswear is a professional manufacturer of sports clothing. In addition to providing you with suggestions on the selection of sports clothing fabrics, we can also offer customized services and ensure it meets all the requirements of various sports events. If you have such an order requirement, please contact us as soon as possible.
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