Activewear is a must if you're looking to get back in shape or want to look good while sweating it out at the gym. Buying suitable fabric for your needs can help make sure that your workout gear lasts longer and works better for you. Here are some guidelines for what you should look for when shopping for activewear fabric.
Know the lingo.
When shopping for activewear, it helps to know the meaning behind all those confusing terms. Here's a quick guide to help you understand what they refer to:
Polyester blends: These are fabrics made from synthetic fibres (polyester) and natural fibres (cotton, rayon). These can also be referred to as "synthetic/natural blends."
Nylon fabric: This is another type of artificial fibre that's very resilient and has high strength-to-weight ratio properties. It's often used in outerwear, underwear, shirting and other clothing items due to its durability/strength. A " nylon " garment has at least 95% nylon content (the remaining 5% could be spandex or cotton). Because nylon fabrics have good moisture management properties, they tend not to wrinkle easily.
Spandex: Spandex is an elastic synthetic fibre that provides stretchiness while retaining shape over time (it doesn't lose elasticity under stress). It's commonly used in leggings/yoga pants while providing support throughout exercise routines!
Lycra: Lycra is a type of spandex produced by DuPont Corporation that offers superior recovery performance compared with other types of spandexes on the market today.
Moisture Regulation
Moisture-wicking fabrics are designed to pull moisture away from the body, which can be beneficial when active. The quicker you can get the sweat off your skin, the better. These fabric types will also help keep you cool and dry during your workout.
Breathability
As a fabric breathes, it allows moisture vapour to pass through it. The importance of this factor cannot be overstated when choosing your exercise clothing, as you will not be able to wear clothing that will keep you comfortable and dry when exercising. In this case, it is measured in grammes per square metre per 24 hours, which means grammes per square metre per day. The lower the number (more breathable), the better!
Comfort
Comfort is one of the essential factors in choosing a fabric for activewear. Comfortable fabrics keep you cool and prevent chafing, which can be especially difficult during a workout. You'll also feel great wearing comfortable clothes, which is always good for your mental health.
Comfort comes in many forms: soft and stretchy (like silk or jersey), lightweight but heavy enough to provide coverage (like cotton gauze), or even mixed with other materials like spandex or fleece. Any combination of these things can be comfortable!
Durability
Durability is the ability of a fabric to resist wear and tear. Durable fabrics tend to be more expensive than less durable fabrics. However, if you plan on using your activewear for a long time or want to wash it often, then durability will be necessary. If you're looking for something that will last you through many workouts but don't mind doing laundry more frequently, consider buying one or two pieces made of a more durable material like wool or a combination of cotton and spandex. If you're looking for something that you can repeatedly wear without showing signs of wear too quickly, consider purchasing one or two pieces made from the same fabric in multiple colourways so you can mix and match them as desired.
Style
It would be best always to consider your body type when selecting active wear. If you are new to the world of activewear, this can be a challenging task. The following tips will help guide you in finding styles that flatter your figure:
Avoid wearing tops with high necklines if you have a long torso. If possible, choose vests or jackets that cover the chest area but expose the waistline. Furthermore, vests allow you to display your sculpted arms.
If you're blessed with broad shoulders and a muscular build, don't hide them! A revealing tank top in an athletic-inspired print will draw attention to your flattering feature.
UPF
Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF), also known as sun protection factor (SPF), is a measurement of how much UV fabric blocks radiation (UV). The higher the UPF level, the more UV radiation blocked from passing through the clothing. A UPF rating of 50 blocks 98% of all UV rays; a rating of 100 blocks 99%.
Look for garments with at least a 30+ UPF rating to protect your skin from harmful rays.
Antimicrobial Properties
Antimicrobial fabrics combat the growth of bacteria and fungi. The process uses a chemical treatment called silver ions that inhibits the growth of these microbes. These fabrics are often used for athletic wear because they reduce your risk of skin infections.
Cost-Effective
When buying activewear fabric, it's essential to consider both the price and quality of the fabric. When shopping for fabric, ask yourself: What is the difference between a reasonable price on an expensive fabric and a good price on a cheap one?
The answer is how much time you will spend using it. If you only wear your activewear once or twice in its lifespan, then buying less expensive fabrics may be best for your budget. But if you plan on wearing your clothes daily (or 90% of the time), investing in higher-quality items that will last longer than cheaper options can make sense.
When comparing prices between two types of fabrics, consider whether they'll last through years of washing or just months—and how often they'll see wear over their life cycle as activewear garments before being retired from duty altogether!
Flattering Fit
The fabric you choose should be comfortable, breathable and flexible. If you're looking for a workout top with long sleeves, look for one that has a slightly looser fit compared to a fitted tank top. It's important to note that some fabrics are not very flattering on your body type or shape, so it's essential to consider this when choosing your activewear.
Try a tank top with short sleeves or a t-shirt if you want something more fitted. You can show off your arms in these styles, making them appear more toned. If you want to go with something longer, try out loose-fitting tanks or crop tops that you can wear under other activewear pieces.
Conclusion
Ultimately, there's no right or wrong answer when choosing the suitable fabric for your activewear. It would be best to look at what you want from your clothing, what you're willing to pay for it, and how much time you spend researching. We hope we've given you some helpful insights into what makes a good fabric so that next time someone asks us which brand of tights they should buy, we can point them straight here!
