Sportswear is a type of clothing that people wear when they exercise, go for a run, play a sport, etc. It is any clothing worn when you indulge in physical activity. In order to make your workout session comfortable, you need clothing that reduces perspiration and enables you to move swiftly. Hence, sportswear are created with special types of materials such as:
Cotton
Earlier the belief that prevailed among the masses was that cotton is a material that does not absorb sweat, so it is not a good option for active wear. However, off late, cotton sportswear is being made available as it has better odor management compared to other materials as it is breathable and does not hold on to the stench. However, when it comes to quick sweat absorbing, cotton still lags behind.
Calico
Calico is a subtype of cotton. It is an unprocessed version of cotton that is equally soft. This material is highly absorbent, which makes it a good choice for active wear clothing. Also, by using calico, you will be doing your bit towards the environment as it is environment-friendly.
Microfiber
Microfiber, as the name suggests, is a material made of fine tiny thread fibers with a linear density of not more than one denier. This means that microfiber has threads that are 100 times finer than a human hair. It is not naturally occurring, but man-made. Microfiber is an amalgam of different types of polyester. Microfiber is hence, an expensive material and often used in branded activewear.
Spandex
Spandex is one of the most common types of materials used in sportswear. This is because it has a high stretchability which makes the clothes agile and comfortable for movements. In fact, this material is known to stretch 100 times more than its original size, making it a favorite material for sportswear. What more? This material is known to absorb sweat, breathe and dry quickly.
Synthetic
Synthetic sportswear was introduced to make the lives of sportsperson easy by letting go of rubber and plastic sportswear that used to overheat them. Synthetic material can be used not only for clothing but other sporting equipment as well such as knee and elbow bands. This material is breathable and also quickly absorbs sweat to keep you cool.
Bamboo Fiber
Talking more about natural materials for sportswear, bamboo fiber is another choice that is an environment-friendly material as it is naturally made. Bamboo fiber is very light in weight and is moisture wicking, making it an odorless sportswear. Bamboo fiber also provides amazing protection from UV rays when you indulge in outdoor sports.
Gore-Tex
Gore-Tex is a hybrid material that is not only used to make sportswear clothing such as jackets, but also running shoes. It is a film of fabric that is generally coated over sportswear to make it air and waterproof. Regardless of this quality, it is still a breathable material that is a good choice for high-intensity sports. Basically, it keeps wind and water outside but enables the sweat to evaporate. This material is, therefore, a good choice for windcheaters.
Polyester
Polyester is another common type of material used in sportswear. It is basically cloth made out of plastic fibers making it light-weight, wrinkle-free, long lasting and breathable. It is non-absorbent in nature, which means that your sweat is not absorbed by this cloth but left to dry on its own. Polyester also has insulating properties, making it a good choice for both hot and cold weather.
Nylon
Nylon is a very soft material with a texture just like silk and is known to dry quickly. Nylon also wicks sweat and helps in easy evaporation. Nylon is also mildew resistant, making the fabric last longer. Nylon also has a good stretch and recovery capacity.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene is a plastic-based fabric. However, this fabric is completely water resistant, which means that even if the sweat comes on the outer layer of your clothing, the fabric will not be wet from the inside. This material can be used as a standalone fabric as well as a base layer with another fabric.
X- Static
X-Static is a material that is made of metal. The fibers of this fabric have silver particles infused in it. Silver is a metal with anti-bacterial properties that prevents the accumulation of bacteria and fungus. X-Static sportswear is, therefore, clean and free of odor even after excessive use.
Tencel
Tencel is a wood-based fiber which is made from wood pulp. Since this material is made out of wooden fibers, it has a good texture with perspiration wicking properties. Tencel is a material which is completely biodegradable making it an environment-friendly choice. This material stays cool and is wrinkle-free.
Wool
Wool is a good sportswear fabric in locations that have cold weather. The fibers in woolen fabric traps heat and helps in keeping you warm. Woolen fabric is breathable which makes it an odorless option for sportswear.
Neoprene
Neoprene is a synthetic fabric and is one of the thickest material from the above-mentioned options. It has a foam-like texture that acts as an insulator as well as a water resistor. Neoprene is, therefore, majorly used in the creation of water sportswear such as diving suits.
Sportswear is not created from just one material, but there are multiple options available. You even have a choice to go eco-friendly while you enjoy your sport or a good workout session. You could also get your sportwear customized. To know more about sportswear printing and customization, reach out to our clothing printing experts.