The one bright spot about 2020 could be the global emphasis on physical fitness, which led to a surge in demand for sportswear, activewear, and athleisure clothing. The infatuation with this clothes remains on a worldwide scale long after the fitness fad wanes. What condition is the cloth in as a result? And in 2023, what will sportswear be composed of?
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Although there are many other materials and mixes used to make sportswear, polyester, nylon, and spandex are the most often used ones. These synthetic fibers are perfect for sportswear since they are strong, lightweight, and moisture-wicking. Natural and recycled fibers are becoming more and more popular as alternatives to manufactured ones.
Many sustainable fibers are gradually replacing synthetic ones in clothing, such as bamboo, hemp, recycled polyester, and organic cotton, but there is still a long way to go. Let’s examine the top five fashion trends for the time being before returning to the topic of sportswear.
WHAT SUBSTANCE IS USED TO MAKE SPORTSWEAR?
The phrase “sportswear” is quite wide and can include anything from team jerseys to yoga trousers and anything in between. The fabric used to make sportswear will depend on the kind of clothing you’re talking about.
Sports bras, tank tops, and leggings, for instance, are examples of sportswear that frequently combines spandex and polyester and is also utilizing more environmentally friendly materials. This combination is ideal for working out since it is elastic, lightweight, and moisture-wicking.
Conversely, soccer jerseys are frequently composed of 100% polyester, which is a strong material that can survive the demands of the game but is also beginning to see a rise in recycled polyester.
To achieve the majority of sustainable clothes, however, a great deal more effort remains despite the best-intentioned modifications.
THE TOP 5 FIBERS USED IN TECHNICAL SPORTSWEAR
First, polyester is ubiquitous.
The most common fabric in sportswear and athleisure is polyester since it’s affordable, strong, and offers a range of qualities that make it perfect for activewear. To make an item of clothing more adaptable, polyester is frequently combined with different textiles.
For instance, to make a fabric with exceptional stretch and recovery, polyester and spandex are frequently combined together. Leggings, sports bras, and other compression clothing frequently include this mixture. Additionally, cotton and polyester are combined to make a lightweight, breathable fabric that is ideal for summer sportswear.
Furthermore, producers such as Repreve have established official partnerships with several international sportswear labels to begin utilizing recycled polyester instead of virgin polyester. To make polyester a more sustainable fabric, this initiative is a modest first step in the correct way.
2. Spandex/Elastane: The Elastic Materials
The synthetic fabric known as spandex, or elastane, was initially created in the 1940s. This fabric, which is well-known for its performance and comfort, has amazing stretch and recovery qualities. It can be stretched up to five times its original length and, when released, will revert to its original shape.
As a result, spandex—which is often mixed with cotton or polyester—is a great material for sportswear as it permits complete range of motion without sacrificing the structural integrity of the item. Leggings, yoga pants, compression clothing, and swimwear are common items that include spandex.
Although harmful chemicals are used in the manufacturing process, certain spandex can be certified to meet the Recycled Claim Standard (RCS), indicating that at least 5% of its ingredients came from recycled sources.
3. NYLON: DULL AND STRONG
The synthetic polymer known as nylon was initially created in the 1930s to take the role of silk. Because of its strength and durability, this fabric is perfect for athletic items that will be subjected to a lot of wear and tear.
Because it offers a lot of support, nylon is frequently used in sports bras, cycling shorts, and other compression clothing. Furthermore, nylon is frequently utilized as a reinforcement in other textiles; for instance, the outside of many sports bras is made of nylon, while the inside is made of cotton or polyester.
Its great elasticity and smooth fit make it perfect for swimwear when applied to knit materials. It is ideal for use in outerwear applications because to its poor breathability and mild moisture-wicking capabilities.
It’s simple to add a durable water-repellent (DWR) treatment to nylon woven textiles, such softshell and ripstop, to aid in moisture beading up and rolling off the fabric’s surface.
While recycled polyester is far more common, some nylon may also be recycled. In fact, some firms can turn nylon nets into recycled nylon.
4. MERINO WOOL: THE FIBER OF NATURE
The merino sheep, a breed of sheep that originated in Spain and is now distributed around the world, produces the wool that is known as merino wool. This wool is perfect for sportswear since it is exceptionally soft and has great moisture-wicking qualities.
Because merino wool is so delicate, it’s frequently used in base layers and other clothing that will be worn adjacent to the skin. It’s a well-liked option for socks as well since it helps control body temperature and avoid blisters.
Despite being a natural fiber, merino wool production does need a lot of resources; sheep must be shorn annually, and the wool must be treated before it is usable. Moreover, merino wool is more prone to pilling and is not as resilient as synthetic materials.
Wool is seeing some innovation, though. Nuyarn, for example, is a firm that makes yarns from merino wool that amp up all the qualities you love about it and are 50% stronger.
5. THE “NEW” PLAYER, MMCFS
Man-created Cellulosic Fibers, or MMCFs, are a “new” kind of fabric created from wood pulp, a sustainable and renewable resource that can come from a range of raw materials, including bamboo, eucalyptus, and beech.
In this case, “new” is definitely in quotes because some of these techniques are fairly old, but they are relatively new in terms of natural fibers.
In sportswear apparel, these fibers are frequently utilized in place of synthetic materials like nylon, polyester, and others.
Many of the characteristics of synthetic fabrics are shared by MMCFs, such as their strength, durability, superior moisture-wicking capabilities, and rapid drying times.
They also offer a few key advantages over synthetic materials, such as being recyclable, biodegradable, and requiring a lot less energy to make.
TENCEL, a Lenzing product, is among the most well-liked MMCFs available today. TENCEL’s soft, absorbent, and superior moisture-wicking qualities make it a popular material for athletic wear, undergarments, and socks.
Although there are many various kinds of materials that may be utilized to make sportswear, these five are among the most well-liked ones as 2023 approaches. Each has benefits and drawbacks, therefore it’s critical to select the appropriate cloth for the task.
MATTERS WHAT MATERIAL IS USED TO MAKE TECHNICAL SPORTSWEAR?
Athletic clothing should be forgettable and comfortable in the sense that the wearer isn’t bothered by their clothing, how it fits, or whether it slides, pinches, moves awkwardly, or does any of these other things.
We collaborate with customers to choose the best fabrics for clothing designs in order to minimize and get rid of fit and function problems.
The capacity of a garment to regulate temperature, whether worn alone or layered with other items, is crucial for designers of both individual pieces and collections. Thermal regulation is also highly significant.
Thinking about how a set of clothes will feel goes beyond just the temperature; it also include how the fabrics will feel against one another and whether they will slide past or cling together.
And appearances do count in the end.
Appealing clothing may encourage, inspire, and provide a natural energy boost. Customers will go for clothing that can be used for everyday activities as well as sporting endeavors more frequently.
Simple styles may be elevated with the addition of mesh panels, ergonomic seams, laser-cut trimming, elegant zippers, and eye-catching designs. The fit, functionality, and design of a garment may be greatly improved by applying these elements with consideration for the various types and strengths of cloth.
Consumers trust you to deliver technical sportswear that is functional, but there is much more to this kind of clothing than meets the eye. You must direct your clients to the appropriate items, and we are here to assist you in doing so.
