9 Reasons Why Stretch Fabric Is The Superior Material For Activewear Clothing

Stretch fabric has come a long way since its invention during the early 20th century, and today it can be found everywhere from athletic apparel and fitness enthusiasts’ wardrobes to everyday men.

Why do so many people opt for activewear as part of their activewear wardrobes?

Explore all you need to know about men’s activewear fabrics through reading our comprehensive guide! We cover everything you’ll need for success when buying activewear fabrics for men.

What Is Stretch Fabric?

Stretch fabric should always be your top pick! Stretch fabrics provide maximum mobility during any workout session.

As its name implies, elastic fabric offers great stretch-return ability and snug comfort – ideal when exercising or on the go! Elastic fibres typically achieve this by including them in fabric blends containing them providing comfort, flexibility, and snug fitting options; perfect when exercising!

Types of Stretch Fabric

What Fabric Is Best Suitable for Activewear? There is an assortment of stretch fabrics from which you can select for activewear – here are a few commonly seen examples:

Stretch Nylon

Stretch nylon fabric is lightweight yet strong and resistant to abrasion, making it the ideal material for swimwear and sportswear due to its ability to retain shape even after extended submersion in water or during vigorous activities. Stretch nylon’s stretch properties also lend themselves well to rapid drying times after exposure to liquid or vigorous activities, making this versatile fabric popular with users of activewear or swimwear alike.

Stretch Polyester

Stretch polyester fabric is known for its durability, quick-drying properties, and resistance to wrinkles and shrinkage – qualities which combine comfort with performance, making it suitable for rigorous activities like sports.

Stretch Cotton

Stretch cotton offers the comfort and pliancy of cotton with spandex’s elastic properties for the full range of motion during everyday wear and light exercise, making this mix suitable for daily wear or light fitness routines.

Spandex (Lycra or Elastane)

Spandex is one of the best-known stretch fabrics, known for its extraordinary elasticity. Stretchable up to five times its original length before returning back into shape without loss.

Stretch Fabric Market Size

Stretch fabric sales globally have experienced considerable expansion over the years. While much of our research relates to spandex-type fabrics specifically, this does help give us more of an overall picture of this booming industry.

Back in 2021, the global spandex market was valued at $8484.9 million and projected to experience growth between now and 2030 of 9.24%.

This surge is driven by rising consumer demand for comfortable yet functional apparel, particularly activewear.

9 Reasons Why Stretch Fabric Is The Superior Material For Activewear Clothing

So what exactly are the advantages of stretch fabric? Below, we discuss nine reasons it makes an ideal option:

1. Improved Performance

Stretch fabric clothing can make an incredible impact in performance, supporting muscles while improving circulation and decreasing fatigue levels. Stretch fabrics were specifically created with this in mind. Their snug-fitting supports your muscles to help enhance blood flow while decreasing muscle fatigue.

Highlights include:

Muscle support – Compression elements embedded within stretch fabrics provide support to muscles, aiding performance and recovery.
Reduced vibration – Stretch fabric reduces muscle vibration, which may help decrease fatigue.
Increased blood flow – Compression therapy can facilitate faster recovery post-workout.

2. Durability

Activewear needs to be tough enough to stand up to frequent use and washing without losing its shape or functionality. Stretch fabric has proven its resilience time after time by withstanding intense physical activity as well as frequent washes without becoming unusable or losing shape or functionality.

3. Breathability

Staying cool and dry during a workout is of utmost importance, which is why stretch fabrics often feature breathability features designed to wick away sweat quickly and evaporate it efficiently from your skin.

Features that help with breathability include:

Moisture-wicking technology – Fabrics equipped with moisture-wicking properties are used to draw sweat away from the body.
Mesh panels – Some stretch fabric garments feature mesh panels to enhance ventilation.
Quick Dry – Stretch fabrics often dry more quickly than conventional materials, offering greater comfort for users.

4. Enhanced Flexibility

As soon as you start engaging in physical activities, your clothing must keep up. Stretch fabric offers outstanding flexibility that enables you to easily stretch, bend, and twist.

For activities requiring wide ranges of motion, such as yoga, pilates, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), this feature can be especially advantageous.

Stretch fabric provides unparalleled freedom to perform at your peak without feeling restrained by restrictions or limitations.

Highlights include:

Four-Way Stretch: Stretch fabrics offer unparalleled flexibility by being capable of expanding in four directions simultaneously, offering comprehensive flexibility.
Freedom of movement – Ideal for dynamic sports like basketball and football, where unrestricted movement is essential.
Resistance to deformation – Stretch fabrics return to their original shapes over time while keeping their flexibility.

5. Unmatched Comfort

Comfort is key when it comes to activewear, and stretch fabric excels in providing it! Thanks to its elastic properties, stretch fabrics flex with your body for an optimal yet snug yet comfy fit that eliminates chafing or irritation during workouts.

Stretch fabrics usually incorporate materials like cotton and polyester for soft fabric that feels good against your skin.
Stretch fabric garments often boast seamless designs to reduce friction and enhance comfort.
Stretch fabric’s ability to conform to different body forms ensures a tailored experience for users of this material.

6. Versatility

Stretch fabric is highly adaptable and suitable for various activities and sports, including gym workouts, running races, team sports matches, and outdoor adventures. Stretch material comes in all sorts of fabrics that offer stretch properties – think shorts and leggings all the way through to tops and jackets, making this versatile fabric great for activewear! Stretch fabrics also lend themselves well for use during gym workouts as leggings! Stretch material also stands up well during team sports matches or adventure outings!

No matter your preferred form of exercise, stretch fabric activewear will surely meet all your requirements.

7. Style and Fit

Activewear made of stretch fabric not only performs efficiently but also looks fantastic.

Fabric conforms perfectly to your body, creating an appealing yet chic aesthetic. A tailored fit boosts confidence when working out or playing sports. Stretch fabric also keeps its form, helping ensure that your activewear continues looking its best wash after wash. Now available in multiple designs and colours, stretch fabric activewear allows you to express yourself freely while staying comfortable and looking your best.

8. Ease of Care

Caretaking of activewear shouldn’t be difficult; stretch fabric makes the task effortless. Most stretch fabric garments can be machine washed and dried without special treatments needed after each use.

9. Eco-Friendly Options

As sustainability becomes ever more essential, many manufacturers have started producing stretch fabrics using eco-friendly practices and materials.

Brands like Dockers have integrated recycled fibres and sustainable production techniques into their activewear collections, incorporating recycled content and production methods.

Therefore, when shopping for stretch fabric activewear, you should make an eco-conscious selection that not only performs effectively but also is in line with your values and ideals.

How to Select Stretch Fabric

Here are some quick tips:

Consider Your Activity – Different activities require various levels of stretch and support; high-impact sports require fabric with higher spandex content to provide adequate stretch. For optimal performance in these instances, opt for fabrics rich in spandex content such as Lycra.
Maintain Breathability – When searching for performance gym wear, keep an eye out for moisture-wicking properties and breathability features to aid an intense workout experience.
Examine durability – To ensure longevity of the fabric and to withstand frequent washing and heavy use.
Test Stretch – To maximize flexibility and comfort, ensure the fabric provides four-way stretch.
Check for eco-friendly options – When making decisions that will have an effect on the planet, select fabrics made from recycled material or produced using sustainable practices.
Test out the fabric – Make sure it feels comfortable against your skin.
Care instructions – Look for fabrics that can easily maintain their shape and performance over time, such as polyester.
Fit & Style Considerations – To find clothing that complements both fit and style needs, be sure to select fabrics that deliver optimal comfort as well.

Sustainable Approaches to Activewear Purchase

Considerations of environmental impacts when purchasing activewear are increasingly crucial.

Consider Recycled Materials – Today, many activewear brands now provide products made of recycled polyester or nylon material, making this trend increasingly attractive to their target customer base.
Choose eco-friendly brands – Dockers is committed to responsible production methods. When searching for companies that prioritize environmental responsibility in their production processes, look out for those like Dockers.
Quality Over Quantity – Opting for high-quality activewear that lasts longer is key to cutting down consumption and waste. Investing in longer-wearing pieces means fewer replacements are needed and thus reducing consumption and waste.
Care for Your Clothes – Follow these care instructions in order to extend the lifespan of your activewear garments and maintain their elasticity and durability. Regular washing and drying help preserve their fabric’s elasticity and resilience.

Stretch Fabric Is Perfect for Activewear Wear for Men

As is shown here, stretch fabric provides everything a man’s activewear needs! When upgrading his workout wardrobe, make sure stretch fabrics provide optimal looks and fits!