Skip to content 
When it comes to choosing the right fabric for your sweatshirt, there are key points that shouldn’t be overlooked. Firstly, it is important to understand that different fabrics are suitable for different sports and activity types, so fully consider the nature of the activity before choosing. Secondly, consider the breathability and moisture absorption of the fabric, as these properties directly affect comfort. At the same time, wear resistance is also an important factor, which can extend the service life of the jersey. Finally, elasticity is important to provide adequate freedom of movement. Taken together, taking these factors into consideration will help you make smart fabric choices that will ensure your sweatshirt performs well in every situation.
Choosing the right sweatshirts fabric is key to performance and comfort
Choosing the right fabric for your jersey is a crucial step in the sports apparel design and manufacturing process. This decision not only affects the performance and comfort of the jersey, but also has a direct bearing on the wearer’s experience and performance. In the production of sweatshirts, fabrics play a vital role. They determine the breathability, moisture absorption, wear resistance, elasticity and other key properties of the sweatshirt.
Sweatshirt fabric selection requires a combination of factors, including type of sport, climate conditions, intensity of activity and personal preference. For example, high-intensity exercise may require fabrics that are more breathable, while colder climates require materials with excellent insulation properties. In addition, for consumers who are concerned about environmental protection and sustainability, choosing environmentally friendly sweatshirt fabrics has become increasingly important.
In summary, understanding and correctly choosing the right fabric for your sweatshirt is a critical step in ensuring the performance, comfort, and quality of your sweatshirt. This is not only related to the functionality of the sweatshirt, but also directly affects the wearer’s experience and confidence. Therefore, when designing and manufacturing a sweatshirt, fabric selection should be considered a crucial decision and a variety of factors need to be carefully considered to ensure that the final sweatshirt meets the needs and expectations of the wearer.
Ideal for sweatshirts Discover fabrics for sportswear
In this article, I will share with you some important information about suitable fabrics for sweatshirts. Understanding the different types of fabrics and their properties is crucial to choosing the right sweatshirt. As an athletic apparel designer and manufacturer, I know that fabric choice has a huge impact on the performance and comfort of a sweatshirt. So I’m going to share my expertise with you to help you make informed decisions in the design and construction of your sweatshirt. Whether you are a manufacturer, designer or sports enthusiast, I believe this article will be helpful to you. Let’s dive into the secrets of various sweatshirt fabrics.
29 Fabrics for Sweatshirts
Cotton
- Advantages: soft, breathable, hygroscopic, comfortable and suitable for daily wear.
- Disadvantages: Wrinkles easily, is not elastic, and may absorb water in humid conditions.
- Features: Natural fiber, suitable for all climate conditions.
Polyester
- Advantages: durable, not easy to wrinkle, maintains stable shape, and dries quickly.
- Disadvantages: Airtight, poor hygroscopicity, may cause odor.
- Features: Synthetic fiber, suitable for sweatshirts because of its durability.
Spandex
- Advantages: High elasticity, good resilience, and can provide a comfortable fit.
- Disadvantages: Susceptible to sunlight and heat, which may reduce durability.
- Features: Increases the elasticity and comfort of fabrics, often used in clothing with strong stretchability.
Polyester Fiber
- Advantages: lightweight, wear-resistant, wrinkle-resistant, not easily deformed.
- Disadvantages: poor hygroscopicity and not breathable.
- Features: Versatile fiber, widely used in sports and outdoor clothing.
Wool
- Advantages: Warmth, good hygroscopicity, anti-wrinkle, self-cleaning ability.
- Disadvantages: easy to shrink, requires special care, may cause allergies.
- Features: Natural fiber, suitable for cold climates and high quality sweatshirt.
Brushed Cotton
- Advantages: soft, warm and comfortable.
- Disadvantages: Poor hygroscopicity, may not be suitable for humid environments.
- Features: Brushed treatment makes the surface more delicate and provides extra warmth.
Poly-Cotton Blend
- Advantages: good hygroscopicity, wear resistance, not easy to wrinkle, combines the advantages of cotton and polyester.
- Disadvantages: May lack the properties of some natural fibers, such as the breathability of pure cotton.
- Features: A blend of fibers with multiple benefits, widely used in sweatshirts.
Nylon
- Advantages: wear-resistant, lightweight and durable.
- Disadvantages: Poor hygroscopicity and may not be breathable.
- Features: Strong synthetic fiber often used in sports and outdoor clothing.
Lycra/Elastane
- Advantages: high elasticity, good resilience, close-fitting and comfortable.
- Disadvantages: May be affected by sunlight and heat, reducing durability.
- Features: Increases the elasticity and comfort of clothing, often used in tight-fitting and elastic clothing.
Velvet
- Advantages: soft, luxurious, textured.
- Disadvantages: Easy to leave marks, requires special care, not suitable for all occasions.
- Features: High-end fabrics, often used for special occasions and cold season clothing.
Fleece Lined
- Pros: Warm, soft, absorbent and provides extra comfort.
- Disadvantages: Heavy and heavy, may not be suitable for hot weather.
- Features: Thickened inner fabric for cold season sweatshirts and outdoor activities.
Polyester Film Fabric
- Advantages: lightweight, waterproof, wear-resistant.
- Disadvantages: May not be breathable and hard.
- Features: Suitable for sweatshirts that require waterproof performance, such as raincoats and outdoor gear.
Velvet Knit
- Advantages: soft, comfortable, textured.
- Disadvantages: Easy to leave marks and requires special care.
- Features: High-grade knitted fabric, often used in comfortable and luxurious sweatshirts.
Oxford Cloth
- Advantages: wear-resistant, strong and breathable.
- Cons: Can be stiff and not as comfortable as some fabrics.
- Features: Commonly used in durable sweatshirts and outdoor gear for high durability.
PU Coated Fabric
- Advantages: waterproof, wear-resistant, with certain elasticity.
- Disadvantages: May not be breathable and not suitable for high temperature environments.
- Features: Commonly used in outdoor sweatshirts and raincoats to provide waterproof functionality.
Plaid Fabric
- Pros: Stylish, versatile, and suitable for casual style sweatshirts.
- Disadvantages: Specific disadvantages depend on the type of fabric, but they are generally not suitable for high-intensity exercise.
- Features: The plaid pattern adds a fashion element and is suitable for casual and daily wear.
Swimsuit Fabric
- Advantages: Water-resistant, quick-drying, tight-fitting.
- Disadvantages: Not suitable for cold weather, may be a little tight on the skin.
- Features: Designed for use in swimwear, but also used in tight jersey and diving gear.
Stretch Mesh Fabric
- Advantages: High elasticity, ventilation, lightweight.
- Disadvantages: May not provide enough warmth, not suitable for cold environments.
- Features: Suitable for sweatshirts that require breathability and elasticity, such as running gear.
Lightweight Nylon
- Advantages: lightweight, wear-resistant, and breathable.
- Cons: May not be warm enough for extreme cold conditions.
- Features: Commonly used in lightweight sweatshirts and outdoor activity gear to provide durability and breathability.
Seersucker Fabric
- Pros: Airy, breathable, lightweight.
- Cons: Wrinkles easily, may require ironing.
- Features: Commonly used in summer sweatshirts and casual wear to provide cooling.
Poly-Cotton Knit
- Advantages: good hygroscopicity, wear resistance and comfort.
- Disadvantages: May not be as breathable as pure cotton fabrics, suitable for multi-season wear.
- Features: Combines the benefits of cotton and polyester, suitable for a variety of sweatshirt styles.
Nylon Knit
- Advantages: lightweight, wear-resistant, and somewhat elastic.
- Disadvantages: Not suitable for keeping warm, may be tight on skin.
- Features: Commonly used in high-impact jerseys and tight-fitting gear to provide durability.
Taffeta
- Advantages: Smooth, lightweight, glossy.
- Disadvantages: May not be breathable and not suitable for high temperature environments.
- Features: Often used in windbreakers and light jackets, with a sense of fashion.
Chiffon
- Advantages: Lightweight, soft and breathable.
- Disadvantages: Fragile and easy to wear.
- Features: Typically used in lightweight women’s sweatshirts and summer gear, providing a soft touch.
Canvas
- Advantages: wear-resistant, strong and durable.
- Disadvantages: Rough, not suitable for close-fitting wear.
- Features: Commonly used in the production of durable items such as coats, backpacks and footwear.
Cashmere
- Advantages: soft, warm, high-end.
- Disadvantages: Expensive, prone to pilling.
- Features: Cashmere is a high-quality fabric often used in cold season sweatshirts and high-end clothing.
Tussah Silk
- Advantages: glossy, soft, breathable.
- Disadvantages: Easy to wrinkle, not wear-resistant.
- Features: Cocoon silk is a fabric made from wild silk, suitable for high-end sweatshirts and summer gear.
Pearlescent silk (Satin)
- Advantages: Smooth, shiny, luxurious.
- Disadvantages: Not breathable, easy to slide.
- Features: Commonly used in party wear, special occasion sweatshirts and women’s gear.
Cellulose (Rayon)
- Advantages: soft, breathable, shiny.
- Disadvantages: Easy to wrinkle, not wear-resistant.
- Features: Cellulose is a man-made fiber commonly used in casual and summer sweatshirts.
How to Choose the Right Fabric for a Sweatshirt Key Factors and Tips
When choosing jersey fabric, there are several key factors to consider that will affect your comfort and performance:
Breathability: For high-intensity exercise, breathability is very important. Breathable fabrics allow body heat and sweat to escape the skin, keeping you dry. Fabrics such as polyester blends and spandex generally have good breathability.
Moisture-wicking: Fabrics with strong moisture absorption properties can quickly absorb sweat and keep it away from the skin, providing a dry feeling. Cotton and polyester-cotton blends generally have good moisture absorption properties.
Durability: Athletic activities can cause friction and wear, so durability is one of the key factors. Synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyester generally have higher abrasion resistance.
Stretch: Elastic fibers such as spandex can provide greater freedom of movement and comfort. For movements that require stretching and bending, stretchy fabrics are a good choice.
Warmth (Insulation): In cold environments, warmth is very important. Thermal fabrics like wool and brushed cotton can provide extra insulation.
Adapt to different types of sports: Different types of sports require different fabric properties. For example, a long-distance runner might want a lightweight, breathable fabric, while a climber might want something more warm. Consider your type of sport and activity level to choose the right fabric.
In conclusion, it is crucial to choose the right jersey fabric based on your athletic needs and environmental conditions. Understanding these key factors will help ensure you are comfortable and performing at your best during exercise.
The key role of sustainability in sweatshirt making
Sustainability has become an increasingly important issue in modern fashion and manufacturing. Especially in the world of sweatshirt making, the importance of sustainability cannot be ignored. Sustainability is not only about the health of the environment, but also about social responsibility and economic efficiency. In this article, I’ll explore in detail the importance of sustainability in sweatshirt making, including how to choose eco-friendly fabrics, reduce waste, improve labor conditions, and enhance brand image. We will see that sustainability not only helps protect our planet, but also contributes to the long-term success of brands and the well-being of society.
How to choose the right fabric for a sweatshirt Summary of key takeaways
Choosing the right fabric for your sweatshirt is a critical decision in ensuring the quality and performance of the final product. Here’s a summary of the key points when choosing sweatshirt fabric:
Breathability: Consider the intensity of athletic activity and weather conditions. Breathable fabric helps wick away sweat and keeps you dry.
Hygroscopicity: During exercise, highly hygroscopic fabrics absorb sweat and keep you comfortable.
Abrasion Resistance: Sweatshirts need to withstand many wears and washes, so choosing fabrics that are resistant to abrasion can increase their durability.
Elasticity: Elastic fibers such as spandex and lycra provide better comfort and adaptability.
Sustainability: Consider choosing sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics to reduce your environmental impact.
Type of sport: Different types of sport may require different types of fabrics. For example, running clothing and swimming clothing require different properties.
Activity Level: Consider your athletic activity level. High-intensity exercise may require more durable fabrics.
Seasonality: Choose fabrics based on the season. Lightweight fabrics are suitable for summer, while warm fabrics are suitable for winter.
Color and Print: If a specific color or print is required, choose fabrics that are suitable for printing.
Care Requirements: Consider the care requirements of the fabric to ensure you can properly clean and maintain your jersey.
All in all, choosing the right fabric for your sweatshirt requires considering a number of factors to suit your specific needs and type of activity. Different fabrics have different properties, so make smart choices on a case-by-case basis to ensure your sweatshirt is both comfortable and functional.
