The Fabric Factor: Athletics

The best athletes. The biggest stage. The highest accolades.  As we tune in to watch the most exciting events of the summer, we’re keeping our eyes out for what these inspiring men and women wear while they aim to earn the gold.  For every sport we will watch, there is a uniform; made from fabric that allows athletes to move without hassle or restriction.

Throughout the years and the advancement of technology, fabric is more adaptive than ever, allowing those wearing it to feel confident and move forward.  We’re highlighting three of the sports we will see compete this summer focus on their fabric factor.

• Gymnastics – Known for eye-catching prints and colorful compression fabric, gymnasts need to stand out.  They also need fabric that is tight to the body so that they can move freely and quickly from beam to bars.
  • Our choice: 84/16 Full Dull Polyester Spandex Tricot
    • Key Qualities:
      • Great stretch and recovery
      • High compression
      • Great for dye sublimation printing
• Track/Field – To move with speed and strength, these athletes need fabric that won’t get in their way.  From javelin to high jump, they need fabric that is breathable, wicking, and lightweight allowing for maximum performance.
  • Our choice: Polyester Microfiber Flatback Mesh
    • Key Qualities:
      • Ideal weight for shirts/jerseys
      • Wicking to help keep athletes cool and dry
      • Great UPF protection, rated UPF 50
• Volleyball – Out on the sand and in the sun, volleyball players wear compression jerseys and shorts for maximum stretch and recovery, while wicking away sweat.  Light layers with UPF protection are the way to go.
  • Our choice: 92/8 Polyester Spandex Microfiber
    • Key Qualities:
      • Wicking and antimicrobial to keep athletes cool, dry, and smelling good! 
      • Has good compression and allows for lateral movement
      • Great UPF protection (for Beach Volleyball), rated UPF 50

We count environmental-friendly fabric a huge win.  We have a selection of fabrics available in REPREVE® Recycled Polyester – click here to learn more.