Sportswear fabric has one primary job: move sweat away from the skin faster than the skin produces it. That rules out cotton for high-intensity use and points to polyester pique, polyamide-elastane and stretch scuba, with cotton-lycra reserved for low-intensity and lifestyle ranges.
Which fabric suits which activity?
| Activity | Fabric | Weight | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running, high intensity | Polyester pique / micro mesh | 140-180 g/m² | Fast wicking, fast drying |
| Gym, training | Polyamide-elastane | 190-240 g/m² | Four-way stretch, compression |
| Yoga, pilates | Stretch scuba, lycra jersey | 220-300 g/m² | Opacity plus recovery |
| Outdoor, cold weather | Polar fleece, welsoft mid layer | 200-300 g/m² | Insulation per gram |
| Lifestyle / athleisure | Cotton-lycra jersey, french terry | 200-320 g/m² | Comfort and appearance |
Why does cotton fail at high intensity?
Cotton absorbs up to 25% of its weight in moisture and holds it. In a gym that means a heavy, cold, chafing garment thirty minutes in. Polyester absorbs about 0.4% — the moisture travels along the fibre surface to the outside and evaporates instead of sitting against the skin. This is a fibre property, not a finishing trick, and no treatment reverses it.
Why does piqué beat flat jersey for sport?
A pique (lacoste) structure has a textured surface with raised and recessed areas, which increases surface area for evaporation and reduces the contact patch against wet skin. At the same weight it dries faster and feels less clinging than a flat jersey — which is why it has been the polo-shirt standard for a century.
Which details decide whether it is actually worn?
- Flatlock seams — a standard overlock chafes at the underarm and inner thigh.
- Recovery over elongation — target 95%+ so knees and elbows do not bag.
- Anti-odour finish — polyester holds odour; a silver-ion or similar finish addresses it.
- Colour fastness to perspiration — ask for it specifically; it is a separate test from wash fastness.
How should it be cared for?
No fabric softener on activewear — it coats the fibre and destroys the wicking finish, which is the most common reason a technical garment stops performing. Wash at 30 °C, no tumble drying.
Altunkaya Tekstil produces polyester pique, lycra jersey, scuba and polar fleece for sportswear manufacturers — min. 50 kg per colour, OEKO-TEX certified. WhatsApp: +90 536 304 67 29