The Best Fabrics for Exercise Clothes

Choosing the right athletic clothes can be challenging due to the variety of styles and materials available. Starting with clothes made with high-performance fabrics is a great approach. The best fabrics for exercise clothes can be natural or synthetic, but they must be able to meet the demands put on them by strenuous physical activity. 

Key Properties of the Best Fabrics for Exercise Clothes

Every fabric has slightly different properties. For example, yoga clothes should offer flexibility and breathability, while a pickleball outfit might focus more on moisture-wicking properties. However, the characteristics that make some fabrics better for exercise clothes than others are widely recognized. 

Breathable

The ability of a fabric to breathe is a major component of its suitability for athletic clothing. A breathable fabric allows air to pass through, which helps regulate body temperature by letting heat escape. It also reduces skin irritation and can help keep odors in check. These are all important properties of clothing you wear for vigorous exercise. 

Moisture Wicking

Fabrics that pull moisture away from your skin are considered moisture-wicking. This feature also improves comfort because you aren’t exercising with wet clothing against your skin. Virtually all fabrics that do this are also quick-drying, which further assists with cooling you down. 

Lightweight

The best fabrics for exercise clothes are lightweight. This allows for more freedom of movement and prevents you from getting bogged down with several extra pounds of clothing. It also speeds up drying, an important feature for clothes that will see strenuous activity. 

Durable

Exercise clothing takes a beating during use. However, premium brands like inPhorm use durable sports fabrics that last through repeated wear. They retain their color, form, and thickness, which minimizes wear spots and holes. 

Flexible

The best fabrics for exercise clothes flex and move with you so they do not interfere with your workout. This elasticity is a key performance feature of great athletic fabrics.   

Types of Athletic Fabric

There are many different types of sports fabric. Each has at least one of the previously listed qualities that make it good for exercise clothing. The type you choose for your athletic wear can depend on your favorite exercise activities and the style of clothing you prefer.

Polyamides

Polyamide fabrics, popular for athletic wear, contain fibers built from long chains of molecules. This structure occurs naturally in some fabrics, such as silk. Manufacturers have also built this structure into some synthetics, including nylon. Polyamides are among the best fabrics for exercise clothes because of their flexibility and moisture-wicking properties.

Synthetic Fabrics

Synthetic fibers, such as nylon or polyester, possess many of the most desirable properties for sports fabric. They tend to be breathable, flexible, and moisture-wicking. Additionally, most are very lightweight, so wearers aren’t bogged down during exercise. Some of the most popular synthetic athletic fabrics include: 

• Nylon: A polyamide material that is among the best fabrics for exercise clothes, nylon is incredibly strong and tear-resistant while maintaining elasticity. It can withstand repeated wear/wash cycles while maintaining its shape and color. Nylon is also moisture-wicking for improved comfort during exercise. 
• Polyester: Polyester is a smooth synthetic fabric that has become a staple in the athletic wear industry. It is lightweight, flexible, and breathable. Additionally, it has moisture-wicking properties, which help to keep you cool during intense activity. 
• Spandex: Highly elastic fabrics such as spandex, Lycra, and elastane are ideal for exercise clothes that need to really flex. Best known for their ability to stretch and expand, these fabrics are a popular choice for leggings, sports bras, and swimwear. 

Synthetic fabrics are often made from petroleum products, which can have environmental impacts due to fossil fuel extraction and processing. This is a concern for people who value sustainability. However, it also opens the door to recycling and using recycled materials. Many companies, including inPhorm, use fabrics made from recycled materials in their exercise clothing.

Natural Fibers

Natural fabrics are made from raw materials that are cultivated and harvested for textiles. They have attractive features such as breathability and comfort. Many are also naturally antimicrobial, which helps reduce odors in exercise clothing. Some fibers that are considered among the best natural fabrics for exercise clothes include:

• Bamboo: Sports fabrics made from bamboo are among the most sustainable fashion options. Bamboo fabric is breathable, moisture-wicking, and naturally antimicrobial. It also has a soft, smooth feel against the skin.
• Cotton: Cotton has long been used in exercise clothing. Today, most manufacturers steer clear of 100% cotton because it holds moisture, but blends are more comfortable and breathable. Cotton blends include other fibers, often synthetics, to create fabrics with specific properties, such as the softness of cotton and the breathability of polyester.   
• Merino Wool: Despite its reputation as a cold-weather staple, Merino wool is well-suited for both warm and cool conditions. It is soft and moisture-wicking and can help regulate body temperature. Merino is a popular fabric for athletic socks and base layers.
• Silk: Pure silk is soft, breathable, and antibacterial. It helps move moisture off the skin and regulate body temperatures. 

Many people prefer natural fibers out of concern for the environment. They are often viewed as more sustainable. However, there are serious environmental impacts from the cultivation and harvesting of many natural fibers. For example, it can take as much 2,700 liters of water to produce one cotton t-shirt. You should take time to research company practices before making a decision solely based on natural fabrics.

Sustainable Fabrics for Athletic Clothing 

Sustainable materials are increasingly common in sportswear. They include fabrics made from both natural fibers, such as bamboo, silk, and wool, and synthetics, such as recycled nylon and polyester. Using recycled polyester is one of the most popular ways athletic clothing manufacturers can reduce their environmental impact. It is a lightweight and breathable sports fabric, perfect for jackets, pants, shirts, and more, made from recycled plastic bottles.

Many clothing manufacturers also choose to use other sustainable sourcing and manufacturing. For example, inPhorm carefully selects partners to ensure that they meet the company’s strict standards for sustainability and ethical practices. Our partners use solar power and wastewater recycling to reduce the carbon footprint of their fabric manufacturing processes.  

Shop Top Styles in the Best Fabrics for Exercise Clothes

Athletic clothing should be made from fabrics that help keep you comfortable and dry. Whether you enjoy golf, tennis, or pickleball, key features to look for include durability, flexibility, and breathability. Shop inPhorm activewear for stylish clothing made from the best fabrics for exercise clothes and explore our full collection today.