Sportspeople use specially designed apparel to fulfill the demands of various sports. The technology used in the production of sports gear is rapidly evolving. It’s critical to comprehend why activewear companies have developed their whole range of activewear utilizing functional textiles made of Polyester and Nylon rather than traditional Cotton materials. Also, whether it’s printed Cricket jerseys, body-fitting running/cycling gear, or extreme trekking clothes, the impact can be observed across all sports.
In this post, we’ll look at some of the reasons why activewear requires specialized fabrics
Heat characteristics
The fabric must take into account sports’ thermal insulation properties. It should stay cool in hot weather and slightly warm in cold weather. If the clothing is unable to push sweat to the outside, the athlete’s body temperature rises. The qualities of the fabrics can be changed depending on the season to meet the needs of the wearer. For example, in the summer, the cloth is maintained light and loose to allow for improved breathability. In the winter, however, the textiles are brushed on the inside to provide superior insulation through air packets, which keeps you warm. This trait is especially beneficial during warm-up sessions since it allows the player to be more prepared for the game.
Moisture Wicking Properties
This is an important element in athletic clothing. Moisture must be able to travel through the cloth to the outer surface and dry quickly. This capacity is based on the fabric’s composition, and the capillary flow of moisture in activewear fabrics is boosted with the addition of specific chemicals. The more airy the fabric is, the more pleasant it will feel in the summer. The airiness of the cloth can be reduced by as little as 15% moisture. As a result, typical Cotton fabric with a long drying time will feel pleasant at first, but once you start sweating, the cloth’s airflow will rapidly decrease. This function is now extremely accomplished in Polyester Quick Dry fabrics, which have a low moisture recapture value of 0.4 percent and hence dry fast, giving the impression of being breezy throughout.
Lighter Weight
Activewear must be comfortable to wear and light in weight. The overall fabric weight can be less because man-made fibers like polyester and Nylon are available in much finer counts. For example, a 20D Poly yarn (meaning 20gm/9mtr yarn length) is similar to a 268-count cotton yarn, which is technically impossible to create. The yarn’s lightweight and fineness allow for superior fabric construction, resulting in a lighter and more comfortable finished product. Every gram lost from the athlete’s body will help him perform better, and it may be the difference between a first and second place in a matter of seconds.
Elastic qualities
Activewear must be elastic in order to allow for free mobility. Spandex yarn or specific Mechanical Stretch yarns can be used to add stretch to activewear fabrics. Consider how the garment you’re wearing restricts your motions, making you uncomfortable. activewear clothes must be able to withstand the stresses of various sports and activities. Stretchability is required in several sports to varying degrees. Gymnasts, for example, require stretchy textiles to allow for fluid movement. Stretch fabrics are also becoming more popular in Lifestyle since they provide a better fit and shape while also delivering more comfort. Knitted materials have better stretch qualities, while woven fabrics can attain stretch capabilities by utilizing Spandex or Mechanical stretch yarns.
Compression Properties
When you see folks at the gym wearing tight compression clothing, it’s not just for fashion; it’s also for performance. Compression clothes with high spandex that fit snugly to the body enhance Blood Flow and provide support to the muscles when you work out, according to research. It allows blood to flow back to the heart more quickly, minimizing fatigue and allowing for greater performance. Fabrics having 15-30% spandex content are available in Polyester Spandex and Nylon Spandex mixes. Warp knit fabrics are preferred because they are more closely knit. Gym wear, cricket inners, cycling wear, skating wear, and so on are examples of applications. Its aerodynamic features are also highly important since its fit will aid reduce air drag. For example, upgrading from a casual medium jersey to a fitted size clothing can boost a cyclist’s pace by 91 seconds.
Weather-Proof Properties
The outermost layer of activewear protects the wearer from harsh weather conditions such as wind, rain, and snow. These materials must be specifically made and treated to make the wearer comfortable in all weather conditions. The fabric is windproofed by its tight structure (a density of >300T is recommended). Water Repellency (WR) is another valuable feature that can be produced with a chemical treatment. WR protects against light rain and mist, allowing water to float off the fabric’s surface. At the same time, the fabric must be Water Proof (WP) to protect against rain and snow. WP coating of PU, TPU, and PVC on the fabric is required to generate a water-resistant layer on the fabric. Various degrees of waterproofing can be requested depending on the severity of the weather conditions in which the garment will be worn. Depending on the ultimate application, the sector requires waterproofing ranging from 800mm to 10,000mm, which represents the water pressure.
Durability and Easy Maintenance
You don’t want your sports gear to become dull and worn out if you use it frequently. Polyester and Nylon have superior Color Fastness because they are man-made fibers that are dyed at a high temperature and pressure, giving them the same color effect throughout time. In reality, with the growing popularity of sublimation printing, garments are now printed in attractive designs. Because they’re made of filament yarn, they’re less likely to pill, making them easy to care for and requiring less maintenance for repeated usage. However, because some of the extra functions, like the wicking, diminish with repeated wear, it is recommended that functional users replace their garments regularly.
Conclusion:
The goal of developing diverse functional fabrics for activewear is to help the wearer improve their performance. Navyfit provides you with the best range of activewear that is made with a thorough understanding of materials like climatic circumstances, endurance level, and other factors.
Visit Navyfit to shop Garments made with the latest technologies such as Anti-Odour, Anti-Static, Anti-Viral & Lighter material making it a seamless part of our customer’s lifestyle. The product range consists of garments while running, gym, yoga & other athletic / leisure activities.
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