The Best Active-wear Fabrics for Every Type of Activity

When you are exercising, a dress with the right fabric is the most important thing. You may sweat, there may be drastic movements, but with the right gear, you can actually stay dry and comfortable. It all starts with what your active-wear is made of, and understanding the differences between fabrics and their properties will help you choose wisely what to wear.

When you’re on the hunt for new workout attire, there are a few factors to keep in mind – not just how things fit and feel, but also how well your fabric, sweat, and movement get along together. Here are some of the qualities to look for when choosing the best active-wear for you and your needs:

• Moisture-Wicking
• Breathable
• Quick-drying
• Flexible and Stretchy
• Compressing
• Protective
• Odor-resistant
• Durable
• Sustainable

What are some of the best active-wear fabrics? Here is the ultimate guide that may help you understand the materials of sportswear.

Polyester

Polyester is a popular choice if you like working out. This plastic-based fabric has performance properties galore. It’s durable, lightweight, wrinkle resistant, moisture-wicking, and even UV repelling. Oh, and it’s pretty quick-drying too, though even when it’s wet, it keeps you warm. All this makes polyester a great option for any layer, including outer jackets. The downside: make sure to wash it after every use, as it can hold onto odour, due to fabric does not breath well.

1.Women's Fluffy Fleece Lined Leggings

Style Details:
Crafted in a moisture-managing fabric with a warm, fleece interior
Wide, flat seam stitched waistband
Flat-lock construction and zero side seams
Drop-in side pockets, wide waistband hides a small interior key pocket
Features:
Durable
Fleece Lined
Skin-Friendly
Moisture Wicking
4-Way Stretch

2.Women's Active 7 Inseam Utility Shorts

Style Details:
High waisted knit waistband with internal drawcord
Great 5" length provides adequate coverage for thighs and won't ride up
Side vent improves range of motion
2 handy pockets & 1 zippered back pocket
No underwear
Features:
Lightweight
Quick-Drying
4-Way Stretch
Moisture Wicking
Cool to touch fabric

Polypropylene

It’s thin, flexible and is extremely waterproof breathable and versatile. It’s very hard wearing and crease-resistant and ideal for wearing in humid or very cold weather. Unfortunately, it needs to be washed regularly as it holds onto smells, like polyester. In addition to having moisture-wicking and other awesome polyester properties, this synthetic material also happens to be highly water-resistant. That makes it the ultimate base or outer layer, especially if you’re running in rain, sleet, or snow, or if extreme heat has got you sweating buckets. No matter how wet and sweaty you get, polypropylene keeps your body dry and body temperature comfortable.

Spandex

Spandex is a synthetic fiber that is light weight, soft and smooth, wicks moisture, breathable, provides additional support, can expand nearly 600% of its size and recoil to its previous shape. This high quality stretch synthetic fabric stretches up to eight times its size. It’s used as a garment for sports that require a lot of flexibility, like yoga, Pilates and weight lifting. This fabric is great for people who sweat, aids in removing moisture from your skin, and cools your body to maintain comfort.

Nylon

Known for its durability and rapid drying, nylon is often blended with other fabrics to offset potential breathability issues. However, it can get sticky in humidity. Nylon is frequently utilized as a reinforcement in other textiles and its great elasticity and smooth fit make it perfect for swimwear when applied to knit materials. It is ideal for use in outerwear applications due to its poor breathability and mild moisture-wicking capabilities. Nylon is suitable for any type of workout activity whether it is an intense weight lifting or any other type of sports.

3.Women Running Athletic Shorts

Style Details:
High waist stretchy waistband with internal drawcord
Built-in mesh brief, flatlock stitching
2 handy pockets and 1 zippered back pocket
Features:
Lightweight
Quick-Drying
4-Way Stretch
Moisture Wicking
Cool to Touch Fabric

4.Men's Yoga Active Leggings

Style Details:
Flat seams effectively reduce chafing and provide great comfort
Gusseted crotch allows more freedom of movement
Generous adjustable waistband provides a secure fit
2 handy side pockets to stash your essentials
Features:
Designed for all seasons
Breathable
Skin-Friendly
4-Way Stretch
Moisture Wicking

Cotton

Cotton is an excellent choice for everyday wear in warm weather due to its lightweight and breathable nature, provided you're not perspiring heavily. However, it's wise to avoid cotton when expecting to engage in vigorous physical activity. Cotton's high absorbency means that once you start sweating, your clothes will become heavy and damp, potentially leading to discomfort. This sensation can be exacerbated for those who sweat profusely or exercise in humid conditions, resulting in a feeling similar to wearing a soaked towel. Additionally, cotton boasts good wash ability and odor resistance compared to some other fabrics, adding to its appeal for casual wear.

5.Women's Cotton Bermuda Shorts

Style Details:
Soft, comfy, wide waistband
Adjustable draw-cord for a custom fit
Straight leg openings, great length just above the knee
2 hand pockets and back patch for your phone and other essentials
Features:
Quick-Drying
Stretch
Skin-Friendly
Breathable
Moisture Wicking

6.Women's Loose Yoga Capri Pants

Style Details:
Wide leg openings and a relaxed fit, 20"
Elastic waistband, adjustable drawcord for a custom fit
2 big side pockets and 1 back pocket for your phone and other essentials
Features:
Breathable
Skin-Friendly
Moisture Wicking
Pilling Resistant

Bamboo Fiber

Bamboo is a great option for incredibly soft yet moisture-wicking sportswear. Natural fabrics made from bamboo pulp are lightweight and anti-static and bamboo fiber wicks away moisture, leaving sportswear odorless. It also offers incredible UV protection, so wearing it outside in the sun for long stretches of time won’t cause any issues. This fabric is easily woven into other high-thread-count textiles, and the resulting clothes are frequently more malleable and thinner than their cotton equivalents.

Selecting the ideal sportswear fabric involves weighing the pros and cons of each option. The best choice depends on your unique needs and priorities. Active-wear fabrics offer diverse options, ensuring you find the perfect match for your activity and style preferences. At Willit, we are committed to crafting versatile pieces using the best sustainable fabric for active-wear designed to transition seamlessly across seasons.