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Hello! There are a wide variety of sports fabrics, and their differences mainly lie in fiber materials, weaving techniques, and functionality. Different combinations create significant differences in fabric breathability, moisture wicking, elasticity, compressibility, durability, and other aspects.
Understanding these differences can help you choose the most suitable clothing based on different types of sports and needs, thereby improving athletic performance and comfort
Below, I will provide you with a detailed analysis from several core dimensions:
1、 Differentiate by main fiber material
This is the most fundamental classification that determines the basic characteristics of the fabric.
Polyester fiber
Characteristics: Sports fabrics are the absolute mainstay. The advantages include high strength, high elasticity, fast drying, wrinkle resistance, wear resistance, and resistance to deformation.
Function: Excellent ability to absorb moisture and sweat (rather than absorb moisture). It can quickly absorb and spread sweat on the surface of the skin to the outer layer of the fabric for evaporation, keeping the skin dry. Modern technology has made its feel increasingly soft.
Commonly seen in almost all types of sportswear, especially in sports that require a lot of sweating, such as running, fitness, and ball games.
Polyamide fiber (Nylon)
Features: Extremely wear-resistant, soft, and glossy. It has higher strength than polyester and good elasticity.
Function: Wear resistance is its biggest advantage, and it also has good sweat wicking function.
Commonly seen in sportswear such as swimsuits, assault suits, yoga clothes, skiing clothes, etc. that require high durability or special luster.
Spandex/Lycra
Features: Excellent elasticity (stretching range can reach 500% -800%). It is hardly used alone, but blended with other fibers in a certain proportion (usually 5% -20%).
Function: Provide the necessary stretch and recovery force for the fabric, ensuring that the clothing fits the body without any restraint during exercise.
Commonly seen in: all clothing that requires high elasticity, such as yoga gowns, compression jackets, swimsuits, sports bras, and leggings.
Natural fibers (cotton, wool, etc.)
Features: Good moisture absorption, skin friendly and comfortable, but poor moisture removal (cotton), slow drying, heavy, and easy to deform.
Function: Suitable for low-intensity exercise or recovery wear after exercise. But pure cotton is generally not recommended in modern high-intensity sports because it becomes heavy and sticky after absorbing sweat, which can easily cause the body to lose warmth and discomfort.

2、 Differentiate by weaving technique
The same fiber, using different weaving methods, will result in fabrics with completely different properties.
Knitted (Jersey)
Characteristics: The most common form is elastic, soft, and breathable. Most of the T-shirts we wear in our daily lives are knitted.
Commonly seen in: sports T-shirts, hoodies, pants.
Woven weaving
Characteristics: The structure is tight, sturdy, and not easily deformed, but usually has poor elasticity (unless spandex is added).
Commonly seen in: some sports jackets, windbreakers, hiking pants.
Mesh
Features: With a large number of mesh holes, it is extremely breathable.
Commonly seen in: the stitching of sweat prone areas such as the armpits and back of clothing, or the entire basketball vest or soccer shirt.
Double Knit/Interlock
Features: Both sides look the same, thicker, more elastic, and less prone to curling.
Commonly seen in polo shirts and high-quality sports T-shirts.
Rib pattern
Features: There are significant concave convex stripes and excellent longitudinal elasticity.
Commonly seen in: collars, cuffs, hems of sportswear, as well as some tight training clothes.
3、 Differentiate by core functional technology
Each major brand has its own named patented technology, but it remains true to its roots and mainly achieves the following functions:
Moisture wicking
Technical representative: Almost all polyester and nylon fabrics have this function. Brands such as Nike’s Dri FIT, Adidas’ Climalite, and Adama’s HeatGear/ColdGear are all based on this principle.
Principle: By utilizing the capillary action of fibers, sweat is quickly “sucked” away from the surface of the skin, diffused to the outer layer of the fabric, and rapidly evaporated.
Breathable
Usually achieved through mesh design, special weaving techniques, or functional films (such as GORE-TEX), allowing air circulation and expelling stuffy and humid air.
Compression
Feature: Apply moderate pressure to muscles through high elasticity fabric.
Function: Promote blood circulation, reduce muscle vibration and fatigue, accelerate recovery, and provide support.
Commonly seen in: compression pants, compression sleeves, compression garments. Representatives: SKINS, 2XU, CW-X, etc.
Thermal insulation
Features: By adding fluff, thickening or special hollow fibers to lock in air, a thermal insulation layer is formed.
Commonly seen in: winter training clothes, outdoor sports intermediate layer. Representative: Andema’s ColdGear is made of double-layer fabric, with a soft and sweat absorbing inner layer and an insulated outer layer.
Windproof/Waterproof
Characteristic: Usually covered with a layer of microporous film (such as GORE-TEX) on the outer layer of the fabric, allowing sweat to escape but blocking the entry of external wind and rain.
Commonly seen in: assault jackets, ski suits, outdoor jackets.