Breathable, lightweight, and comfortable. These three properties are the holy grail for perfect gym wear. And guess what? They’re all PACKED in polyester mesh fabrics!
This fabric has been a game changer for top custom gym clothing manufacturers. But we’ll dig into several other applications where polyester mesh takes the spotlight. Know its properties, finishing types, and how it compares to other fabrics.
You’ll never sell gym clothing made from a fabric your customers wouldn’t want to touch. Trust me.
Ready to dominate the fitness industry? Just keep reading!

Table of Contents
Polyester Mesh Fabric Overview

Polyester mesh fabric is made through knitting rather than weaving. As the name suggests, it’s designed with an OPEN-HOLE structure. Mimicking how a net or grid looks.
In short, it is a mesh fabric made out of polyester.
The unique construction of polyester mesh fabric allows air to seep through easily. This makes it incredibly lightweight and breathable.
You’ll often find it used in various commercial and industrial applications. And, of course, in the gym wear sector. But do you know what makes this fabric really special?
Its properties can be ENHANCE through customization during the finishing process.
Properties and Advantages of Polyester Mesh Fabric

Polyester mesh is one of the most in-demand fabrics in the gym wear sector. Here are its excellent properties that other mesh fabric doesn’t compare to.
Ease of Use and Widespread Usability
Polyester is the kind of fabric you can find in every textile manufacturing facility. It’s a highly accessible fiber for all sorts of manufacturing needs. Particularly in sportswear and activewear clothing. Treat it with LIGHT RESIN, and this mesh fabric becomes the easiest material to work with.
Shape Retention
The shape retention of polyester mesh fabric is one of its notable properties. No wonder it’s WIDELY USED in activewear. It’s impressively elastic. Stretch it 5-6% of its original size, and watch it spring back to its natural form. Leggings, sports bras, and compression garments are where it’s commonly used.
Wear-and-Tear Resistance
Apart from being elastic, polyester mesh fabric is also very resilient. Even if worn a hundred times, it will still be in its top shape. Heat, mold, chemicals, and UV light are the things you don’t have to worry about in this fabric. The yarn weight, filament count, and entanglement play a key role in its DURABILITY.
Water-Repelling Properties
Polyester mesh fabric naturally repels water. Yes, it doesn’t absorb moisture that easily. All thanks to its open-hole structure. Even if customers sweat a lot during workouts. The fabric DRIES FAST as it WICKS AWAY sweat on the skin. Plus, it’s water-repellant. So, you also achieve better dyeing results than with nylon fabric. Read on to learn the Versatility of Ripstop Nylon Fabric.
Friendly Tip: Each property attracts different customers’ needs. So, it’s best to promote these properties in your product descriptions. Making it clear. There shouldn’t be any grammatical errors.
Sevgi E., Textile business administrator
Popular Applications of Polyester Mesh Fabric

Of course, polyester mesh doesn’t fall behind when it comes to versatility. That said, here are the top industry sectors that employ polyester mesh in their products.
Aerospace, Automotive, and Marine Industries
Polyester mesh is a top contender for durability in these industries. Just think of cargo nets, safety harnesses, and seat support substrates. What do they all need in common? Reliability and durability are non-negotiable. This fabric is engineered to withstand even the most HIGH-PRESSURE working environments.
Gym Wear
Jacket underarms, leggings, and shorts are high-sweat areas in gym wear. Many wholesale gym clothing suppliers lean on polyester mesh to provide the ventilation needed. Not all fabrics have the airflow capabilities to do this. Beyond clothing, This fabric also plays a KEY ROLE in gym accessories. Its lightweight property makes it the ideal choice for gym bags and gear organizers.
Medical and Healthcare Industries
How can I forget how vital polyester mesh is in healthcare and hospitals. From curtains that provide privacy. To braces and IV bag supports that offer stability. This fabric is ESSENTIAL for the strength and comfort needed for these products. And we all know that hospitals are where bacterias tend to thrive. Polyester mesh’s resistance to moisture, mold, and bacteria makes it very ideal for safety use.
B2B Helpful Tip: Keep an eye on industry innovation. Nowadays, gym wear is shifting towards hybrid fabrics. Don’t hesitate to blend polyester mesh with other fabrics to keep you competitive.
Manufacturing Process of Polyester Mesh Fabric

Step 1: Extraction
The process begins with the extraction of polyamide monomers from refined petroleum oil.
Step 2: Blending
Several acids will be combined with the extracted monomers. That’s where polymers are created.
Step 3: Melting and Spinning
These polymers will be placed inside a spinneret to melt the polymers into strands.
Step 4: Shipping
Once cooled down. The polymer strands are shipped to manufacturing facilities to create mesh fabric.
Step 5: Finishing and Knitting
Finally, these mesh fabrics will be dyed and knitted.
Recommended Reading: Merino Wool Fabric – The Secret to Sustainable and Stylish
Finishing Types of Polyester Mesh Fabric

You know by now that polyester mesh fabrics exhibit remarkable properties. But did you know that these properties depend on the finishing applied to the fabric? Without further ado, let’s go over each one.
Antibacterial Finishes
Every clothing manufacturer knows that antibacterial finishes are crucial in garment production. Antimicrobial coatings are what are typically applied. It MINIMIZES the spread of odor-causing bacteria. Common to exist in polyester gym wear due to sweat. This type of finishing is even more necessary in the medical & healthcare industries. Where all bacteria known to exist today are discovered.
Anti-static Finishes
Is it just me, or have you ever experienced the most random static cling in your clothing? Not only is it ANNOYING, but it’s also VERY UNCOMFORTABLE. That’s where anti-static finishes come to the rescue. As for gym wear, this type of treatment prevents the fabric from sticking during workouts. Customers will have better mobility and won’t experience any sudden discomfort.
UV Resistant Finishes
It’s no secret that UV rays are a common fading and fabric degradation source. So, when choosing gym wear products made of polyester mesh. Make sure they are treated with this finishing type. UV resistant finishes are a MUST for outdoor gym wear. Prolonged exposure to UV rays weakens fibers and dull colors. Worst, shorten the lifespan of your garment. If you don’t want any of these to happen. Ensure that your garments are UV resistant.
Fire Resistant Finishes
Here’s the most commonly used finishing! Fire resistant finishes are required for FR compliance. Fireproof polyester mesh fabrics are TREATED with non-combustible fiber and yarn. Note, though, that making gym clothing fire-resistant isn’t a common request. As it is more beneficial in sectors like home textiles, curtains, and military vest.
Expert Tip: One-size-fits-all doesn’t work in B2B. Make sure you’re only collaborating with the best custom sportswear manufacturers. Those who offer tailored finishes.
Domininkas Vaitkus, Business Development
How Much Does Polyester Mesh Fabric Typically Cost?
On average, polyester mesh fabrics typically cost around $2 to $8 per yard. Yup, it’s not that expensive. However, the price can vary on several factors such as hole structure and finishing type.
For example, undyed polyester mesh woven in a simple square pattern is INEXPENSIVE. But you can’t expect a dyed mesh in a hexagonal tulle pattern to be priced similarly.
Moreover, polyester mesh sourced in Western countries is a lot pricier. Compared to those from China, Pakistan, Indonesia, or India.
Polyester Mesh Vs. Nylon Mesh Vs. Spandex
Property | Polyester Mesh | Nylon | Spandex |
Durability | High resistance to tearing, UV rays, and moisture | High excellent resistance to abrasion but less UV-resistant | Extremely durable and stretchable but sensitive to heat |
Moisture-Wicking | High, dry quickly as it absorbs little to no sweat | Low, quickly absorbs water and dries slower | High, wicks away sweat effectively |
Common Applications | Gym Wear, Medical & Healthcare industries, Aerospace, Automotive & Marine Industries | Outdoor gear, ropes, and tents | Gym wear, activewear, and compression garments |
Comfort | Good, soft, and smooth | Good, smooth texture | Excellent, soft and body-conforming |
Cost per yard | $2 – $8 | $5 – $10 | $6 – $12 |
Rating | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Polyester Mesh Fabric Effect in the Environment
Like all fully synthetic fibers, polyester mesh fabric has a negative environmental impact.
Polyester is a petroleum-based material, which makes it NON-BIODEGRADABLE. Meaning that it can persist in landfill for a hundred years. And there’s no way to eliminate it.
Washing polyester mesh fabric also releases MICROFABRICS. When it reaches our waterways, it results in microplastic pollution. It harms marine life and can even enter our food chain.
Recommended Reading: Your Guide to Sustainable Fabric Materials
Global Certifications for Polyester Mesh Fabric

Sourcing polyester mesh fabric? You might want to look for the following certifications:
- Global Recycled Standard
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100
- Bluesign Certification
- Reach Compliance
- ISO Standards
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
Certifications validate the quality of your polyester product. It’s like a stamp of approval that what you offer meets global standards.
Pro Suggestion: Customers tend to patronize a brand that is FULLY CERTIFIED. So, make sure to partner with unbranded gym clothing wholesale manufacturers who comply with these standards.
People Also Ask About Polyester Mesh Fabric
1. Where is polyester mesh fabric produced?
Major production hubs for polyester mesh fabrics include China, India, and Pakistan. If you want to steal the lowest price possible, these countries are the TOP SPOT.
2. What are the care instructions for polyester mesh fabric?
No sweat! Just toss it in the washing machine with cold water. Use only gentle detergent and AVOID bleach. Let it dry or simply tumble on low. That’s it! No fancy treatment needed.
3. Can polyester mesh fabric be customized?
Yes! It’s just like I mentioned earlier. You can customize it to enhance its properties depending on your needs. Note, though, that the level of customization VARIES on the materials mixed on the fabric.
4. Is polyester mesh fabric suitable for sensitive skin?
Generally, yes! Polyester mesh is soft to the skin. It doesn’t irritate most skin types. You can even treat it with SKIN-SAFE finishes or blend it with a gentler material like cotton.
Conclusion
Polyester mesh fabric is a game-changer fabric for most industry sectors. Its unique construction makes it IDEAL cloth material for gym. It’s breathable, lightweight, and inexpensive. A literal goldmine material for most gym clothing manufacturers.
Want to source from the most reliable supplier?
Call JaceApparel! Our extensive supplier network guarantees you the LOWEST PRICES. We only work with industry-leading ones. You avoid hefty charges and unwanted hidden fees!
Article Source:
- sewport.com – Polyester mesh fabric production hub
- simunewtex.com – Advantages of polyester mesh fabric