Ever wonder what type of fabrics you’re actually wearing? Most likely, you’re wearing synthetic fabrics!
As someone who’s worked with nearly all types. I can guarantee that it’s more than just a material. It’s a wonder fabric for all top-rated gym clothing manufacturers!
From the gym wear that hugs your body just right. To sleek, wrinkle-free business attire. Synthetic fabrics EXCEL in applications where durability and a polished look are required.
Your customers will surely love every collection you drop. As long as they’re made of synthetic fabrics.
Excited yet? Keep reading!
Table of Contents
What Are Synthetic Fabrics?
Synthetic fabrics are artificial fabrics. In short, they’re man-made. These types of fabrics are produced in factories through chemical synthesis. Fancy words, I know. But we’re not getting into the complex stuff. Just remember, artificial fabrics are the OPPOSITE of natural fibers from natural sources. Like plants and animal furs.
You’ll find synthetic fabrics used commonly in INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS. Like curtains, electrical insulators, tents, seat belts, ropes, toothbrushes, and more. But they excel most in sports goods. Making them a private-label gym clothing manufacturer’s favorite.
Nylon, polyester, and acrylic are just a few common types. Which we will be discussing hand in hand in a short while.
Synthetic Fabric Vs. Natural Fabric: What’s the Difference?
| Attribute | Synthetic Fabrics | Natural Fabrics |
| Source | Made in labs using chemicals, often from petroleum. | Comes straight from nature—plants (cotton) or animals (wool, silk). |
| Durability | Super tough and long-lasting. | Durable, too, but can get damaged by pests or the weather. |
| Breathability | Less breathable due to tightly woven or knitted structures. | Highly breathable, allowing air to flow freely. |
| Elasticity | High elasticity in fabrics like spandex and nylon. | Limited elasticity, except for certain animal fibers like wool. |
| Moisture Absorption | They have low moisture absorption, making them quick-drying but prone to retaining odors. | High moisture absorption, providing comfort but slower drying times. |
| Comfort | Often less comfortable due to reduced breathability. | Very comfortable and soft, particularly for fabrics like cotton and silk. |
| Cost | Generally cheaper to produce in bulk. | Often more expensive, especially premium fibers like silk or cashmere. |
| Environmental Impact | Non-biodegradable and made from non-renewable resources may release microplastics. | Biodegradable and renewable, but production may require high water usage or land. |
| Resistance | Highly resistant to water, stains, and chemicals (varies by type). | Limited resistance; can be damaged by water, stains, or chemicals (e.g., wool shrinks when wet). |
| Care Requirements | Easy to care for; most are machine washable and wrinkle-resistant. | Requires more care; some need hand washing, ironing, or special detergents (e.g., wool, silk). |
| Appearance | It can imitate natural fibers but sometimes looks shiny or fake. | Luxurious and natural appearance, often with unique textures (e.g., wool’s warmth, silk’s sheen). |
| Applications | Perfect for workout gear, outdoor stuff, and even carpets. | Great for everyday clothing, luxury items, and home textiles like bedding and curtains. |
| Sustainability | It can be recycled but is not super planet-friendly. | More eco-friendly if grown and made responsibly. |
Properties of Synthetic Fabrics
As I have mentioned. Synthetic fabrics play a significant role in many industrial applications. And that’s not too surprising once you know the properties of synthetic fabrics! Let me mention six.
Durability
Synthetic fabrics are known for their exceptional strength. Yup, no other fabrics can come close to their durability. They RESIST wear and tear. Repeated use? No problem! On top of everyday applications, they’re perfect for HEAVY-DUTY use. Take resistance bands and weightlifting straps and gloves, for instance. These products needed to be as durable as they could be. And only synthetic fibers are capable of delivering such.
Elasticity
It’s not synthetic if it’s not elastic. Spandex, lycra, and nylon. Are by far the stretchiest fabrics you’ll ever find. Trust me, this isn’t just a myth, we’ve tried it in the real world. All our gym wear made from synthetic fabrics TOPS the sales charts consistently! Their good stretch and excellent recovery abilities keep our customers returning for more.
Wrinkle-Resistant
Notice how all sportswear clothing has that smooth, polished, neat look? That’s all thanks to synthetic fabrics’ wrinkle-resistant nature. They do not absorb water easily. Making them LESS PRONE to wrinkles. Plus, they don’t change shape when exposed to moisture. Now you know why it’s the No. 1 fabric material for sportswear and gym clothing.
Colorfastness
Unlike natural fibers known to fade over time. Synthetic fibers are highly regarded for their superior color fastness properties. Wash it repeatedly or expose it to sunlight. Guarantee the colors won’t fade. Synthetic fabrics are TIGHTLY BONDED. Meaning that dyes are prevented from being washed out. Colors stay firmly even after several washes and exposure to UV light.
Weather Resistance
Rain or shine – synthetic fabrics excel. They’re engineered to be less susceptible to environmental damage. Mold, moisture, and mildew – no need to worry about these elements. No wonder most outdoor gears are made from synthetic materials. But that’s not all. Other outdoor applications of synthetic fabrics include outdoor furniture, tents, ropes, and awnings.
Easy Maintenance
Nobody loves doing extra maintenance on their stuff. Well, good news: synthetic fabrics require little to no maintenance. They’re washing machine-friendly. They resist shrinking and stretching. And dries up quickly. Perfect for those busy individuals who prefer low-maintenance clothing.
Quick Pro Tip: Synthetic fabrics might be easy to care for. But that doesn’t mean they don’t need care at all. There are synthetic fabrics that require specific washing settings. It’s always a great idea to check whether there are CARE INSTRUCTIONS included in the label.
Elva Lee, Apparel sourcing consultant
Disadvantages of Synthetic Fabrics
Synthetic fabrics also come with a few cons in terms of:
Environment
You see, synthetic fibers are made through a chemical process called polymerization. So, expect this material to be non-biodegradable. For every fiber produced, it contributes to landfill waste and plastic pollution. Here’s the worst part. Microplastics are released whenever a synthetic fabric is being washed. Which will stay on earth for more than 100 years.
Comfort
You can’t really match the level of comfort you feel from natural fabrics like cotton. Synthetic fabrics are tightly woven or knitted. This means air is restricted to freely flow. Which, of course, makes them less breathable. The snug fit they offer also increases the likelihood of sweating. Especially during intense activities. Adding to the overall discomfort.
Friendly Tip: Some synthetic fabrics (and their blends) still provide the utmost comfort. Especially when you buy from reputable suppliers. You just need to conduct extra quality checking!
Sustainability
Sure, there’s a way to make synthetic fabrics recyclable. But to create this fabric from scratch, it needed non-renewable resources like petroleum. The extraction of this oil alone requires substantial energy. The more energy consumed. The HIGHER the environmental impact is on our planet. Check the article to learn more about Sustainable Fabric Materials.
Heads up: Make sure you purchase synthetic fabric from suppliers using eco-friendly practices. Synthetic fibers already impact the environment with their existence alone. The least you can do is ensure everything else your supplier does won’t further damage the planet.
Richard DAVIES, Textile & Apparel Expert
Types of Synthetic Fiber
1. Nylon
Nylon is the PIONEER of all synthetic fibers. It was produced in the 1930s to create a cheaper yet practical alternative to silk. And boy, it was a huge success! Immediately proven suitable for dozens of products. Apart from clothing. They’re widely used for toothbrushes, fishing lines, and even surgical thread.
It resists damage from water and chemicals while maintaining strength and flexibility. Currently, it’s widely used by some activewear manufacturers and even used in luxury lingerie and swimwear.
2. Polyester
Nylon started the synthetic fiber trend, but polyester mesh fabric dominated it. Now, this synthetic fabric makes up about 90% of all synthetic fabrics produced in the world. Since it was first introduced in the 1940s. It’s been adapted for ENDLESS practical uses, including clothing and home furnishings.
All for a good reason, though. Polyester fabrics are wrinkle-resistant and dry quickly. They’re durable, retain their shapes, and resist most chemicals, too.
3. Acrylic
Acrylic fabric is the synthetic equivalent of the natural fiber, wool. It’s warm, slightly thicker, soft, and lightweight. No wonder it’s everyone’s go-to synthetic fabric for yarn and winter clothing. Good news: it’s also CHEAPER to produce than ripstop nylon fabric or polyester. Of course, it’s a fraction of the price of real wool.
With this fabric. You can promise customers garments that are warm, wrinkle-resistant, and resilient.
Pro tip: Don’t make the mistake of using this fabric for summer wear. You’ll get odd looks and be welcomed with plummeting sales!
4. Modacrylic
Modacrylic is a modified version of regular acrylic fiber. Unlike acrylic, which is often compared to wool. Modacrylic is more like the “faux fur and fire-safety hero” among synthetic fibers. Here’s the guide about Merino Wool Fabric.
Modacrylic is often used in faux fur, wigs, hair extensions, and industrial furnishings.
Its most important feature? FIRE RESISTANCE. That’s why if you’re looking for safety gear and otherwise flammable materials like wigs and fur. Modacrylic is the synthetic fiber to opt for!
5. Olefin
A round of applause for the lightest synthetic fiber: olefin. Yup, it’s lighter than every other fabric I’ve already mentioned and on the cheaper side, too!
When making garments. Olefin is a GOOD CHOICE for activewear, tote bags, and clothing insulation. It’s not too popular for everyday wear and high-fashion pieces, though, as it’s not breathable.
But do you know what other area it excels in?
Outdoor furniture, cushions, carpets, and upholstery! Yes—these are applications other synthetics usually can’t handle. Seems olefin is highly resistant to moisture, sunlight, and stains. Plus, it’s incredibly durable, too!
Suggested Reading:
Coolmax Fabric: Your Go-To Choice for Performance Apparel
Discover the Magic of Pima Cotton Fabric
Modal Fabric 101: Ultimate Blend of Softness and Durability6. Rayon
Rayon, otherwise known as artificial silk, is a semi-synthetic fiber. Fancy word, I know. But this just means it’s made from a natural base (cellulose.) But undergoes heavy chemical processing. Hence, at the end of the day, it’s still synthetic.
It’s soft, comfortable, breathable, and boasts a luxurious appearance. So, it’s often used for dresses, blouses, scarves, and bed linens.
However, its DOWNSIDE is that it’s prone to wrinkles and isn’t very durable.
Note this: It’s typically best to only purchase rayon garments that you won’t frequently wear or wash.
7. Spandex
Need elasticity for your garments? You can’t choose a better option than spandex fabric material. This fabric can stretch up to 8 times its original size without losing quality. Hence, it’s best for FIGURE-FITTING garments such as activewear and sports uniforms.
If you’re in the sports niche, chances are that most of your products are made up of spandex. This fabric is on the more expensive end of all synthetic fibers. However, it delivers top-notch comfort, figure-hugging fits, and flexibility. Your customers have no problem paying more for quality.
Suggested Reading: Twill Fabric for Durable and Versatile Apparel
Why Are Synthetic Fibers Used so Much in Sports?
Its properties are enough reason to make it the GO-TO fabric in gym clothing wholesale suppliers. Synthetic fabrics are elastic, durable, and highly resistant. All are needed to create a performance-driven sportswear.
Synthetic fabrics are also very lightweight. Any athlete wearing them would feel like wearing a second skin. Not to exaggerate or anything. But that’s mostly the feedback we received from our sportswear collection.
Besides, what’s not to like about synthetic fabrics when it comes to sportswear?
If you’re worrying about the breathability issue mentioned above. Don’t worry. It can be easily overcome by simply adding ventilation panels.
People Also Ask About Synthetic Fabric
1. Which synthetic fibers work best for sportswear and activewear?
Opt for either spandex or polyester. Spandex for stretch and comfort. Polyester for durability and moisture-wicking. Regardless, both are top choices!
2. Are synthetic fibers cheaper in the long run?
Yep, they’re generally cheaper! They last longer. Don’t require as much care. And are less likely to wear out. So, in the long run, they save you more money!
3. Can synthetic fibers mimic how natural fabrics look and feel?
Totally! Synthetic fibers can look and feel super similar to natural ones, like cotton or silk. Thanks to years of research and development. You can now get the look and feel without the upkeep.
4. Where can I source the cheapest synthetic fibers?
You can find cheap synthetic fibers online or through bulk suppliers. Especially from activewear manufacturers for startups in places like China. Just make sure to compare prices and check for eco-friendly options!
Conclusion
Over half of the fabric we all use today comes from synthetic fabrics. From the toothbrushes we use to surgical tools and clothes we wear. Synthetic fabrics are everywhere!
Wanna know what applications it excels most?
Call JaceApparel! We’ve been an avid user of synthetic fabrics. You’ll find our sportswear and gym clothing collection at the lowest price. Don’t waste any more dime. Partner with us. Together, let’s dominate the textile industry with this powerhouse fabric.
Sources:
- byjus.com – Why are synthetic fibers cheaper than natural fibers
- www.longancraft.com – Best synthetic fabrics for sportswear and activewear