Everyday gym lovers everywhere slide their ready-to-wear activewear in their gym bags before heading to fit in their daily workout. Have you ever thought about the fabrics that are used to create that activewear or wondered about activewear sewing patterns?

Natural Fibers

Here's the thing about natural fibers – while cotton is a wonderful material and is great for staying cool, it is not a great option for activewear. However, there are some incredible natural fibers that are perfect for a range of outdoor activities.

The Problem With Cotton – Not only does it take forever to dry, it also holds water (a lot of it). Just think of how heavy your denims are when you lift them out the washing machine... now imagine running in those jeans. Not a comfortable thought or a pretty sight, right? Of course, let's not forget the potential for chafing and blisters, which means ditch cotton socks, too.

Bamboo – when you think of bamboo you probably think of the plant that pandas munch on. Guess what? There are over a thousand different types of Bamboo and pandas don't even eat fifty of those. It's become an eco-friendly option for flooring and beyond because this textile is sustainable. Which is why it makes for great activewear?

Merino Wool – you don't need to worry about finding activewear that is suitable for warm and cold weather because merino wool isn't just wicking and warm, it's breathable, too. Not to mention the fact that it is antimicrobial. You don't need to worry about any itchiness either as it's a much softer wool. While it's long been used in suiting fabrics it is now becoming more common in activewear and casual clothing, too.

Fabric For Activewear

Synthetics – old-school sewing patterns commonly used synthetic fibers and while natural fibers just feel better in a lot of ways, there is still a place for those old synthetics. Why? They are breathable, but they also allow for moisture wicking. What is better than a waterproof piece of activewear that is also breathable? You can head out on a long run or hike without worrying about the forecast for rain. Synthetics aren't what they used to be, they're better.

Washable

When it comes to washing natural fibers, you shouldn't have a problem. However, synthetic fibers require extra care. It's a challenge to remove oils and dirt from synthetic fabric because they're designed to repel water. Often, you will find that even after a few washes your gym clothes carry a funky smell. There's a trick to that. You will want to pre-soak your gym clothes before tossing them in the washer, use a special detergent or turn to vinegar! Don't enlist the help of a softener; it will damage your activewear.

The Key to Choosing Your Perfect Activewear Fabric

How can you possibly know whether an activewear fabric is the right choice for you? There are just a few things you might want to consider.

Fiber Content – if you purchased merino wool and you're just not sure if it's the real deal, what can you do to find out? Carry out a burn test guide. This is probably something you will only want to do if you have purchased the fabric and not the finished product.

Stretch – how well does your activewear stretch as you exercise? There's nothing well than feeling restricted by your clothing when you're trying to get into your stride or reaching to lift weights and do pull-ups. The ideal stretch in activewear fabric is 15cm.

Wicking – the key to wicking products is that the fabric is on the correct side. If the fabric is facing the wrong way the moisture will move in the incorrect direction – you can tell whether your activewear is made properly by spraying it with water. Hang it up to dry and repeat the test by spraying the other side. Whichever side dries fastest is the side that should touch your skin when worn.

The Road Test – you've purchased your product, you've tried it out and now it's time to hit the streets for a road test. Pay attention to how comfortable you are while exercising, how well it moves and feels.

When you purchase your activewear from a reputable supplier this is the type of testing it goes through before it ever hits the shelves. You can rest assured that you are buying a top-of-the-line, high-quality product. You probably hadn't thought about just how much effort and research go into determining what materials and designs are right for activewear, yet here we are. You can browse Lorna Jane which is more than just an activewear brand and has great deals and discounts. It’s a lifestyle favoured by gym lovers for workout wear’s.