Choose a finish with a purpose
A brushed hand, smooth face and textured surface create different wearing experiences. Ask for a swatch and state where the garment will be worn, rather than selecting only by fibre percentage.
Fabric 10 / 12 · Performance fabrics
Polyester–Elastane
A performance-apparel starting point for close fits, movement and selected print applications. Choose the precise construction and decoration together, then verify them in a garment.
Performance · Stretch and recovery
Custom apparel · OEM, ODM and private label
01 — In short
What is polyester–elastane?
Polyester–elastane is a blend combining polyester with an elastic fibre. It is used for fitted training garments, base layers and activewear. The selected knit, blend, weight and finish determine the hand and recovery. Printing suitability and functional claims should be confirmed on the actual fabric, not assumed from its name.
02 — Garment applications
Start with what you are making.
These are starting points for fabric selection. The chosen quality is approved for the specific garment.
03 — Fabric specification
Agree the details before cutting.
GSM is fabric mass per square metre. It helps compare weight, but does not alone establish quality, coverage or performance.
- Construction
- Specified stretch knit; construction selected to suit the garment.
- Fibre composition
- Polyester with elastane; exact percentages agreed before approval.
- Hand and drape
- Varies from smooth to brushed or textured according to the finish.
- Weight / GSM
- Select against the garment and reference hand; confirm the approved GSM and tolerance.
- Stretch and recovery
- Assess extension, recovery and coverage in each required direction.
- Sample checks
- Recovery, stretched opacity, heat response, print durability and seam movement.
- Colour and finish
- Approve a physical shade reference, finish and any required performance evidence.
- Minimum and supply
- Confirmed in your quote as part of the garment order; fabric colours shown are references.
04 — Sample decisions
Three things to approve.
Approve decoration under stretch
A print that looks good on a flat sample may crack, separate or distort in a tight garment. Assess the artwork while the sample moves, then inspect it after laundering.
Define the evidence you need
If you require moisture management, colourfastness or a compression-related claim, put that requirement in the brief. Agree the relevant assessment and acceptance criteria before bulk.
05 — Branding and construction
Your mark, on the right base.
Artwork and fabric should be approved together. Explore our decoration services for the wider process.
Sublimation on a suitable base
Polyester content can support a sublimation route, but elastane and finishing require a compatible heat trial.
Stretch transfers
Review adhesion, extension and recovery along with dye migration on the chosen shade.
Brand labels
Choose label size and placement so branding does not interfere with a close-fitting panel or seam.
06 — Care and maintenance
Care starts with the finished garment.
Use the complete garment care label. Elastane, functional finishes and decorations can impose different limits from a plain polyester fabric. Avoid unapproved high heat and rough handling of stretch panels.
Approve a washed and movement-tested sample before production. Check whether the hand, fit, recovery and printed areas remain acceptable, using the same care process intended for the end wearer.
07 — Compare fabrics
When another fabric may fit better.
08 — Questions, answered
10 questions about Polyester–Elastane.
Practical answers for choosing, decorating and caring for the fabric in your garment range.
What garments use polyester–elastane?
It is used in fitted training tops, base layers, leggings and other activewear. Match the actual knit, recovery and weight to the design rather than specifying the blend alone.
Is polyester–elastane the same as nylon–elastane?
No. The base fibre differs, which can change hand, dyeing and decoration options. Compare samples with the same garment brief before choosing between them.
Does polyester–elastane always have four-way stretch?
No. Stretch direction and amount depend on the construction. Specify the extension and recovery needed in each direction and check them on the selected fabric.
Can polyester–elastane be sublimated?
Some suitable qualities can be. Approve the base shade, print colour and heat response, because the elastane and finish may be affected by unsuitable processing conditions.
Is polyester–elastane moisture wicking?
That is not guaranteed by the blend. The yarn, knit and finish affect moisture behaviour. Specify any functional requirement and agree the evidence for that selected quality.
Is polyester–elastane suitable for compression wear?
It can be a starting point for a close-fitting garment. A specific compression claim needs garment design and appropriate testing; an elastane percentage is not enough to establish it.
Will light-coloured polyester–elastane leggings be opaque?
Coverage must be checked on the fabric and finished fit. Assess the chosen colour under the stretch and lighting expected in use, including any lining or gusset.
Why should a printed stretch garment be wash tested?
The base, print and seams can respond differently to movement and care. A decorated sample lets you check adhesion, colour, cracking, recovery and fit as one garment.
How do I maintain polyester–elastane clothing?
Follow the garment label, protect it from unnecessary heat and abrasion, and observe the decoration instructions. Ask about care before using softeners or special laundry treatments on a functional finish.
What should I approve before ordering stretch performance apparel?
Approve the fabric, fit, stretch directions, recovery, coverage, seams and artwork. Include the washed sample, labels, size range, quantities and any agreed tests in the production specification.
09 — From swatch to order
Approve the fabric in a garment.
Send the design, intended fit, colours, artwork, size range and quantity. If you have a reference garment, use it to communicate the hand and finish you want. We discuss the fabric, make the sample and record the approved construction before bulk production.
Review dimensions, shade, decoration and the care result together. Keep the signed-off sample and written specification as the reference for the order.
See how sampling worksMade to your mark · Sialkot, Pakistan
Choose the fabric. Then make it yours.
Tell us the garment, fit, colour, artwork and quantity. We will discuss the fabric as part of your custom apparel order, with the selected specification, sample and minimum confirmed in writing.