Which Activewear Fabric Is Best for You?

Whether you're crushing cardio, stretching into a downward dog, or just strutting through your day in athleisure, the right activewear fabric can make all the difference. But with so many options, polyester, nylon, bamboo, spandex, how do you know which fabric is actually best for you?

Spoiler alert: it’s not just about the look. It’s about performance, comfort, sustainability, and how your outfit holds up mid-sweat-sesh. Let’s decode the types of activewear fabric and find your perfect fit.

Why Fabric Choice Matters in Activewear

Think of your activewear fabric as your workout BFF. The best fabric for athletic wear helps:

• Keep sweat at bay (hello, moisture-wicking!)
  

• Regulate body temperature
  

• Enhance flexibility
  

• Reduce chafing
  

• Stay fresh (no one likes funky odors)
  

So yes, fabric is more than just fashion, it’s fitness meets function.

1. Polyester – The Workout Warrior

Best For: Sweat-intensive workouts, outdoor runs

Why It's a Favorite:

• Moisture-wicking magic
  

• Wrinkle-resistant and quick-dry
  

• Lightweight yet durable
  

Polyester is hands-down the best fabric for sportswear when it comes to performance. 

Bonus: it's easy to care for and retains shape even after multiple washes.

2. Nylon – The Smooth Operator

Best For: Barre, yoga, pilates

Why You'll Love It:

• Super soft and stretchy
  

• Abrasion-resistant
  

• Breathable with great shape retention
  

If comfort and a sleek silhouette are your goals, nylon is your go-to. It's a top contender when picking the best fabric for athletic wear that needs to move with your body.

If you are conflicted between which fabric is better, polyester or nylon, you can read about it here.

3. Spandex (aka Elastane or Lycra) – The Stretch Queen

Best For: High-mobility workouts, dance, yoga

Stretch Factor: 10 out of 10
Spandex is THE girl when it comes to flexibility. You’ll find it blended with most activewear fabrics for added elasticity.

Pros:

• Maximum stretch and recovery
  

• Super comfortable fit
  

• Moves with your body like a dream

4. Bamboo – The Eco Babe

Best For: Yoga, lounging, light training, eco-conscious queens

Why It's a Winner:

• Naturally moisture-wicking and breathable
  

• Odor-resistant (bye-bye post-workout stink!)
  

• Hypoallergenic and super soft
  

• Sustainable and biodegradable
  

This one’s perfect if you’re into green fashion and wellness vibes. Among all types of activewear fabric, bamboo is the luxury-meets-sustainability option.

5. Cotton – The Chill Classic

Best For: Light activity, travel, lounging

Pros:

• Soft and breathable
  

• Natural fiber = skin-friendly
  

Cons: Cotton absorbs sweat and takes time to dry, so it's not ideal for intense workouts. But it’s great for casual athleisure days and low-key movement.

6. Merino Wool – The Cold-Weather Pro

Best For: Hiking, winter workouts, layering

Yes, wool in activewear!

• Regulates temperature (warm when cold, cool when warm)
  

• Wicks sweat and fights odor
  

• Naturally antimicrobial
  

Merino wool is your cozy-yet-breathable BFF when temps drop and you need insulation without the sweat trap.

7. Microfiber – The Ultra Performer

Best For: HIIT, CrossFit, running

Why You’ll Obsess:

• Super lightweight
  

• Moisture-wicking
  

• Dries like that
  

Microfiber is made for serious performance and gives some of the best fabric for sports a real challenge. Plus, it’s silky smooth on your skin.

Tool Long, Didn't Read? 

Cheat Sheet: Which Fabric to Choose?

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best fabric for athletic wear isn’t just about what looks cute (though let’s be honest, we love a matching set). It’s about what performs, lasts, and feels good while you're moving, sweating, and living your best life.

Whether you’re into stretchy spandex, breathable bamboo, or sweat-wicking polyester, knowing the different types of activewear fabric will make your wardrobe smarter and your workouts comfier.

Pro Tip: Always check the label and look for blends, like polyester-spandex, for the best of both worlds!

Why Hunnit Activewear Is That Girl?

Still wondering where to find all these fabulous fabrics in one place? Say hello to Hunnit, where we design activewear using only the best fabrics for performance, comfort, and sustainability. Whether you’re sweating it out or stepping out, we’ve got you covered, literally! We are your new go-to for athleisure that doesn’t just perform, it slays. From buttery-soft tanks to curve-loving tights, Hunnit brings you a wide range of vibrant colors and inclusive sizing up to 4XL, because style should never be limited. Every piece is designed for real movement and real bodies, with features like zero transparency (so you never have to second guess your squat), moisture-wicking tech, 4-way stretch for max flexibility, and that buttery-soft feel you’ll basically live in. Whether you're hitting the gym or just vibing in athleisure, Hunnit keeps you comfortable, confident, and completely in your element.

Ready to upgrade your wardrobe? Shop now.

FAQs

Q1. What’s the best fabric for sportswear in hot weather?

Polyester or bamboo, both wick away sweat and keep you cool.

Q2. Which fabric lasts the longest in workout clothes?

Nylon and polyester are the most durable and can withstand frequent washing.

Q3. Is cotton good for workouts?

For low-intensity workouts, yes. But it retains sweat, so skip it for heavy cardio.

Q4. What is the most eco-friendly activewear fabric?

Bamboo and recycled polyester lead the pack in sustainability.

Q5. Can merino wool really be used in activewear?

Absolutely! It regulates temperature, controls odor, and is ultra-soft.