Knitted Polyester-Spandex Blend Fabric has become a cornerstone in modern textile manufacturing, prized for its exceptional stretch, recovery, and durability. At Nashe Textile, we engineer this fabric to serve activewear, athleisure, swimwear, and beyond. The blend combines the strength and quick-dry properties of polyester with the elasticity of spandex (elastane), creating a material that moves with the body while retaining its shape wear after wear.
Composition and Mechanical Structure
The knitted construction of this fabric distinguishes it from woven alternatives. A circular knit or warp knit structure imparts multi-directional stretch, breathability, and a soft hand feel. Nashe Textile utilizes a precise ratio—typically 85–95% polyester and 5–15% spandex—depending on the intended application. The polyester filament provides dimensional stability, wicking, and resistance to UV degradation, while spandex delivers elongation capacity of up to 500% with near-complete recovery.
Key Performance Parameters
Every roll of Nashe Textile’s knitted polyester-spandex blend fabric undergoes rigorous testing. The following parameters define our standard production specification, clearly outlining what buyers can expect.
- Yarn Count: Polyester 75D to 150D, Spandex 20D to 70D
- Weight Range: 120 GSM to 350 GSM, customizable
- Width: 58/60 inches (147–152 cm), wider widths available on request
- Stretch: 4-way stretch with elongation 80–120% warp and 100–180% weft
- Recovery: Minimum 95% after 30 minutes relaxation
- Moisture Management: Quick-dry with wicking finish, vertical wicking rate > 2.5 cm/10 min
- Air Permeability: 80–150 cc/cm²/sec (ASTM D737)
- Pilling Resistance: Grade 4–5 (ISO 12945-2)
- Colorfastness to Wash: Grade 4–5 (AATCC 61)
- Colorfastness to Light: Grade 4 (AATCC 16)
- Shrinkage: Warp ≤ 3%, Weft ≤ 5% after 3 home washes
- UV Protection: UPF 30–50+ with specialist finish
Technical Specifications Table
| Property | Standard Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Fiber Content | 88% Polyester / 12% Spandex (typical) | AATCC 20A |
| Fabric Weight | 200 GSM (±5%) | ASTM D3776 |
| Thickness | 0.45 mm (±0.05) | ASTM D1777 |
| Stretch Elongation (Warp) | ≥ 90% | ASTM D2594 |
| Stretch Elongation (Weft) | ≥ 150% | ASTM D2594 |
| Growth (30 mins) | ≤ 3% | ASTM D2594 |
| Bursting Strength | ≥ 450 kPa | ASTM D3786 |
| Tear Strength (Warp/Weft) | ≥ 15 N / ≥ 12 N | ASTM D2261 |
| Seam Slippage | ≤ 1.5 mm at 6 kg load | ASTM D434 |
| Wicking Height (10 min) | ≥ 30 mm | AATCC 197 |
| Drying Time | ≤ 25 minutes | AATCC 201 |
| pH Value | 5.5 – 7.0 | AATCC 81 |
Finish Options and Enhancements
Nashe Textile applies a variety of finishes to enhance the base fabric for specific uses. Our standard finishes include moisture-wicking treatment, anti-microbial, anti-static, UPF40+, and softener. For demanding sportswear brands, we offer a cooling finish, chlorine resistance for swimwear, and high-abrasion coating for compression gear. All chemical finishes comply with Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Class I and REACH regulations, ensuring skin safety and environmental responsibility.
Color and Aesthetic Capabilities
The polyester-spandex knit takes dye brilliantly, delivering vibrant, deep shades that withstand repeated laundering. Our dyeing facilities handle batch sizes from 500 meters upward, and we support Pantone color matching with a lab-dip accuracy of Delta E ≤ 1.0. Digital printing and sublimation printing are fully compatible, making this fabric ideal for custom patterns, logos, and gradient designs. Solid colors are also available from our stock line of over 300 shades.
Applications Across Industries
The versatility of Nashe Textile’s knitted polyester-spandex blend fabric means it appears in a wide range of end products:
- Activewear: Leggings, sports bras, tops, shorts—where 4-way stretch and moisture control are essential.
- Swimwear: Chlorine-resistant variants retain elasticity in pool and saltwater environments.
- Athleisure: Joggers, hoodies, and casual dresses that require comfort and shape retention.
- Medical Textiles: Compression bandages, orthopedic braces, and support garments.
- Dance and Performance Wear: Leotards, unitards, and costumes that demand full freedom of movement.
- Intimate Apparel: Underwear and shapewear with gentle compression.
Fabric Variants and Customization at Nashe Textile
We understand that different brands need tailored solutions. Our production line can adjust the following variables:
- Spandex Content: From 5% for light stretch to 15% for high- compression fabrics.
- Polyester Yarn Type: DTY (draw textured yarn) for soft bulk, FDY (fully drawn yarn) for smooth surface, recycled polyester for sustainability goals.
- Knit Structure: Single jersey, double knit, interlock, tricot, or power mesh.
- Weight: Lightweight mesh at 120 GSM through to sturdy 350 GSM interlock.
- Eco-options: Recycled polyester from post-consumer bottles, organic plant-based yarns blended with spandex, and biodegradable spandex innovations.
Custom development takes 2–4 weeks from concept to approved lab-dip and handloom sample. Nashe Textile then moves to bulk production with strict quality gates at grey inspection, dyeing, finishing, and final audit.
Quality Assurance and Testing Protocols
Every shipment of knitted polyester-spandex blend fabric from Nashe Textile is accompanied by a detailed test report. Our in-house lab performs the full spectrum of physical and chemical tests. Additionally, we submit to third-party verification such as SGS or Intertek upon request. The 4-point system (ASTM D5430) is used for visual defects, and we guarantee an A-grade rating for first-quality fabric.
FAQ
- What makes knitted polyester-spandex blend fabric different from woven stretch fabrics?
- The knitted structure inherently provides stretch through loops rather than relying solely on yarn elastane content. This gives the fabric a softer drape, better recovery, and multidirectional give. Woven fabrics with spandex often stretch only in one direction and may feel stiffer. Knits are preferred for garments that need to hug the body like leggings and swimwear.
- How should I care for garments made from this fabric?
- Machine wash cold with mild detergent, avoid fabric softeners which can coat the fibers and reduce wicking. Tumble dry on low heat or line dry. Do not iron directly on the fabric; if needed, use a low-temperature setting with a pressing cloth. Avoid bleach and prolonged exposure to chlorine. Following these steps keeps the spandex resilient and colors vibrant for years.
- Does the fabric pill over time?
- With a pilling rating of grade 4–5, Nashe Textile’s polyester-spandex blend fabrics resist pilling exceptionally well. The high-tenacity polyester filament and careful finish prevent loose fibers from forming pills. Under normal wear and proper laundry practices, pilling is minimal even in high-friction areas like inner thighs.
- Can I get this fabric with recycled polyester?
- Yes. Nashe Textile offers GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified recycled polyester options. The blend ratios and performance remain comparable to virgin polyester. We can provide the necessary documentation and hang tags to support your brand’s sustainability messaging.
- What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for custom colors?
- Our MOQ for custom dye-lots is 500 meters per color. For stock colors, we can supply as low as 100 meters per color. Sampling yardage (5–10 meters) is available without an order commitment. For large-scale buyers, we recommend checking current inventory to optimize lead times.
- Is the fabric suitable for sublimation printing?
- Absolutely. The high polyester content ensures brilliant sublimation results with sharp definition and colorfastness. We recommend fabrics with a white base for sublimation; Nashe Textile can supply the fabric pre-treated and ready for printing. The stretch and handle remain unaffected after sublimation.
- How does the fabric handle sweat and moisture during intense exercise?
- Our moisture-wicking finish rapidly pulls sweat away from the skin and spreads it across the fabric surface for evaporation. Combined with the open knit structure, users experience dry comfort during high-output activities. Lab tests confirm a drying time under 25 minutes at 20°C, faster than many 100% cotton or conventional poly-cotton blends.
- Can this fabric be used for compression sportswear?
- Yes. By selecting a higher spandex percentage (12–15%) and a denser knit such as double jersey or power mesh, we achieve firm compression. The fabric maintains its properties even after multiple wear-and-wash cycles, making it a reliable choice for compression leggings, arm sleeves, and recovery wear.
Sustainability and Compliance
Nashe Textile integrates sustainability at every stage of production. We source recycled polyester yarns from post-consumer PET, reducing reliance on virgin petroleum. Our dyeing plant employs low liquor ratio technology and closed-loop water recycling, cutting water use by over 40% compared to conventional methods. Chemicals are bluesign® approved, and we hold GOTS certification for selected organic blends. We also offer biodegradable spandex options for brands aiming for circularity.
Packaging and Logistics
Our knitted polyester-spandex blend fabric is packed in industrial-grade polyethylene rolls with inner tube support, each clearly labeled with product code, lot number, shade, and yardage. Standard roll length is 50–100 meters, though we can customize to your cutting-room needs. Export cartons are palletized and secured for container shipment. We handle FOB, CIF, and DDP terms with a proven supply chain team. Lead time for bulk runs is 4–6 weeks, subject to order complexity and current bookings.
Why Nashe Textile for Knitted Polyester-Spandex Blend Fabric
With two decades of textile expertise, Nashe Textile combines manufacturing precision with deep market knowledge. Our vertically integrated setup—from knitting to finishing—ensures full control over quality and timelines. Clients across North America, Europe, and Oceania trust us for consistent fabric that performs. Whether you need a standard jersey for yoga wear or a high-power compression mesh for performance gear, our technical team supports you from sample to delivery.












