In the world of performance apparel, choosing the right fabric is essential.
Figure skating costumes, swimwear and gymnastics wear must achieve the perfect balance between stretch, support, comfort and aesthetics.
To meet these high-performance standards, designers and manufacturers rely on a range of technical stretch fabrics, primarily made from nylon and spandex.
These innovative textiles allow athletes to move freely while ensuring a flawless fit and a sleek, elegant silhouette.
Among the most widely used fabrics are spandex nylon, power mesh, sport mesh and quick dry mesh fabrics.
Nylon spandex : Stretch and Support
82% nylon / 18% spandex
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Often referred to as Lycra or elastane, spandex is a key component in many athletic garments.
Spandex : Generic term commonly used in North America and Asia
Elastane : Term required on Europeen labels
Lycra : Trademark owned by The Lycra Compagny (originally developped by DuPont)
This fabric is one of the most popular materials for swinwear and aquatic apparel, offering an excellent balance of strengh and elasticity.
Thanks to its high spandex content, it provides 4-way stretch, allowing the fabric to contour perfectly the body ensuring maximum freedom of movement.
Key features :
- 4-way stretch : for optimal mobility
- Excellent recovery : fabric retains shape after stretching
- Resistance to water and chlorine : ideal for swinwear
- Smooth, slightly glossy : highly regarded for figure skating costumes
Power mesh : Support, Structure and Creative Versatility
95% polyester / 5% spandex
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Power mesh is an extremely versatile fabric, your creativity is the only limit to its applications.
It is widely used in :
- Swinwear linings, for added support and comfort
- Gymnastics and skating costumes, for stretch and breathability
- Sports bras, for structure and support
Whit its tight yet flexible construction, power mesh provides a light shaping effect while remaining breathable.
This stretch mesh fabric is know for its unique combination of support, flexibility and airflow.
Its open structure allows air to circulate, enhancing compfort while maintaining a subtle compression effect.
In fashion, power mesh is also popular for creating elegant sheer panels in evening wear, adding a modern and sophisticated touch.
For bold designs, why not go further?
A fully power mesh dress is guaranteed to make a statement.
Sport mesh : Breathability and Performance
100% polyester
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Sport mesh is a perforated fabric specifically designed to promote airflow
- High Respirability
- Heat dissipation
- Lightweight feel
It is commonly used in activewear or as ventilated panels in training garments and performance costumes.
Its open structure improves air circulation, helping regulate body temperature during intense physical activity.
Some technical mesh fabrics also feature quick-dry properties, allowing moisture to evaporate quikly and dry faster
These fabrics are ideal for water sports, high-intensity training, and technical apparel.
Tummy Tuck Fabric : Support and Sculting Effect
85% nylon / 15% spandex
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Tummy Tuck fabric is specifically engineered to provide enhanced support and shaping.
This technical textile is primarily used as a supportive lining in garments that require more structure, including :
- Shaping swimwear
- Compression garments
- Certain dance and athletic outfits
Its higher density creates a gentle compression effect, offering improved abdominal support while maintening the stretch needed for comfort and movement.
✅ In Summary
Technical Fabrics at the Core of Performance
Whether it's nylon spandex, power mesh, sport mesh or shaping fabric like Tummy Tuck, these materials play a crucial role in the design of performance wear and technical garments.
Thanks to their properties — stretch, breathability, durability and support — they enable the creation of garments that combine performance, comfort ans style.
In figure skating, dance, gymnastics and water sports, these innovative textiles have become essential for enhancing movement while elevating design and silhouette.
Tonitex : Wholesale Textiles at the Heart of Montreal's Fashion Scene
When talking about Montreal fashion, it’s impossible to overlook the textiles that shape it. Creative, bold, and influenced by both street culture and design, Montreal is a true ecosystem of styles.
Designers across Canada look for fabrics that can tell a story.
As a wholesale fabric supplier in Canada, Tonitex naturally plays a role in this ecosystem by supporting strong local fashion and responsible, creative, and sustainable production ✨