Fabric is the foundation of every high-quality sportswear garment. It determines not only how a garment looks, but also how it feels against the skin, how it moves with the body, and how well it retains its shape with regular wear.
When choosing women’s sportswear, we often focus on the design, color, and cut. Fabric composition, however, is just as important, especially when we’re looking for a sports jumpsuit, a sports bra, or a set that combines comfort, stretch, and an elegant look.
One of the preferred combinations in the production of modern sports fabrics is polyamide and elastane—two fibers with different but complementary characteristics.
At EX, we believe quality begins long before a garment takes its final shape. It starts with carefully selecting the fabrics, continues with developing the cut, and culminates in the precise construction of every style.
That’s why today we’re introducing you to one of the fabrics we use in our sports collection: a blend of 78% polyamide and 22% elastane.
What is polyamide, and why is it used in sportswear?
Polyamide (PA), also known as nylon in some forms, is a synthetic fiber widely used to make sportswear, underwear, swimwear, and other garments where durability, flexibility, and comfort are important.
One of its key characteristics is the combination of durability and a pleasant feel against the skin.
Depending on the fabric’s structure and treatment, polyamide fabrics can have a smooth, fine surface, making them particularly suitable for fitted women’s sportswear.
Key benefits of polyamide
1. Durability during active wear
Polyamide fibers are known for their good mechanical strength and resistance to wear. This matters for sportswear exposed to movement, stretching, and contact with different surfaces.
2. A smooth, pleasant-to-touch surface
A carefully selected polyamide fabric can provide a soft, smooth feel against the skin. This characteristic is especially valuable in sports jumpsuits, leggings, and sports bras that fit close to the body.
3. A suitable base for stretch sports fabrics
When combined with elastane, polyamide makes it possible to create flexible woven and knitted fabrics suitable for garments that need to follow the body’s natural movements.
4. Easy-care practicality
Polyamide fabrics generally dry relatively quickly and are suitable for garments worn regularly. Specific characteristics depend on the fabric’s weight, structure, and treatment.
It is this combination of qualities that makes polyamide a preferred material for various categories of high-quality sportswear.
What is elastane, and what role does it play in sportswear?
Elastane (EL), also known as spandex, is a synthetic elastic fiber that allows fabric to stretch and recover its shape.
Unlike polyamide, which forms the fabric’s main structure, elastane has another key function: providing the necessary flexibility.
This is especially important in women’s sportswear, because the fabric needs to adapt to the body’s movements without unnecessarily restricting them.
Why is elastane so important?
In a well-designed and well-made sports garment, elastane contributes to:
- Greater freedom of movement during workouts and everyday activities.
- A better fit against the figure.
- Shape recovery after stretching.
- Greater comfort when squatting, bending, stretching, and moving.
- Close-fitting silhouettes that follow the body’s natural lines.
It’s important to know that a higher percentage of elastane does not automatically mean a higher-quality garment. The final result depends on the fabric’s overall structure and weight, the cut, and the way the garment is made.
78% polyamide and 22% elastane—why does EX Corde choose this blend?
When developing our sports collection, we looked for a fabric that met several key requirements: comfort during movement, good stretch, a pleasant feel against the skin, and the ability to create clean, fitted silhouettes.
That’s why we chose the following composition for our sports styles: 78% / 22%
78% polyamide
22% elastane
A balance of structure, flexibility, and comfort.
Polyamide forms the fabric’s foundation, while elastane contributes stretch and helps it recover its shape.
This blend is particularly suitable for fitted sportswear, where the fabric needs to move with the body.
For EX, this is part of our premium sportswear philosophy—creating garments where functionality and aesthetics complement each other.
Our goal is not simply to create sportswear that looks good. We want each piece to be designed with the woman who wears it in mind.
Four-way stretch—what does 4-way stretch mean?
When talking about high-quality stretch fabrics, we often come across the term 4-way stretch.
It refers to the fabric’s ability to stretch both widthwise and lengthwise, allowing greater freedom of movement in different directions.
This is particularly useful for:
- Gym workouts and weight training.
- Yoga and Pilates.
- Stretching and functional training.
- Everyday wear of fitted sportswear.
For sports jumpsuits and sets, good stretch is important because the garment needs to adapt to the body’s different positions.
A blend of polyamide and elastane is suitable for developing fabrics like these, but actual stretch also depends on how the fabric is knitted and treated.
Fabric and cut—why should they be developed together?
Even high-quality fabric cannot, by itself, guarantee a perfect fit.The cut plays just as important a role.
In sportswear, the cut needs to be tailored to the fabric’s stretch, body proportions, and the intended use of the specific style.
For example, a fitted sports jumpsuit requires a different approach to its design than a loose everyday dress or a classic top.
If the cut is not adapted to the fabric’s characteristics, even the most beautiful design can feel uncomfortable when you move.
How do we approach this at EX Corde Fashion?
At our own garment factory, developing our styles is a process in which design, fabric, and construction are closely connected.
Every style starts with an idea, which gradually takes shape through pattern development, material selection, and the creation of the finished garment.
For us, quality is more than the composition listed on the fabric label. It shows in the way each element of a garment works together.
EX Corde sports styles—where fabric meets original design
The blend of 78% polyamide and 22% elastane is one of the foundations of our sports collection.
We use it to create a range of silhouettes that share a common philosophy: clean design, attention to the female figure, and comfort in motion.
EX Signature VELA – premium women’s open-back sports jumpsuit
EX Signature VELA is one of the signature styles in the EX Corde sports collection.
Designed to accentuate a feminine silhouette with clean lines, this sports jumpsuit combines a fitted cut with a distinctive open back.
The 78% polyamide and 22% elastane fabric allows the style to follow the body’s natural lines and provides the flexibility needed for movement.
VELA exemplifies our belief that sportswear can be both functional and elegant.
EX AERIS – women’s sports jumpsuit with short legs
EX AERIS is designed for women who prefer the ease of a one-piece sports jumpsuit in a shorter silhouette.
For this type of garment, stretch is particularly important because the top and bottom are joined in one piece.
The blend of polyamide and elastane makes it possible to create a fitted style that moves with the body and is suited to an active lifestyle.
EX AURA – sports set with a sports bra and biker shorts
EX AURA offers a different take on the sports silhouette—a combination of a sports bra and biker shorts.
The two pieces are designed to be worn together as a complete sports look.
For sets like this, choosing the right stretch fabric is important both for the sports bra’s comfort and for the freedom of movement the shorts need to provide.
AURA is part of our commitment to creating women’s sports sets that combine functionality, minimalist design, and femininity.
Explore all the styles in the EX Corde Fashion Sports Collection.
How can you recognize quality fabric for sportswear?
When choosing a women’s sports set, leggings, or jumpsuit, don’t focus solely on the composition listed on the label.
Pay attention to a few additional characteristics as well.
1. Stretch and shape recovery
The fabric should allow you to move freely while also recovering its shape after stretching.
This is especially important for fitted sportswear, as the fabric is under constant tension while being worn.
2. Opacity and weight
Quality sports fabric should have a suitable weight for the intended use of the specific style.
When choosing leggings or a sports jumpsuit, check whether the fabric remains sufficiently opaque when stretched.
This depends not only on the composition, but also on the material’s structure, color, and thickness.
3. Feel against the skin
Sportswear is often worn directly against the skin.
That’s why the fabric’s surface and softness, as well as how it fits against the body, are essential to comfort.
4. Seam quality
Even a well-chosen stretch fabric can lose some of its functionality if the seams restrict movement or cause discomfort.
In sportswear, the right sewing techniques are an important part of the finished garment’s quality.
5. How it holds up after washing
Check whether the garment retains its shape and appearance when cared for according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Durability with regular wear and washing is an important indicator of sportswear quality.
How should you care for polyamide and elastane sportswear?
Proper care is essential for preserving the stretch, shape, and appearance of sports fabrics.
Whether it’s a sports jumpsuit, sports bra, or set, always follow the care instructions on the garment’s label.
A few general recommendations can help your stretch garments last longer:
- Wash at a low temperature, as indicated on the label.
- Use a gentle cycle for delicate or sports fabrics.
- Avoid bleach unless the label specifically permits its use.
- Do not expose garments to excessive heat when drying.
- Avoid ironing at high temperatures.
- Do not leave damp sportswear in a closed bag for an extended period.
Proper care cannot make up for fabric quality, but it can help preserve the fabric’s characteristics for longer.
Frequently asked questions about polyamide and elastane
Is a polyamide and elastane blend a good fabric for sportswear?
Yes, polyamide and elastane are a widely used combination in sportswear. Polyamide contributes strength and structure, while elastane provides stretch and shape recovery. The final quality also depends on the fabric’s weight, structure, treatment, and construction.
What does 78% polyamide and 22% elastane mean?
These figures represent the proportions of the two types of fiber in the fabric. Polyamide makes up most of the fabric, while elastane contributes stretch. This blend is suitable for creating fitted sportswear that needs to move with the body.
Is polyamide and elastane fabric suitable for the gym and yoga?
Yes, well-constructed polyamide and elastane fabrics can provide the flexibility and comfort needed for various physical activities. When choosing a specific garment, you should also consider its cut, weight, and intended use.
What is the difference between polyamide and polyester?
Both are synthetic fibers used in sportswear. Polyamide is often preferred for its smooth feel and resistance to wear, while polyester is widely used for its practicality and suitability for quick-drying sports fabrics. The actual characteristics depend on the specific fabric, not just the type of fiber.
Does a higher percentage of elastane make a garment higher quality?
Not necessarily. The percentage of elastane affects stretch, but quality depends on the balance of all the fabric’s components, its construction, and the intended use of the finished garment.
EX Corde Fashion—premium fashion crafted with attention to every detail
For us at EX Corde , choosing a fabric is never just a technical decision.
It is part of the way we create every garment—from the initial idea to the finished style.
We believe premium quality is found in the details: in how the fabric feels, the precision of the cut, the way the garment fits the body, and the care that goes into its construction.
Our sports collection is designed for women looking for more than beautiful clothing—for women who value quality, comfort, and individual style.
Because true quality is not just what you see. It’s also what you feel.
Discover the EX sports styles and choose the design that suits your style.
EXPLORE THE EX CORDE FASHION COLLECTION →
Be EXtraordinary. Be EXceptional.
Yours, EX.
