The 145 gsm single jersey nylon spandex fabric for sports bra (Item Code: D118) is a premium, lightweight performance fabric engineered specifically for close-fitting activewear. Composed of 85% Nylon and 15% Spandex, this material combines the strength, abrasion resistance and good elastic recovery of nylon with the high stretch with strong elastic recovery of spandex. Featuring a specialized single jersey knit structure with 40D spandex (4020 specification) and draw textured yarn (DTY), it delivers dual-elastic performance, a soft, skin-friendly handfeel, and exceptional color saturation.
Key Specifications
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Item Code | D118 |
| Description | Single Jersey |
| GSM | 145G/M2 |
| Width | 130CM |
| Knitting | |
| Composition | 85% Nylon / 15% Spandex |
| Yarn |
Dual-Elasticity Engineering: Combining DTY Structure with 15% Spandex
The D118 145 gsm nylon spandex single jersey fabric utilizes an engineered dual-elasticity construction that integrates draw textured yarn (DTY) with a high concentration of spandex. While standard DTY yarn provides a structural crimp recovery of 15-25% at the yarn level, this fabric incorporates 15% Spandex using the industry-standard 4020 specification (40D spandex). This dual configuration ensures that the fabric's overall elasticity is significantly stronger than pure DTY fabrics, offering high stretch with strong elastic recovery to support dynamic body movements.
By pairing 85% Nylon with 15% Spandex, the fabric leverages the inherent strength, abrasion resistance and good elastic recovery of nylon to maintain its shape over long-term wear. The single jersey knit construction features horizontal float lines on the reverse side and a natural tendency to roll at the edges, which is characteristic of authentic single jersey fabrics. This structure provides a snug, body-hugging fit with excellent compression, making it highly effective for supportive athletic apparel.
Manufacturing Considerations: 145G/M2 Weight and 130CM Narrow Width
Selecting a 145 gsm single jersey fabric for sports bra production requires careful planning during the marker layout and cutting stages due to its specific physical dimensions. With a weight of 145G/M2, this fabric is positioned as a medium-lightweight material that offers a delicate, soft, and highly drapeable handfeel. It provides a lightweight, breathable, and non-stuffy wearing experience, which is essential for next-to-skin activewear.
However, garment manufacturers must account for the narrow width of 130CM, which is narrower than standard knit stretch fabrics (typically 150-160cm). This 130CM narrow width is a technical result of the high spandex contraction during the knitting process and the specific machine cylinder configuration. On the cutting bed, this narrow width acts as a tight constraint. Sourcing managers and pattern makers must optimize the marker layout to maximize fabric utilization and avoid joining issues, especially when cutting wide-panel garments or larger-sized activewear.
Printing and Dyeing Performance on Nylon-Spandex Single Jersey
This versatile 145 gsm nylon spandex fabric serves as an excellent substrate for digital printing and heat transfer applications due to its flat, smooth single jersey surface. Nylon fibers exhibit superior dye absorption and color saturation compared to polyester, allowing the fabric to achieve brilliant, vivid colors that elevate the aesthetic value of fashion-forward activewear.
For printed collections, sublimation printing can be applied to the single jersey base. However, because nylon has a lower sublimation dye uptake than polyester, printed colors may appear slightly lighter. To achieve maximum color vibrancy and deep saturation, acid digital printing is highly recommended. Additionally, while the fabric's soft handfeel and high stretch make it an attractive option for swimwear designs, buyers must conduct independent testing for chlorine bleaching and chlorine resistance to verify performance before bulk production.
Recommended Applications for D118 Fabric
D118 is highly optimized for close-fitting, high-stretch garments where comfort, recovery, and a premium handfeel are paramount. Its unique construction makes it a premier single jersey fabric for sports bra manufacturing and other athletic categories:
- Sports Bras & Yoga Wear: The 85% Nylon and 15% Spandex blend provides the necessary compression, strength, abrasion resistance and good elastic recovery required for active support.
- Shapewear & Sculpting Undergarments: The dual-elasticity from the 40D spandex and DTY structure delivers a snug, comfortable, and body-shaping fit.
- Lightweight Base Layers & Athleisure: The 145G/M2 weight ensures excellent breathability and a soft, skin-friendly feel for tight T-shirts, polo base layers, and dresses.
- Swimwear: Suitable for sleek swimwear designs, provided that appropriate chlorine resistance testing is conducted prior to bulk production.
FAQ
What is the exact yarn composition and structure of the D118 fabric?
The D118 fabric consists of 85% Nylon and 15% Spandex. It is knitted in a Single Jersey structure utilizing 40D (4020 specification) spandex and draw textured yarn (DTY) to achieve a dual-elastic performance.
Why is the width of the D118 fabric specified at 130CM?
The 130CM width is a narrow width resulting from the high spandex content (15% Spandex) which causes significant fabric contraction during the knitting process, as well as the specific knitting machine configuration.
Can I use sublimation printing on this fabric?
Yes, the single jersey structure of D118 is suitable for sublimation and digital printing. However, because nylon has a lower sublimation dye uptake compared to polyester, colors may appear lighter. Acid digital printing is recommended for maximum color vibrancy.
Is D118 suitable for swimwear production?
While the 85% Nylon / 15% Spandex composition and soft handfeel make it highly suitable for swimwear designs, buyers must conduct independent testing for chlorine bleaching and chlorine resistance before proceeding with bulk manufacturing.
What makes the elasticity of D118 different from standard stretch fabrics?
D118 features dual-elasticity. It combines the mechanical crimp recovery (15-25%) of the draw textured yarn (DTY) structure with the high stretch and strong elastic recovery of the 15% Spandex (40D), offering superior performance compared to pure DTY fabrics.
Ordering & Customization
We provide professional B2B sourcing services for the D118 145 gsm single jersey nylon spandex fabric for sports bra. To ensure this fabric aligns with your specific garment patterns and cutting bed constraints (especially considering the 130CM narrow width), we highly recommend ordering a sample roll or requesting a swatch for initial pattern testing. Our technical team is available to assist you with color matching, print compatibility, and layout optimization.
Written by Wenruo
Textile Engineer, Forall Lab