D317 is a high-performance weft knit spacer fabric engineered with 66% Nylon and 34% Spandex. Featuring a specialized three-layer sandwich construction, this 230G/M2 material places a puffy, insulating still-air layer between a smooth nylon outer face and a highly elastic spandex backing. It is designed to provide structured volume, smart thermal regulation, and exceptional stretch recovery for premium swimwear, activewear, and technical sports apparel.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Item Code | D317 |
| Description | spacer fabric |
| GSM | 230G/M2 |
| Width | 140CM |
| Knitting | Weft |
| Composition | 66%Nylon / 34%Spandex |
Three-Layer Spacer Structure and Thermal Regulation
The three-layer hollow structure of the 230 gsm nylon spandex spacer fabric (D317) acts as a micro-climate thermal regulator by trapping a layer of still air between its weft-knitted faces. This physical configuration provides a measured thermal resistance value of approximately 0.045 m²·K/W, which is experimentally verified to elevate skin-touch temperature sensation by 3-5°C while maintaining a high moisture permeability of up to 12000 g/m²/24h.
The face of the fabric utilizes nylon to deliver superior strength, high abrasion resistance, and a smooth, soft hand feel with a subtle matte texture. The backing incorporates spandex to provide high stretch with strong elastic recovery, ensuring a tight and supportive wrapping sensation. The middle layer connects these faces with a fluffy spacer yarn, creating a static air pocket. This smart temperature control dynamically retains body heat in cold environments while managing humidity during high-intensity athletic performance, outperforming traditional fleece by being lighter, more efficient, and completely free from shedding.
High Resilience, Structural Integrity, and Processing Advantages
Engineered with 20D ultrafine spandex, the D317 weft knit spacer fabric offers a four-way stretch of approximately 40% in both warp and weft directions, coupled with a stretch recovery rate of 85%-92%. This high-resilience structure ensures the fabric retains its 3D volume, resists wrinkling, and maintains shape without collapsing or deforming, even after rigorous athletic use.
The 230 gsm spacer fabric for swimwear demonstrates outstanding durability under testing. After 50 industrial washes, its warmth retention rate remains over 85% and its elasticity attenuation rate is below 8%. From an apparel manufacturing perspective, this spacer fabric is highly stable, easy to shape, and requires no hemming (raw-cut compatible), which simplifies production and allows for clean, modern garment edges.
However, buyers should note specific physical trade-offs. The structured, fluffy volume results in a relatively heavy texture. Additionally, the smooth surface can attract dust and is prone to snagging. To preserve the spandex fibers, the fabric has slightly weaker resistance to chlorine and prolonged sun exposure, meaning high-temperature ironing or bleaching must be avoided.
Functional Finishes and Safety Certifications for Global Markets
The D317 230 gsm spacer fabric for swimwear can be customized with advanced functional finishes to meet stringent performance requirements, including UPF 50+ UV protection, anti-static, antibacterial, and moisture-wicking capabilities. It is certified under international standards such as the OEKO-TEX baby-grade safety certification and EU REACH regulations, making it safe for direct-to-skin contact in global retail markets.
To enhance the base properties of the 66% Nylon and 34% Spandex blend, we offer specialized post-treatments. Brands can request far-infrared heat-locking finishes for extreme cold environments, or one-way moisture transport finishes to keep athletes dry. Because the raw materials comply with global environmental mandates, D317 is highly recommended for school uniforms and children's sportswear.
Versatile B2B Applications of D317 Spacer Fabric
The unique combination of structural loft, thermal regulation, and high stretch makes the D317 230 gsm nylon spandex spacer fabric highly versatile across multiple premium apparel sectors:
- Swimwear & Cold-Water Gear: Ideal as a high-performance spacer fabric for swimwear, providing structured shaping, thermal insulation in cooler waters, and rapid recovery.
- Yoga Wear & Sports Bras: Perfect for low-temperature sports environments (-5°C to 15°C) to improve warm-up efficiency and reduce muscle drag. The 34% spandex content ensures tight, supportive wrapping.
- Outdoor & Functional Apparel: Used as an outer layer for windbreakers, down jackets, mountaineering apparel, and lightweight jackets, offering wind resistance, durability, and mild water repellency. Also suitable for cycling wear, ski wear, and sports shoe uppers.
- Athletic Hoodies, Jackets & Sweatshirts: Capitalizes on the fabric's 3D structure and 230G/M2 weight to create structured, wrinkle-resistant hoodies, baseball jackets, and casual sweat suits that do not sag.
- School Uniforms & Kids' Wear: Meets strict national safety standards. Its high abrasion resistance (from the 66% nylon) and easy-care properties make it highly suitable for active children's garments.
- Loungewear & Home Textiles: Provides a soft, thick, and comforting embrace for premium loungewear, bedding, and sofa covers.
FAQ
Q: What is the exact composition and weight of the D317 spacer fabric?
A: D317 is a weft knit spacer fabric composed of 66% Nylon and 34% Spandex, with a physical weight of 230G/M2 and a usable width of 140CM.
Q: How does the thermal performance of this spacer fabric compare to traditional fleece?
A: Unlike traditional fleece, the D317 spacer fabric utilizes a three-layer hollow structure that traps still air, achieving a thermal resistance of approximately 0.045 m²·K/W and a 3-5°C increase in touch temperature. It is lighter, more breathable (up to 12000 g/m²/24h moisture permeability), and does not shed fibers.
Q: What are the durability metrics of D317 after repeated washing?
A: D317 is highly durable; after 50 industrial washes, it retains over 85% of its warmth retention capability, and its elasticity decay rate remains under 8%.
Q: Are there any specific care instructions or limitations for this fabric?
A: Yes. While the nylon provides excellent strength and abrasion resistance, the fabric is relatively heavy and can attract dust or experience snagging. To protect the spandex fibers, avoid high-temperature ironing, bleaching, or prolonged exposure to harsh chlorine and intense sunlight.
Q: Does this fabric meet safety standards for children's wear and international export?
A: Yes, the D317 spacer fabric can meet OEKO-TEX baby-grade safety certification and EU REACH regulations, making it fully compliant for children's school uniforms and global exports.
Ordering & Customization
We offer comprehensive customization options for the D317 230 gsm nylon spandex spacer fabric to align with your brand's specific functional requirements. Buyers can request functional post-treatments including anti-UV (UPF 50+), antibacterial, anti-static, moisture-wicking, and far-infrared thermal finishes. Our technical team is available to assist with color matching and technical documentation.
Written by Wenruo
Textile Engineer, Forall Lab