The D371 is a premium 105 gsm single jersey nylon spandex fabric for dancewear and high-performance athletic apparel, engineered with a 40D Nylon and 40D Spandex yarn configuration. Knitted on ultra-fine 36-gauge circular machines, this weft knit single jersey fabric offers an ultra-lightweight, "second-skin" sensation with an 80% Nylon and 20% Spandex composition. It balances high stretch with strong elastic recovery, making it ideal for competitive dancewear, gymnastics wear, and lightweight activewear that requires unrestricted movement and a delicate, naturally velvety touch.
Key Specifications
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Item Code | D371 |
| Description | Single Jersey |
| GSM | 105G/M2 |
| Width | 150CM |
| Knitting | Weft |
| Composition | 80% Nylon / 20% Spandex |
| Yarn | 40D Nylon + 40D Spandex |
Fine Denier 40D Yarn and 36-Gauge Knit Engineering
The D371 utilizes a "4040" raw material configuration, pairing 40D fine denier nylon with 40D spandex. This fine denier fiber features a thin diameter that creates a dense yet incredibly soft fabric structure, serving as the physical foundation for its smooth, "second-skin" texture. By reducing skin friction, this lightweight configuration allows the fabric to adapt seamlessly to body movements, making it an excellent single jersey fabric for dancewear and activewear applications.
This material is knitted on 36-gauge fine-needle circular knitting machines, which pack a high density of needles per inch. The resulting tight, small loops create an exceptionally flat, clean fabric surface. This tight structural density ensures that despite its ultra-lightweight profile of 105G/M2, the fabric maintains a cohesive, premium structure.
High-Stretch 80/20 Blend with Compression Potential
With a composition of 80% Nylon and 20% Spandex, the D371 sits at the upper tier of elasticity for performance textiles. Spandex provides high stretch with strong elastic recovery, while Nylon delivers essential strength, abrasion resistance and good elastic recovery. Industry standards indicate that compression garments require at least 15% spandex to deliver functional support; at 20% spandex, this fabric enters the high-stretch support category, offering excellent compression potential for form-fitting garments.
The 80% Nylon matrix acts as a durable framework, ensuring high tensile strength and resistance against tearing or snagging. Nylon's inherent abrasion resistance is approximately 10 times higher than cotton and 20 times higher than wool, allowing the finished apparel to withstand high-friction environments, repetitive washing, and chlorine exposure without losing its shape or pilling.
Ultra-Lightweight 105G/M2 Profile and Natural Velvety Handfeel
At 105G/M2, the D371 is positioned in the ultra-lightweight category (80–120 GSM), making it highly breathable and virtually weightless. While this lightweight nature is ideal for high-performance activewear, designers should note its opacity characteristics. Because it is extremely thin, lighter colorways or highly stretched states may exhibit some sheerness, requiring careful sampling and color validation for specific designs.
Unlike fabrics that undergo mechanical brushing or napping post-finishing, the soft, velvety handfeel of D371 is entirely structural. The combination of 20% Spandex knitted on a 36-gauge machine creates subtle, microscopic undulations on the surface. Paired with the high surface area of the 40D fine denier nylon and a semi-dull luster, this structure produces a naturally soft, peach-like texture. It provides a warm, cozy tactile response without any directional nap or roughness, offering a premium alternative to cold-feeling flat nylon fabrics.
Case Studies
Case 1: High-Performance Competitive Swimwear
In competitive swimwear designs, minimizing drag and weight is essential. A swimwear brand utilized this 105G/M2 single jersey fabric to create an ultra-lightweight, hydrodynamic racing suit. The 80% Nylon / 20% Spandex composition provided the necessary compression potential and high stretch with strong elastic recovery, helping athletes maintain optimal body alignment in water. The 150CM width allowed for efficient pattern nesting on the cutting table, minimizing material waste. Furthermore, the nylon framework ensured excellent resistance to chlorine degradation and friction. Parameters matched: Item Code: D371 | GSM: 105G/M2 | Width: 150CM | Composition: 80% Nylon / 20% Spandex.
Case 2: Professional Gymnastics and Dancewear
A dancewear manufacturer selected this weft knit single jersey fabric to develop a line of professional practice leotards. The 40D fine denier yarn configuration combined with the 36-gauge knit provided a "second-skin" fit that reduced skin friction during complex routines. Because the fabric naturally features a delicate, non-brushed micro-fuzz handfeel, it offered a soft, cozy tactile experience without the added weight of post-process brushing. The 20% Spandex content supported extreme joint articulation with immediate shape recovery. Parameters matched: Item Code: D371 | Description: Single Jersey | Knitting: Weft | Composition: 80% Nylon / 20% Spandex.
Case 3: Seamless Intimate Apparel and Base Layers
An intimate apparel brand integrated this 105 gsm nylon spandex single jersey fabric into their lightweight summer base layer and seamless brief collections. At 105G/M2, the fabric delivered a weightless, breathable sensation ideal for hot weather. The 150CM standard width ensured optimal fabric utilization during high-volume cutting. The structural micro-fuzz surface eliminated the cold, synthetic touch typical of standard nylon, offering a smooth, skin-friendly experience that prevented chafing. Parameters matched: Item Code: D371 | Description: Single Jersey | GSM: 105G/M2 | Width: 150CM | Composition: 80% Nylon / 20% Spandex.
Target Applications of D371
- Competitive & Fashion Swimwear: Extremely lightweight (105G/M2) with high chlorine and friction resistance, perfect for speed-focused and fashion-forward swim designs.
- Dance & Gymnastics Wear: Exceptional four-way stretch and compression potential from the 80/20 blend, providing unrestricted joint movement.
- High-End Intimate Apparel: Naturally soft, non-brushed velvety texture that is gentle on sensitive skin, ideal for seamless underwear and briefs.
- Lightweight Active Base Layers: Highly breathable, fast-drying, and durable under high-intensity friction.
- Summer Ice-Feel Fashion: Smooth, fluid drape with a cool-to-touch yet soft feel for lightweight summer apparel.
FAQ
Is the velvety handfeel of D371 achieved through a mechanical brushing process?
No, the delicate micro-fuzz handfeel of D371 is entirely structural and not achieved through mechanical brushing. It is a natural result of the ultra-fine 36-gauge circular knit, the high surface area of the 40D fine denier nylon, and the high 20% Spandex ratio, which creates a soft, peach-like texture that will not shed or lose its nap over time.
Is this 105G/M2 fabric sheer or see-through?
Because D371 is in the ultra-lightweight 105G/M2 category, it is very thin and may exhibit some sheerness under high stretch or in lighter colorways. We highly recommend ordering a sample roll to perform opacity testing and colorway validation before proceeding with bulk garment production.
What makes the 150CM width advantageous for bulk cutting?
The 150CM width is the industry standard for single jersey nylon spandex fabrics, offering highly predictable nesting layouts and controlled cutting-room waste. This standard width ensures better compatibility with automatic cutting systems compared to narrower fabrics.
How does the 80% Nylon and 20% Spandex composition perform in chlorinated water?
The 80% Nylon and 20% Spandex composition is highly durable and designed to withstand chlorine immersion and high-friction environments. Nylon provides excellent strength and abrasion resistance, ensuring the fabric retains its shape and resists pilling even after repeated washes and exposure to pool water.
Can D371 be used for compression garments?
Yes, D371 has high compression potential due to its 20% Spandex content, which meets and exceeds the industry standard threshold of 15% spandex required for supportive wear. It provides a tight, "second-skin" fit with strong elastic recovery, making it suitable for lightweight compression activewear and dancewear.
Ordering & Customization
We provide comprehensive manufacturing support for the D371 single jersey fabric for dancewear, ensuring reliable, high-quality output for global brands. Our 36-gauge fine knit production lines maintain strict quality control from raw 40D yarn selection to final finishing.
To evaluate the unique structural handfeel, weight, and stretch profile of this premium fabric in your own design lab, please reach out to our team. We can provide technical documentation, custom color matching reports, and material swatches tailored to your product line.
Written by Wenruo
Textile Engineer, Forall Lab