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What are the key differences between 88% polyester 12% spandex and 86% polyester 14% elastane fabrics?

Jan 17, 2025

The fabric industry continues to evolve with the increasing demand for versatile, comfortable, and high-performance textiles. Two widely used fabric blends—88% polyester 12% spandex and 86% polyester 14% elastane fabrics—have gained popularity due to their durability, elasticity, and comfort. As activewear and sportswear dominate the fashion landscape, understanding the differences between these two fabric blends is crucial for manufacturers and designers to meet the diverse needs of consumers.

What Are These Fabrics?

88% Polyester 12% Spandex and 86% Polyester 14% Elastane are synthetic blends designed to offer durability, stretch, and flexibility. Both fabrics feature polyester as the primary component, contributing to their strength and moisture-wicking properties. The key difference lies in the elastomeric content: spandex in the first blend and elastane in the second. While both are similar materials, elastane generally offers more stretch than spandex, making the 86/14 blend more elastic and form-fitting.

88% Polyester 12% Spandex:

  • Polyester: Known for its durability, resistance to shrinkage, and moisture-wicking abilities.
  • Spandex: Adds stretch, providing moderate elasticity while retaining shape.

86% Polyester 14% Elastane:

  • Polyester: Same benefits as in the 88/12 blend, ensuring resilience and moisture control.
  • Elastane: Offers superior stretch and recovery, allowing the fabric to conform to the body more snugly and move with it.

Comfort and Wearability

Both fabric compositions are designed to maximize comfort, but they cater to slightly different needs.

  1. 88% Polyester 12% Spandex:
    • The combination of polyester and spandex offers a balance between stretch and support.
    • Fabrics made from this blend feel smooth and flexible against the skin, making them ideal for sportswear, yoga pants, and casual athletic apparel.
    • These fabrics offer moderate stretch with excellent shape retention, meaning garments will keep their form over time without losing elasticity.
  2. 86% Polyester 14% Elastane:
    • With a higher elastane content, this blend provides more significant stretch, making it the ideal choice for high-performance wear.
    • The fabric offers a more body-hugging fit, which is particularly beneficial for activities requiring a high degree of movement, such as running, cycling, and swimming.
    • Comfortable and flexible, it also excels at wicking moisture, keeping athletes dry and cool even during intense workouts.

Applications of China Fabrics

Both 88% polyester 12% spandex and 86% polyester 14% elastane fabrics are widely used in the manufacture of China fabrics, especially in the sportswear and activewear sectors. Each fabric serves different purposes based on the desired stretch and fit:

  • 88% Polyester 12% Spandex is commonly used in:
    • Yoga pants and activewear
    • Compression garments that need moderate stretch
    • Casual sports clothing for everyday wear
    • Outdoor wear like jackets and vests
  • 86% Polyester 14% Elastane is preferred for:
    • Performance sportswear (running gear, cycling shorts)
    • Form-fitting leggings and swimwear
    • Gym wear that requires full range of motion
    • Compression clothing for athletic use

Case Studies of Two Popular Fabrics

Here are two examples of fabric offerings from Ultratex Textile that illustrate the strengths of these blends:

  1. 86% Polyester 14% Spandex Jersey Fabric (Article Ref.: XT-YD3281):
    • Weight/Width: 170gsm/147cm (cuttable)
    • Features: Cooling feel, 4-way stretch, smooth texture
    • Properties: Wicking, excellent for moisture management
    • Applications: Sports tops, activewear
    • Lead Time: 5 days for dyeing, 10 days for sample availability
    • Monthly Capacity: 3 million meters
    • Certificates: Oeko-Tex 100, Blue Sign, GRS
  2. 88% Recycled Polyester 12% Spandex Single Jersey Recycled Polyester Fabric (Article Ref.: UT0119):
    • Weight/Width: 160gsm/152cm (cuttable)
    • Features: Sweat-wicking, quick-drying, eco-friendly with GRS certification
    • Properties: Recycled polyester, wicking
    • Applications: Sportswear, casual tops
    • Lead Time: 5 days for dyeing, 10 days for sample availability
    • Monthly Capacity: 3 million meters
    • Certificates: Oeko-Tex 100, Blue Sign, GRS

These fabrics exemplify the versatility and sustainability of modern textile production, with a focus on both performance and eco-friendliness.

About us

As China fabrics supplier, Ultratex Textile excels in providing a wide range of high-quality fabrics, including 88% polyester 12% spandex and 86% polyester 14% elastane fabrics. Their extensive experience in manufacturing and fabric development allows them to offer customized solutions to meet the diverse needs of their clients. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and performance, Ultratex Textile is dedicated to supplying top-tier fabrics to brands worldwide.

For more information about Ultratex Textile and their extensive fabric offerings, please visit their website or contact their sales team for expert assistance.