What Fabric are Sports Shorts?
Sports shorts are one of the most important pieces of apparel for athletes. The material of the shorts can have a huge impact on the performance of the athlete and even the comfort of the shorts themselves. There are a number of different fabrics that are often used to make sports shorts, and each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will explore some of the most common fabrics used for sports shorts and discuss their benefits and drawbacks.
Cotton
Cotton is one of the oldest and most commonly used fabrics for sports shorts. It is lightweight, breathable, and relatively inexpensive. Cotton is often chosen for its softness and comfort, but it is also prone to shrinkage and can be less durable than other fabrics.
Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fabric that is often blended with cotton to create a more durable and moisture-wicking fabric. It is usually more expensive than cotton, but is longer-lasting and can be more breathable. Polyester is also highly stain-resistant, making it a good choice for athletes who want to stay clean and dry during their workouts.
Nylon
Nylon is a synthetic fabric that is lightweight, durable, and highly breathable. It is often blended with other fabrics to create a more comfortable and moisture-wicking fabric. Nylon is also highly resistant to abrasion, making it a good choice for athletes who need shorts that will hold up to tough workouts.
Spandex/Lycra
Spandex and Lycra are synthetic fabrics that are often blended with other fabrics to create a more form-fitting and comfortable fabric. These fabrics are lightweight, breathable, and highly stretchable, making them ideal for athletes who need shorts that will move with them during their workouts.
Mesh
Mesh is a lightweight, breathable fabric that is often used in sports shorts. It is usually made from synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon and is designed to be lightweight and breathable. It is often used as an outer layer of shorts to provide extra ventilation and to help keep the athlete cool during their workouts.
Fleece
Fleece is a soft, insulating fabric that is often used in sports shorts. It provides warmth and comfort, but can be heavy and can make the shorts less breathable. Fleece is often blended with other fabrics to create a more lightweight and breathable fabric.
Elastane
Elastane is a synthetic fabric that is often blended with other fabrics to create a more stretchable and comfortable fabric. It is lightweight and breathable, making it a good choice for athletes who need shorts that will move with them during their workouts.
Corduroy
Corduroy is a sturdy, durable fabric that is often used in sports shorts. It is usually heavier than other fabrics, but is highly breathable and can be quite comfortable. Corduroy is also highly resistant to abrasion, making it a good choice for athletes who need shorts that will hold up to tough workouts.
Denim
Denim is a heavy fabric that is often used in sports shorts. It is usually quite durable and can provide extra warmth and comfort, but can also be quite heavy and can make the shorts less breathable. Denim is often blended with other fabrics to create a more lightweight and breathable fabric.
Conclusion
Sports shorts come in a variety of fabrics, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Understanding the different fabrics and their properties can help athletes choose the best fabric for their needs. Some of the most common fabrics used for sports shorts include cotton, polyester, nylon, spandex/lycra, mesh, fleece, elastane, corduroy, and denim. Each of these fabrics has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to consider the needs of the athlete before choosing a fabric.
At the end of the day, it is up to the athlete to decide which fabric is best for their needs. The fabric of the sports shorts should be chosen based on the comfort, performance, and durability that the athlete requires.