Things you should know about performance fabrics

What are performance fabrics?

Performance fabrics are material constructions that have been developed to achieve certain properties such as crease resistance, moisture transport, odour neutralisation and various others. Used in clothing, these materials can provide outstanding comfort, durability or special functions.

Functional materials are not a novelty

Being honest - nobody had to reinvent the wheel. Innovations in this field have been around for centuries. The original Mackintosh coat from the early 19th century, for example, contained rubberised cotton to protect against various weather conditions.


Moisture-wicking clothing appeared in the late 1980s, but "it was very expensive, and people didn't really see the value," says Matt Powell, Senior Sports Industry Consultant at NPD Group, a market research company. The gradual integration of functional fabrics into the sportswear segment is representative of consumer behaviour with regard to their reaction to new materials. In the end, it took 10 years for moisture-transporting materials to make their commercial breakthrough. Sweat, once valued as a symbol of athletic endurance and physical activity, has disappeared from the skin of athletes and occasional gym visitors. Over the last decades, moisture-wicking high-performance fabrics have become a standard in sportswear, replacing sweatshirts, cotton spandex tops and nylon running trousers.

Keep in mind: Performance is much more than just athleisure

Performance materials are a driving force for innovation in the textile industry. Just as sustainability is pushing the fashion industry to take action in the face of advancing climate change and global warming, performance materials have now reached a stage beyond that of sportswear. They have gained relevance in our everyday lives, regardless of whether we are athletes or not. From the quick-drying properties of Lyocell to the UV protection of merino wool, we are surrounded by smart materials everywhere.

Performance fabrics vs. technical fabrics

In this context, it is about the origin of a function. The specific properties of a fabric can be based on the material construction as well as on chemical and natural finishings. When fibre composition, yarn construction and weaving technique are decisive, we generally speak of technical fabrics. Of course, the finishing can also optimise the result and enhance performance. Ultimately, all these aspects contribute to the durability of the fabric in a demanding environment. Technical performance fabrics are generally more expensive than their alternatives, but in return they offer the greatest value and the least compromise between durability and style.

Wool for sports and business wear (& sustainability))

The idea of wearing wool for sports might seem a little paradoxical at first, unless we are talking about winter sports. However: the development of ultra-fine merino fibres enables textile manufacturers to produce garments that are very light and supple, as well as naturally breathable and temperature-regulating - a characteristic of merino wool that keeps the wearer warm when it's cold and cools the body down when it's hot. Merino wool allows sweat to evaporate very quickly, which has another advantage: less washing. Since sweat vaporizes faster, odour-forming bacteria do not have enough time to develop. In addition, every single merino fibre contains antimicrobial properties thanks to lanolin - a waxy substance that occurs naturally in sheep's wool. Lanolin prevents the growth of bacteria and thus inhibits the development of odours. But not only athletes benefit from this characteristic. This textile property is e.g. also of benefit to frequent travellers, whether for business or private reasons - for those who prefer minimalist travel wardrobe or for business people with long, challenging days. All clothes stay fresh longer - even socks. At the same time, it is an easy step towards sustainability, as 25% of the CO2 footprint of a garment is caused by its cleaning during its lifetime.

UV-protective fabrics: Performance and technology under the sun

Fabrics that offer UV protection may not be new, but the way in which they offer this protection actually is. In principle, covering the body with clothing protects us naturally from UV radiation, but the impact of climate change on the environment means that this protection needs to be improved and fashion technology enables us to achieve this. In addition, innovation in UV protection focuses on sustainability, and research is looking for organic and environmentally friendly substances that can be added to materials to make them naturally UV resistant. Additives such as aloe vera, merino wool, seaweed, calendula and plant extracts from Baikal skullcap are common. Some of them not only improve the UV resistance of a fabric but, according to recent studies, may also have antimicrobial or water-repellent properties. UPF-reinforced materials are already included in swimwear and sportswear, as well as in leisure and children's clothing, as they help us to protect ourselves against harmful sunlight over long periods of time, whether in the water, during sports, outdoor activities or even on the way to work.

Bottom Line

Throughout history we have seen the sportswear market drive material innovation, paving the way for performance fabrics within the apparel industry. Non-sport clothing brands are adapting and transferring existing technologies to leisure wear and other areas of life. The trend towards sustainable fashion continues to evolve and merges with various performance characteristics. As a result, a variety of high-performance and/or sustainable textiles is emerging, the potential of which is far from being fully exhausted. As a community of fashion designers and textile suppliers, it is our task to take up and combine the increasingly available technologies and create new, valuable opportunities in the field of high-performance materials and adapt them to different stages of life and lifestyles.