Material Library · Performance
Performance Fabrics
"Performance fabric" describes a job, not a fibre: moving sweat, stretching with the body, venting heat or resisting wind. The fabrics on this page are knits and bonded fabrics chosen for those jobs in sports balaclavas, neck gaiters, helmet liners, caps and ski wear.
Updated
- 50 pcsMinimum order
- 14 daysStandard lead time
- OEKO-TEX®Fabrics from certified mills
- ISO 9001Certified (Eco Jersey Limited)
- SedexMember (Eco Jersey Limited)
Performance fabrics
Performance fabrics we work with
Open a fabric to see what is typical for it and what we confirm for your order.
Performance Fabrics
Polyester Jersey
A light single-knit polyester with a smooth face. It dries fast, takes sublimation in full colour and is usually finished to wick sweat, so it is…
Single jerseyLightweight
- Warmth
- Low
- Breathability
- Very high
- Stretch
- Moderate
Performance Fabrics
Polyester/Spandex Stretch Jersey (SHY Series)
Our SHY series stretch jersey: 88% polyester and 12% spandex, knitted for four-way stretch and recovery. Close-fitting, smooth, quick-drying and sublimation-friendly, it is the fabric used…
Single jerseyMidweight
- Warmth
- Moderate
- Breathability
- High
- Stretch
- Very high
Performance Fabrics
Polyester Mesh
An open knit with clearly visible holes that lets air straight through. It is used for vents and breathable panels in balaclavas, the back panels of…
MeshLightweight
- Warmth
- Low
- Breathability
- Very high
- Stretch
- Moderate
Performance Fabrics
Bird’s-Eye Mesh
A polyester knit with a pattern of tiny holes, named after its bird’s-eye look. It lets air through and dries fast, so it is used for…
Bird’s-eye meshLightweight
- Warmth
- Low
- Breathability
- Very high
- Stretch
- Moderate
Performance Fabrics
Power Mesh
A fine, sheer stretch mesh with strong recovery. It is used as breathable stretch panels and liners: ventilation zones in sports balaclavas and base layers, and…
Power meshLightweight
- Warmth
- Low
- Breathability
- Very high
- Stretch
- Very high
Performance Fabrics
3D Spacer Mesh
Two knitted faces held apart by upright yarns, giving a thick, springy mesh that air flows through. It is used for the ventilated mouth and nose…
3D spacer meshMidweight
- Warmth
- Moderate
- Breathability
- Very high
- Stretch
- Low
Performance Fabrics
Softshell (Bonded Performance Fabric)
A stretch outer fabric bonded to a soft fleece or knit backing, usually with a water-repellent finish. It helps keep out wind and light rain while…
SoftshellHeavyweight
- Warmth
- High
- Breathability
- Moderate
- Stretch
- High
At a glance
Performance fabrics compared
Typical characteristics relative to the other fabrics in the library.
| Fabric | Construction | Weight class | Warmth | Breathability | Stretch | Moisture management | Typical products |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technical Grid Fleece | Grid (technical) fleece | Midweight | High | High | High | High | Balaclavas, Ski wear |
| Recycled Polyester Knit (RPET) | Single jersey, Interlock | Light to heavy (varies) | Moderate | High | Moderate | High | Balaclavas, Ski wear, Caps & hats |
| Polyester Jersey | Single jersey | Lightweight | Low | Very high | Moderate | Very high | Balaclavas, Beanies, Scarves, Ski wear, Caps & hats |
| Polyester/Spandex Stretch Jersey (SHY Series) | Single jersey | Midweight | Moderate | High | Very high | Very high | Balaclavas, Ski wear, Caps & hats |
| Polyester Mesh | Mesh | Lightweight | Low | Very high | Moderate | High | Balaclavas, Ski wear, Caps & hats |
| Bird’s-Eye Mesh | Bird’s-eye mesh | Lightweight | Low | Very high | Moderate | Very high | Balaclavas, Caps & hats |
| Power Mesh | Power mesh | Lightweight | Low | Very high | Very high | High | Balaclavas, Ski wear |
| 3D Spacer Mesh | 3D spacer mesh | Midweight | Moderate | Very high | Low | High | Balaclavas, Ski wear, Caps & hats |
| Softshell (Bonded Performance Fabric) | Softshell | Heavyweight | High | Moderate | High | Moderate | Balaclavas, Ski wear, Caps & hats |
| Recycled Polyester Sock Yarn (RPET) | Single jersey, Rib knit | Lightweight | Moderate | High | High | Very high | Socks |
| Polyester/Nylon Performance Sock Yarn | Rib knit, Mesh, Terry loop | Lightweight | Moderate | High | Very high | Very high | Socks |
| Mesh Vent Sock Panel | Mesh | Lightweight | Low | Very high | High | High | Socks |
| Graduated Compression Sock Knit | Rib knit | Midweight | Moderate | High | Very high | High | Socks |
| Recycled Polyester Cap Twill | Woven, Twill | Midweight | Low | High | Low | High | Caps & hats |
| Polyester Cap Mesh | Mesh | Lightweight | – | Very high | Moderate | High | Caps & hats |
Matching fabric to activity
Which performance matters for your product
Few fabrics do everything. Decide which job comes first.
-
High-output sport
Running, cycling and training need light, wicking jersey or stretch jersey, with mesh where the face or head overheats.
-
Close fit
Balaclavas under helmets and neck gaiters need elastane for four-way stretch and recovery, so they stay in place without pressure.
-
Wind and weather
Exposed snow sports and outdoor work need a bonded fabric such as softshell, or a wind-blocking panel over the most exposed areas.
-
Printing
Most performance knits are polyester-based and take sublimation, which keeps prints flexible and breathable.
Related fabrics
Other performance fabrics in the library
These fabrics are also used for performance products and are described in full on their main family page.
Technical Grid Fleece
A performance fleece with a brushed grid on the back: the raised squares hold warmth while the channels…
Recycled Polyester Knit (RPET)
Polyester knitted from recycled feedstock, usually post-consumer PET bottles. It generally performs much like virgin polyester: quick-drying, durable…
Recycled Polyester Sock Yarn (RPET)
Polyester spun from recycled plastic bottles, used in place of some new polyester in sport and everyday socks.…
Polyester/Nylon Performance Sock Yarn
Polyester and nylon with elastane, chosen for sport socks: it helps move sweat away from the skin, dries…
Mesh Vent Sock Panel
An open, breathable zone knitted into the top of the foot or the sides of a sock. It…
Graduated Compression Sock Knit
A knit with zoned tension: firmest at the ankle and easing towards the top of the leg, built…
Recycled Polyester Cap Twill
A polyester twill made from recycled plastic bottles. It generally behaves like standard polyester: quick-drying, colour-fast and well…
Polyester Cap Mesh
An open, breathable mesh used for the back panels of trucker caps and the vents of sport caps.…
Products
Where performance fabrics are used
Performance knits are the base of sports and outdoor headwear.
- Custom balaclavasPrivate-label balaclava and ski mask manufacturer in Sialkot, Pakistan. Knitted, fleece, mesh and sublimated styles from 50 pcs,…
- Custom ski wearCustom ski jackets, pants, suits, fleece and base layers under your label, waterproof 5K–20K with taped seams. From…
- Custom caps & hatsCustom caps and hats under your label: baseball, dad, trucker, snapback, bucket, boonie, safari and camo caps. From…
- Custom socksCustom socks under your label: ankle, crew, dress, sport, thermal, grip and team socks with jacquard logos. From…
- Custom beaniesCustom beanies under your label: cuffed and logo, streetwear, pom-pom and winter, sports and jacquard beanies. From 50…
- Custom scarvesCustom scarves under your label: knitted, football, silk and printed scarves, bandanas, neckerchiefs and hijabs. From 50 pcs…
Product pages that use these fabrics:
Portfolio
Performance fabrics in our projects
The fabric names are shown as recorded in each project.
Performance BalaclavaOrange Stitch Performance Balaclava ProjectView project - Denim Patch Printing BalaclavaDenim Patch Printing Balaclava ProjectView project
Sublimation Neck GaiterSublimation Neck Gaiter ProjectView project 
Magnetic Detachable BalaclavaMagnetic Detachable Balaclava with Removable 3D Mesh ProjectView project 
Printed BalaclavaFingerprint Graphic Printed Balaclava ProjectView project 
Streetwear BalaclavaWindproof Embroidery Balaclava ProjectView project
Journal
Guides on performance headwear fabrics
Product Guides & Comparisons · 15 min readDifferent Types of Balaclavas: Styles, Materials and Uses ExplainedThe types of balaclavas explained: face openings, hinged and hooded styles, knitted vs cut-and-sew, materials, uses and fashion styles, with a quick guide.Read the guide 
Product Guides & ComparisonsOne-Hole, Two-Hole, Three-Hole or Open Face? Balaclava Openings ExplainedBalaclava face openings explained: one-hole, two-hole, three-hole and open face compared for breathing, goggles, glasses, helmets, fabrics and uses.Read the guide 
Manufacturing & ProductionKnitted vs Cut-and-Sew Balaclavas: How Each Type Is MadeKnitted vs cut-and-sew balaclavas: how each is made, what “seamless” really means, flatlock seams under helmets, decoration options and how to choose.Read the guide
FAQ
Performance fabrics: frequently asked questions
What is a "dry-fit" fabric?
"Dry fit" is a common trade name for light, moisture-wicking knits, usually polyester, often with elastane for stretch. Our SHY series stretch jersey, the fabric recorded as "dry fit" in many of our projects, is 88% polyester and 12% spandex.
Is softshell waterproof?
Softshell helps keep out wind and light rain and stays breathable, but it is not fully waterproof unless it has a membrane and sealed seams. Tell us the conditions the product is for.
Can a balaclava combine several fabrics?
Yes. A common build is a stretch jersey body with a mesh mouth panel, or a fleece-lined face with a wind-blocking outer. Panels are agreed in the tech pack.
Material Library
More fabric families and guides
- All fabrics in the Material Library
- Fleece Fabrics
- Cotton Fabrics
- Merino Wool & Wool Blend Fabrics
- Polyester & Recycled Polyester Fabrics
- Acrylic Knits & Yarns
- Shell & Waterproof Fabrics
- Insulation & Linings
- Cap & Hat Materials
- Sock Yarns & Constructions
- Knitting Yarns
- Scarf Fabrics
- Waterproof & Breathability Ratings Explained
- Fabric Weight & GSM Guide
- Textile Certifications Guide