What is Airmesh Fabric?
Airmesh fabric is an advanced 3D-engineered fabric renowned for its lightweight structure, unmatched breathability, and cushioning comfort. It comprises two outer knitted or woven fabric layers separated by a thick, open-spaced mesh fabric core made of polyester spacer yarns.
This creates an air gap between the layers that allow for superior airflow. The fabric has an open, web-like structure resembling a honeycomb. It feels delightfully spongy and springy to the touch. The ingenious layered construction gives the air mesh spacer versatile, high-performance capabilities.
Historical Background of Airmesh Spacer
Looking back at the exciting history of this innovative fabric:
- The development of air mesh spacer fabric stems from the need for improved comfort in sportswear.
- In the 1990s, the Italian company Spacer Tech first conceptualised the idea of spacer fabric technology.
- They aimed to create a fabric that provided warmth and insulation for winter sportswear while enabling ventilation to prevent overheating and humidity.
- After extensive testing and enhancements, they developed an open-spaced, 3D fabric using polyester spacer yarns. This powerful fusion of cushioning comfort, breathability, and lightweight performance made the air mesh spacer material a game changer.
It was quickly adopted by significant activewear brands for ski jackets, gloves, and boots. Soon, its usage expanded into sportswear, medical textiles, footwear, furniture, and more. Airmesh spacers continue to find innovative applications across industries.
Applications of Airmesh Spacer Fabric
Thanks to its multi-benefit properties, air mesh spacer fabric has become a highly valued material across an array of industries:
- Sports and Activewear: Provides ventilation and wicks moisture to keep athletes cooler and drier.
- Outerwear and Jackets: Insulate without excessive sweating while allowing humidity to dissipate.
- Medical Textiles: An open structure provides air circulation for healthier skin.
- Mattresses: Enhance comfort and support and minimise pressure points.
- Furniture Upholstery: Adds ergonomic support with a cooling effect for chairs and sofas.
- Protective Gear: Provides impact absorption for guards, helmets, and pads.
- Shoe Components: Utilised in insoles and linings for cushioning and moisture management.
Types of Airmesh Spacer Fabrics
There are several varieties of spacer fabrics differentiated by the materials used:
- Polyester Spacer: The most famous type, durable, flexible, and resists pilling.
- Wool Spacer: Made of merino wool fibres, it offers natural temperature regulation.
- Cotton Spacer: Uses cotton on outer layers for enhanced softness.
- Nylon Spacer: Tough, stretchy, quick-drying, and abrasion-resistant.
- Neoprene Spacer: Contains neoprene for protective sportswear.
- Hybrid Spacers: Blends different performance fabrics like wool, silk, and cashmere.
Uses & Characteristics of Airmesh Spacer Fabric
- Highly breathable: Air circulates freely to prevent humidity buildup.
- Lightweight structure: Adds insulation without excessive weight or bulk.
- Quick drying performance: Does not retain moisture or sweat.
- Cushy padding: Has a shock-absorbing, springy feel.
- Moisture wicking: Sweat vapors can evaporate quickly.
- Antimicrobial: Prevents buildup of bacteria causing odours.
What are the Advantages of Purchasing Airmesh Spacer Fabric Online?
The perks of shopping for spacer fabric online include:
- Access to exclusive performance fabrics used in activewear brands.
- Browse and order from various prints, colours, and qualities.
- Many online stores offer custom digitally printed spacer fabric.
- Wholesale discounted bulk pricing is available on yardage orders.
- Convenient shipping of large fabric rolls to your doorstep.
2024 Activewear Trends for Airmesh Spacer Fabric
- Vibrant digital prints for sports jerseys and activewear for enhanced ventilation.
- Contrast colour spacer inserts on joggers and jackets for strategic cooling.
- Seamless spacer bodysuits for yoga and athleisure to prevent skin irritation.
- Plush terry cloth spacers for athletic towels and swimwear coverups.
- Usage in pillows, mattresses, and upholstered furniture for ergonomic comfort.
- Spacer insoles for shoes to provide cushioning and moisture management.
FAQs
1. What Makes Air Mesh Spacer Fabric so Effective for Activewear?
Ans: It’s lightweight, breathable structure provides ventilation to keep wearers cooler and drier, along with freedom of movement.
2. What are Other Common Uses of Spacer Fabric?
Ans: Spacer fabric finds common uses in sportswear, athleisure wear, automotive upholstery, and medical applications, owing to its breathability, comfort, durability, and versatile design possibilities.
3. Why Does Spacer Fabric Have a 3D Structure?
Ans: It has outer fabric layers separated by a mesh fabric core to create air chambers that enhance air circulation.
4. How Should You Care for Airmesh Spacer Fabrics?
Ans: It is advised to wash with your hands or set your machine at a gentle wash level using cold water and a mild detergent. Avoid hot water or fabric softeners.
5. What is Spacer Fabric Made of?
Ans: It typically contains polyester and other materials like wool, cotton, nylon, or neoprene in the outer layers.