A Complete Guide to Functional Fabric Customization — From Fiber Selection to Performance Testing

In today’s fashion world—especially in activewear, yoga outfits, and outdoor performance gear—the right fabric can make all the difference. It’s not just about how it looks anymore. Breathability, moisture control, stretch, UV protection, and long-lasting durability have become must-haves for every serious brand.

At Shengchao Textile, we’ve spent years perfecting the art of developing and customizing high-performance fabrics. From choosing the right fibers and weaving structures to testing every detail for performance, we know what it takes to turn an idea into a fabric that truly performs.

1. Key Performance Dimensions of Functional Fabrics

1.1 Breathability & Moisture Wicking

When it comes to comfort, breathability is everything. A good fabric should let air flow and help sweat evaporate quickly—keeping the wearer cool and dry.
This mainly depends on the fiber structure, porosity, and layering design of the fabric.

In testing, we usually look at things like air permeability, moisture vapor transmission rate, and drying time under controlled conditions.

Pro tip: If you want better moisture control, go for hydrophilic fibers such as modified polyester or modal. Another way is to add a hydrophilic finishing during post-processing to improve sweat absorption and evaporation.

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1.2 Elasticity & Recovery

Stretch and recovery determine how well a fabric moves with the body and how quickly it returns to its original shape.
You’ll often hear about four-way stretch versus two-way stretch—basically, whether the fabric stretches in all directions or just one.

We test elasticity through elastic recovery, residual deformation, and tensile strength.

The key to consistent stretch is yarn selection, weaving tension, and fabric structure. Even small changes in knitting or weaving can affect how the fabric behaves when stretched.

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1.3 UV Protection & Antibacterial Performance

Sun protection and hygiene are becoming more important than ever—especially for outdoor and sportswear fabrics.

To improve performance, we can add UV absorbers, use UV-blocking fibers, or apply antibacterial finishes that include silver or copper ions.

Testing follows global standards like AATCC 183 for UV protection and AATCC 100 or ISO methods for antibacterial effectiveness.

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1.4 Durability & Color Fastness

Great performance means nothing if it doesn’t last. After repeated washing and wear, some fabrics lose elasticity, fade in color, or see reduced antibacterial effects.

That’s why we test for color fastness to washing, rubbing, perspiration, and light exposure.

To keep performance consistent, manufacturers often use cross-linking agents, color fixatives, and antioxidants that help fabrics stay bright and strong even after many laundry cycles.

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1.5 Sustainability & Eco-friendliness

Sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s the future of textiles.

More and more brands now choose recycled polyester or nylon fibers, low-impact dyeing, and zero-discharge finishing processes to reduce environmental impact.

Certifications like OEKO-TEX®, GOTS, and بلوزجن® are becoming must-haves for global buyers who want assurance that their fabrics are safe, responsible, and eco-friendly.

2. The Fabric Customization Process at Shengchao Textile