Scuba Fabric vs Spandex: Which Is Better for Activewear?

We know, choosing a right fabric for your active wear can be vitiating and when it comes to choosing the best between scuba fabric and spandex. They are ideal for creating garments that people wear while running, stretching or working out in general. Here at Rarfusion, we love sexy materials that will get you feeling good about yourself, are long lasting as well as allow the wearer to move without restrictions. I would like to talk about what makes each one unique, especially in vast bundles for active wear production, today. 

Why Scuba Fabric is Perfect for Wholesale Activewear Production

Neoprene fabric It’s thick and smooth, almost like scuba but softer. This is great for active wear that requires shape retention. When Rarfusion does bulk active wear, it’s usually in scuba fabric because it doesn’t wrinkle or sag so much. Now imagine making hundreds or thousands of leggings or tops, and they are supposed to look as sharp on the store shelf as when you first try them on for a workout — scuba helps maintain its adorable over time. The fabric’s construction also affords a nice stretch and a build that won’t stretch out too much, so the clothes remain supportive. For instance, athletes who don scuba active wear feel supported; the material embraces but doesn’t constrict their body. 

Scuba fabric can also repel water and wind slightly more than a fragile fabric. That makes it practical to wear for outdoor sports or gym workouts where you may perspire or be exposed to cold air. At Rarfusion, we’ve witnessed many clients opt to use scuba fabric as it is easy to sew and cut in bulk without much waste of material. What’s more, scuba fabric is printed beautifully — the weight of it prevents it from looking insubstantial or cheap when logos or a design are involved. Some might argue that scuba is heavier and — OK, it can get a bit warmer — so it isn’t ideal for very hot climates. Nevertheless, for many active wear demands (particularly in chillier gyms or climates), scuba’s combination of durability and style is tough to beat. 

How Spandex Adds Comfort and Flexibility to Wholesale Activewear Orders

Spandex is known to do one thing, and it does that very well: stretch. And when Rarfusion collaborates with spandex for active wear, we know that this fabric allows people to move, instead of feeling like they are stuck. Spandex’s magic lies in its ability to stretch and bounce back into shape. This is ideal for activities such as yoga, running and dancing where bending and twisting are a must. Spandex is soft blended with other fabric materials that make clothes extremely flexible. For bulk orders, lycra material ensures that comfort factor which customers makes a repeat purchase. Think of pulling on a pair of leggings that expand as you squat or jump and retract when you stand again — that’s spandex in action. 

Spandex’s light weight is what’s interesting. Unlike scuba, spandex isn’t going to add any bulk. Good amount of spandex in active wear, feels like a second skin. That’s why many bulk buyers use it for warm weather or indoor activities. At Rarfusion, we’ve observed that spandex blends also seem to dry very quickly, an advantage when people sweat in exercise. Some people may think that spandex is not as strong as scuba fabric, and it’s true to a degree. But it can be entirely durable when combined with other materials. Spandex blended with polyester or nylon, for instance, makes for active wear that stretches plenty but will also hold up through many washes and wears. 

One more benefit is that spandex fabric active clothes form to various body builds. This makes it fantastic for brands looking to easily offer extended sizing without building additional patterns. And spandex is super-silky, so prints and colors look great. When Rarfusion is producing bulk orders with spandex, we think about making sure the fabric mix relates to how it’s being used — closer to 20 percent for construction because you want one kind of stretch in a bra or more like 80 percent if you’re expecting lots of movement and flexibility. This considered blend is what makes spandex a go-to for comfortable, flexible active wear that looks and feels good. 

There are differing advantages to wearing active wear made with both scuba fabric and spandex. As Rarfusion’s experience demonstrates, the decision depends on the type of activity that the clothes are made for and where they will be worn. Whether you’re into scuba’s structural firmness and sleek appearance or the stretchy, cozy effect of spandex? There’s room in great active wear for both.  

Scuba Fabric vs Spandex – What are the Big Differences for Active wear? 

Choosing the best fabric is incredibly important when we’re discussing active wear. Two fabrics that are both well-loved this time of year is scuba fabric and spandex. They are both words we use a lot for the kind of clothes people wear while they are exercising or moving about, but there are big differences between them that make each good for different reasons. 

Scuba fabric is a thick, smooth material that has something of the look of neoprene — the stuff wet suit are made from. It is soft and somewhat stretchy but above all it’s tough and holds its shape. For this, you can't go wrong with scuba -- it’s perfect for when you want your active wear to look tidy, rather than getting wrinkly or saggy after wearing it all day. It also feels warm and cozy, which is why some people prefer it for cooler weather workouts or casual sporty looks. It is a little bit heavier in the fabric, so if you really wanted something superfine or very stretchy it may not be your best choice. 

Spandex, on the other hand, is a super stretchy material that stretches and can then snap back to its regular shape. The fabric is very light and thin compared to scuba. Stretchy spandex allows active wear to hug your body and move with you. It’s ideal for situations in which you want maximum freedom, including yoga, running or dancing. Spandex is also highly breathable, so it keeps you cool when you do sweat. Spandex, however, is thinner and cooler than scuba fabric. But it can also be less long lasting if not well-cared for, since it may be damaged by heat or rough washing.  

We know this at Rarfusion. That’s why when it comes to scuba fabric vs. spandex, we know they can each do different things for your active wear. Scuba fabric lends structure and style, spandex provides stretch and comfort. Both fabrics have their uses in active wear, and understanding the differences between them arms people to choose the best clothing for what they want.  

Scuba Fabric or Spandex? Which One to Choose for Your Wholesale Activewear Line

If you are looking to simply create or sell Activewear on a larger scale such as wholesale then it’s especially important that you make the right fabric choices. At Rarfusion, we make it easy for B2B shoppers to choose between scuba fabric and spandex by considering a few important factors. These elements are what will ensure your active wear line becomes a hit, useful and related to your customers’ wants. 

First, consider its primary use when it comes to active wear. If your customers want clothes that look put-together and retain their shape, scuba material is a superior option. Because scuba is thick and stable, it is great for leggings, as well as jackets or chic active wear that folks wear not just to exercise in but around town. It works well for cooler weather and provides a smooth, clean finish. But if your patrons are looking for active wear that’s very stretchy, lightweight and suitable to high-movement activities, then spandex is the better choice. Too much of certain performance fabrics like Spandex, however, can restrain the body and make people hot when they are working out. 

Now, think about the cost and maintenance of the fabric. Scuba fabric tends to be more expensive to manufacture, and even heavier (and therefore pricier to ship) than other fabrics, which could directly impact the amount of money you'll need to invest in scuba material as part of your wholesale costs. But it is sturdy and not high-maintenance, so it’s great for customers who are looking to get the most from their clothes. Spandex is generally cheaper and lighter, with lower shipping costs. But it requires careful cleaning to maintain its stretch and longevity. This is an important detail to communicate to your buyers because it impacts how happy their customers will be with the clothes. 

Ultimately, take your trends — and style — into consideration. It’s not just a trend but more than that, we see with our brand Rarfusion many buyers want fabrics which can work double – looking good and feeling so. At times, adding spandex or another material into the scuba fabric mix results in active wear that incorporates the best of both fabrics. This blend could work well for wholesale lines that interest variety, and then for building a dedicated subscriber base. So it’s not just the fabric that distinguishes between scuba and spandex but how well each can mold to fit your business goals and customers needs. 

When & Why Spandex Rocks Activewear + Popular With Wholesale Buyers

Spandex is perhaps the most sought-after type of fabric for active wear, especially in wholesale markets—and there’s a good reason from this. Here at Rarfusion, we have witnessed the rise of Spandex as a popular type of clothing as it provides distinctive advantages that both buyers and sellers seemed to adore. 

One key reason spandex is so great at what it does is its incredible stretch. But the fabric retains its size and shape, stretching up to five times of its normal length, then returning unaltered. This makes it ideal for active wear as it stretches with the body when you work out. From running to yoga and dancing, spandex offers the capacity to do what you love without feeling tight or stiff. Consumers care very much about this comfort, so those buying wholesale know that active wear made with spandex will move product off racks. 

Spandex is also popular because of its lightweight and breathable. People sweat when they work out and clothes that hold onto heat are not comfortable. Spandex helps to maintain the body’s coolness and allows air to chase through the fabric. It also dries fast (a big plus for frequent exercisers). This is where women's spandex workout clothes come in handy and comfortable, something your customers will appreciate. 

Spandex also harmonizes nicely with other textiles, which is a reason many wholesale buyers appreciate it. Combined with cotton, polyester, or even scuba fabric for stretch and softness in the finished item. This mix helps the clothes fit better and last longer. Here at Rarfusion, we assist our wholesale customers in building active wear lines that offer spandex blends to ensure the most for their customers.  

Finally, spandex is very easy to take care of. It generally only requires a gentle washing and air drying to maintain its shape and feel. Selling this care program to buyers is easy because those buying it have customers who answer to the growing demand for active lodge that is laundry friendly. 

In short, spandex's stretch, ease of care and sense of comfort make it the perfect fabric for Athleisure. For retailers looking for wholesale active wear that will fly off the shelves — and can offer maximum scale at low cost — spandex is a savvy choice that offers great utility to many customers. At Rarfusion, we are happy to provide elastics that elevate and enhance the active wear industry.