What are basketball shorts made of?
Basketball shorts are made from polyester and mesh. These are the fabrics chosen for breathability and durability. This article will cover the benefits of each, how they perform, and why choosing the right one is essential when working with a customized shorts supplier.
By learning what is in basketball shorts, you can design better products. They will improve performance and sell to customers. Use this info to upgrade your brand and stay ahead in the sportswear game. Ready to upgrade your sportswear line? Read on!
Table of Contents
What Are Basketball Shorts Made Of
Basketball Shorts Fabrics Overview
| Fabric Type | Key Features | Composition | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moisture-Wicking Polyester | Breathable, quick-drying | 100% polyester or blend | Keeps dry and comfortable |
| Mesh | Breathable, versatile | 100% polyester, spandex optional | Cool and comfortable |
| Polyester Blends | Elastic, flexible | Polyester + spandex/elastane | Stretch, durable, cost-effective |
| Bird’s Eye Fabric | Breathable, stretchable | 100% polyester or blend | Comfort, airflow |
| Double Layer Polyester | Durable, quick-drying | 100% polyester | Long-lasting, quick-drying |
A. Moisture-Wicking Polyester
Moisture-wicking polyester is the best fabric for basketball shorts. It controls sweat and keeps athletes dry and comfy. It’s usually 100% polyester or a polyester-spandex blend.
Key Features of Moisture-Wicking Polyester
- Breathability: This fabric lets air flow in and sweat evaporate. So, you stay cool during intense games.
- Lightweight & Durable: Polyester is light and strong. It’s ideal for sports like basketball, where movement and durability are key.
- Quick Drying: Polyester dries fast. No moisture builds up. You stay fresh and dry during long games or practices.
- Antimicrobial Treatment: Some polyester fabrics are treated to resist bacteria and odor. This gives you extra confidence.
B. Mesh
It’s 100% polyester. It has micro holes that let air flow through. This keeps players cool during intense games or workouts and keeps athletes comfortable and dry.
⑴ Material Composition: Mesh fabric is made from polyester. It may have a spandex blend for added stretch. Warp-knit construction (Airtex tricot mesh) is durable and lightweight, usually around 130 gsm.
⑵ Comfort and Performance Comfort is key for basketball players. Mesh fabric is soft and gentle on the skin, even with prolonged use. Ventilation cools the body in sweat-prone areas. So, it’s the perfect fabric for basketball shorts.
⑶ Versatile mesh fabric is not for basketball shorts. It’s used in sportswear like shirts, vests, and jackets. It’s versatile beyond sports. It is in bags, sofa covers, and outdoor gear like car covers and umbrellas.
C. Polyester Blends
| Category | Cotton | Polyester |
| Soft | ✓ | ✓ |
| Silky | ✗ | ✓ |
| Breathable | ✓ | ✓ (less than cotton) |
| Clingy | ✗ | ✓ |
| Lightweight | ✗ | ✓ |
| Quick-drying | ✗ | ✓ |
| Sensitive skin-friendly | ✓ | ✗ |
| Color vibrancy | ✓ | ✓ |
| DTG method | ✓ | ✓ |
| All-over method | ✓ | ✓ |
Ⅰ. Elasticity and Flexibility Adding spandex to polyester improves stretch and flexibility. Players can move freely during games, which is crucial for high-performance sportswear.
Ⅱ. Blend Ratios Blend ratios affect the fabric’s performance. For example: – 80% Cotton/15% Polyester/5% Elastane – 80% Cotton/16% Polyester/4% Elastane
Ⅲ. Pilling Resistance polyester blends pills up to a certain point. After 2000 billing cycles, the fabric is good. But it shows wear after 5000 to 7000 cycles. This shows how blend ratios affect the fabric’s durability. It’s important for clothing that gets heavy use.
Ⅳ. Cost Efficiency Polyester blends are cost-effective. Polyester is much cheaper than elastane, about four times less expensive. This allows brands to produce high-quality basketball shorts at a lower cost.
D. Bird’s Eye or Birds Eye Fabric
Birds Eye or Birds Eye fabric is a popular choice for basketball shorts because of its features.
- Material Composition: This fabric is 100% polyester or 90% polyester/10% spandex. It is durable and flexible.
- Pattern: It has a textured surface with small dots or circles, evenly spaced, creating a 3D effect, like a bird’s eye.
- Breathability and Stretch. The fabric allows for good airflow and stretch. It ensures comfort and freedom of movement during intense games.
- Moisture-wicking: It pulls moisture from the body. It keeps athletes dry during exercise.
- Durability: Machine wash cold and tumble dry low.
E. Double Layer Polyester Basketball Shorts
Double-layer polyester basketball shorts are 100% polyester. It’s a durable, quick-drying fabric. It’s perfect for sports like basketball.
Durability and Breathability. The shorts have a thick mesh second layer. It improves breathability. This means better airflow; players stay cool during games. The double layer boosts durability. The shorts can take heavy use in tough conditions.
Quick Dry Fabric Polyester dries quickly. It prevents sweat from lingering. This is important for comfort during exercise. Whether it’s practice or a game, moisture is managed well; there is no discomfort from wet fabric.
Dive into our guide to explore the top fabrics, designed—perfect for your brand’s next collection!
Key Characteristics of Basketball Shorts Fabric
1. Breathability
Breathability is key to comfort and performance in basketball shorts. Choosing fabrics that allow airflow and temperature regulation is key for athletes.
Mesh Fabric Mesh is very breathable because of its open weave. It allows air to flow freely and keeps the wearer cool and dry. Mesh is perfect for high-intensity training. It allows airflow and doesn’t restrict movement. That’s why it’s a top choice for performance-driven basketball shorts.
Polyester, common in sportswear, is lightweight and moisture-wicking. It pulls sweat from the skin and keeps the wearer dry during intense games or practice. It also dries fast and prevents sweat buildup.
Polyester-Elastane Blends This blend, like Lululemon’s Pace Breaker shorts, combines polyester’s breathability with elastane’s stretch. This gives a smooth, flexible fit that moves with the body while allowing airflow.
2. Moisture-Wicking
Moisture-wicking fabrics use capillary action. It pulls sweat through tiny spaces in the fabric. The yarn structure and surface treatment can enhance this process. Finer fibers create more channels for sweat, making moisture-wicking more effective.
Certain yarn shapes, like triangles or crosses, increase the space between strands. They improve capillary action. These designs help sweat to move and evaporate faster, making it more comfortable.
Blending polyester with fibers like nylon or spandex fabric can further improve moisture-wicking. A 50/50 cotton-polyester blend has a 4.45% moisture regain. It balances comfort and performance. A hydrophilic coating on polyester fabric helps sweat escape faster. It keeps athletes dry longer.
Other moisture-wicking fabrics
- Nylon has a 4% moisture regain rate, good for basketball shorts.
- Merino wool is more absorbent. But, it wicks moisture well. Its internal hydrophilic and external hydrophobic properties make it so.
Expert advice:
“Don’t use fabric softener as it can reduce moisture-wicking by leaving residues that interfere with capillary action.”
Joe Yang Custom Sportswear,Owner of Sublimated Sportswear Factory
3. Durability
Wrinkle and Shrink Resistance Polyester resists wrinkles and shrinkage. After stretching, polyester shorts go back to their original shape. They maintain their look and performance. This wrinkle resistance gives a clean and polished look, customers will love that.
Long-Lasting Wear Polyester’s stable fibers provide durability and make basketball shorts last long. It cuts product returns and boosts customer satisfaction. They get more value from their buy.
Environmental Resistance Polyester can withstand sunlight and moisture. The fabric resists fading even with regular sun exposure. Its moisture-wicking properties help it dry fast. That’s perfect for sportswear that gets frequent use and washing.
4. Elasticity
Spandex can stretch 5-8 times its original size. It allows full motion. This flexibility means that athletes can move freely without restriction during intense activities.
Recovery Rate: Spandex has a 95% recovery rate. It returns to its original shape after stretching. This helps to maintain the fabric’s durability over time.
Types of Stretch
- 2-way stretch fabrics: They stretch in one direction only. They are not suitable for high-impact sports, like basketball, as they do not return to their shape.
- 4-way stretch fabrics: They stretch in both directions. This gives better flexibility and support. They are ideal for sportswear. They provide mobility while ensuring a secure fit.
Basketball shorts often use a spandex blend. They may have polyester for moisture-wicking or cotton for softness. High-elasticity fabrics help sportswear meet performance, comfort, and durability.
Expert advice:
“High-quality stretch fabrics will support athletes and fit well. They will give your brand an edge in the sportswear market.”
Cindy Bao(custom sports wear), Business Development Manager-Custom Sportswear(Shenzhen)Co. Ltd. the Professional Sports Wear Supplier
Construction and Design Features
A. Inseam Length
The inseam length is key for comfort, function, and style in basketball shorts. Athletic shorts, including basketball shorts, have a 5- to 8-inch inseam. Each length has its benefits.
- 5-Inch Inseam: Sleek and modern, seen in brands like Amazon Essentials and Haimont. It’s perfect for a trendy look. But it won’t suit taller people as it will ride up when they move.
- 6-7 Inch Inseam: Versatile, especially for those taller than 6’2”. Shorts like Nike’s Woven Lined Flow Shorts fit taller people better. So do American Trench mesh shorts. They are more comfortable with activities.
- 8-inch inseam: Popular among basketball players, it gives the greatest coverage and movement. Russell Athletic Men’s 8-Inch Basketball Shorts have moisture-wicking, 4-way stretch. They keep you dry and comfy during intense games.
Comfort and Functionality：
Inseam length affects comfort and confidence on the court. Shorter inseams look trendy. Longer ones are more comfy, especially for taller players. Many athletic shorts, no matter the inseam, have moisture-wicking technology. They also have zip pockets for personal items.
These will help apparel brands meet athletes’ and casual wearers’ diverse preferences.
B. Waistband
Basketball shorts rely on the elastic waistband for comfort and flexibility. Men’s RBG Flag Shorts and Men’s Colorblock Basketball Shorts are popular. They have elastic waistbands with a drawstring. This feature lets you adjust the fit for different waist sizes. It provides a secure, customizable feel.
Benefits of Elastic Waistbands
- Adjustability: The drawstrings allow a custom fit. They make it easy to wear for athletes or casual users.
- Comfort: The lightweight, breathable, and durable materials provide the best comfort when active.
- Convenience: Some designs have pockets for storing items during workouts or casual use.
Emphasize that a quality, adjustable waistband will boost customer satisfaction. It will improve comfort and functionality.
C. Pockets in Basketball Shorts
⒈ Zipper Pockets: Zipper pockets keep items, like keys and phones, safe while moving. Materials like Xpac add strength and make the pockets last longer.
⒉ Use waterproof, tough materials like mesh, nylon, or canvas. They make the shorts durable and versatile for storage.
⒊ Sizes and Options: Based on needs, include different pouch sizes. They should range from small pockets for essentials to larger zippered compartments. Common sizes range from 3×5 inches to 7×9 inches for casual and professional use.
Good pockets make basketball shorts more useful. They meet the demand for versatile sportswear.
Find What Are Basketball Shorts Made Of and Select Your Best Basketball Shorts.
Summary
Basketball shorts are made from materials like polyester, nylon, or spandex, known for their durability, moisture-wicking, and flexibility. The future trend shows increasing demand for eco-friendly fabrics like recycled polyester and sustainable blends which offer environmental benefits.
Contact us at [email protected] or visit leelinecustom.com to get customized basketball shorts for your brand.