Whether you're after a relaxed fit track set for the weekend or high-performance gear for training, the fabric is what makes or breaks a tracksuit. Choosing the best tracksuit fabrics isn’t just about feel—it’s about how your tracksuit performs, fits, and lasts over time.
At Hook and Eye UK, we work with brands to design and manufacture premium tracksuits, so we understand fabric requirements very well. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from everyday comfort to technical performance so you can confidently choose the right material for your needs.
Why Fabric Choice Matters
Fabric is the foundation of any great tracksuit. It determines how breathable it feels during workouts, how soft it is for lounging, and how well it holds its shape after repeated wear.
For performance, moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester help regulate body temperature, making them ideal for gym sessions or running. For casual wear, softer materials like cotton or fleece provide comfort and warmth. Fabric also impacts durability, synthetic blends stretch better for closer fitting styles, while natural fibres offer a premium feel.
From a manufacturing perspective, fabric choice directly affects cost, sustainability, and scalability.
The 7 Most Popular Tracksuit Fabrics
1. Polyester
What it is: A synthetic fibre known for durability and moisture-wicking properties.
Best for: Gym, training, all-season track tops
Fit styles: Slim, regular
Pros:
- Excellent moisture-wicking
- Durable and lightweight
- Holds shape well
Cons:
- Less breathable than natural fibres
- Can feel less soft
- Environmental impact
Why would you choose polyester fabric: Ideal for performance-focused users and brands creating lower-priced activewear lines. At Hook and Eye UK, we often recommend using nylon instead of polyester for more premium feeling high-performance collections.
2. Cotton & Cotton Blends
What it is: Natural fibre often blended with synthetics to create different fabric types.
Best for: Casual wear, relaxed fit tracksuit sets
Fit styles: Relaxed, oversized
Pros:
- Soft and breathable
- Comfortable for everyday wear
- Looks premium
Cons:
- Retains moisture
- Can loose shape
Why would you choose cotton fabric: Perfect for lifestyle tracksuits with a premium feel.
3. French Terry
What it is: A knit fabric with looped backing and smooth outer surface.
Best for: Athleisure and streetwear
Fit styles: Relaxed, oversized
Pros:
- Lightweight yet warm
- Stylish texture
- Comfortable year-round
Cons:
- Moderate moisture control
Why would you choose French terry fabric: Great for brands targeting the athleisure market with premium-feel garments.
4. Spandex / Elastane Blends
What it is: Stretch fibres added to other fabrics for flexibility.
Best for: Performance and fitted styles
Fit styles: Slim, fitted
Pros:
- High stretch and flexibility
- Enhances fit and movement
Cons:
- Loses elasticity over time
Why would you choose spandex/elastane fabric: Best for slim fitted or running tracksuits and performance wear requiring movement.
5. Nylon
What it is: A lightweight synthetic known for strength and weather resistance.
Best for: Outdoor, all-weather use
Fit styles: Regular, athletic
Pros:
- Water-resistant
- Strong and lightweight
Cons:
- Less soft than cotton
- Can feel technical
Why would you choose nylon fabric: Ideal for outdoor-focused collections and shell track jackets.
6. Fleeceback
What it is: A brushed fabric designed for warmth and softness.
Best for: Winter, relaxed loungewear
Fit styles: Relaxed, oversized
Pros:
- Warm and comfortable
- Soft interior feel
Cons:
- Poor moisture-wicking
- Can feel bulky/heavy
Why would you choose fleeceback fabric: Perfect for cold-weather tracksuits and comfort-first designs.
7. Recycled Polyester
What it is: Polyester made from recycled materials like plastic bottles.
Best for: Eco-friendly performance wear
Fit styles: Any
Pros:
- Sustainable option
- Same usage as polyester
Cons:
- Slightly higher cost
- Slightly less durable than regular polyester due to production techniques
Why would you choose recycled polyester fabric: Brands and consumers prioritising sustainability.
Fabric Comparison Table
|
Fabric |
Breathability |
Warmth |
Stretch |
Moisture-Wicking |
Best Use |
Durability |
Eco-Friendly? |
|
Polyester |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐ |
✅ Best |
Gym, training, all-season |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
🟡 If recycled |
|
Cotton |
⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐ |
❌ Poor |
Casual, loungewear |
⭐⭐⭐ |
🟡 If organic |
|
Cotton-Poly Blend |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐ |
🟡 Moderate |
Everyday, all-season |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
🟡 Partial |
|
French Terry |
⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐ |
🟡 Moderate |
Athleisure, streetwear |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
🟡 If organic |
|
Fleece |
⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐ |
❌ Poor |
Winter, loungewear |
⭐⭐⭐ |
🟡 If recycled |
|
Nylon |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐ |
✅ Good |
Outdoor, all-weather |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
❌ Rarely |
|
Spandex Blend |
⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
✅ Good |
Performance |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
❌ Rarely |
|
Recycled Polyester |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐ |
✅ Best |
Eco collections |
⭐⭐⭐ |
✅ Yes |
Best Fabric by Use & Fit
- Best fabric for gym training & running: Polyester or nylon blends with spandex offer breathability and flexibility.
- Best fabric for relaxed fit / loungewear: Fleece and French terry provide softness and comfort.
- Best fabric for all-season track tops: Cotton-poly blends or lightweight nylon balance breathability and durability.
- Best fabric for everyday trcksuits: Cotton-poly blends or French terry deliver comfort and versatility.
- Best fabric for cold weather: Fleece or brushed-back jersey retains heat effectively.
- Best fabric for eco-friendly options: Recycled polyester or organic cotton lead the way.
Fabric Usage Table
|
Use |
Best Fabric |
Second Choice |
Fit Style |
Season |
|
Gym Training |
Spandex/Nylon Blend |
Polyester blend |
Slim/Fitted |
All-season |
|
Loungewear |
Fleece |
French Terry |
Relaxed |
Autumn/Winter |
|
All-Season Tops |
Cotton Blend |
Lightweight Nylon |
Regular |
Spring–Autumn |
|
Streetwear |
French Terry |
Cotton-Poly |
Oversized |
All-season |
|
Cold Weather |
Fleece |
Brushed Jersey |
Relaxed |
Winter |
|
Eco Buyers |
Organic Cotton |
Recycled Polyester |
Any |
All-season |
|
Everyday Wear |
French Terry |
Fleece |
Regular |
All-season |
|
Running |
Nylon |
Recycled Polyester |
Fitted |
All-season |
How to Choose the Right Tracksuit Fabric
Choosing the right fabric comes down to four key factors:
- Activity level: High-intensity workouts need Spandex, polyester or nylon for tight styles, looser styles require French terry blends.
- Fit preference: Relaxed fits pair best with fleece or cotton; fitted styles benefit from stretch blends.
- Season: Lightweight fabrics for summer, heavy fleece for winter, and cotton blends for year-round wear.
- Sustainability: Opt for organic cotton, eco-friendly cotton or recycled polyester if eco-impact matters.
Hook & Eye UK’s Fabric Expertise
Working with a manufacturer who understands fabric at a production level including GSM, composition, and performance is what separates a good tracksuit from a great one.
At Hook and Eye UK, we help brands choose fabrics not just for how they feel, but how they perform in production and in the real world. From sourcing to sampling, we guide every decision to ensure the final product meets both design and commercial goals.
Fabric GSM Guide
|
Fabric |
GSM Range |
What It Means |
Best For |
|
Lightweight Polyester |
120–180 GSM |
Thin, fast-drying |
Summer training |
|
Cotton-Poly |
220–280 GSM |
Balanced weight |
Everyday wear |
|
French Terry |
280–320 GSM |
Midweight texture |
Athleisure |
|
Fleece |
280–500 GSM |
Thick and warm |
Winter |
|
Performance Nylon/Spandex |
100–300 GSM |
Ultra-light |
Outdoor jackets |
|
Recycled Polyester |
150–200 GSM |
Performance + eco |
Premium collections |
FAQs
What is the best fabric for a tracksuit?
The best fabric depends on use. Synthetic fabrics like Spandex, nylon and polyester are ideal for performance, while cotton and cotton blends offer everyday comfort and versatility.
What material are most tracksuits made of?
Most tracksuits are made from cotton or cotton blends that are often combined with elastane for added stretch.
Is polyester or cotton better for a tracksuit?
Polyester is better for performance and durability, while cotton is better for comfort and casual wear.
What fabric is best for all-season track tops?
Cotton blends and lightweight synthetic fabrics are the best choices for year-round wear.
What makes a good relaxed fit track set?
Soft fabrics like cotton fleeceback or French terry with a looser cut create the best relaxed fit.
What is the most durable tracksuit fabric?
Polyester and nylon are the most durable options due to their resistance to wear and stretching. However, a premium heavyweight French terry (around 400 GSM) will also last well.
Are recycled polyester tracksuits any good?
Yes, they offer almost the same performance as standard polyester while being more environmentally friendly.
What GSM should a tracksuit be?
Most tracksuits fall between 220–320 GSM for everyday wear, while winter styles can go up to 500 GSM.
About the Author: Jocelyn Evans, owner of Hook and Eye UK, studied Fashion Design and Technology at Manchester Metropolitan University, including a year-long internship designing for Puma’s Team Sport division. After graduating, she worked with emerging grassroots brands in Birmingham and, in 2013, built a UK in-house design, sampling and manufacturing service that evolved into H&E. Recognising the limits of UK production, she expanded the business by pairing her UK team’s design, pattern cutting and sample expertise with overseas partners offering advanced fabric and construction technologies. Committed to transparency, sustainability and craftsmanship, Jocelyn creates only premium, long-lasting clothing—never fast fashion.
