Short answer: the best fabric for leggings is a 4-way stretch knit of nylon or polyester with spandex. 75% nylon / 25% spandex feels softer and smoother and suits premium yoga leggings; 80% polyester / 20% spandex costs less, wicks sweat well and takes sublimated all-over prints. For opacity, yoga and training leggings are usually made around 240–280 g/m², with compression styles heavier. Tennis tops, skirts and dresses use lighter, moisture-wicking polyester or polyester-spandex so they stay cool and print cleanly. Eliian makes both, from 10 pieces per design for tennis wear and 50 for leggings.
Nylon spandex or polyester spandex?
| 75% nylon / 25% spandex | 80% polyester / 20% spandex | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Softer, smoother, “buttery” | Slightly crisper |
| Moisture | Wicks and dries well | Wicks and dries fast; strong for heavy sweat |
| Printing | Solid colours; heat transfer logos | Full sublimation for all-over prints |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Best for | Premium yoga leggings and sets | Printed leggings, tennis and team training wear |
Fabric weight and squat-proofing
Fabric weight in grams per square metre (g/m²) is the first check for opacity. As a general guide, fabrics under about 200 g/m² suit looser styles because they can turn see-through when stretched; 240–280 g/m² is the range most often used for squat-proof yoga and training leggings; compression leggings are heavier, around 280–360 g/m² (Spandex By Yard). Knit density and spandex content matter too, so approve opacity on a physical sample by doing a deep squat in good light.
| Use | Typical weight |
|---|---|
| Light, loose styles | Under 200 g/m² |
| Yoga and training leggings | 240–280 g/m² |
| Compression leggings | 280–360 g/m² |
Tennis wear fabrics
Tennis tops, skirts and dresses need to stay light and cool through long sets in the sun. Lighter polyester or polyester-spandex knits wick sweat, dry fast and take sublimated club colours and patterns; skirts and shorts add stretch for movement. Tennis tops are USD 7–9.5 and sets USD 10.5–15 at factory price, from 10 pieces per design.
Recycled fabric
Recycled polyester is available on request for most styles. We do not currently hold GRS or OEKO-TEX certificates of our own; if your brand requires certified fabric, tell us at the enquiry stage so it can be sourced with the right documents.
What to specify
- Fibre blend (for example 75/25 nylon-spandex) and fabric weight in g/m².
- Finish: matte, brushed or smooth; moisture-wicking.
- Waistband height and construction; pocket positions.
- Print: solid, sublimated all-over print, or logo transfer.
- Sizes XS–3XL or your own size spec; labels, hang tags and packaging.
Minimums, fees and the full process for a new brand are in our private-label yoga wear guide; prices and options are on tennis, yoga and training wear.
Best fabric by sport: team jerseys · basketball uniforms · baseball jerseys · polo shirts · softshell jackets
Frequently asked questions
What is the best fabric for leggings?
A 4-way stretch knit: 75% nylon / 25% spandex for a softer premium legging, or 80% polyester / 20% spandex for lower cost and sublimated prints.
What GSM should leggings be?
As a general guide, 240–280 g/m² for squat-proof yoga and training leggings and around 280–360 g/m² for compression styles. Lighter fabrics suit looser fits.
What fabric is best for tennis clothing?
Light, moisture-wicking polyester or polyester-spandex knits that dry fast and take sublimated colours, with stretch in skirts and shorts.
What is the minimum order for custom leggings?
50 pieces per design at Eliian, with a one-time pattern fee for new styles. Tennis wear starts at 10 pieces per design.
How much do custom leggings cost?
USD 10–25 per piece depending on fabric, style and decoration.