Lexicon of substances No. 2: Thermal substances

Sweatpants for every occasion

Tracksuit with knit and eyelets is experiencing an incredible fashion boom and its golden days from the 80s are coming back again. It is more and more popular in clothing for children and adults, and tracksuits are gaining their place in wardrobes. Let's see in our blog why this material is so popular and has gained its popularity?

How is sweat produced

Tracksuits are created by the process of knitting the loops that form the surface of the material. The eyelets look like classic knitwear known from our grandmothers, who in the evenings used needles to make sweaters or warm winter scarves. Nowadays, tracksuit fabric is produced on knitting machines, where threads intertwine, which determine the type of knitted fabric according to their thickness and density.

• Raw materials and resources

Tracksuit bottoms are generally made from synthetic materials such as polyester, although they can also be made from natural fibers such as cotton or a combination of both. Recycled versions of tracksuits are becoming increasingly popular as the textile industry looks for ways to produce more sustainably. These recycled versions may contain surplus or recycled textile materials, as well as other recycled plastic materials such as PET bottles.

• Quality control and safety

Quality control is a key part of the tracksuit manufacturing process, as with all textile materials. Standards and certifications can be used to ensure that the tracksuit meets certain standards of quality, safety and sustainability. The environmental impact of tracksuit production is also becoming increasingly important, with many manufacturers looking for ways to minimize their impact on the environment.

• Technological innovations in tracksuits

Technological innovations are underway in the field of tracksuits, such as the development of smart textiles, which may contain technologies to monitor body functions or provide increased comfort. 3D printing of textiles is also beginning to be experimented with, which could have a significant impact on how tracksuits and other textile materials are produced. In addition, the possibilities of using nanotechnologies are also being explored

Let's look at a little history together

Knitwear has accompanied us since the Middle Ages, and it was enough for them to invent wires that could be crocheted on. The oldest surviving finds of knitted fabrics date back to the 5th century BC and were discovered in Egypt. It was not until 1589 that an attempt was made to mechanized the production of this substance in England. At that time, priest W.Lee invented the stocking knitting machine. The knitting machine was only patented in the eighteenth century, and since then it has become the most popular material of all time. Only nowadays is it possible to conjure up interesting patterns on knitwear, either by printing or by interlaced stitches.

How to tell sweatpants from knitwear

Tracksuits are a soft material that is pleasant to the body, comfortable to wear and does not require much care when washing and ironing. If you don't like classic knitwear, go for a tracksuit.

The difference between classic knitwear and sweatpants is visible at first glance. In contrast to knitwear , the eyelets are only visible from the reverse side, or it is combed with fine hair. In the past, natural fibers such as cotton and wool were mainly used for the production of these materials. Today, in addition to cotton fabrics, mixed fibers, polyester and lycra are also used for production.

Property	Description of the properties of the tracksuit	Intensity (1-5)
Absorbency, absorption	high	5
Sense of touch	soft and smooth	4
Aesthetic impression	pleasant to look at, often with a matte surface	4
Shape stability, flexibility	high flexibility, medium dimensional stability	4
Weight and density	light material with low density	4
Color fastness	Good	3
Wind resistance	medium	3
Tensile strength	medium	3
Wear resistance	medium	3

There are a large number of sweatpants in stores, and a small division for easier orientation is always useful:

Loops with the French name French Terry

The name already suggests that Terry is visible loops from the reverse side, which look like undrawn stitches. Terry is one of the most popular versions of tracksuits for everyday wear, but also for sports, as it is a light and airy material.

Brushed sweatpants

Fabrics reminiscent of soft and warm flannel on one side, which has a short pile and gives the fabric a pleasant feeling when worn. Knittedcombed tracksuits are a thicker material suitable for wearing on cold days.

Sweatpants with a teddy bear

Teddy bear tracksuits are among the popular types, which have a pleasant and short fur on the reverse side in the color of the tracksuit, or in a contrasting shade. Sweat fabric with a teddy bear is one of the warmest materials in this group and suitable for sweatshirts and vests.

Prints on tracksuits can be found in all mentioned types and in combination with plain tracksuits, unique pieces can be created.

What to sew from sweatpants

Leisure fashion in combination with sports favors loose sweatshirts, trousers, but also dresses and skirts. Spring is approaching, so it's time to start airing out the closets, and a jacket made of sweatpants must not be missing in it. It is possible to wear it with skinny jeans, shorts, a skirt, but in the right combination with an evening dress. Tracksuits are not only a clothing material, but also a suitable material for children's toys, blankets and booster seats.

Sweatpants

Sweatpants are a unique and popular product that is traditionally made from sweatpants . Their comfort, flexibility and casual style make them an ideal choice for home wear or various sports activities. On the other hand, cotton is also a popular material for making trousers. Cotton knit trousers offer softness, breathability and high absorbency, making them suitable for warmer climates and more formal situations.

Lightweight sports jacket

A lightweight sporty windbreaker in sweat fabric is a great choice for mild weather or for layering. Windbreakers made of thermal fabric are light and provide a certain degree of thermal insulation. Nylon is another popular material for windbreakers because it is lightweight, durable, and has high water and wind resistance, which is key to protecting against inclement weather.

Sports overall

A sports overall made of tracksuit fabric is a practical and comfortable piece of clothing for a variety of sports and leisure activities. Polyester, another popular material for overalls, is durable, easy to maintain and dries quickly, making it suitable for more demanding physical activity.

Short sweatpants

Short tracksuit shorts made of tracksuit fabric are ideal for the summer months or for intense exercise where increased freedom of movement and breathability are needed. Viscose is another favorite material for shorts, it is soft, lightweight and has cooling properties, making them suitable for hot weather and activities where heat dissipation is required.

Pajama pants

Pajama pants made of sweatpants are popular for their comfort and the thermal comfort they provide during a night's rest. Cotton is also a frequently used material for pajama pants, it is characterized by softness, breathability and absorbency that contribute to comfort during sleep.

Sport sweatshirt

A sports sweatshirt made of sweat fabric is a great choice for fitness and outdoor activities, it provides thermal comfort while allowing the body to breathe. On the other hand, polyamide is also a popular material for sports sweatshirts, it is characterized by its resistance, flexibility and ability to dry quickly, which makes it suitable for intense physical activities.

How to sew and care for a tracksuit

Tracksuit fabric is a material favored by many seamstresses for its ease of handling and the production of comfortable garments. If you are considering sewing with this material, here are some tips to consider.

• Choice of tools for sewing a tracksuit

It is ideal to use medium weight threads and 80/12 round tip needles to sew the tracksuit . For sewing machines, it is best to use a universal needle or a needle specifically designed for knitting.

• Processing of tracksuit material

When cutting the tracksuit, it is important to follow the direction of the knit and be careful not to shift the fabric layers. The material sews well, but it is good to use special knitting stitches or overlock to maintain the elasticity of the fabric. Gluing the tracksuit is possible, but is mostly used only for temporary fixation before sewing.

Maintenance and handling of tracksuit

Due to its resistance and flexibility, sweatpants are an easy-to-maintain fabric. However, here are some tips on how to care for your tracksuit to ensure it lasts a long time.

• Washing sweatpants

Thermal fabric is generally a durable fabric that can be machine washed on a normal cycle at up to 40°C. It is important to use mild detergents and avoid bleaching agents that could damage the fabric.

• Ironing tracksuit

Thermal fabric is a fabric that is generally resistant to ironing, but is best ironed on a low to medium temperature. The use of steam is possible, but care must be taken not to overheat and damage the fabric. It is a good idea to iron the fabric on a suitable mat to avoid deformation of the material.

• Drying tracksuit

Thermal fabric is a material that can be dried both on the dryer and in the dryer. When drying in a dryer, it is important to distribute the material evenly to prevent deformation. When drying in a dryer, it is best to use a low temperature and a short cycle to avoid overheating and shrinking the fabric. Outdoor drying is also possible, but care must be taken to avoid direct exposure to the sun, which could fade the color.