Styles that do more: when performance meets comfort

Why simply settle for style when you can deliver performance, too? Athleisure isn’t just a trend anymore – it’s a lifestyle. The boundaries between gymwear, work clothes and weekend casuals have blurred, creating a massive opportunity for hoodies and sweats that seamlessly transition between environments. Our collection proves that performance and style aren’t mutually exclusive; they’re essential partners in today’s wardrobes.

Regardless of profession, wearers expect their athleisure to look polished enough for a coffee meeting, perform well enough for an actual workout and feel comfortable enough for an entire day of wear.

Understanding performance fabrics: the science behind the comfort

Performance fabrics are engineered to work harder for the wearer, combining comfort with function. Unlike traditional cotton or polyester, these textiles use advanced fibre blends and treatments to offer features including moisture wicking, quick drying, breathability and stretch – all key to all-day wearability.

Moisture-wicking fabrics, such as those on JustCool’s cool contrast zoodies (JC057 and JC058), draw sweat away from the skin through microscopic capillary channels, spreading it across the outer surface for rapid evaporation. Polyester fibres are naturally waterrepellent at their core but are treated to attract moisture on the surface, creating a oneway transport system that keeps wearers dry. Synthetic fibres like nylon and polyester also absorb less water, so garments dry up to five times faster than cotton.

Breathability is enhanced through fabric construction techniques like mesh panels or microperforations that create ventilation channels, as in the design of the Women’s TriDri® Recycled Chill Zip Sweatshirt (TR600). Some advanced fabrics incorporate phase-change materials that actually absorb excess body heat when you’re warm and release it when you cool down.

Decoration considerations: compatibility matters

Performance fabrics’ unique properties can affect how decorations adhere. Highly breathable or textured fabrics may resist standard vinyl films, so decorators should use flexible, high-stretch vinyls or inks designed for activewear. Recommended vinyls include:

• RalaFlexTM Stretch (RF007) for flexible performance fabrics
• RalaFlexTM Nylon (RF006) for textured, durable fabrics
• RalaFlexTM Universal (RF015) for versatile, strong adhesion across many fabrics

Direct-to-film (DTF) is another popular option for performancewear, thanks to its natural stretch and exceptional durability. It allows the decoration to move with the garment, helping to prevent cracks and prolong the life of the print. This makes it especially suited to sports kits – including those worn in the NFL, NHL and football – where flexibility and endurance are essential.

For garments made from sublimated or striped polyester, decorators should also be aware of dye migration – where fabric dyes bleed into the decoration and cause discoloration over time. To prevent this, we recommend using RalaFlexTM Blockout (RF01B) – a specialist blockout vinyl which acts as a barrier, keeping the print vibrant, crisp and true to colour, even on tricky polyester substrates.

Heat-sensitive coatings and fibres also require care during decoration. Lower heat press temperatures and the right pressure settings protect moisture-wicking finishes and maintain fabric integrity. Testing on samples is always recommended.

Embroidery: keeping designs smooth

Stretchy, lightweight fabrics can distort under embroidery, so the right stabiliser makes all the difference.

• Use Madeira’s Weblon cut-away backing 44g (MR045) for permanent support without restricting stretch
• Choose Madeira’s 40g tear away backing (MR041) for stable fabrics with minimal stretch
• Heavier stabilisers such as MR061 and MR063 provide firm support for dense designs, but may reduce flexibility
• Always sample-test to ensure the embroidery holds up without puckering

By pairing the right decoration techniques with the science behind performance fabrics, decorators can deliver garments that look great, feel comfortable and stand up to the demands of modern life.

Value that extends beyond price

At Ralawise, we understand that value isn’t just about the initial cost – it’s about longevity, customer satisfaction and repeat business. Performance-driven hoodies and sweats deliver on all fronts. The enhanced durability means fewer replacements, while improved functionality translates to happier customers who appreciate clothing that keeps up with their lifestyle.

These hoodies and sweats aren’t just keeping up with changing consumer expectations – they’re setting new standards for what functional fashion can achieve. When you’re looking to offer genuine value, these pieces prove that performance and profit can go hand in hand.