Microfiber spandex is a go-to fabric for performance apparel, compression wear and leggings. It combines very fine synthetic fibers with spandex for a smooth, soft feel and plenty of stretch. This guide explains what microfiber spandex fabric is, what it’s made from, how the polyester and spandex percentages affect performance, and how to choose the right one.
What Is Microfiber Spandex Fabric?
Microfiber refers to extremely fine synthetic fibers, finer than a strand of silk. When these fine polyester (or nylon) fibers are knit together with spandex, the result is a smooth, soft fabric with stretch and recovery. Microfiber spandex is popular for fitted performance garments because it feels smooth against the skin and moves with the body.
Note: “microfiber” also refers to cleaning cloths and upholstery fabrics. This guide is about microfiber spandex fabric for apparel.
What Is Microfiber Poly Spandex Made From?
Microfiber poly spandex is made from microfiber polyester blended with spandex. Our 350 GSM Microfiber Poly Spandex (Style VLA2612 FK350) is 86% polyester and 14% spandex. It’s a heavyweight, reversible fabric with Max-Dri moisture-wicking and UV 50+ sun protection.
How Do Polyester and Spandex Percentages Affect a Fabric?
Polyester and spandex do different jobs in a blend:
- Polyester adds durability, color strength and shape, and makes the fabric suitable for sublimation printing.
- Spandex adds stretch and recovery, so the fabric snaps back after stretching.
In general, more spandex means more stretch and recovery, while more polyester means more durability and structure. The fabric’s weight and knit also matter, so always compare the full specifications rather than the percentages alone.
What Is 350 GSM Microfiber Fabric Used For?
A heavyweight microfiber spandex like our 350 GSM fabric gives strong support and coverage. It’s ideal for:
- Compression wear
- Activewear
- Leggings
- Sports uniforms
- Performance apparel
Can Microfiber Spandex Be Sublimation Printed?
Microfiber polyester spandex can be sublimation printed when it’s prepared for printing, because sublimation dye bonds with polyester fibers. Our 350 GSM Microfiber Poly Spandex comes in white PFP/PFD, ready for dyeing or sublimation printing. See more options in our Fabrics for Printing and Sublimation category.
How to Choose Microfiber Spandex Fabric
- Composition: the polyester-to-spandex ratio
- Weight (GSM): heavier fabrics give more support and coverage
- Stretch: how much stretch and recovery your design needs
- Performance features: such as moisture-wicking and UV protection
- Printing: whether you need a PFP fabric for sublimation
- Width and quantities: sample yards for testing and full rolls for production
Where Can You Buy Microfiber Spandex Fabric?
Spandex Warehouse sells 350 GSM Microfiber Poly Spandex (86% polyester / 14% spandex, 60/62″ wide) wholesale by the roll (approx. 75 yards), with sample yards and free swatch cards available.
Want to see the fabric first? Order swatch cards right on our website. To buy by the yard or wholesale by the roll, fill out our order form or email us at spandexwarehouse@sbcglobal.net, and we’ll send you an invoice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is microfiber spandex fabric?
It’s a fabric made from very fine synthetic microfibers blended with spandex, giving a smooth feel with stretch and recovery.
What is microfiber poly spandex made of?
Microfiber polyester and spandex. Our 350 GSM Microfiber Poly Spandex is 86% polyester and 14% spandex.
How does the percentage of polyester and spandex affect the fabric?
More spandex usually means more stretch and recovery; more polyester means more durability and structure.
What is 350 GSM microfiber fabric used for?
Compression wear, activewear, leggings, sports uniforms and performance apparel.
Can microfiber spandex be sublimation printed?
Yes, when it’s prepared for printing. Our 350 GSM Microfiber comes in white PFP/PFD, ready for dyeing or sublimation printing.
Where can I buy microfiber fabric by the yard?
Spandex Warehouse sells microfiber poly spandex by the yard (sample yards) and wholesale by the roll.