Unfortunately, most wrestlers ignore the importance of selecting the right material for their singlet. Then during the middle of the match, their singlet sticks to their skin due to sweat pooling underneath the fabric. Resultantly, when they go for a takedown, their grip slips because of the moisture buildup. If you don’t want to face this, pay great attention while picking the material for your custom wrestling singlet. Remember, the right singlet shouldn’t hold you back instead helps you perform at your best. 

Furthermore, the right fabric must balance flexibility, breathability, and durability while holding up to intense movements. But not everyone is pro in picking the right material. That’s why, we’ll explore the best materials, discuss fabric weight, and also customization considerations. Not just this, this article will also disclose some less-talked-about aspects like eco-friendly alternatives and athlete preferences. So are you ready to absorb all this informative content? Let’s go!

The Key Features of a High-Quality Wrestling Singlet

Do you know what makes a wrestling singlet effective? The material used in a custom wrestling singlet should have the following features:

• Four-way Stretch

The material you choose should have the feature of a four-way stretch. This is to ensure that it moves easily with the body. Wrestling is a high-intensity sport requiring quick movements. And if you wear a restrictive singlet it can be a serious disadvantage for you. 

• Moisture Wicking Property

The second important factor is moisture management. The fabric of the gear should have moisture-wicking properties to keep you dry and comfortable. And yes, breathability plays a role here too. If the singlet isn’t breathable, the trapped heat and sweat can cause discomfort and skin irritation during long matches.

• Durability

Additionally, durability is key. We all know that a wrestling singlet undergoes extreme stress from stretching and regular washing. If you have a low-quality singlet, the material will easily lose shape, fade, or tear. Thus all this will reduce the lifespan of gear significantly. This is why investing in the right fabric serves not only better performance but also long-term cost efficiency.

• Color Retention & Print Durability

Lastly, don’t forget to check how well the material holds colors and prints. This step is highly crucial when you’re getting singlets for the entire team with custom designs. Some fabrics absorb ink better while some don’t, affecting how long a design remains vibrant.

Best Materials for Wrestling Singlets

• Lycra (Spandex)

When it comes to selecting the best material for singlets, lycra, which is also known as spandex, always stays at the top of the list. This synthetic fabric is super stretchable so athletes can enjoy complete freedom of movement during the game. Lycra isn’t like the traditional fabrics that restrict flexibility. It gives the feel of a second skin without making you uncomfortable. 

Another plus point of Lycra is its resilience. It can retain its original shape even after multiple washes. Plus, it doesn’t sag or become loose over time. Isn’t it amazing?  

The best part of all? This fabric also holds moisture-wicking properties. So lycra makes you stay dry during long training sessions. And what about wrinkling? Most wrestlers stay worried about the wrinkling of their singlet. But don’t worry, this fabric is highly resistant to wrinkling and it also maintains a sleek appearance even after extensive use.

Important Note: Know that lycra on its own is not enough. That’s why most high-performance singlets blend Lycra with other materials. This is to enhance durability and printing capabilities.

• Polyester

Polyester is another outstanding option for a custom wrestling singlet. This fabric offers you high durability, breathability, and flexibility. Many singles use polyester-Lycra blends. Wondering why? That’s because polyester retains sublimation prints exceptionally well. In this way, the team logos, designs, and colors don’t fade even after repeated washes.

If we compare polyester to pure Lycra, the former is slightly more resistant to wear and tear. Other than this, polyester is also lighter in weight. Thus it’s an excellent option for wrestlers who pay special attention to breathability and sweat management. 

However, there is a notable drawback of polyester. If this fabric isn’t blended properly, it can trap heat. To tackle this issue, custom wrestling singlet manufacturers now integrate moisture-wicking technology. This integration keeps the fabric cool. 

• Nylon

Nylon offers a soft texture and enhanced flexibility. That’s why it’s considered a good option to use in premium wrestling singlets. If we compare nylon with polyester, polyester gives a slightly rough feel to the skin. However, nylon is incredibly smooth so it shows reduced risk of chafing or irritation. 

Want to know more about nylon in detail? One more amazing benefit of nylon is its high elasticity. Here an amazing point is, that the elasticity of nylon is even greater than polyester. So why not choose it as a top choice for wrestlers who need a high-performance, compression-fit singlet? 

Don’t worry, we will also discuss its negative points and the top of them is less breathability. Nylon is slightly less breathable than polyester. Si it can retain more moisture. Secondly, it’s more expensive. Thus this fabric is mostly found in higher-end custom wrestling singlets.

Fabric Weight & Thickness: What’s the Ideal GSM?

Fabric weight is one of the most commonly overlooked factors in wrestling singlets. Fabric weight is measured in GSM (grams per square meter). The GSM determines how thick and durable a fabric is.

• 150-180 GSM: Lightweight, breathable, but may lack durability.
• 180-220 GSM: Strong, flexible, and moisture-wicking.
• 220+ GSM: Heavyweight fabrics that provide durability but may feel slightly restrictive.

Do you want to know out of all these which one is the best choice? A 180-220 GSM polyester-Lycra blend is often the best choice. 

Conclusion

Choosing the best material for a custom wrestling singlet is knowing the properties of the fabrics. If you select any fabric without knowing its features and properties in detail, there are great chance that you pick the wrong one. Lycra, polyester, and nylon all of these are considered good ones. But a polyester-lycra blend always remains the best choice for a custom wrestling singlet.

Whether you’re a coach designing singlets for a team or an individual wrestler looking for an edge, investing in the right fabric can make all the difference. To make it super easy for you, you can check the variety at Sports Apparel. They are a pro at manufacturing custom wrestling singlets with top-notch material. 

FAQs

• What is the most durable fabric for a wrestling singlet?

Out of a lot of options, polyester-spandex blends show high durability so they are the best choice. They resist stretching out, hold their shape, and also withstand intense movements without tearing.

• How do I know if a singlet is breathable?

A highly breathable singlet is always made of moisture-wicking fabrics like Lycra or a polyester-spandex blend. These materials pull sweat away from the skin and allow air to pass. That’s how they keep you cool.

• Should a custom wrestling singlet be tight or loose?

A custom wrestling singlet should neither be too tight nor too loose. It should properly fit your body without being so restrictive. It should provide compression, reduce muscle fatigue, and enhance movement without feeling uncomfortable.