STRUCTURED BODY

Scuba Sportswear Fabrics

Double-knit polyester-spandex with a spongy, structured hand that holds garment shape without interlining. Not neoprene — a comfortable, washable, wrinkle-free alternative for warm-up jackets, athleisure, and fashion-performance sportswear.

0
Max GSM
0
Max Stretch
0
Wrinkle Resistance
0
Min. Order
OEKO-TEX 100Certified Safe
ISO 9001:2015Quality System
Double KnitStructured Weave
40+ CountriesGlobal Shipping
DHL / FedExExpress Delivery
OVERVIEW

What Is Scuba Fabric?

Scuba fabric is a double-knit polyester-spandex textile — two separate knit layers connected by fine binding threads, creating a dense, smooth, slightly spongy fabric with moderate stretch. It is produced on a double-knit circular machine (not calendered like neoprene), which means it has a genuine textile hand feel rather than the rubbery stiffness of synthetic rubber sheets. The result is a fabric that holds its shape like a shell material but stretches, drapes, and comforts like a knit — a combination no single-knit fabric can achieve.

"Press your finger into scuba fabric and it compresses slightly, then springs back with a gentle bounce — that's the double-knit air cushion between the two layers. This is what gives scuba its signature 'body' without any interlining, fusible, or internal support. A 250 GSM scuba jacket panel holds its shape as effectively as a 180 GSM single-knit panel with fused interlining — but it's lighter, more comfortable, and doesn't bubble or delaminate over time."

Our scuba is typically 92/8 or 95/5 polyester-spandex, knitted at our Sialkot facility on double-knit circular machines. We produce it in weights from 180 GSM (light scuba for fitted tops and leggings) to 320 GSM (heavy scuba for structured outerwear and warm-up jackets). The fabric is smooth on both sides (unlike some double-knits that have a distinct face and back), which means it can be used for reversible garments — a popular construction for warm-up jackets where the team wears one color going to the match and reverses to a different color at half-time.

Every scuba batch is tested for thickness consistency (micrometer across 10 points), stretch and recovery (cycle test to 20% extension, 10 cycles), pilling resistance (Martindale), color fastness, and wrinkle recovery angle. Scuba that doesn't spring back to within 5% of its original dimensions after the stretch-recovery test is re-knitted — loss of recovery means the garment will bag out during wear.

2x
Knit Layers
Double-knit scuba fabric showing dense structured surface and smooth dual-face construction for sportswear
Scuba Knitting — Sialkot
SCUBA TYPES

Available Scuba Constructions

Different weights and surface treatments for different garment positions and performance requirements.

Light Scuba
Standard Scuba
Heavy Scuba
Matte Scuba
Stretch Scuba
Reversible Scuba
AVAILABLE GSM

Weight & Structure Relationship

In scuba, GSM directly determines how much inherent body the fabric has — this is the key decision variable.

Light
Leggings / Tops
Standard
Dresses / Skirts
Medium
Warm-Up Tops
Heavy
Jackets / Coats
Ultra-Heavy
Outerwear
The critical threshold is 220 GSM. Below 220 GSM, scuba has a softer drape with less inherent structure — it works for fitted garments (leggings, crop tops, bodycon dresses) but may need light interlining for truly structured shapes like stand collars or A-line skirts. At 220–260 GSM, scuba reaches its sweet spot: enough body for structured garments without interlining, enough drape for comfortable movement, and a hand feel that registers as 'premium' without feeling heavy. Above 280 GSM, scuba becomes genuinely substantial — excellent for outerwear, warm-up jackets, and garments where maximum structure and wind resistance are the priority, but it starts to feel heavy for garments worn against the skin.
AVAILABLE COLORS

Color Options for Scuba

Scuba's dense double-knit structure produces exceptionally deep, rich colors — one of the most color-beautiful sportswear fabrics available.

Black
Navy
Burgundy
Royal Blue
Forest Green
Plum
Camel
Charcoal
Wine Red
Teal
Off-White
Rose
Burnt Orange
Midnight Blue
Oatmeal
Scuba takes piece-dyeing exceptionally well — the dense double-knit structure has more fiber mass per square centimeter than a single-knit jersey at the same GSM, which means more dye molecules are absorbed per unit area. The result is colors that appear deeper, more saturated, and more 'expensive' than the same dye on a lighter construction. Dark colors (black, navy, burgundy, plum) on scuba look genuinely luxurious — this is why scuba is popular in fashion sportswear where color impact is a selling point. For sublimation, note that colors will appear approximately 10–15% lighter on scuba compared to single-knit jersey due to the denser structure limiting dye-paper contact — design your sublimation artwork slightly darker to compensate.
WHAT SCUBA DOES

Built-In Structure Properties

Scuba's value isn't in moisture management or wicking — it's in structural properties that eliminate the need for additional garment construction materials.

Inherent Body & Structure

The double-knit construction creates a fabric that holds its shape without interlining, fusible, or stiffening. At 250+ GSM, scuba panels maintain structured silhouettes — A-line skirts, stand collars, fitted bodices — all from fabric alone. This eliminates construction steps, reduces garment weight, and prevents interlining delamination over time.

Zero Wrinkle Formation

Scuba's dense structure and spandex content give it near-perfect wrinkle recovery. Pack a scuba jacket into a gym bag, sit on it for an hour, pull it out — it looks freshly pressed. Wrinkle recovery angle exceeds 95% in lab tests (vs. 60–70% for standard polyester jersey). This is why scuba dominates the warm-up jacket category.

Wind Resistance

The dense double-knit structure with minimal air gaps provides meaningful wind resistance — not waterproof, but significantly reducing wind chill compared to single-knit fabrics. At 260+ GSM, scuba blocks approximately 80–90% of wind penetration, making it effective as a light outer shell for pre-game warm-ups and cool-weather training.

Doesn't Fray When Cut

The double-knit structure locks the yarns in place — cut edges don't unravel or fray like single-knit fabrics. This enables clean raw-edge finishes, exposed seam constructions, and reduces the need for hemming or binding on edge details. It also means less fabric waste from seam allowances.

Four-Way Stretch with Recovery

With 5–8% spandex in a double-knit structure, scuba stretches in both directions and recovers to within 3–5% of its original dimensions after 10 stretch cycles. This gives fitted garments a body-hugging fit that doesn't bag out at the knees, elbows, or seat — a critical property for athleisure leggings and fitted dresses.

Water-Resistant Surface

The smooth, dense surface of scuba fabric has a naturally high water contact angle — light rain and splashes bead up and roll off rather than soaking in. This isn't a DWR coating (which can wash off) — it's an inherent property of the dense knit structure. For light weather protection without any additional treatment, scuba performs surprisingly well.

Reversible Construction

Because scuba is smooth on both sides (identical face and back), it can be used for reversible garments without any lining or additional construction. A reversible warm-up jacket — one color on the outside, a different color on the inside — is one of the most popular scuba applications in team sportswear.

Premium Hand Feel

The combination of smooth surface, slight sponge, and structured drape creates a hand feel that registers as 'expensive' to consumers. It doesn't feel like standard sportswear fabric — it feels like something from a fashion house. This premium perception is why scuba commands 30–50% higher retail pricing than standard polyester jersey at the same GSM.

APPLICATIONS

Where Scuba Fabrics Go

Scuba dominates where garment structure, wrinkle resistance, and premium presentation matter more than moisture wicking.

Warm-Up Jackets
Athleisure
Fitted Tops
Leggings
Skirts / Dresses
Structured Jackets
Reversible Gear
Golf Outerwear
Ski Warm-Up
Gym-to-Street
Cricket Warm-Up
Team Presentation
Hoodies
Swim Cover-Ups
Equestrian
Dance Sport
COMPARISON

Scuba vs. Neoprene vs. Ponte Knit

Three dense, structured fabrics that look similar but behave very differently — choosing the wrong one is an expensive mistake.

Property Scuba Knit Neoprene Sheet Ponte Knit
Material Polyester-spandex double knit Textile Synthetic rubber (polychloroprene) Rubber Polyester-rayon-spandex double knit Textile
Hand Feel Smooth, spongy, springy Comfortable Rubbery, stiff, unyielding Uncomfortable Firm, dense, compact Structured
Breathability Minimal but exists Slight Essentially zero None Minimal but exists Slight
Weight (typical) 180–320 GSM Light 1000–3000 GSM Very Heavy 250–400 GSM Medium
Stretch 15–25% (4-way) Best 0–5% (minimal) Rigid 8–15% (2-way) Moderate
Wrinkle Resistance 95%+ recovery Excellent 100% (doesn't wrinkle) Perfect 85–90% recovery Good
Care Machine wash cold Easy Hand wash only, no heat Difficult Machine wash cold Easy
Skin Comfort Comfortable for all-day wear Good Irritating with prolonged contact Poor Comfortable Good
Cost per Meter $3.00–$5.50 Mid $8.00–$15.00 Expensive $3.50–$6.00
Best For Warm-up jackets, athleisure, structured sportswear, reversible garments Wetsuits, knee pads, protective gear — NOT fashion garments Tailored trousers, structured blazers, formal athleisure
Quick rule: If a client asks for "neoprene fabric" for a garment (not a wetsuit), they almost certainly mean scuba knit. Neoprene is rubber — it's for wetsuits, not clothing. Scuba is the comfortable, washable, wearable alternative that gives the neoprene look without the neoprene problems. Between scuba and ponte: choose scuba when you want bounce, comfort, and stretch (athleisure, warm-ups, fitted garments). Choose ponte when you want firm structure and a more formal hand feel (tailored trousers, structured blazers, fashion-forward silhouettes).
PROS & CONS

Honest Assessment

Advantages
  • Built-in structure — holds garment shape without interlining, reducing construction cost and weight
  • Wrinkle-free in practice — pack it, sit on it, crush it — it bounces back looking pressed
  • Wind-resistant dense structure — 80–90% wind block at 260+ GSM without any coating or lamination
  • Doesn't fray when cut — enables raw-edge finishes and reduces hemming requirements
  • Reversible without lining — identical face and back make two-color garments simple and cost-effective
  • Premium hand feel — the spongy, structured touch registers as "expensive" to consumers, justifying higher retail pricing
  • Excellent stretch recovery — fitted garments maintain their shape through 150+ wash cycles without bagging
Disadvantages
  • Poor breathability — the dense double-knit traps heat and moisture; unsuitable for high-intensity or hot-weather sports
  • Limited sublimation quality — colors come out 10–15% lighter and less sharp than on single-knit fabrics
  • Heavier than single-knit alternatives — 220 GSM scuba feels equivalent to a 300 GSM single-knit in terms of perceived weight
  • Higher cost — 50–100% more expensive per meter than standard polyester jersey at comparable GSM
  • Heat-sensitive — spandex degrades above 60°C; no hot ironing, no hot tumble drying, limits decoration heat
  • Not moisture-wicking — sweat stays against the skin rather than being transported to the fabric surface
  • Can feel stiff to some wearers — the structured hand that some love feels "uncomfortable" to athletes used to soft, lightweight jerseys
Our mitigation: For breathability, we recommend scuba only for warm-up, presentation, and athleisure applications — never for in-game or high-intensity use. For sublimation limitations, we adjust artwork color values 10–15% darker at the design stage to compensate for the density-induced lightening, and we recommend screen printing for critical color accuracy. For the heat sensitivity, all our decoration processes (screen print cure at 160°C, heat transfer at 130°C) are calibrated to stay within scuba's safe temperature range. For cost, we offer light scuba (180–200 GSM) that provides 70% of the structured hand feel at 30% lower cost than heavy scuba — suitable for garments where moderate structure is sufficient.
DECORATION OPTIONS

Branding Scuba Garments

Scuba's dense, smooth surface changes the decoration calculus — screen printing often outperforms sublimation here.

Screen printing on scuba fabric warm-up jacket showing vibrant spot color graphics on dense surface
Recommended

Screen Printing

The recommended primary method for scuba. The dense, smooth surface provides an ideal substrate for screen ink — the ink sits on top in a clean, sharp layer with excellent opacity and color vibrancy. Standard plastisol cures at 160°C (within scuba's safe range) and produces results that are actually sharper and more vibrant than sublimation on this fabric. For team warm-up jackets with 1–4 color logos and player numbers, screen printing is the clear winner — better color accuracy, lower cost per piece at volume, and no design compensation needed.

Best on ScubaSharp DetailVibrant Colors100+ pcs
Sublimation printing on scuba double-knit fabric showing all-over design with slightly muted colors
Limited

Sublimation (with Caveats)

Sublimation works on scuba — the polyester component accepts dye — but the dense double-knit structure limits dye-paper contact, causing colors to come out 10–15% lighter than on single-knit jersey. Dark colors and bold graphics look acceptable; light colors, gradients, and fine detail look washed out. We compensate by darkening artwork values, but the result is still not as crisp as on standard polyester. Use sublimation on scuba only when you need all-over print coverage — for spot graphics, screen printing is definitively better.

All-Over Only10–15% LighterBold DesignsNeeds Compensation
Embroidered logo on scuba fabric structured jacket showing premium stitched detail on dense material
Premium

Embroidery

Excellent on scuba — the structured fabric provides a firm, stable base that supports dense stitch counts without puckering or distortion. Embroidery on scuba looks premium because the fabric's body prevents the stitches from causing the surrounding area to bunch or warp (a common problem on lightweight single-knits). Best for chest crests, sleeve logos, and collar marks on warm-up jackets. Use cutaway backing (not tearaway) for the best results on scuba's dense structure.

Premium LookNo PuckeringDense Stitch OKCutaway Backing
CUSTOMIZATION

Specify Your Scuba

GSM and spandex percentage are the two decisions that define everything else about your scuba fabric.

01

GSM Target

180–200 GSM for light fitted garments, 220–260 GSM for the sweet spot, 280–320 GSM for heavy outerwear and maximum structure.

02

Spandex Percentage

5% for moderate stretch (jackets, skirts), 8% for high stretch (leggings, fitted tops). Above 8% increases cost and reduces sublimation quality further.

03

Surface Finish

Standard smooth (slight sheen), matte (dulled surface for a more understated look), or brushed (subtle texture for a more casual hand feel).

04

Reversible Option

Same color both sides (standard) or different colors on face/back (reversible — requires dual-color knitting setup, adds 10–15% to fabric cost).

05

Color / Sublimation

Piece-dyed for solid colors (best color depth on scuba) or white base for sublimation (accept the 10–15% lightening or use screen print instead).

06

Decoration Method

Confirm screen print (recommended for scuba), sublimation (all-over only), or embroidery (premium crest/logos) — this affects color and construction choices.

HOW IT WORKS

Ordering Process

Scuba's double-knit production is slightly slower than single-knit — the timeline reflects this.

Inquiry

Day 0

Samples

5–7 Days

Approval

2–3 Days

Production

16–22 Days

Delivery

4–7 Days
Total turnaround: 27–39 days from inquiry to doorstep. The double-knit production is inherently slower than single-knit (two layers must be knitted simultaneously with binding threads), adding 3–5 days compared to standard polyester. Reversible scuba adds another 2–3 days for the dual-color setup. Rush orders for stock scuba constructions (standard 220 GSM, solid colors) available in 18–24 days.
ORDER DETAILS

MOQ, Capacity & Lead Time

500 pcs
Minimum Order Quantity
Fabric-only: 80 meters
20K pcs/mo
Manufacturing Capacity
Double-knit bottleneck
16–22 days
Production Lead Time
Stock items: 10–14 days
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No — this is the single most common confusion. Scuba knit is a double-knit polyester-spandex textile made on a circular knitting machine. Neoprene is synthetic rubber (polychloroprene) calendered into sheets — not knitted, not a textile. They look superficially similar because both have a smooth, dense, spongy hand feel and both hold shape. But scuba is breathable (slightly), machine washable, lightweight (180–320 GSM), and comfortable against skin for all-day wear. Neoprene has essentially zero breathability, requires hand washing, is extremely heavy (1000–3000 GSM for wetsuits), and can irritate skin with prolonged contact. If someone asks for "neoprene fabric" for a fashion or sportswear garment (not a wetsuit), scuba knit is almost certainly what they actually need.
Partially — and understanding the limitations matters before you commit to a design. The polyester component accepts sublimation dye at 200°C, but scuba's dense double-knit structure means less direct contact between sublimation paper and fiber surfaces. Colors come out approximately 10–15% lighter/more muted than on single-knit jersey. Dark colors sublimate well; light and mid-tones can appear washed out. Fine detail can lose sharpness. For bold, high-contrast graphics with large color blocks, scuba sublimation looks good. For photographic prints or fine detail, a single-knit will give better results. Screen printing actually produces sharper, more vibrant results on scuba than sublimation — the ink sits on the dense, smooth surface perfectly.
Both — but for very different sportswear types. Scuba is NOT for high-sweat, high-intensity sports. Where it excels: (1) Warm-up jackets and tracksuit tops — structured, wind-resistant, wrinkle-free, looks freshly pressed even after being bunched in a bag. (2) Athleisure and gym-to-street — leggings, crop tops, structured hoodies where aesthetics matter more than moisture management. (3) Cold-weather outer layers — meaningful wind resistance at 260+ GSM without any coating. (4) Presentation garments — skirts, dresses, fitted tops for tennis, golf, and dance sport where garment shape and presentation matter. The rule: if the athlete will sweat heavily, choose quick-dry or mesh. If the garment needs to look structured and resist wrinkles — scuba is the answer.
Barely — and this is one of scuba's honest limitations. The double-knit construction creates a dense fabric with very small air gaps between the two knit layers. Air circulation through the fabric is minimal, which means heat and moisture vapor cannot easily escape. At rest or during light activity (walking, stretching, warm-ups), scuba feels comfortable — the body isn't generating enough heat for the lack of breathability to matter. During moderate-to-intense exercise, you will feel warm and potentially damp inside a scuba garment because moisture has nowhere to go. This is by design — scuba trades breathability for structure, wind resistance, and wrinkle resistance. If you need all four properties, there is no single fabric that does everything — you'd need a layered system: scuba outer layer over a quick-dry or mesh base layer. We're transparent about this because brands that position scuba as high-intensity performance wear will get customer complaints about overheating.
Scuba is one of the easiest sportswear fabrics to care for. Machine wash cold (30°C) on a gentle cycle. Use standard detergent — scuba is polyester-spandex, so enzyme detergents are fine. Do not use fabric softener — it coats the fibers and reduces stretch recovery, causing the garment to bag out over time. Do not tumble dry on high heat — spandex degrades above 60°C, and high-heat tumble drying can reach 70–80°C internally. Air dry flat or tumble dry on the lowest heat setting. Do not iron — scuba doesn't wrinkle (that's one of its key properties), and ironing at high temperature will damage the spandex and potentially create a shiny pressed mark. If absolutely necessary, use a cool iron (below 110°C) with a pressing cloth. Keep everything cool and scuba will last 150–200+ washes without losing its structure or stretch.
Yes — this is scuba's superpower. A 250+ GSM scuba has enough inherent body and rigidity to hold structured shapes (A-line skirts, fitted bodices, stand collars, structured shoulders) without any interlining, fusible, or internal support. This is a massive manufacturing advantage: it reduces construction time (no cutting, fusing, and attaching interlining), reduces garment weight (interlining adds 30–50% to the weight of a structured garment), improves comfort (no stiff interlining restricting movement), and maintains a clean aesthetic (no interlining edges visible, no bubbling or delamination over time). For very structured garments with extreme shapes, light interlining in specific panels may still help — but for 80% of structured sportswear and athleisure, scuba on its own is sufficient. Below 220 GSM, scuba has less inherent structure and may need light interlining for truly structured garments.
Scuba and ponte are both double-knit fabrics that look similar at a glance — smooth on both sides, dense structure, moderate stretch — but they have distinct differences: Hand feel: Scuba has a distinctly spongy, almost cushioned feel — press your finger in and it springs back with a slight bounce. Ponte has a firmer, more compact hand — less sponge, more density. Weight: Scuba is typically 180–320 GSM. Ponte is typically 250–400 GSM — generally heavier. Stretch: Scuba has more stretch (15–25% with good recovery) because it uses more spandex (5–8%). Ponte has less stretch (8–15%) with less spandex (2–5%). Surface: Scuba has a very smooth, almost rubbery-smooth surface. Ponte can have a slight texture depending on the yarn. Drape: Scuba has a structured drape that holds shape but flows in large folds. Ponte has a stiffer drape that holds shape more rigidly. Best use: Scuba for fashion-sportswear, warm-ups, athleisure where comfort matters. Ponte for tailored garments, trousers, structured jackets where a more formal, less bouncy hand feel is desired.
Absolutely. We provide free A4-size fabric swatches (up to 3 options) shipped via DHL/FedEx at no charge. For scuba, we recommend requesting one standard scuba sample (for the baseline hand feel and structure), one heavier-weight scuba sample (250+ GSM, for structured garment comparison), and one ponte knit sample (so you can feel the difference between scuba's bouncy hand and ponte's firm hand). The physical comparison is far more convincing than any written description — once you press your finger into scuba and feel that spring-back sponge effect, you understand exactly what this fabric does that no single-knit can.
RELATED FABRICS

The Structured Fabric System

Scuba handles structure and presentation — these fabrics handle the other layers in a complete garment system.

Interlock Fabric

The lighter double-knit alternative — more breathable than scuba but with less inherent structure and body.

View

Polyester Fabric

The base layer underneath scuba outerwear — lightweight, wicking, and breathable to compensate for scuba's density.

View

Fleece Fabric

The warm mid-layer alternative — when you need insulation and softness instead of scuba's structured wind resistance.

View

Quick-Dry Fabric

The high-intensity alternative — when the garment needs moisture wicking and breathability instead of structure and wrinkle resistance.

View

Ready to Start Your Scuba Order?

Get a detailed quote with GSM options, spandex ratios, surface finishes, and free swatches — typically within 4 business hours.

Request Quote WhatsApp Us