The Do's and Don'ts of Mesh Fabric

If you're an avid sports fan, a competing athlete, or a frequent gym-goer, chances are most of your workout apparel is made of mesh fabric. This fabric material is made of synthetic fiber, perfect for high-energy activities.

Because of its minuscule holes and light feel, this fabric is perfect for allowing your body to breathe while working up a sweat. Not to mention, the material is also quite durable and can withstand a lot of movement and wear and tear.

However, as great as mesh material fabrics are, they still require a certain level of care to keep them looking and feeling their best. Here are a few tips on how to take the best care of your mesh fabrics, along with some more information on the fabric:

More About Mesh Fabrics

As mentioned, mesh fabrics are made of synthetic materials, perfect for high-energy activities such as athletics and working out.

Other than sportswear, mesh fabrics are also typically used by many workers from the healthcare sector to make medical apparel such as scrubs and surgical gowns.

What Are the Different Types of Mesh Fabrics?

Different types of mesh fabric are available on the market. The most popular ones include:

Polyester Mesh Fabrics

Polyester mesh fabrics are one of the most commonly available mesh fabrics on the market. These fabrics are made from polyester threads created through a chemical reaction involving petroleum, air, and water, resulting in a polymer of polyester fibers.

This mesh material is popular for athletic wear as it is breathable and quick-drying. It is also known for its resistance to shrinking and stretching, making it last longer with proper care.

Its durability and water-repelling qualities make it the perfect mesh fabric for swimwear and outdoor apparel.

Nylon Mesh Fabrics

Another popular type of mesh material is nylon. Nylon is a synthetic polymer made from coal and petroleum, and it was first used as a replacement for silk in women's stockings.

This type of mesh fabric is also quite popular in athletics due to its elastic qualities. Nylon mesh fabrics are known for their resistance to wear and tear, making them quite durable.

This mesh material is commonly used in making protective suits and equipment for beekeepers. Nylon is also used to create delicate sewing garments like evening gowns.

As mentioned, both nylon and polyester mesh fabrics are commonly used in sportswear. However, nylon mesh has a higher heat resistance and a softer feel than polyester.

Power Mesh Fabrics

Power mesh is a specialized type of nylon mesh fabric with properties that make it ideal for compression garments. This mesh material is regularly used in lingerie, shapewear, sportswear, and even medical garments, providing excellent support and compression.

Its construction sets the difference between power mesh and other mesh fabrics. Power mesh is made with myriads of interlocking yarns to provide high compression levels. This makes the fabric quite solid and durable, perfect for garments that need to give a lot of support, such as sports bras.

This versatile material offers a high level of stretchability and recovery, with its nylon fiber content helping it retain its original shape and size once removed. It is also breathable and can wick away moisture, making it perfect for activewear.

Cotton Pique Fabrics

Cotton pique fabrics are mesh materials often used in polo shirts and other athletic apparel and are made from 100% cotton. The namesake of mesh fabric comes from the "piqued" or raised woven design resembling a waffle or honeycomb.

This fabric is known for its breathability and comfort, making it perfect for warm weather conditions. It is also exceptionally absorbent, making it ideal for sweaty activities.

Cotton pique mesh fabrics are also known for their resistance to shrinking and wrinkling. However, it is not as stretchy as other mesh fabrics and does not wick away moisture as well.

The raised woven design also helps to add texture and style to the garments. Cotton pique mesh fabrics are often used in sportswear and casual apparel.

With all mesh fabrics, it has holes, but the holes in the material are so tiny that they're almost invisible to the naked eye. Because of this, many do not categorize cotton pique as a genuine mesh fabric.

Tulle Fabrics

Tulle is a fine mesh fabric often used in wedding gowns, veils, and tutus. This mesh fabric gets its name from the city of Tulle in France, where it was first produced in the early 19th century.

In some cases, this mesh fabric can be made from silk to alleviate the environmental impact of nylon and polyester. However, the most common type of tulle is made from nylon or polyester.

Tulle is a smooth and airy mesh fabric that gets its stiffness from the tightly woven yarns. It is often used to create layers in garments, adding volume and texture to the look without adding much weight. Tailors can also use it to add fullness to skirts and dresses.

This mesh netting is quite stiff and does not have much stretch to it. It is also quite fragile and can easily tear, so users must handle it carefully. It is a popular mesh fabric in arts and crafts and sewing projects.

Reminders and Warnings of Mesh Fabrics

Caring for mesh fabrics is not tricky, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind to keep your mesh garments looking their best.

Taking care of a mesh fabric depends on its type and material. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your mesh fabrics stay looking like new for longer.

With proper care, you can extend the fabric life of your mesh materials and enjoy them for many years to come!

Do:

Cold or Hand Wash

Considering that your mesh fabric is made from synthetic material, as a general rule, washing your mesh fabric clothing items in cold water by hand or on a gentle cycle will help prolong the life of your mesh fabrics.

If machine washing is your preference, consider using the gentle cycle on your washing machine. This will help to protect your mesh fabrics from being damaged in the wash. Always check the care label before washing any mesh fabric clothing item.

Regularly Brush Using a Soft-Bristled Brush

Brushing your mesh fabric items using a soft-bristled brush regularly is essential to remove any dirt or debris. This will also help keep the fabric looking new and prevent any pilling. This is best done to mesh fabrics with a stiff material (i.e., nylon and polyester).

It is vital to use gentle motions when cleaning your mesh fabric items. Pay close attention to the tiny holes in the fabric to avoid snagging on the netting.

Harsh scrubbing can damage the fragile fibers of your mesh netting, and this can cause the material to break down over time and become damaged.

Pre-Treat Harsh Stains

If you notice any tough or harsh stains on your mesh fabric items, it is crucial to pre-treat them as soon as possible. The sooner you treat a coloring, the easier it will be to remove.

Harsh stains can damage the delicate fibers of your mesh fabric, so it is best to take care of them immediately.

You can pre-treat stains on your mesh fabrics in a few different ways. One way is to create a paste using water and baking soda, and another is to use a diluted vinegar solution. You can also use a stain solution that you can get from the store.

Whichever method you choose, test it on an inconspicuous area of the fabric first to ensure it does not damage the mesh netting.

Store Folded

To prevent your mesh fabric items from being damaged, it is vital to store them properly. The best way to store mesh fabrics is to keep them folded or hang them up, which will help prevent creases or wrinkles from forming in the material.

It is also essential to ensure that your mesh fabrics are stored in a cool and dry place. An excellent way to store mesh fabrics is to keep them in a garment bag or folded in a drawer.

If you’re storing them in a closet, keep them away from heat sources such as radiators or vents.

Don't:

Apply Harsh Chemicals

You should never apply harsh chemicals to your mesh fabrics, such as bleach, fabric softener, or any other type of chemical cleaner. These harsh chemicals can damage the fragile fibers of your mesh fabric and shorten its lifespan.

If you need to clean a stain on your mesh fabric, it's best to pre-treat it with a gentle solution before washing it. When washing your mesh fabric items, it is essential to use a mild detergent.

Harsh chemicals and detergents can damage the natural fibers of your mesh fabric, causing it to break down over time. Always check the care label before using any detergent or cleaning to be safe.

Allow STAINS To Stay on the Fabric

Pay immediate attention to dirt, debris, and stains on your mesh fabric items. The longer these things are left on the fabric, the harder they will be to remove.

Allowing any dirty matter to stay on your mesh fabric for too long can damage the fabric's fibers and cause permanent stains.

Use Petrochemicals or Solvents in the Fabric

Never use petrochemicals or solvents on your mesh fabric items. This includes gasoline, oil, or any other type of flammable liquid.

These liquids can easily damage the fibers of your mesh fabric and cause irreparable damage. Always check the care label before using any cleaning agent to be safe.

Store Without Completely Drying the Fabric

After washing your mesh fabric clothing items, it's best to hang them up to dry. A clothesline or drying rack is the best way to protect your mesh fabrics from being damaged in the dryer.

If you choose to use a dryer, place it on a low setting or with no heat. High temperatures can affect the natural fibers of your mesh fabric, causing it to break down over time.

Before storing away your mesh materials, ensure that the fabric is thoroughly dry. Stowing your fabric while still wet can lead to mold, mildew, and other problems. Do not store your mesh fabric in a humid or damp area, as this can lead to damage.

It's All About the Fabric

When it comes to taking care of your mesh fabric items, it's all about the fabric. Different types of mesh fabric require additional care instructions, and it's crucial to always check the care label before washing or cleaning your mesh fabrics.

By following these simple tips, you can extend the lifespan of your mesh fabrics and keep them looking their best. With proper care and storage, your mesh fabrics can last for many years.

Search For Fabric: Your Reliable One-stop Fabric Shop

If you're looking for high-quality mesh fabrics, Search For Fabric is your one-stop shop. We offer a wide range of mesh fabrics that are perfect for various applications. From wedding dresses to costumes, we have the ideal material for your needs.

We also offer a wide range of other fabric types, including cotton, linen, wool, and more. We even offer sewing supplies and accessories to help you complete your projects.

Our team of experts is always available to help you choose the suitable material for your project.

Call us at (213) 623-2522 or email us at support@searchforfabric.com today to learn more about our products and services.