Printed Nylon Spandex Fabric By The Yard
What Is Nylon Spandex Fabric and How Is It Made?
Nylon spandex fabric is a stretch textile made from Nylon fibers combined with Spandex, sometimes called elastane or Lycra. Mills knit nylon spandex on a warp knit machine, locking the yarns into a knit fabric structure called Tricot. Unlike woven cloth, knitting lets the Spandex fibers stretch in more than one direction.
An 80% nylon, 20% spandex blend is one of the most common, offering strong stretch and solid shape retention. You can buy nylon spandex material by the yard here, so you can order exactly what your pattern calls for, not a fixed bolt size.
Shop Types of Nylon Spandex Fabric
Printed Nylon Spandex Fabric
Printed nylon spandex starts with the same stretch base, then adds color through Dye Sublimation. Dye Sublimation is also called Sublimation Printing or Disperse Dye methods.
The disperse dye method isn't suitable for nylon as easily as polyester does. Therefore, printers often turn to acid dyeing or Digital Textile Printing to get sharp and lasting patterns.
Screen Printing for bold and solid designs is still preferred by some suppliers. However, Heat Transfer designs tend to crack once the fabric stretches.
Printed Nylon Spandex Varieties at Kiki Textile
Kiki Textile brings a wide range of printed spandex material, from soft florals to our best-selling cheetah print nylon spandex fabric for activewear and swim cuts. Each roll ships as printed nylon spandex by the yard, so you only buy what your pattern calls for.
Browse our in-stock prints and shop directly:
If you sew activewear, our patterned spandex shorts fabric line is worth a look too. Need a custom printed spandex fabric run for your own brand? Ask our team about minimum yardage before you order.
Nylon Spandex vs Polyester Spandex Fabric
Nylon spandex material and polyester spandex fabric by the yard look identical, but they act differently once worn. Nylon has a softer hand and takes color nicely with acid dyes.
Polyester Spandex tends to hold up well in chlorine and sunlight, which is why many swim brands lean on it for pool and beach pieces.
Want printed polyester spandex fabric instead? Check out our polyester spandex fabric collection before you decide.
Buy Nylon Spandex Fabric By Use
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Leggings and yoga pants
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Swimwear and swim cover-ups
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Dancewear and gymnastics bodysuit
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Costumes and cosplay pieces
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Compression and athletic wear
Most rolls are Four-Way Stretch, moving with the body in both width and length. Some styles run Two-Way Stretch instead, so check the listing before you order if that distinction matters for your pattern.
Lightweight Nylon Spandex for Summer Projects
Wondering if nylon-spandex fabric is good for summer? Nylon spandex material is lightweight and offers decent breathability. It won't trap heat the way thicker knits can. Many rolls also have moisture-wicking finishes that pull sweat away from the skin.
Benefits of Buying Nylon Spandex Fabric
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Strong Elasticity and Stretch Recovery
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Soft, smooth hand feel
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Decent UV Resistance on most blends
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Some Chlorine Resistance, useful for swimwear
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Holds print detail thanks to strong Colorfastness
How to Choose the Right Nylon Spandex Fabric
Start with Fabric Weight. A lower GSM suits linings and layering pieces, while a higher GSM works better for standalone garments like leggings.
Next, check the Blend Ratio that gives strong stretch with good shape retention.
Lastly, decide whether you like printed spandex fabric or a solid color, and match the Opacity to your design so nothing shows through once the fabric stretches.
How to Wash and Care for Nylon Spandex Fabric
Wash printed nylon spandex fabric in cold water on a gentle cycle. Skip the dryer, since heat breaks down Spandex fibers over time, and lay pieces flat to air dry instead. Avoid bleach and fabric softener too, since both weaken Elastane and dull the print.
WHY you should Buy Printed Nylon Spandex Fabric by the Yard FROM KIKI TEXTILE
Kiki Textile holds a wide variety of printed nylon spandex fabric by the yard, with new prints added often.
We examine every roll for Stretch Recovery and Colorfastness before it ships, and we're one of the few suppliers who offer printed nylon spandex wholesale with no high minimums.
Want bulk yardage for a swim or activewear line? Reach out to our wholesale team for pricing and lead times.
FAQs
What is nylon spandex fabric used for?
It's used for leggings, swimwear, dancewear, costumes, and other fitted, high-movement garments. The stretch and recovery make it a solid choice anywhere the fabric needs to move with the body.
Is nylon spandex good for summer?
Yes. It's lightweight and breathable, and many rolls add moisture-wicking finishes. Lighter colors and lower denier weights feel cooler in hot weather.
Is 80% nylon 20% spandex good?
Yes, it's one of the most common and reliable blends. It gives strong four-way stretch along with good shape retention, so garments hold their fit wash after wash.
Is nylon spandex a good mix?
Yes. Nylon brings softness and a smooth hand, while spandex adds elasticity and recovery. Together they create a fabric that is comfortable, durable, long-wearing, and easy to print on.
Can you print on nylon spandex fabric?
Yes, though nylon needs acid dye or digital printing rather than standard disperse dye sublimation. Done right, the print stays sharp and colorfast through repetitive washing and stretching.
What is the difference between nylon spandex and polyester spandex?
Nylon spandex feels softer and takes color with acid dyes. Polyester spandex holds up better against chlorine and UV exposure, which is why it is common in swimwear. And meant for heavy sun or pool use.
Is nylon spandex fabric four-way stretch?
Most rolls are four-way stretch, meaning they stretch along both the width and the length. Some styles are two-way stretch instead, so you must check the product listing before you buy.
How do you wash printed nylon spandex fabric?
Wash it in cold water on a gentle cycle, turn it inside out first, and then skip the dryer. To protect the print and the stretch, air dry flat and avoid bleach or fabric softener.
Can I order printed nylon spandex wholesale?
Yes, Kiki Textile offers printed nylon spandex wholesale with no high minimum requirements. Reach out to our team for current pricing and turnaround times.
Where can I buy printed nylon spandex fabric by the yard in the United States?
You can buy printed nylon spandex fabric by the yard directly from Kiki Textile, with shipping to addresses across the United States. We carry a wide range of prints and cut every roll to the yardage you order.