[cherrus]

I have been gathering samples of dri-wicking shirts, polyester since I want to focus on a fitness line. Prior, I was strictly a cotton/lycra gal. Well, around 5 washings later, the shirts smell horrible!!! Mine, my husbands, my son's. I know there's anti-microbial fabric out there. I still don't think it works to eliminate odor. I'd prefer not to start a clothing line that begins to smell. I followed the washing instructions, no fabric softener, no drying etc. Is anyone else experiencing this? Is there a solution?

Thanks,

Cheryl

 

[Continental USA]

Bamboo cotton may be your answer Cheryl. I know there are more wholesalers of bamboo cotton than there were a few years ago, and our clients do tend to use it in a sports environment.

Check our site, and click on the ECO APPAREL section for some good resource info on Bamboo, how you print on it etc.

 

[jelias]

Bamboo is great for physical training but won't wick as well as the "dry fit" stuff. Bamboo will repel odours. I have received feedback from people who have trained in the same bamboo shirt more than 3 times without having to wash it.

 

[cherrus]

I was looking into bamboo a few months ago. I was hoping the price point would come down as more people started manufacturing it.

cheryl

 

[D.Evo.]

Cheryl, are you following washing instructions?
Can't speak about all performance clothing out there, but I know that with Vapor Apparel range the use of fabric softeners is detrimental for wicking /anti-bacterial properties of garments.

 

[cherrus]

Yes - Cold water, no fabric softener, hang dry - I teach fitness classes and a lot of instructors have been complaining about this as well

Cheryl

 

[SunEmbroidery]

I haven't performed your washing test but from general washing experience I'm wondering if washing occasionally in hot water would help or would that be too harmful for the fabric?

 

[Moo Spot Prints]

Cheryl,

There's another thread about this very subject that's current. The bottom line is that poly will smell. Anti-bacterial treatments do work (some better than others). What brands are you using?

 

[cherrus]

Jose,

Did you mean which brands of dri-wicking? Charles River, Champion, Nike...let me check to see it there are others.

Cheryl


I put the key words in the search before I started this thread. I must have missed the one that you are referring to

 

[Moo Spot Prints]

Jose,

Did you mean which brands of dri-wicking? Charles River, Champion, Nike...let me check to see it there are others.

Cheryl

That information will be helpful to see how it's performing for others. Even in the Nike line there is a big difference in the materials and treatments they use. Dri-Fit is just a marketing term.

I swear by Zorrel's performance shirts. Xpert performance's anti-microbial works ok. I've found that Vapor's micro/perf line isn't as bad as their thicker ringer and regular tees.

I put the key words in the search before I started this thread. I must have missed the one that you are referring to

Here you go.

 

[cherrus]

I was going to order shirts through Zorrel because they were very helpful and have a great price point. However, I would be compromising on style. I really like the shirts at Xpert Performance in reference to style, but to be fair I haven't gotten a sample yet. But you say there wearability isn't as good? I took a seminar with the rep from Vapor and really wanted to like their stuff. For my needs, the loose boxy fit won't work. I love the stuff from Alo, but the prices are very high and their Alo logo is on outside of the shirt as well as a tagless print at the neck. I want to start a branded line of clothing. I don't think it would work with Alo on the the shirt.

Do you know anything about Endurafit?

Cheryl

 

[Moo Spot Prints]

Xpert shirts are good, they're just small. You're going to have to spend some money and order samples from everybody you can think of. It's really the only way to know (other than going to an ISS-like show) to see for yourself.

Vapor shirts are made to be sublimated, period. I also want to like them but have to turn away because they don't suit my needs. I do like their hoodies and use them a lot.

Do you know anything about Endurafit?

Nope.

I'm always looking for good women's tops. Let me know if you find anything suitable. I cater to runners who really abuse their shirts. Fashion is secondary to performance and fit (and stink!).

 

[Moo Spot Prints]

Endurafit doesn't make their own stuff. They're basically doing the same things we are --reselling.

Endurafit: Endurafit Fabrics