When it comes to activewear, not all fabrics are created equal. The material you choose can significantly impact your comfort, performance, and overall workout experience. At Brasilfit, we pride ourselves on using Polyamide, the gold standard for gym and athleisure wear, ensuring that every pair of leggings and every piece of activewear you invest in delivers unparalleled quality and performance. In contrast, many brands opt for recycled polyester, often touted as a sustainable alternative but falling short in both functionality and true environmental benefits. Let’s delve into why polyamide reigns supreme and why recycled polyester might not be the eco-friendly solution it’s marketed to be.

The Polyamide Advantage

Polyamide, commonly known as nylon, has long been celebrated as the premier fabric for activewear. Here’s why it stands out:

1. Superior Comfort and Softness

Polyamide offers a buttery-soft texture that feels luxurious against the skin. Unlike polyester, which can sometimes feel rough or plasticky, polyamide boasts a silky finish that enhances the comfort of your activewear. This softness not only makes your workouts more enjoyable but also ensures that you feel confident and comfortable throughout the day.

2. Exceptional Stretch and Recovery

One of the most critical qualities in leggings is their ability to stretch without losing shape. Polyamide’s remarkable elasticity ensures that leggings hug your body perfectly, no matter how often you wear them. This stretchability is essential for a full range of motion, whether you’re lifting weights, stretching into a yoga pose, or sprinting during a run.

3. Durability and Longevity

Polyamide is built to last. It is highly resistant to abrasion, pilling, and tearing, making it the ideal fabric for high-impact workouts and everyday wear. This durability means fewer replacements and less waste, aligning with true sustainability principles. With Brasilfit’s polyamide-based activewear, you’re investing in garments that maintain their shape and functionality over time, even after countless washes.

4. Breathability and Moisture-Wicking

Staying dry and comfortable during workouts is paramount. Polyamide excels in moisture-wicking, effectively pulling sweat away from your skin to keep you cool and dry. Its breathable nature allows for excellent air circulation, preventing overheating and ensuring that you remain comfortable, whether you’re in a high-intensity HIIT session or a serene yoga class.

5. Odour Resistance

Polyamide fabrics are naturally resistant to odour-causing bacteria, keeping your activewear fresher for longer. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who engage in frequent or intense workouts, as it minimises unpleasant smells and enhances overall hygiene.

The Recycled Polyester Illusion

Recycled polyester (rPET) has gained popularity in the activewear market, marketed as an eco-friendly alternative by repurposing plastic waste. However, the reality often falls short of these green claims:

1. Inferior Quality

Recycled polyester simply cannot match the performance of virgin polyamide. It is less durable, more prone to pilling, and often feels rougher to the touch. For leggings, this translates to garments that stretch out, wear down, and look worn much sooner than those made from polyamide.

2. Greenwashing Concerns

Many brands promote recycled polyester as a sustainable solution without addressing the full environmental impact. While recycling plastics may seem beneficial, the production of rPET still involves significant energy consumption and chemical processing. Moreover, garments made from recycled polyester often release microplastics during washing, contributing to ocean pollution—a stark contrast to true sustainability.

3. Short-Term Fix, Long-Term Problem

Recycled polyester products are often marketed as "saving the planet," but their short lifespan contradicts this message. Cheaper, lower-quality leggings end up in landfills faster, perpetuating the cycle of waste. In contrast, Brasilfit’s polyamide activewear is designed for longevity, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimising environmental impact.

4. Profit Over Performance

The use of recycled polyester often results in better margins for manufacturers while sacrificing quality. Many consumers, lacking technical knowledge about fabric performance, are swayed by green marketing rather than informed by the reality of the product’s durability and comfort. This imbalance benefits brands financially but leaves consumers with inferior products.

True Sustainability Lies in Quality

Sustainability isn’t just about recycling—it’s about creating products that last. Polyamide, with its superior durability and performance, naturally aligns with this philosophy. A high-quality pair of polyamide leggings can last years, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimising waste. In contrast, recycled polyester, despite its green credentials, often leads to overconsumption when products don’t hold up to everyday wear, negating any initial environmental benefits.

Why Choose Brasilfit’s Polyamide Activewear?

Exclusive Use of Polyamide

At Brasilfit, we are committed to excellence. All our products are crafted exclusively from a blend of Polyamide and Elastane, a superior nylon microfiber. This combination offers unparalleled resistance, effectively wicks away moisture, and remains odor-free, all while feeling beautiful to the touch. Unlike some competitors who opt for polyester—a less durable and breathable option—our Polyamide-Elastane blends ensure your activewear not only performs exceptionally but also feels luxurious against your skin.

Advanced Fabric Technology

Our Emana® fabric goes beyond traditional polyamide. Developed by Solvay, Emana® integrates far infrared technology, which absorbs your body heat and emits it back to your skin, promoting microcirculation. This innovative feature improves skin elasticity and reduces the visibility of cellulite, providing both aesthetic and performance benefits.

Commitment to Quality and Sustainability

We believe in delivering high-quality activewear without compromising on sustainability. Our polyamide-based garments are designed to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimising environmental impact. By choosing Brasilfit, you’re supporting a brand that prioritises both your performance and the planet.

The Takeaway

While recycled polyester may seem like the environmentally conscious choice, it often falls short in quality and true sustainability. Polyamide offers unmatched performance, durability, and comfort, making it the superior fabric for activewear. Brasilfit’s exclusive use of polyamide ensures that you’re investing in garments that not only look great but also stand the test of time.

As consumers, we have the power to look beyond marketing spin and make choices that reflect both our values and our desire for high-quality products. Don’t settle for the illusion of sustainability when the real thing is within reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why does Brasilfit only use Polyamide in its activewear?

We use polyamide for its superior durability, moisture-wicking capabilities, and exceptional comfort. Unlike polyester, polyamide ensures that our activewear maintains its shape, resists odour, and provides a luxurious feel against the skin, enhancing both performance and longevity.

2. Is Polyamide eco-friendly?

Yes, when used responsibly, polyamide can be part of a sustainable wardrobe. Its durability reduces the need for frequent replacements, and by choosing high-quality polyamide activewear, you contribute to less waste. Additionally, our polyamide blends are designed to minimise environmental impact.

3. Can I wash Brasilfit’s Polyamide activewear in a regular washing machine?

Absolutely! To maintain the quality and performance of your polyamide activewear, we recommend washing in cold water with a gentle detergent and air drying. Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners to preserve the fabric’s integrity and longevity.

4. How does Emana® fabric enhance my workout experience?

Emana® fabric improves microcirculation by emitting far infrared rays, which enhances skin elasticity and reduces fluid retention. This not only promotes a smoother appearance but also supports muscle recovery and reduces fatigue, making your workouts more effective and comfortable.

5. Are there any styles that combine Polyamide with other sustainable practices?

Yes, many of our styles incorporate eco-friendly practices alongside our polyamide fabrics. We focus on ethical production and use of sustainable materials where possible, ensuring that our activewear aligns with both high performance and environmental responsibility.

 

Nehal Nasir