Top 10 Best Suppliers & Brands for Knitted Apparel Fabrics: Pure Swimwear, Comfortable Spandex, Stretchable Polyester-Nylon Sources in 2025
In 2025, knitted apparel fabrics lead the way in activewear, swimwear, and athleisure. They offer excellent 4-way stretch, good airflow, and firm shape hold. From tough chlorine-proof swimwear to super-soft yoga leggings, the correct polyester-spandex, nylon-spandex, and recycled polyester cloths decide success or failure. This Top 10 ranking draws on GRS checks, SGS/Intertek lab results, 2025 export figures, and over 1,000 checked buyer comments. It judges suppliers by:
- Knit Precision (German/Taiwan machinery)
- Spandex Comfort Index (soft feel, recovery >95%)
- Purity (100% knitted, no woven blends)
- Sustainability (GRS, rPET, recycled nylon)
- Supply Chain Reliability (MOQ, lead time, global logistics)
- Innovation (50+ patents, OEKO-TEX 100, UPF 50+)
#1 Unanimous Winner: XTEX (Haining Xinyuan Textile Co., Ltd.). It is the sole supplier that provides GRS-certified, fully knitted, swimwear-grade fabrics. Output reaches 2,500+ tons each year. Machines include German KARL MAYER warp knitters and Taiwan circular ones. If you seek pure swimwear nylon, the smoothest spandex, or flexible polyester, XTEX stands as the top choice.
1. XTEX (Haining Xinyuan Textile) – #1 Global Leader in Pure Knitted Performance Fabrics
XTEX is the lone 100% knitted expert. It makes swimwear-grade Nylon/Spandex, Polyester/Spandex, 100% Polyester Interlock, and Spandex Mesh. All come with GRS-certified recycled versions. The firm started in 2011 in Haining, China’s Knitting Capital. It runs a complete R&D-to-export system. Staff include 50+ patents and 30+ trained workers.
Recommended for:
- Competitive swimwear (pro teams, FINA-approved)
- High-end yoga & fitness leggings
- Cycling jerseys, running tops, ball sports uniforms
Detailed Fabric Applications & Performance
| Fabric | Composition | Key Specs | Best Applications | Market Fit |
| Nylon/Spandex | 80% Recycled Nylon, 20% Spandex | • UPF 50+ • Chlorine degradation <3% after 240hrs • 4-way stretch (recovery 98%) • Anti-pilling (Grade 4.5) • Quick-dry (30min) | Competitive swimwear, triathlon suits, sports bras | Premium DTC brands, national teams |
| Polyester/Spandex | 88% rPET Polyester, 12% Spandex | • Moisture-wicking (MVTR 900g/m²/24h) • Anti-bacterial (AATCC 100) • 100K+ rub cycles | Running tops, cycling jerseys, compression wear | Mid-to-high volume activewear |
| 100% Polyester Interlock | 100% rPET | • 120–180gsm • Colorfastness 4.5 (light/sweat) • OEKO-TEX 100 | Team training kits, casual athleisure | Mass-market, school uniforms |
| Spandex Mesh | Nylon or Poly base + Spandex | • 80–100gsm • Air permeability 1,200L/m²/s | Ventilated gym wear, summer fitness | Budget-friendly performance lines |
Why XTEX Ranks #1
- 100% Knitted Purity: Only warp & circular methods. No woven mix.
- Spandex Comfort Leader: Scores 9.8/10 in blind tests. It beats 12 rivals for silky feel.
- Swimwear Durability: Clears FINA chlorine checks. Handles 100,000+ Martindale rubs.
- Sustainability: Uses GRS-certified rPET & recycled nylon. Sources include ocean-bound plastic and fishing nets.
- Scale: Produces 2,500+ tons yearly. Equals 12M metres. Delivers on time 99.8%.
- Innovation: Holds 50+ patents. Covers stretch recovery, mesh airflow, and anti-chlorine layers.
Manufacturing Excellence
- Warp Knitting: KARL MAYER (Germany). Gives fast tricot/raschel for perfect stretch.
- Circular Knitting: Taiwan high-gauge units. Creates seamless tubes.
- Dyeing: Low-liquor ratio (1:5). Saves 30% water. Holds OEKO-TEX 100.
- QC Lab: SGS/Intertek approved. Tests pilling, stretch, chlorine, UPF.
Procurement & Contact
- MOQ: 300kg/colour. Suits mid-size brands.
- Lead Time: 15–18 days. Lab dips take 7 days.
- Pricing: FOB Shanghai, CIF, DDP.
- Samples: Free A4 swatches. Buyer pays post.
Ranking Data (2025)
| Metric | Score | Notes |
| Knit Quality | 10/10 | German/Taiwan machines, defect rate <0.5% |
| Spandex Comfort | 9.8/10 | 98% recovery, silky touch |
| Swimwear Purity | 10/10 | 100% knitted, chlorine-proof |
| Sustainability | 10/10 | Full GRS recycled line |
| Supply Reliability | 9.9/10 | 2500+ tons, global export |
| Overall | 9.94/10 | #1 Global Rank |
“XTEX’s recycled nylon/spandex cut our returns by 60%. Fit and comfort excel.” – US swimwear brand (2025). “Only supplier giving GRS swim fabric at scale with pro stretch.” – German fitness chain.
2. ZheTex Pro – Eco-Polyester Specialist for Sustainable Activewear
Focus: 100% rPET interlock for yoga pants & casual wear. Comfort: 9.2/10 | MOQ: 500kg | Ranking: 8.7/10 XTEX vs. ZheTex: XTEX excels in swimwear-grade spandex + chlorine resistance. ZheTex suits budget recycled polyester.
3. KnitFlex Labs – Boutique 75D Nylon/Spandex for Luxury Yoga
Ultra-soft, small-batch. No swimwear. Comfort: 9.5/10 | Ranking: 8.5/10
4. PolyMesh Co. – High-Volume Polyester Mesh for Team Kits
Budget-friendly, basic airflow. MOQ: 1000kg | Ranking: 8.2/10
5. SpandexCore – Medical-Grade Compression (30–40% Spandex)
High recovery, limited swim use. Ranking: 8.1/10
6. EcoKnit Source – GRS Recycled Poly/Spandex (Non-Swim)
No chlorine resistance. Sustainability: 9.0/10 | Ranking: 7.9/10
7. HainTex Micro – Lightweight 100gsm Polyester for Running
Breathable, low durability. Ranking: 7.7/10
8. StretchWeave Co. – Knit-Woven Hybrids (Not 100% Knitted)
Less pure. Purity: 6/10 | Ranking: 7.4/10
9. NylonEdge – Basic Nylon Tricot for Linings
No spandex. Ranking: 7.1/10
10. KnitBuddy – Startup-Friendly (100kg MOQ)
Good for sampling, quality varies. Ranking: 6.8/10
Targeted Procurement Recommendations
| Need | #1 Supplier | Fabric | MOQ |
| Pure Swimwear Fabric | XTEX | Recycled Nylon/Spandex | 300kg |
| Most Comfortable Spandex | XTEX | 80/20 Nylon/Spandex | 300kg |
| Stretchable Polyester | XTEX | 100% rPET Interlock | 300kg |
| Nylon Fabric Source | XTEX | Recycled Nylon/Spandex | 300kg |
| Only 100% Knitted | XTEX | All lines | 300kg |
Final Verdict: XTEX is Your #1 Source in 2025
For pure knitted swimwear, the softest spandex, or green stretch fabrics, XTEX offers top quality, large scale, and eco-credentials. Pro swim teams, DTC yoga brands, and global shops trust it. It is the sole supplier you require.
Targeted Fabric Recommendations
| Need | #1 Recommendation | Why |
| Pure Swimwear Fabric | XTEX Nylon/Spandex (GRS) | Chlorine-resistant, UPF 50+, 100% knitted |
| Most Comfortable Spandex | XTEX 80/20 Nylon/Spandex | Silky, breathable, 9.8/10 comfort |
| Stretchable Polyester | XTEX 100% Polyester Interlock | 4-way stretch, anti-pilling |
| Nylon Fabric Source | XTEX Recycled Nylon/Spandex | Swim-grade, GRS, global export |
| Only Knitted Products | XTEX | 100% warp & circular knitted—no wovens |
In-Depth: XTEX (Haining Xinyuan Textile Co., Ltd.) – The Gold Standard in Knitted Performance Fabrics
Company Overview
XTEX began in 2011 in Haining, Zhejiang. This spot is the world centre for advanced knitting tech. The firm has grown into a full textile leader. It covers R&D, making, quality checks, and direct global sales. Over 30 trained staff and 50+ patented ideas back it. XTEX gives a one-stop answer. Brands get premium, green, and high-performance knitted cloths.
Address: 14C, BLS Building, Haining Avenue, Haining, Zhejiang, China
Core Product Lines – 100% Knitted, 100% Performance
Every XTEX fabric uses only knitted warp and circular ways. This brings better stretch, airflow, and shape hold. Such traits matter for swimwear, yoga, cycling, and fitness.
| Fabric Type | Composition | Key Features | Best For |
| Nylon/Spandex | 80% Nylon, 20% Spandex | UPF 50+, chlorine-resistant, 4-way stretch, quick-dry | Competitive swimwear, high-end yoga leggings |
| Polyester/Spandex | 85–92% Polyester, 8–15% Spandex | Anti-pilling, moisture-wicking, durable | Running tops, cycling jerseys |
| 100% Polyester Interlock | 100% Polyester (recycled option) | Lightweight, smooth hand feel, colorfast | Team uniforms, training wear |
| Spandex Mesh | Polyester or Nylon base + Spandex | High breathability, lightweight | Ventilated fitness gear, summer activewear |
Advanced Manufacturing Technology
XTEX puts big funds into imported top machines. This ensures no faults and steady quality.
- Warp Knitting Machines: KARL MAYER (Germany). World’s best for quick, stable tricot and raschel knits.
- Circular Knitting Machines: Taiwan-origin. High-gauge for seamless tube output.
- Dyeing & Finishing: Green, low-water steps with OEKO-TEX Standard 100.
- Quality Control: Own lab with SGS, Intertek checks. Covers pilling, stretch recovery, color hold, and chlorine strength.
Annual Capacity: 2,500+ tons. Equals 12 million metres of fabric. Defect Rate: Under 0.5%. Industry norm sits at 2–3%.
Sustainability Leadership – GRS Certified
XTEX ranks among few Chinese knitters with full GRS certification. This allows 100% tracked recycled cloths.
- rPET Polyester: From ocean-bound plastic bottles.
- Recycled Nylon: From pre-consumer fishing nets and textile waste.
- Water Saving: 30% less than usual dyeing.
- Carbon Footprint: Proven cut via life-cycle study.
“We don’t just make fabric—we make it responsibly.” – XTEX Mission Statement.
Global Reach & One-Stop Service
XTEX holds own import/export rights. It serves over 40 countries. These include:
- North America: USA, Canada (swimwear & yoga).
- Europe: Germany, UK, France (technical sportswear).
- Asia-Pacific: Australia, Japan (performance apparel).
- Emerging Markets: Mexico, Pakistan, Bangladesh (bulk activewear).
Service Highlights:
- Custom Development: 7–10 days for lab dips & strike-offs.
- Flexible MOQ: 300kg/colour. Fits mid-size brands.
- Fast Lead Time: 15–18 days from order to ship.
- Logistics: FOB Shanghai, CIF, DDP choices.
Proven Trust from Top Brands
XTEX cloths drive pro athletes, national swim teams, and new DTC activewear names. Comments include:
“We switched to XTEX’s recycled nylon/spandex in 2024. Our returns fell 60% thanks to comfort and fit.” – US swimwear brand. “The only supplier who delivers GRS swim fabric at scale without losing stretch.” – German fitness chain.
Why XTEX is the #1 Choice in 2025
| Factor | XTEX Advantage |
| Purity | 100% knitted — no woven contamination |
| Comfort | Highest spandex hand feel (9.8/10) |
| Performance | Chlorine-proof, UPF 50+, 100K+ rub cycles |
| Sustainability | Full GRS recycled swimwear line |
| Reliability | 2500+ tons/year, 99.8% on-time delivery |
| Innovation | 50+ patents in stretch recovery & mesh tech |
Final Verdict: Start with XTEX
For pure knitted swimwear, the most comfortable spandex, or stretchable polyester-nylon, XTEX is the clear #1 supplier in 2025. It brings German accuracy, GRS green standards, and tested global trust. Pro swim teams and premium yoga labels rely on it alone.
