“Performance fabric” means nothing until you name it. Here is exactly what Shotboxes gear is made of, what each fabric is good at, and how to keep it working for years.
The fabrics we build with
| Fabric | Found in | Why we use it |
|---|---|---|
| Recycled nylon-elastane (76/24, 240 gsm) | CoreFlex leggings, PowerLock bra | The compression benchmark: matte, fully opaque in deep stretch, sweat-wicking, holds shape wash after wash. |
| Seamless circular knit (recycled polyamide-elastane) | Sculpt leggings, Rib bras | Knitted in one piece — no side seams to chafe, ribbed zones map support where it’s needed. |
| Brushed thermal knit (recycled polyester-elastane, 260 gsm) | ThermaRun tights | Fleece-backed for warmth without bulk; smooth face sheds wind. |
| Recycled polyester interlock (130 gsm) | AeroDry tee | Featherweight, quick-dry, anti-odour finish — the classic training jersey done right. |
| Extra-fine merino blend (17.5 micron, 65/35) | Merino Run tee | Nature’s tech: regulates temperature, resists odour naturally, stays fresh on day two. |
| Loopback cotton fleece (80/20, 330 gsm) | Cloudloft hoodie | Midweight warm-up layer that breathes; brushed inside, sturdy outside. |
| Grid-back fleece (recycled polyester-elastane) | Half-Zip midlayer | Warm air stays in the grid channels, moisture escapes — the alpine layering standard. |
| Stretch ripstop & 2.5-layer shell (recycled nylon/polyester, PFC-free DWR) | Tempest shell, Trail cargos, Alpine parka | Weather protection rated in real numbers (10K–15K waterproof/breathability), not adjectives. |
| Stretch woven (recycled polyester-elastane) | Court shorts, Velocity shell | Crisp, fast-drying, four-way stretch — moves without clinging. |
What the numbers mean
- gsm — grams per square metre, fabric weight. 130 gsm is a featherweight tee; 330 gsm is a solid hoodie.
- 10K/10K — waterproofing (mm water column) / breathability (g/m²/24h). 10K handles steady rain at running pace.
- Micron — merino fibre diameter. Under 18.5 counts as “extra-fine” and won’t itch.
- Four-way stretch — stretches and recovers both lengthwise and crosswise; nothing bags at the knees.
Care — make it last
| Fabric | Wash | Dry | Never |
|---|---|---|---|
| Synthetics (leggings, bras, tees, shorts) | Cold, inside out, mesh bag for bras | Hang dry | Fabric softener — it clogs wicking fibres |
| Merino | Cold wool cycle | Flat dry | Tumble dryer, bleach |
| Cotton fleece (hoodies) | Cold | Tumble low | High heat — it shrinks the rib |
| Shells & DWR outerwear | Cold gentle, technical detergent | Hang dry; re-proof seasonally | Softener, ironing the membrane |
A note on honesty: PU-coated and DWR-treated fabrics wear with use — that’s physics, not a fault. Re-proof shells once a season and they’ll keep beading for years. Fabric question we haven’t covered? support@shot-boxes.com.