The Ultimate Athleisure Fabric Guide for Startups: Affordable and Built to Sell

Summary

Athleisure fabrics for startups should focus on accessibility, performance, and identity, not imitation. Instead of copying global brands with proprietary materials, Indian startups can use innovative, open-market fabrics from Indian textile leaders to create premium, comfortable, and scalable athleisure collections that suit local needs and global aspirations.

Introduction

Athleisure has become the everyday uniform for millions of consumers. This is why so many new brands want to enter the market. But most startups make the same mistake. They try to copy global giants like Nike, Adidas or Lululemon. This approach does not work because these brands use engineered and proprietary fabrics that are not available in the open market.

If you are a startup, your goal should not be to copy international brands. You should build your own identity using fabrics that are accessible, affordable and available in India.

The good news is that Indian textile companies today offer many innovative materials that help you create high performing athleisure products without relying on global proprietary fabrics. If you cannot use those exclusive materials, you can easily use these open market innovations.

This guide shows you what athleisure fabrics global giants use, what startups should use and which Indian textile innovations are best for your next athleisure line.

What Athleisure Fabrics Global Fashion Brands Use

Large global brands operate at a completely different level. They work with mills to engineer their own fabrics, lock them behind exclusivity, and invest years into testing. Their fabrics look simple on the surface, but they are built with complex technology underneath.

1. Proprietary Performance Fabrics

Brands like Lululemon (Nulu, Everlux), Nike (Dri-FIT) and Adidas (HEAT.RDY) work with mills to create exclusive fabrics. These materials use custom yarns, patented finishes and unique knitting structures. Mills sign non-compete agreements, which means startups cannot buy or copy these fabrics.

2. Technical Knits With Engineered Features

Global brands use fabrics created on specialized knitting machines that produce zoned ventilation, engineered compression and seamless mapping. These require high MOQs, high cost and custom machinery, all of which make them inaccessible for young brands.

3. Weather-Resistant Fabrics and Membranes

Water-repellent shells, breathable membranes and cooling fabrics are common in performance outerwear. They require expensive testing and compliance certifications.

4. Early-Stage Sustainable Materials

Brands with massive scale get first access to next-generation materials like textile-to-textile recycled polyester, bio-based polyester or regenerated nylon made from textile waste.

5. Custom Double Knits and Sculpting Fabrics

These fabrics are engineered for opacity, recovery, contouring and support. Even though they look simple, they take years to develop.

The result: Global brands use fabrics that startups cannot realistically access, afford or even find in open markets.

Innovative Indian Fabrics For Startups

India has some of the most advanced textile companies creating world-class fibres and fabrics. These innovations are open market-friendly and ideal for new athleisure brands.

TENCEL India

• TENCEL creates lyocell and modal fibers that are breathable, soft and eco friendly. These fabrics work beautifully for premium active tees, yoga tops and soft athleisure.

Birla Cellulose

• Birla Cellulose produces regenerated cellulosic fibers, Liva Eco and advanced blends that provide comfort, stretch and durability. Many of their fibers pair well with elastane for leggings and active tops.

Reliance Industries

• Reliance offers high performance polyester innovations such as R Elan that include moisture wicking qualities, cooling effects and recycled polyester options. These are ideal for training wear and performance tops.

Aditya Birla Liva Eco

• Liva Eco focuses on responsible viscose that drapes well and stays breathable. It works well for relaxed athleisure, travel wear and soft silhouettes.

Indorama Ventures India

• Indorama produces advanced recycled polyester and performance polyesters that help in creating moisture wicking and durable activewear.

These companies make it possible for Indian startups to build strong athleisure collections without borrowing global proprietary technology. If you cannot use closed access fabrics, you can successfully use these innovative Indian options.

Other Athleisure Fabrics Startups Can Use

Startups can create premium looking products by choosing fabrics that are widely available in India. These are comfortable, durable and consumer approved.

• Recycled Polyester works well for tees and tanks. It is lightweight, wicks moisture and is available in low MOQ.

• Nylon Spandex and Recycled Nylon create soft, smooth and durable leggings and bras. These fabrics give the premium feel customers expect from athleisure.

• Cotton Spandex is ideal for joggers, oversized tees and airport wear. It is comfortable and easy to produce.

• French Terry and Heavy Jersey add structure and comfort to co-ords, travel sets and everyday athleisure.

• Rib Knits are trending and low MOQ friendly. They are ideal for matching sets and wardrobe basics.

• TENCEL and Lyocell Blends offer breathability and softness. These are perfect for warm climates and premium categories.

Startups do not need proprietary fabrics. They need accessible materials that give comfort, stretch, durability and a premium feel.

Why Startups Should Not Copy Global Athleisure Brands

Copying global brands makes your product development process more complicated. It increases cost, creates confusion and delays your launch. Global materials are not accessible. Even if you try to recreate them, you will not get the same results.

Your brand does not grow through imitation. It grows through identity. Focus on the fabrics that match your price point, customer needs and brand positioning. India already provides enough high quality materials for you to create premium athleisure.

Startups That Built Their Own Identity

• BlissClub in India focused on comfort, relatable storytelling and simple nylon spandex leggings. They did not try to copy Lululemon. They built for Indian women and became a category leader.

• Alo Yoga in the USA started with open market fabrics and built a strong lifestyle and community.

• Gymshark in the UK grew using basic polyester and nylon blends. Their success came from branding and fit, not proprietary materials.

The pattern is clear. Identity wins. Not imitation.

Why NoName Is the Best Athleisure Manufacturer in India for Startups

Choosing fabrics for your first collection can be confusing. NoName helps you simplify the entire process by offering:

Low MOQ Premium recycled polyester, rib knits, nylon blends and buttery yoga fabrics 

Expert pattern making for leggings, bras and yoga sets 

Fabric testing and guidance 

Fast sampling and production 

Transparent costing

Whether you launch a small line or a complete collection, NoName helps you create athleisure that feels global and sells well.

Conclusion

Global brands use fabrics that require patents, exclusive partnerships and large scale R&D. Startups do not need those materials. India has many advanced textile companies that offer soft, durable, breathable and innovative fabrics that work perfectly for new athleisure brands.

Use what is accessible. Build with intention. Create your own identity. With the right fabrics and the right partner, your brand can look global while staying rooted in India.

WhatsApp: +91-9717 508 508

Email: hello@nonameglobal.com

Website: www.nonameglobal.com 

Online meeting: https://calendly.com/nonameglobal/meet

About the Author

This blog is written by Shraddha Srivastava, a fashion expert who specializes in product development, sourcing and brand strategy for emerging fashion labels. She has years of experience helping startups build profitable collections across athleisure, womenswear and plus size fashion. Her work simplifies complex industry knowledge into clear, practical insights that founders can use immediately.