Rex Fabrics

Fabric Guide

Practical guides to stretch fabric for swimwear, activewear, dance and printing, from a Los Angeles fabric manufacturer and wholesaler with 30+ years in the trade.

Mesh and Power Net Explained: Types, Weights and Uses Buying Guides3 min read Mesh and Power Net Explained: Types, Weights and Uses Power net, athletic mesh, sheer fashion mesh and foil mesh explained: how each type behaves and how to choose the right one for shapewear, sports bras, swimwear, activewear and costumes. Read the guide →
Best Fabrics for Leggings: Opacity, Compression and Squat-Proof Basics Buying Guides3 min read Best Fabrics for Leggings: Opacity, Compression and Squat-Proof Basics How to choose legging fabric that passes the squat test: the right weight, fiber, spandex share and finish, plus the in-stock fabrics... Fabric Content Labels Explained: What 80/20, 90/10 and 95/5 Mean Fabric Basics4 min read Fabric Content Labels Explained: What 80/20, 90/10 and 95/5 Mean What do 80/20, 90/10 and 95/5 mean on a fabric label? How to read fabric content, what the spandex percentage tells you,... Fabric Weight (GSM) Explained: What to Choose for Swimwear, Leggings and Leotards Fabric Basics2 min read Fabric Weight (GSM) Explained: What to Choose for Swimwear, Leggings and Leotards GSM tells you how heavy a fabric is, and it changes everything from opacity to compression. A practical guide to choosing the... The Best Fabrics for Swimwear: A Buyer’s Guide Swimwear2 min read The Best Fabrics for Swimwear: A Buyer’s Guide Stretch, recovery, chlorine resistance, opacity and lining: what to look for in swimwear fabric, and which fabric suits each type of swimsuit. 2-Way vs. 4-Way Stretch: What It Means and Why It Matters Fabric Basics2 min read 2-Way vs. 4-Way Stretch: What It Means and Why It Matters What 2-way and 4-way stretch really mean, how to test them, and which one your swimwear, leggings or dancewear needs. Sublimation Printing: How to Choose the Right Base Fabric Printing2 min read Sublimation Printing: How to Choose the Right Base Fabric Sublimation only works on the right base. Polyester content, PFP finishing, weight and grin-through: how to choose a fabric that prints bright... How Wholesale Fabric Ordering Works at Rex Fabrics Sourcing2 min read How Wholesale Fabric Ordering Works at Rex Fabrics From a 1-yard sample to full production: samples, color cards, quotes, wholesale accounts and shipping, step by step. Choosing Fabric for Dance and Costumes: Holograms, Foils, Sequins and More Dance & Costume2 min read Choosing Fabric for Dance and Costumes: Holograms, Foils, Sequins and More Holograms, foils, lamé, sequins and velvet: how to choose stretch fabrics that shine on stage and move with the performer. Sourcing Fabric: Los Angeles Stock vs. Mill-Direct from Asia Sourcing2 min read Sourcing Fabric: Los Angeles Stock vs. Mill-Direct from Asia In-stock fabric from Los Angeles or mill-direct from Asia? How lead time, quantity, import duties and customization compare, and how to combine... Nylon Spandex vs. Poly Spandex: Which Is Right for Your Line? Fabric Basics3 min read Nylon Spandex vs. Poly Spandex: Which Is Right for Your Line? Both stretch beautifully, but they feel, print and wear differently. Here’s how to choose between nylon spandex and poly spandex for swimwear,...