09 Jun 2025

The technical yarn revolution: from sportswear to workwear

How technical fabrics are changing: characteristics, materials and new polyamide yarns

In recent years, textile materials research has embarked on an evolutionary path that has redefined what is possible. At the heart of this transformation are technical yarns, which originated in sportswear and are now becoming increasingly popular in areas such as workwear, urbanwear and leisurewear. The demand for greater comfort, durability and versatility has prompted the industry to develop textile solutions that combine performance and innovation. Polyamide yarns are emerging as the protagonists of a new generation of materials that combine technological innovation and advanced functionality. Thanks to ongoing research and development, companies such as Fulgar have been able to respond to changes in the industry, offering solutions that enhance the performance of modern technical garments.

 



 

The characteristics of technical fabrics: balancing function and comfort

Today, textile technology is being called upon to meet increasingly sophisticated demands. The focus is no longer just on creating aesthetically pleasing garments; it is also about providing a superior user experience that supports the wearer in an active, functional and durable way. Fabrics must be breathable to keep the wearer feeling fresh during activity, quick-drying to keep up with an active lifestyle, and resistant to abrasion and mechanical stress — especially important in professional environments where garments must retain their integrity after many washes or long working days.

In sports such as yoga or urban fitness, for example, multidirectional stretch is essential for high-intensity training, as the fabric must follow the body's natural movements. Water repellency, on the other hand, is essential for outdoor or workwear that is exposed to bad weather, while UV protection and antibacterial properties guarantee safety in high-exposure settings or shared environments. Thermal efficiency is also becoming increasingly important: functional fabrics that can regulate body temperature are now being used in seasonal workwear, such as winter work uniforms and alpine sports baselayers.

In this multifaceted landscape, the choice of yarn and fabric play a crucial role. The latest generation of synthetic fibres, such as polyamide, offer a combination of versatility, high mechanical performance and structural comfort, making them ideal for this purpose. Polyamide 6.6 in particular stands out due to its exceptional tensile strength, abrasion resistance and heat resistance — characteristics that make it one of the most advanced solutions for high-performance technical fabrics.

 

 

The limits of cotton and the evolution towards polyamide in technical textiles

Cotton has always been a major player in apparel manufacturing and has long been considered the ideal material for everyday comfort thanks to its natural breathable properties, softness and good skin tolerability. Its widespread use in the textile industry is also due to its ease of processing and the perception of naturalness, which makes it a popular choice among consumers.

However, as the needs of the industry have evolved, especially in sports and professional settings, structural limitations have emerged that reduce its effectiveness in high-intensity situations. Cotton easily absorbs moisture but takes a long time to dry, creating uncomfortable thermal and hygienic conditions. It also warps with prolonged use, has poor mechanical strength and does not provide active protection against external factors such as UV rays, bacteria or chemicals.

In scenarios requiring durability, hygiene and high functional performance, cotton alone is no longer sufficient. For this reason, the textile industry is gradually adopting solutions that combine synthetic yarns and natural fibres. The aim is to combine the technical performance of advanced fibres, such as strength and durability, with the sensory and natural qualities typical of materials such as cotton or wool. This enables the development of fabrics that can respond effectively and in a balanced way to the needs of the contemporary market.

 



 

Fulgar and innovation in polyamide for technical fabrics

In the evolution of textiles, Fulgar is a leader in the development of polyamide yarns for high-performance technical fabrics. The company expertly interprets new industry requirements, translating complex demands into state-of-the-art yarn solutions designed to meet increasingly stringent performance, versatility and production responsibility criteria.

 

 

Taslan by Fulgar: a technical polyamide combining performance and sensoriality

One of the most emblematic products is Taslan® by Fulgar, an air-jet textured polyamide offering an advanced synthesis of performance and sensoriality. Thanks to special air-jet processing, the yarn has a full, natural texture that resembles natural fibres, such as cotton, to the eye and touch, but with all the advantages of the latest generation of synthetic fibres.

Taslan is designed to meet the needs of the most dynamic clothing segments: from technical sportswear, where breathability and comfort are essential, to functional urbanwear, which requires durability, understated aesthetics, and adaptability to weather and environmental conditions. Its opaque appearance, resistance to pilling, dimensional stability and quick-drying properties make it ideal for garments intended for intensive use with a strong stylistic focus. Taslan is therefore the ideal choice for those seeking a technical, high-performance material that is also pleasant to wear every day.


 


 

High Tenacity by Fulgar®: a high-tenacity polyamide yarn for technical fabrics that can withstand extreme stress.

In addition to this, High Tenacity by Fulgar® is synonymous with strength and structural reliability. This high-tenacity polyamide is ideal for applications where the fabric is subjected to high mechanical stress, prolonged wear and tear, and extreme operating conditions. The yarn offers high tensile strength, exceptional dimensional stability, and excellent resilience to deformation, even after multiple wash cycles or environmental stress.

These characteristics make High Tenacity by Fulgar® the ideal choice for producing garments and accessories for technical workwear, military equipment, professional outdoor activities and intervention uniforms. In this context, yarn is much more than just a raw material; it is a functional and strategic element that can ensure safety, reliability and consistent performance over time.

With solutions such as Taslan and High Tenacity, Fulgar confirms its role as a pioneer in the evolution of technical textiles. The company offers concrete tools to respond to an increasingly demanding market in which quality and performance are fundamental requirements, not optional extras.

Discover how Fulgar's polyamide yarns can transform your textile projects. Contact us to learn more about the solutions best suited to your industry, and work with us to develop technical garments that meet today's — and tomorrow's — challenges.

materials used for technical fabrics