ProCool Nylon Spandex Performance: The Complete Guide to Wazoodle's Compression and Stretch-FIT Nylon Fabric

What ProCool Nylon Spandex Performance Is and Why It Matters

ProCool Nylon Spandex Performance is AKAS Tex's nylon-Lycra athletic fabric family — two distinctly different constructions that share a nylon/spandex foundation with engineered moisture management: a wide Stretch-FIT variant engineered for athletic freedom of movement, and a narrow Compression-FIT variant engineered for controlled pressure and medical-grade compression.

What makes this family unusual is how different the two variants are. They share the same 200 GSM weight and 0.020" thickness, but the fiber ratios, stretch profiles, widths, and UPF ratings are distinct — these are separate constructions optimized for different applications, not treatments of the same base fabric. The Stretch-FIT (W-245) delivers 60% × 40% four-way stretch at 60" width for athletic apparel. The Compression-FIT (W-607) delivers 20% × 10% controlled stretch at 44" width for compression garments. Both use Lycra for elastic recovery to original dimensions.

Both variants are manufactured in the USA, CPSIA certified, and Forever Chemicals-Free (no PFAS, BPA, phthalates). Moisture management is engineered into the fiber structure — not a treatment that washes out.

For how this wicking compares to other ProCool technologies, see ProCool Wicking Technologies Compared: TransWICK vs Dri-QWick vs Cooling vs Foundation Wicking.

The Complete ProCool Nylon Spandex Performance Lineup

These two variants are different constructions with different fiber ratios, stretch profiles, widths, and UPF ratings — choose based on your application's stretch and compression requirements, not treatment preference.

Stretch-FIT — Athletic Freedom of Movement (60" Width)

W-245 — Stretch-FIT Performance Nylon Spandex: 85% nylon / 15% Lycra, 200 GSM, 0.020" thickness, 60" width. Four-way stretch: 60% crosswise × 40% lengthwise with Lycra elastic recovery. UPF 20 (blocks ~95% UV radiation). Designed for athletic apparel requiring maximum freedom of movement — running tights, yoga pants, cycling shorts, athletic tops, sports bras, and dancewear.

Compression-FIT — Controlled Pressure and Medical-Grade Construction (44" Width)

W-607 — Compression-FIT Performance Nylon Spandex: 76% nylon / 24% Lycra, 200 GSM, 0.020" thickness, 44" width. Controlled stretch: 20% crosswise × 10% lengthwise with higher spandex content maintaining consistent compression pressure. UPF 50+ (blocks 98% UV radiation). Customer-validated for custom compression garments — described as comfortable for all-day wear in fitted compression applications where standard commercial sizing doesn't serve the body area needed. Also validated for athletic performance bottoms (stretch shorts, joggers, leggings), swimwear, athletic undergarments, and creative applications like bike headset travel covers.

Key Concept — Stretch-FIT vs Compression-FIT: Both share 200 GSM weight, 0.020" thickness, nylon/Lycra construction, and engineered moisture wicking. Everything else differs. Stretch-FIT (W-245) uses 15% Lycra to deliver 60% × 40% high-freedom stretch at 60" standard width — it stretches freely and recovers, designed for athletic garments where unrestricted movement is the priority. Compression-FIT (W-607) uses 24% Lycra to deliver 20% × 10% controlled stretch at 44" narrow width — it resists stretching under pressure, designed for compression garments where consistent pressure against the body is the priority. Choose Stretch-FIT for athletic apparel where the body needs to move freely. Choose Compression-FIT for compression garments where the fabric needs to push back against the body.

Width Difference — Verify Before Ordering: Stretch-FIT (W-245) is 60" wide. Compression-FIT (W-607) is 44" wide. The 44" width on the Compression-FIT significantly affects yardage calculations and pattern layout. Verify your width requirement before ordering — if you assumed standard 60" width for the Compression-FIT, you may need substantially more yardage than calculated.

All fabric specifications may vary ±10% due to textile industry manufacturing standards.

Choosing Your Nylon Spandex Performance: Stretch vs Compression

This is a construction choice, not a treatment choice — the two variants are designed for fundamentally different applications.

Choose Stretch-FIT (W-245) When:

Athletic freedom of movement is the priority: Running tights, yoga pants, cycling shorts, dancewear, athletic tops, sports bras — any garment where the body needs unrestricted multi-directional movement.
Standard pattern layouts are expected: 60" width accommodates standard pattern piece placement without special layout adjustments.
Body-conforming fit without compression: 60% × 40% stretch conforms to body contours and recovers, but doesn't push back with compression-level pressure.

Choose Compression-FIT (W-607) When:

Controlled compression pressure is the priority: Medical compression garments, post-surgical support, performance shapewear, athletic compression leggings, custom-fitted compression for specific body areas.
Dimensional accuracy for compression sizing matters: 20% × 10% controlled stretch with 24% Lycra maintains consistent pressure. Minimal shrinkage preserves compression accuracy through laundering.
Maximum UV protection is needed: UPF 50+ (vs UPF 20 on Stretch-FIT) for outdoor athletic training or medical garments requiring sun protection.

Working With Nylon Spandex Performance: Sewing and Construction Guide

Both variants handle similarly during construction — the key differences are the stretch profile (60% × 40% vs 20% × 10%) and the narrow 44" width on the Compression-FIT requiring adapted pattern layouts.

Cutting and Layout

Directional stretch orientation: Greater stretch runs crosswise on both variants. Orient pattern pieces so crosswise stretch wraps around the body for proper fit and recovery.
Pattern weights over pins: Use weights to avoid distortion on the slippery nylon surface — pins can shift the fabric during cutting.
Compression-FIT pattern layout: The 44" width (W-607) requires careful pattern piece placement. Large pattern pieces may need seaming or creative layout. Calculate yardage based on actual 44" width, not standard 60" assumptions.
Pre-wash: Pre-wash to remove sizing and stabilize dimensions before cutting — especially important for compression garments where dimensional accuracy determines fit.
Rotary cutter: Recommended on self-healing mat — the slippery nylon surface shifts easily under scissors.

Sewing Recommendations

Needles: Ballpoint or stretch needles (70/10 or 80/12) prevent fiber damage and skipped stitches in the nylon/Lycra construction.
Seam construction: Stretch stitches required — zigzag, lightning stitch, or serger construction. Standard straight stitches will pop under stretch. 4-thread overlock provides the strongest stretch seams.
Thread tension: Reduce upper tension to prevent puckering. Test on scrap before committing — nylon/Lycra seam puckering is difficult to correct after the fact.
Presser foot: Walking foot or Teflon presser foot prevents the slippery nylon surface from dragging. Standard presser feet may cause uneven feeding.
Hems: Woolly nylon thread in serger or twin needle hems create flat, stretchy finished edges. The edge curl tendency on both variants makes proper hemming important.
Thread: Polyester thread for stretch compatibility and strength.

Pairing Nylon Spandex Performance With Other Wazoodle Fabrics

Both variants function primarily as standalone garment fabrics — the nylon/Lycra construction provides complete garment structure in single-layer applications.

Standalone Athletic and Compression Garments

Primary use mode: Single-layer construction for athletic leggings, compression garments, sports bras, cycling shorts, yoga pants, shapewear, and performance base layers. The 200 GSM weight at 0.020" thickness provides enough opacity for standalone wear without excessive bulk.

As a Compression or Performance Layer in Multi-Layer Systems

Compression-FIT as medical garment construction: Custom compression garments for specific body areas where standard commercial sizing doesn't serve — post-surgical support, varicose vein management, custom therapeutic compression.
Stretch-FIT as athletic base layer: First-layer moisture-wicking garment under outer athletic or protective clothing where freedom of movement and wicking are both required.

Your results may vary based on product design, construction method, and end-use requirements.

Common Applications for ProCool Nylon Spandex Performance

Nylon Spandex Performance's defining advantages are Lycra elastic recovery in nylon construction with moisture wicking — delivering either athletic stretch freedom (Stretch-FIT) or controlled compression pressure (Compression-FIT) with moisture management that conventional nylon/spandex cannot match.

Athletic Leggings and Performance Tights (Stretch-FIT W-245) — 60% × 40% four-way stretch provides unrestricted movement with Lycra recovery that prevents bagging at knees and seat. Wicking keeps the skin dry during high-exertion training.
Yoga Pants and Dancewear (Stretch-FIT W-245) — Multi-directional stretch accommodates full range of motion from deep stretches to dynamic movement without fabric restriction.
Cycling Shorts and Athletic Tops (Stretch-FIT W-245) — Body-conforming fit with elastic recovery and moisture management for high-perspiration cycling and training.
Sports Bras (Stretch-FIT W-245) — 15% Lycra with four-way stretch provides supportive fit with recovery. Wicking prevents moisture accumulation during activity.
Custom Medical Compression Garments (Compression-FIT W-607) — Customer-validated for custom compression for body areas where standard commercial sizing is unavailable. 24% Lycra with 20% × 10% controlled stretch maintains consistent compression pressure. Minimal shrinkage preserves compression accuracy through laundering. Wicking prevents skin maceration during all-day wear.
Performance Shapewear (Compression-FIT W-607) — Controlled compression with body-contouring fit and moisture management for comfortable extended wear.
Athletic Compression Leggings and Recovery Wear (Compression-FIT W-607) — Graduated compression for muscle support and circulation assistance during training and recovery, with moisture management maintaining skin comfort.
Swimwear (Compression-FIT W-607) — Customer-validated for bathing suit construction. Note: chlorine exposure will degrade Lycra elasticity over time with repeated pool use.

For fabric recommendations for your specific project, see the Application Discovery articles for your product category.

Nylon Spandex Performance Certifications: Safety, UV Protection, and Made in USA

Both variants are certified safe for children's products and verified free of harmful chemicals.

Safety Certifications

CPSIA Certified: Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act — mandatory U.S. federal standard for children's products (lead, phthalates, flammability)
Verified Moisture Management: Wicking performance independently tested per AATCC 197 (Vertical Wicking) test method by certified laboratory
California Proposition 65 Compliant
EU REACH SVHC Compliant
EU RoHS 10 Compliant
UPF 20 (W-245): Blocks approximately 95% UV radiation
UPF 50+ (W-607): Blocks 98% UV radiation
Made in USA: Manufactured by AKAS Tex under EPA/OSHA standards

Chemical-Free Verifications

Forever Chemicals-Free: Manufactured without PFAS, PFOA, PFOS, or PTFE
BPA-Free: No bisphenol A in any fabric or finishing treatment
Phthalate-Free: Verified free of all regulated phthalate compounds
pH Neutral: 7.4 — no acidic or basic residues

Fabric vs. Finished Product: CPSIA certification of the fabric component does not automatically certify your finished product. Depending on how your product is constructed, independent CPSIA testing of the finished item may also be required.

For what CPSIA certification requires, see CPSIA Certified: What CPSIA Certification Means for Children's Products.

Nylon Spandex Performance Care: Washing, Drying, and What to Avoid

Nylon Spandex Performance's wicking is built into the fabric's engineered fiber structure — the moisture management is a function of the physical construction, not a chemical surface treatment. Proper care protects both the fiber channels and the Lycra elasticity that define this family. Nylon/Lycra construction requires more careful heat management than polyester-only ProCool fabrics.

Washing

Wash at medium temperature with like colors. Cold to medium water preserves Lycra elasticity. Avoid hot water — heat is the primary enemy of spandex performance.

Drying

Dry on medium heat only. Avoid high heat above 150°F — excessive temperatures permanently degrade Lycra elastic properties and compression capability. The thin 0.020" construction dries quickly even on lower heat settings.

What to Avoid

Never use fabric softeners or dryer sheets with Nylon Spandex Performance. These coat fiber channels and permanently destroy moisture-wicking performance. No chlorine bleach — chlorine destroys both nylon fibers and Lycra elasticity. Avoid chlorinated pool water for extended exposure (swimwear applications will experience gradual Lycra degradation with repeated pool use). Body oils, lotions, and detergent buildup also reduce wicking over time.

For why fabric softener damages performance fabrics, see Care Article 8 — Why Fabric Softener Destroys Performance Fabrics.

Nylon Spandex Performance Specifications

The two variants share 200 GSM weight and 0.020" thickness but differ in fiber ratio, stretch profile, width, and UPF rating.

Specification	Stretch-FIT (W-245)	Compression-FIT (W-607)
Fiber Content	85% nylon / 15% Lycra	76% nylon / 24% Lycra
Construction	Performance knit, 4-way stretch	Compression knit, 4-way stretch
Weight	200 GSM (5.9 oz/sq yd)	200 GSM (5.9 oz/sq yd)
Thickness	0.020"	0.020"
Width	60"	44"
Stretch (W × L)	60% × 40%	20% × 10%
Lycra Content	15%	24%
OMMC Value	5	5
UPF Rating	20 (~95% UV block)	50+ (98% UV block)
Color Fastness	4.5	4.5
pH	7.4 (neutral)	7.4 (neutral)
Shrinkage	Minimal both directions	Minimal both directions
Skewness After Wash	NIL	NIL
CPSIA Certified	Yes	Yes
Made in USA	Yes	Yes

All specifications may vary ±10% due to textile industry manufacturing standards.