ProSoft Stretch-FIT Jersey ECO-PUL: The Complete Guide to Wazoodle's Athletic Waterproof Fabric

What ProSoft Stretch-FIT Jersey ECO-PUL Is and Why It Matters

ProSoft Stretch-FIT Jersey ECO-PUL is a 4-way stretch waterproof laminate that bonds 1 mil polyurethane film to ProCool Stretch-FIT Sports Jersey using ECO-Thermal Bonding Technology (permanent film fusion independently tested 50% stronger than competitor US-made PUL). At 220–240 GSM with a waterproof barrier rated at more than 100× any normal use pressure and breathability matched to resting body moisture output, this is the body-contour member of the ProSoft PUL collection — the only ECO-PUL with Lycra Stretch-FIT Technology delivering 10% width and 5% length stretch with elastic recovery.

Where the bamboo and organic cotton ECO-PUL families provide natural fiber softness and absorbency, Stretch-FIT Jersey ECO-PUL provides fitted waterproof protection that moves with the body. The Lycra integration prevents bagging at stress points — the fabric returns to its original dimensions after stretching. At 0.027" thick, it is the thinnest and lightest PUL in the ProSoft collection, and SilentFlex Technology eliminates the plastic-rustling noise characteristic of vinyl alternatives.

Customers validate the fabric for fitted applications including wheelchair seat covers and protective mattress covers where stretch-to-fit is essential. CPSIA certified, Forever Chemicals-Free (no PFAS, BPA, phthalates). Made in USA by AKAS Tex.

For detailed technology explanations, see ProSoft ECO-Thermal Bonding Technology Discovery and ProSoft Waterproof 300X Technology Discovery.


The Complete ProSoft Stretch-FIT Jersey ECO-PUL Lineup: Standard, Silver, and FoodSAFE Variants

ProSoft Stretch-FIT Jersey ECO-PUL comes in three variants sharing the same ProCool Sports Jersey base and PUL waterproof backing, separated by antimicrobial treatment and food-contact certification.

Standard
  • W-554 — ProSoft Stretch-FIT Waterproof 1 mil ECO-PUL Fabric: 220 GSM, 57–59" width, 0.027" thickness. 70% polyester / 20% polyurethane / 10% Lycra with ECO-Thermal Bonding Technology (permanent film fusion independently tested 50% stronger than competitor US-made PUL), Waterproof 300X Technology (300+ wash cycle durability), and Lycra Stretch-FIT Technology (10% width / 5% length stretch with elastic recovery). UPF 50+ UV protection. SilentFlex quiet construction. Repeat commercial buyers validate consistent quality across production runs.
Silver Antimicrobial
  • W-557 — ProSoft Stretch-FIT Waterproof 1 mil ECO-PUL Silver Fabric: 220 GSM, 57–59" width, 0.027" thickness. Same fiber blend and dimensions as W-554 with the addition of Silver Plus antimicrobial treatment (inhibits bacterial, fungal, and algae growth on fabric surfaces, controlling odors between washings). Nanoparticle-free. Customer-validated for healthcare patient garments where antimicrobial protection meets clinical requirements.
FoodSAFE
  • W-679 — ProSoft FoodSAFE Stretch-FIT Waterproof PUL Fabric: 240 GSM, 57–59" width, 0.027" thickness. Different fiber blend: 80% polyester / 15% polyurethane / 5% Lycra (higher polyester, reduced Lycra content compared to Standard and Silver). FDA food-contact certification (21 CFR 175.300 and 177.1680 — certified for direct contact with all food types from freezer storage at -4°F to 250°F). The only stretch PUL certified food-safe. UPF 25–35 (lower than Standard/Silver's 50+). Slightly heavier construction. Customers purchase for commercial resale and manufacturing operations.
FoodSAFE Has a Different Fiber Blend: Standard and Silver share the same 70/20/10 polyester/polyurethane/Lycra ratio. FoodSAFE uses 80/15/5 — more polyester, less polyurethane and Lycra. The stretch performance remains the same (10% width / 5% length), but the UPF rating drops from 50+ to 25–35. Both blends maintain the same waterproof performance and 300+ wash durability.

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


Choosing Your ProSoft Stretch-FIT Jersey ECO-PUL: Standard vs Silver vs FoodSAFE

All three variants share the same 4-way stretch (10% width / 5% length), waterproof barrier, breathability, and 300+ wash durability. Your choice depends on whether antimicrobial odor control or FDA food-contact certification is needed.

When Standard (W-554) Is the Right Choice
  • Wheelchair seat covers: Multiple customers validate this fabric for waterproof wheelchair seat protection — 4-way stretch conforms over cushioned seating surfaces while the waterproof barrier provides fluid containment.
  • Protective mattress covers: Customer-validated for fitted-sheet-style mattress protectors where stretch allows the cover to conform snugly over mattress edges.
  • Postpartum and medical support garments: Customer-validated for belly wraps where stretch and waterproof properties combine for supportive body-contour garments.
  • Cloth diaper covers for active babies: Lycra stretch enables body-contour fit without gaps during crawling and movement.
When Silver (W-557) Is the Right Choice
  • Reusable menstrual pads: Customer-validated for homemade reusable period products where Silver Plus odor control extends wear time between washings.
  • Patient garments and medical products: Customer-validated for specialty patient pants and clinical applications where antimicrobial protection meets healthcare requirements.
  • Extended-wear incontinence products: Silver Plus controls odor-causing bacteria during prolonged use between laundering cycles.
When FoodSAFE (W-679) Is the Right Choice
  • Reusable food storage: Bowl covers, sandwich bags, snack pouches, and lunch bag linings requiring FDA food-contact certification. The stretch conforms snugly around bowls and containers. Customer-validated for bowl cover construction.
  • Baby bibs and feeding accessories: CPSIA certified + FDA food-contact safe for infant feeding products requiring both waterproofing and chemical safety with flexible fit.
  • Beverage product containers: Customer-validated for applications involving water and non-alcoholic beverages where food-safe certification ensures material safety.

Note the fiber blend difference: FoodSAFE (W-679) uses 80/15/5 polyester/polyurethane/Lycra — different from Standard and Silver's 70/20/10. The reduced Lycra content still delivers the same 10%/5% stretch, but UPF drops from 50+ to 25–35. If UV protection matters for your application, choose Standard or Silver.

For comparing this fabric against other ProSoft PUL types, see Choosing Between ProSoft PUL Types (DF-005). For Standard vs Silver across all Wazoodle fabrics, see Standard vs Silver: When Antimicrobial Treatment Matters.


Working With ProSoft Stretch-FIT Jersey ECO-PUL: Sewing and Construction Guide

ProSoft Stretch-FIT Jersey ECO-PUL sews with standard machine stitching, but the knit base with Lycra requires stretch-compatible techniques. The fabric arrives cut-and-sew ready with no pre-washing required (do NOT pre-wash — pre-washing risks heat damage to the laminate bond). Minimal shrinkage means no pattern adjustments are needed.

Cutting and Layout
  • Cut direction matters: Cut strips across the grain for maximum stretch, with the grain to limit stretch — plan layout based on where you need stretch in the finished product.
  • Mark on jersey side only: Use chalk or water-soluble markers on the fabric face. Handle carefully to avoid folding creases that may show as permanent lines.
  • Pin within seam allowances: Every needle hole compromises waterproofing — pin only where stitching will cover the holes.
Sewing Recommendations
  • Needles: Ballpoint needles (size 75/11 or 80/12) for the knit base — sharp needles slice yarns and create holes that leak.
  • Presser foot: Teflon/glide foot is essential — the PUL film sticks to standard metal presser feet. Alternative: sew through wax paper or dab minimal sewing machine oil on the foot.
  • Thread: Quality polyester thread (Tex-27 or 65/2 grade) exclusively — cotton and rayon wick moisture through needle holes.
  • Stitch type: Use stretch stitches (lightning bolt, narrow zigzag, or stretch straight stitch) to prevent seam breakage when the fabric extends during use.

Critical — Seam Sealing Required: Every needle hole through the polyurethane film permanently compromises waterproofing. Apply heat-activated seam sealing tape (light-to-medium weight version for 1 mil PUL) over all sewn seams to restore the waterproof barrier. Apply with warm iron on the fabric side only.


Pairing ProSoft Stretch-FIT Jersey ECO-PUL With Other Wazoodle Fabrics

ProSoft Stretch-FIT Jersey ECO-PUL differs from the bamboo and organic cotton ECO-PUL families in one important way: the jersey face is not absorbent. This is purely a stretch waterproof barrier — it must be paired with separate absorbent layers when moisture capture is required, rather than providing dual-sided absorbent-plus-waterproof function like the Bamboo Fleece or Loop Terry ECO-PUL families.

Absorbent Core Partners
  • Zorb Original (W-202): High-capacity absorbent interlining paired with Stretch-FIT ECO-PUL as the outer waterproof shell. The Zorb core captures and holds liquid while the stretch PUL prevents leakage and conforms to body contours.
  • Zorb 3D Organic Cotton Dimple (W-231): Standalone organic absorbent for heavy-capacity builds — overnight diapers and heavy-flow pads where maximum liquid holding is needed inside a stretch-fit waterproof shell.
  • ProECO Bamboo Fleece (W-257): Bamboo fleece absorbent layers paired with Stretch-FIT ECO-PUL waterproof outer — combines the softness and absorbency of bamboo with the body-contour fit of stretch PUL.
Proven Layer Stack Configurations
  • Skin-Contact Top → Zorb Core → ProSoft Stretch-FIT ECO-PUL (outer shell): Standard fitted diaper or incontinence product construction. Stretch PUL outer conforms to body while internal layers handle absorbency.
  • ProSoft Stretch-FIT ECO-PUL as standalone barrier: For wheelchair seat covers, mattress protectors, and changing pads where the fabric serves purely as a stretch-fit waterproof cover without absorbent function.

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

For complete layer guidance, see the Application Discovery articles for Cloth Diapers, Reusable Menstrual Pads, and Incontinence Products.


Common Applications for ProSoft Stretch-FIT Jersey ECO-PUL

ProSoft Stretch-FIT Jersey ECO-PUL serves applications where waterproof protection must conform to body contours or curved surfaces — the 4-way stretch with Lycra recovery is what separates this from all other ProSoft PUL types. Repeat commercial buyers validate consistent quality across multiple production runs.

Wheelchair seat covers are the standout customer-validated application. Multiple users purchase this fabric specifically for waterproof wheelchair seat protection where 4-way stretch conforms over cushioned seating surfaces. Business customers reorder repeatedly for commercial upholstery applications.
Protective mattress covers use fitted-sheet construction where stretch enables the cover to conform snugly over mattress edges while providing waterproof fluid containment underneath.

Cloth diaper covers benefit from Lycra stretch enabling body-contour fit for active babies during crawling and movement, eliminating the gapping that occurs with rigid PUL diaper covers.

Reusable menstrual products use the Silver variant (W-557), customer-validated for homemade reusable period products where stretch backing conforms to body movement and Silver Plus provides odor control.

Medical and patient garments use the Silver variant (W-557), customer-validated for specialty patient pants and clinical garments. Standard variant validated for postpartum belly wraps where stretch and waterproof properties combine for supportive body-contour garments.

Reusable food storage uses the FoodSAFE variant (W-679) for bowl covers, sandwich bags, and lunch bag linings. The stretch conforms snugly around bowls and containers — validated for bowl cover construction and beverage container applications.

Incontinence products pair stretch PUL outer shell with absorbent inner layers for discreet body-contour protection. SilentFlex Technology eliminates plastic rustling for quiet, dignified wear.
For complete build guidance, see the Application Discovery articles for Cloth Diapers, Reusable Menstrual Pads, and Incontinence Products.


ProSoft Stretch-FIT Jersey ECO-PUL Certifications: CPSIA, Chemical-Free, and Made in USA

All three ProSoft Stretch-FIT Jersey ECO-PUL variants are certified safe for children's products and verified free of harmful chemicals. W-679 FoodSAFE additionally carries FDA food-contact certification.

Safety Certifications
  • CPSIA Certified: Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act — mandatory U.S. federal standard for children's products including lead, phthalate, and flammability requirements
  • FDA Food-Contact Certified (W-679 only): 21 CFR 175.300 and 177.1680 — certified for direct food contact from freezer storage (-4°F) to 250°F, both fabric and film sides tested across all food types
  • California Proposition 65 Compliant: Meets California's safe harbor levels for listed chemicals
  • EU REACH SVHC Compliant: Verified against the European Substances of Very High Concern list
  • EU RoHS 10 Compliant: Meets European restrictions on hazardous substances
  • Flammability Compliant: 16 CFR Part 1611 CS 192-53 and California Technical Bulletin 117 Section E
  • Made in USA: Manufactured by AKAS Tex
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 restricted phthalate compounds (DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP, DnOP)
  • Nanoparticle-Free (W-557 Silver): Silver Plus antimicrobial uses silver ion compounds, not engineered nanoparticles
  • pH Neutral: Confirmed no acidic or alkaline residues per independent lab testing
  • Color Fastness 4.5: Exceeds industry standard 3–4 rating — maintains color through repeated laundering

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 for children's products, see Understanding Wazoodle Fabric Certifications & Safety Standards. For what FDA food-contact compliance means, see ProSoft FoodSAFE PUL: The Complete Guide to FDA Food-Contact Certified Waterproof Fabrics.


ProSoft Stretch-FIT Jersey ECO-PUL Care: Washing, Drying, and What to Avoid

ProSoft Stretch-FIT Jersey ECO-PUL maintains its Waterproof 300X Technology (300+ wash cycle durability) when care protocols protect both the polyurethane film and the Lycra elastic fibers from degradation. The fabric arrives cut-and-sew ready — do not pre-wash before construction.

Washing

Wash in hot water (under 165°F) with zero-residue liquid detergent. Add an extra rinse cycle to remove detergent residues that accumulate on the polyurethane film.

Drying

Dry on medium heat only — never exceed 130°F (50°C). Warm iron on the jersey side only if needed — never iron the PUL film directly.

What to Avoid

Substances that permanently destroy waterproofing: Fabric softeners coat fibers, destroying the waterproof barrier — damage is irreversible. Chlorine bleach causes delamination. Vinegar, baking soda, and washing soda break down the laminate bond. High heat above 150°F damages both polyurethane film and Lycra elastic fibers. Non-chlorine oxygen bleach is acceptable sparingly for Standard (W-554) and FoodSAFE (W-679) — avoid on Silver (W-557) to preserve antimicrobial treatment.

Manufacturing Odor

New fabric may have a noticeable chemical smell from the high-temperature thermal bonding process. This dissipates after a single wash-dry cycle, or allow 1 day to 2 weeks of airing.
For complete ProSoft PUL care protocols, see ProSoft PUL Care Guide.


ProSoft Stretch-FIT Jersey ECO-PUL Specifications: Weight, Width, and Variant Comparison

ProSoft Stretch-FIT Jersey ECO-PUL variants share the same stretch performance and waterproof rating but differ in fiber blend, weight, and UPF. FoodSAFE uses a different fiber ratio with FDA certification.

Specification W-554 Standard W-557 Silver W-679 FoodSAFE
Weight 220 GSM 220 GSM 240 GSM
Thickness 0.027" 0.027" 0.027"
Width 57–59" 57–59" 57–59"
Fiber Content 70% PE / 20% PU / 10% Lycra 70% PE / 20% PU / 10% Lycra 80% PE / 15% PU / 5% Lycra
Stretch (W × L) 10% × 5% 10% × 5% 10% × 5%
Hydrostatic Pressure 225 psi 225 psi 225 psi
Breathability (MVTR) 850 g/m²/24h 850 g/m²/24h 850 g/m²/24h
Burst Strength 152 psi 152 psi 152 psi
Shrinkage Minimal Minimal Minimal
Antimicrobial No Yes — Silver Plus No
FDA Food-Contact No No Yes — 21 CFR 175.300, 177.1680
UPF Rating 50+ 50+ 25–35
pH 7.4 7.4 7.4
CPSIA Certified Yes Yes Yes
Made in USA Yes Yes Yes

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

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