Spandex Stretch Fabric
This 160GSM polyester spandex butterfly mesh is engineered for sportswear and activewear that demand striking visual appeal, unrestricted mobility, and all-day breathability.
Share:
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
This 160GSM polyester spandex butterfly mesh is engineered for sportswear and activewear that demand striking visual appeal, unrestricted mobility, and all-day breathability. The butterfly mesh design features delicate, wing-shaped openings repeated across the fabric, creating a lightweight, airy structure that stands out from conventional meshes. The 4-way stretch (over 160% elongation in both directions) comes from the 10% spandex content, allowing the fabric to move with every pose, kick, and stretch while providing strong recovery (>88%). At 160 grams per square meter, the fabric offers a balanced mid-lightweight: opaque enough for confident wear, yet breathable and quick-drying. The 90% polyester base ensures moisture wicking (sweat dries in about 22 minutes) and excellent colorfastness. For butterfly-pattern leggings, sports bras, dance leotards, and festival tops, this unique stretch mesh delivers performance without sacrificing style.
TECHNICAL PARAMETERS
|
Parameter |
Value / Range |
|
Model Code |
DHM1631 |
|
Composition |
90% Polyester / 10% Spandex |
|
Pattern |
Butterfly mesh (wing-shaped openings) |
|
Weight |
160 GSM ±5% |
|
Finished Width |
155 cm (61 inches) |
|
Stretch Type |
4-way |
|
Stretch Factor (Warp / Weft) |
> 160% / > 180% (ASTM D2594) |
|
Recovery (after 160% stretch) |
> 88% |
|
Air Permeability |
280 – 340 CFM (ASTM D737) |
|
Water Absorption |
< 0.2% of fabric weight |
|
Drying Rate (from soaked) |
22 minutes at 23°C, 50% RH |
|
Moisture Wicking (Capillary Rise) |
> 8 cm in 10 minutes |
|
Tensile Strength (Warp) |
> 180 N / 5 cm (ASTM D5034) |
|
Tear Strength (Weft) |
> 20 N (ASTM D2261) |
|
Snag Resistance |
Grade 3 (ASTM D3939) – acceptable for patterned mesh |
|
Pilling Resistance |
Grade 4 (ISO 12945-2) |
|
Color Fastness to Light |
Grade 4 (AATCC 16, 40 hours) |
|
Color Fastness to Perspiration |
Grade 4-5 (AATCC 15) |
|
Shrinkage (after 5 washes, 40°C) |
< 2% |
|
Opacity |
Semi-opaque – dark colors fully opaque; light colors slightly sheer |
|
Standard Colors |
15+ colors (black, white, navy, pink, lavender, etc.) |
|
Custom Butterfly Color |
Yes (MOQ 500 m) |
|
Lead Time (stock colors) |
25-30 days |
|
Lead Time (custom colors) |
25-30 days + 10-12 days lab dip |
KEY ADVANTAGES
01
Unique butterfly aesthetic
Delicate wing-shaped openings create a romantic, feminine look that differentiates your apparel from basic meshes.
02
True 4-way stretch (over 160% elongation)
Moves freely with every yoga pose, dance move, or gym rep. No restriction, no binding.
03
160GSM mid-lightweight
Provides enough opacity for confident wear (dark colors) while remaining breathable and lightweight.
04
Quick drying (22 minutes from soaked)
Sweat evaporates rapidly, keeping you dry during intense sessions.
05
Breathable (280-340 CFM)
Air flows freely through the butterfly openings, preventing overheating.
06
Soft hand and comfortable
Fine polyester/spandex yarns feel smooth against the skin, with no rough edges around the butterfly holes.
07
Easy care and colorfast
Machine wash cold, hang dry. Resists shrinking, fading, and pilling.
PRIMARY APPAREL APPLICATIONS FOR BUTTERFLY MESH:
Yoga leggings and crop tops (panel inserts or all-over)
Dance leotards, bodysuits, and unitards
Sports bras (breathable back panels)
Festival and rave wear (sheer overlay tops)
Swimwear cover-ups (quick dry, stylish)
Athleisure fashion tops and sleeves
Costume and performance wear
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1
Is the butterfly pattern printed or knitted?
The butterfly pattern is knitted directly into the fabric structure using engineered yarn placement. It is not printed, so it will never crack, peel, or fade. The openings are formed during the knitting process, creating a true mesh pattern.
2
Is 160GSM see-through?
Dark colors (black, navy, deep purple) are fully opaque. Light colors (white, pink, lavender) may be slightly sheer due to the open mesh structure. For light-colored standalone garments, we recommend using a liner or choosing a darker shade. For layering or as an overlay, the sheerness adds to the design.
3
Does the butterfly pattern snag easily?
The fabric has a snag resistance rating of Grade 3 (ASTM D3939), which is acceptable for patterned meshes. Normal wear – contact with yoga mats, gym benches, or dance floors – will not cause significant snags. Avoid sharp jewelry or velcro directly against the fabric.
4
Is a recycled polyester version available for this butterfly mesh?
Yes. We offer a GRS-certified recycled polyester version of this exact 160GSM butterfly mesh. The recycled yarn is sourced from post-consumer PET bottles. The mechanical properties – tear strength (>20N), stretch (>160%), air permeability (280-340 CFM) – are all within 5% of the virgin version. The butterfly pattern, soft hand, and colorfastness are identical. Minimum order for recycled is 800 meters. Please request a recycled swatch and a copy of the GRS certificate for verification.
5
What is the typical lead time for this fabric?
For stock colors, lead time is 25-30 days after order confirmation. For custom butterfly colors (e.g., changing the base color or pattern contrast), add 10-12 days for lab dip development and approval. Bulk production then takes 25-30 days. Expedited service may be available for orders ≥2000 meters – please inquire.
6
How do I care for garments made from this butterfly mesh?
Machine wash cold (30°C) gentle cycle with like colors. Do not bleach. Tumble dry low or hang dry. Do not use fabric softener; it can coat the fibers and reduce breathability. Avoid ironing directly on the mesh. Following these steps, the fabric will retain its butterfly pattern and stretch for over 50 washes.
READY TO START A PROJECT?
Filling in your phone and email information will help us get in touch with you in a timely manner and solve your problem as soon as possible.
Get A Free Quote
RELATED PRODUCTS
As a core patented product independently developed by the company, water-based suede leather carries our dual pursuit of green technology and ultimate hand feel.
