Power mesh is a soft, lightweight fabric with a four-way stretch. It looks like a stretchy netting. Uses include lingerie, activewear, swimwear, and even industrial applications. A sheer, breathable material, power mesh is extremely comfortable next to the skin. Also known as compression fabric, power mesh is a popular material for shapewear. Lightweight mesh is an ideal lining for tops, skirts, and dresses. It gently pulls the garment closer to your skin and smooths out your curves. A heavier weight mesh can be used for controlling garments like girdles. With fewer holes per inch, heavy power mesh gives firm support, concealing lumps and bumps you’d rather keep hidden. Even the natural options aren’t that great when it comes to sustainability. The production of silk on a commercial scale results in the demise of the silkworms. Rayon uses natural resources to convert its wood pulp base into a usable substance.

Another way to keep your athletic wear away from hot temperatures is to make sure you hand wash your sports gear. Using a mild detergent will also help protect the delicate fibers. Unlike many synthetic fabrics, power mesh is breathable. The mesh allows heat to escape and any moisture can evaporate through the holes. This means you won’t feel clammy like you do with polyester fabric.This fabric is known for its stiffness and ability to hold its shape. Used to create structure in a garment, tulle can be used in layers to create voluminous petticoats to make long skirts poof out. Or, it can be used to add a hint of mystery to a fascinator or a hat. 4. Polyester Mesh Power mesh was founded by a British company called Aertex. The owner, Lewis Haslam began looking into the benefits of fabrics made with a loose-knit. By the mid-1980s, clothing made from Aertex mesh had been adopted by Popstars and sportswear companies. Ensuring its entrenchment into fashion culture. Breathability is also of high importance when selecting bra and lingerie fabric. The fibers in power mesh are structured in a way that allow your skin to breathe while absorbing perspiration and not irritating the skin. This is of paramount importance for lingerie, specifically underwear. Power mesh is also soft to the touch adding another layer of comfort to this fabric and all your lingerie sewing projects. Best Practices when sewing with power mesh: Power mesh is also common in swimwear. It is often used to line swimsuits but can be used as a decorative element as well. It can even be used as a swimsuit cover-up for it’s sheer characteristics and breathability making it comfortable in warmer climates. Compression Garments Lining your garment with a heavyweight power mesh will reduce the size, pulling you in and smoothing your curves. This is one of the reasons this fabric is so popular in shapewear.

It’s an ugly truth, but power mesh tends to be produced from synthetic fibers, which means it’s petroleum-based. A reliance on fossil fuels is considered unsustainable. Not only that, but the production process is resource and labor-intensive. As power mesh is a synthetic blend, you should use a synthetic thread to sew it with. A polyester thread is ideal as it will stretch with the fabric. Using a natural fiber thread like cotton will hamper the stretch of the fabric and cause the thread to break. Conclusion You will often see power mesh used on garments for dancers in areas such as ice skating, cheerleading, and gymnastics. Dancers often chose this fabric for its durability and lightweight properties which allow them to move without feeling constricted or confined by their garment. Swimwear With power mesh, you have a choice of fibers that go into its production. Nylon and polyester are the top two as they are synthetic and relatively cheap to produce.Power mesh is a durable, high quality fabric made of nylon and spandex. It usually comes in a 4 way stretch although I have come across some that are 2 way stretch. It offers great recovery, is smooth to the touch and comes in a variety of weights. It is especially useful for bra making and lingerie sewing projects. Below are a few lingerie patterns and pattern shop suggestions and activewear pattern suggestions to get you started on your power mesh sewing journey! Lingerie Pattern/Pattern Shop Recommendations: Overall, the fabric is relatively inexpensive. Power mesh is normally used as lingerie, or a lining, or a feature on a garment. This means only a small amount is needed. A yard is likely to go a long way. Environmental Impact THREAD: When it comes to bra making and lingerie sewing a polyester thread is highly recommended. Polyester thread is stronger than cotton. Cotton is likely to break as it cannot withstand the stretch necessary for bras and other lingerie. Stretch is a vital feature in all lingerie whether that be with your fabric or notions. Thread is no exception. My favorite brand it Gutermann which can find at several retailers. Care Instructions for Powermesh: It’s best to avoid scissors when cutting power mesh. Scissors lift the fabric from the table and can cause it to move while you cut. You may end up with an uneven or jagged edge. Sewing the Fabric

From fishing nets to sportswear, power mesh is a versatile material. Let’s take a look at some of the key characteristics of the fabric and identify its pros and cons. Cost In regards to lingerie, power mesh is often used for the bra band also referred to as the bra band wings. It is a great choice for bra making because of its great recovery characteristics and it comes in lightweight varieties while maintaining breathability. These are both necessary characteristics when selecting fabric for bra making. Active wear The first step in the process is to make nylon or polyester fibers. Polyamide monomers are taken from petroleum and combined with an acid. This forms polymers which are then melted and spun to form strands. These strands are then sent to a power mesh manufacturer to be knitted into a mesh fabric.

Power mesh is perfect for bra bands and panties. It is a lightweight yet durable fabric that offers 4-way stretch and breathability giving you the comfort and ease to wear this fabric all day long. 4-way stretch is preferable for undergarments in particular bra bands. Since the bra band wraps around your rib cage it needs to be able to expand comfortably as you breathe. It also needs to have superior recovery to allow the breast tissue to remain within the bra cup as the band stretches. Not only is the breathable nature of power mesh good for activewear, but it can also help you keep cool in warm weather. A bra or lingerie made from this fabric will feel much more comfortable when it’s hot than any other type of synthetic underwear. Ease of Care Power mesh is usually a nylon and spandex blend. Sometimes it can be polyester and spandex. It can also be made from silk or rayon, but those are less common. You can use power mesh to make shawls which can be used to cover up bare shoulders on a cool summer evening. However, the heat retention properties are low, so you will soon start to feel the chill.