Stretch Mesh Fabric

Stretch Mesh Fabric per Metre

Stretch mesh fabric is the fabric to reach for when a design needs to breathe. Open-knit yet stable, it moves with the body while letting air through, which explains why it turns up so often in dancewear, activewear and sheer clothing panels. We stock it by the metre, so you order exactly what a pattern calls for, whether that's a full garment or just an inset panel. Wholesale pricing kicks in from 6 metres, useful for studios and small labels working on repeat orders.

What this mesh fabric is made for

The open structure of elastic mesh fabric makes it a natural choice for anything that needs ventilation without sacrificing shape. Dancewear designers use it for inserts and overlays where a solid fabric would feel too heavy. Activewear brands rely on it for back panels and sleeves that need airflow during movement. It also works well as a base layer under sequins or appliqué, since the stretch keeps garments fitted without pulling at the seams.

• Leotards, bodysuits and dance costumes
• Sportswear panels and ventilation inserts
• Sheer overlays and structured undergarments
• Costume design and stage wear

Composition and handling

This stretch mesh fabric is a blend of 92% polyamide and 8% lycra, giving it enough elasticity to hug curves without losing recovery after repeated wear. At 80 grams per square metre it stays lightweight, and the 140 cm width leaves enough room to cut most pattern pieces without piecing fabric together. On the machine, a ballpoint needle and a stretch or zigzag stitch prevent skipped stitches and keep seams from puckering.

Care is straightforward but worth following: hand wash only, skip the iron, steam and tumble dryer, and avoid bleach. That keeps the lycra content intact and the mesh from losing its stretch over time.

Related fabrics worth a look

If mesh isn't quite what a project needs, a few neighbouring fabrics might fit better. Lycra Fabric Mat gives a soft, matte finish for bodysuits and leggings, while Lycra Fabric Shiny adds a metallic sheen for stage costumes. For layering or volume, Tulle Fabric and the wider Tulle Netting Fabric 300CM Wide work well under skirts and tutus. Designers after texture sometimes pair mesh with Hologram Fabric for costumes that need to catch the light under stage lighting.

Ordering and availability

Fabric ships from our stock in Tilburg, cut to the length you order. A fabric sample is available for €0.50 if you want to check the hand-feel and stretch before committing to a larger cut. Both private customers and businesses order from the same stock, and the wholesale tier from 6 metres onward suits anyone working on a production run rather than a single garment.

In short

Stretch mesh fabric earns its place in dancewear and activewear because it does two things at once: it stretches with the body and lets air through. Ordered by the metre, with a sample available first and wholesale pricing from 6 metres, it's a practical option for anyone cutting garments that need to move. Browse the collection and see if this mesh fits your next project.