Material properties and fabric analysis of ice hockey uniforms
Ice hockey is a highly competitive sport with high intensity, and the playing environment is low temperature and humid. Therefore, the fabric and material of ice hockey uniforms need to balance core requirements such as protection, breathability, tear resistance, and warmth and sweat wicking, while also meeting practical properties such as lightweight and easy to clean.
Core Fabric Types and Performance of Ice Hockey Clothing
Ice hockey jerseys are divided into outer and inner lining fabrics, and some professional models may also be equipped with protective layers. Different fabrics have their own functions:
1. Outer fabric: tear resistant+wear-resistant+windproof
The outer fabric is the “protective barrier” of the ice hockey suit, which needs to withstand sliding friction, equipment collisions, and track scratches. The core material is mainly polyester fiber (polyester) composite material, and the common types are as follows:
High strength polyester fiber fabric
Performance characteristics: high strength, excellent tear resistance, able to resist slight scratches from ice skates and golf clubs; The surface has been treated with anti splash water to prevent water stains from melting ice on the field from seeping in; Lightweight and will not add any extra burden to athletes.
Applicable scenarios: The main fabric for youth training uniforms and amateur competition uniforms.
Polyester fiber+spandex blended fabric
Performance characteristics: 5% -10% spandex is added on the basis of polyester fiber to enhance the elasticity and fit of the fabric, without restricting the athlete’s large movements (such as swing and sliding direction changes); Simultaneously retaining the characteristics of wear resistance and wind resistance.
Applicable scenarios: professional competition uniforms, close fitting training uniforms.
Nylon (nylon) wear-resistant fabric
Performance characteristics: More wear-resistant than ordinary polyester fibers, strong tensile resistance, and good low-temperature resistance (the fabric is not easily hardened and cracked in low-temperature environments); But its breathability is slightly inferior to polyester fiber.
Applicable scenario: Ice hockey goalkeeper uniform (needs to withstand more collisions and friction).
2. Inner lining fabric: sweat wicking+warm+skin friendly
The inner lining directly contacts the skin and its core function is to quickly sweat and keep the skin dry, while also providing warmth and comfort. Common materials are as follows:
Mesh polyester fiber fabric
Performance features: Designed with a mesh structure, it has excellent breathability and can quickly dissipate sweat generated during exercise to the outer layer; Good skin affinity, reducing friction between the skin and fabric; Lightweight, no stuffiness.
Performance advantage: It is the mainstream choice for ice hockey suit lining, meeting the dual needs of sweat wicking and breathability.
Fleece lining (fleece/fleece fabric)
Performance characteristics: The surface has a dense fuzzy structure, outstanding warmth retention, suitable for low-temperature competition or winter training; Fluff can lock in air to form a warm layer, while also absorbing a small amount of sweat to keep the skin dry.
Applicable scenarios: Winter outdoor ice rink training uniforms, ice hockey uniforms for cold northern regions.
Moisture absorbing and sweat wicking functional polyester fiber
Performance characteristics: Through the use of irregular cross-section fiber technology, sweat on the skin surface is quickly adsorbed by capillary effect and transmitted to the outer layer of the fabric for evaporation, achieving “moisture absorption and quick drying”; The fabric is soft and skin friendly without irritation.
Technical highlight: Some high-end fabrics will add antibacterial factors to inhibit the growth of bacteria in sweat and reduce odor production.
3. Protective layer material (exclusive for professional models)
Some professional ice hockey uniforms will be equipped with protective layers on the chest, back, shoulders, and other areas that are prone to collision. The material used is:
EVA foam: lightweight, elastic, can cushion the impact force of golf clubs or ice hockey, and has a thin thickness that does not affect the flexibility of movements;
Hard protective gear inserts (made of polypropylene PP material): commonly used in goalkeeper uniforms or high-strength combat suits, with stronger protection and the ability to withstand strong impacts.
Core performance indicators of ice hockey suit materials
Tear resistance: a key indicator of the outer layer fabric, usually requiring ≥ 100N/cm to ensure that it is not easily damaged in collisions and scratches;
Moisture absorption and sweat wicking rate: the core indicator of the lining fabric, high-quality fabric can export more than 80% of surface sweat within 10 minutes;
Wear resistance: Adopting Martindale wear resistance testing standards, professional competition uniforms need to achieve ≥ 5000 wear cycles;
Low temperature resistance: The fabric remains soft and elastic, without cracking or hardening, even in a low temperature environment of -10 ℃;
Breathability: The outer fabric has a breathability of ≥ 500mm/s, and the inner mesh fabric has a breathability of ≥ 1000mm/s, ensuring air circulation during exercise.
The direction of technological upgrading for ice hockey clothing fabrics
Three proof process: The outer fabric is coated with waterproof, oil resistant, and stain resistant coatings to facilitate the cleaning of stadium stains and water stains;
Heat transfer printing process: The team emblem, number, and other markings use heat transfer printing technology to replace traditional embroidery, reduce surface protrusions on the fabric, and lower frictional resistance during movement;
Seamless splicing process: reduces friction at fabric seams, improves wearing comfort, and enhances overall tear resistance.
