What Is Antimicrobial Knit Fabric? Sagotex – Premium Manufacturer of Antimicrobial, UV-Resistant Fabric

In today’s fast-paced and health-conscious world, personal hygiene and wellness are top priorities. Consumers are increasingly seeking fashion products that not only look good but also protect their bodies. Among the most popular textile innovations is antimicrobial knit fabric—a smart material designed to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold on the fabric surface. It's an ideal choice for everything from corporate uniforms and sportswear to everyday clothing.

In this article, Sagotex will walk you through what antimicrobial fabric is, how it works, the common antibacterial agents used, and why it's a smart investment for modern apparel brands and garment manufacturers.

What Is Antimicrobial Knit Fabric?

Antimicrobial knit fabric is a stretchable textile (commonly made of cotton, polyester, spandex, or blends) enhanced with antibacterial properties, meaning it can inhibit or eliminate the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew on its surface. This type of fabric is widely used in products that demand high hygiene standards such as medical uniforms, corporate apparel, sportswear, reusable masks, undergarments, and high-end fashion.

It not only provides a cleaner, fresher feel when worn but also protects the skin from irritation caused by bacteria and helps extend the fabric’s lifespan by minimizing odor and microbial buildup.

Why Do Bacteria Grow on Fabric?

Fabric—especially knit materials—can retain moisture and is in constant contact with sweat, skin, and dirt. This creates an ideal environment for bacterial and fungal growth, particularly if the garment is worn for long periods or stored in damp conditions without proper washing.

Bacterial growth on fabric may cause:

• Unpleasant odors

• Skin irritation or rashes

• Fabric deterioration and fading

• Increased risk of cross-contamination in medical or crowded environments

As a result, antimicrobial fabric has become increasingly essential in the modern textile industry.

How Is Antimicrobial Fabric Made?

There are two main methods for applying antibacterial properties to knit fabric:

1. Post-Weaving Surface Treatment (Chemical Finishing)

This is the most common method, where the fabric is soaked or coated with antibacterial agents, such as:

• Silver nanoparticles (Ag+): Can kill over 600 types of bacteria

• Herbal extracts: Green tea, cinnamon oil, citrus peel, lavender, etc.

• Chitosan: Derived from shrimp and crab shells—safe and skin-friendly

2. In-Fiber Integration (Before Spinning)

A more advanced method where antibacterial agents are added directly into the raw material before spinning into yarn. This results in long-lasting antibacterial performance.

• Advantages: Effective even after 50+ washes

• Disadvantages: Higher production cost and requires custom orders

Common Antibacterial Agents Used in Textiles

Benefits of Antimicrobial Knit Fabric

• Reduces odors caused by sweat and bacteria

• Keeps clothing cleaner and safer against skin contact

• Improves fabric durability, prevents mold in humid storage

• Helps prevent skin conditions like contact dermatitis or allergies

• Eco-friendly when using natural agents like chitosan

Practical Applications of Antimicrobial Fabric

Antimicrobial knit fabrics are now widely used in:

• School, office, and hospital uniforms

• Activewear: gym, yoga, running apparel

• Children’s and elderly clothing – sensitive skin groups

• Premium branded apparel – odor control and breathability

• Reusable cloth masks, lab coats, and protective garments

Sagotex – Leading Supplier of Antimicrobial, UV-Resistant Knit Fabrics

At Sagotex, we are proud to be one of the top manufacturers and suppliers of high-quality antimicrobial and UV-resistant knit fabrics in Ho Chi Minh City. We work with apparel brands, fashion labels, uniform producers, and export companies.

We commit to:

• Using OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified raw materials, ensuring no harmful substances in all fabrics

• Applying advanced antibacterial technologies using silver nanoparticles, chitosan, or QACs

• Custom manufacturing based on fiber composition, color, and weight (GSM)

• Supplying fabric lines with UV protection, antibacterial treatment, water resistance, wrinkle resistance, and more

• Offering design support, material recommendations, and cost-performance optimization

Conclusion

Antimicrobial knit fabric is more than a trend—it’s an essential innovation for the future of textiles, prioritizing health, safety, and user comfort. With its superior functionality and protective features, this fabric is set to expand rapidly across fashion, sportswear, and healthcare sectors.

If you're seeking a reliable supplier of UV-resistant and antibacterial knit fabric, let Sagotex be your trusted partner from concept to production.

SAGOTEX – Only the best for you

- Hotline: 077 990 9970

- Email: info@sagotex.vn

- Website: www.sagotex.vn

- Fanpage: Sagotex.vn - Vải Thun Cao Cấp 

- Office:

45 Đinh Thị Thi, Khu Đô Thị Vạn Phúc, Hiệp Bình Phước, Thủ Đức, TP.HCM.

Lô I1-2-3, Khu Công Nghiệp Tân Đức, X. Đức Hòa Hạ, H. Đức Hoà, Long An.