Power Mesh Explained
In brief: Power mesh is a lightweight, four-way-stretch knitted mesh fabric, usually nylon and elastane, that combines breathability with gentle support. Its fine open structure lets air flow through to keep you cool, while the high-stretch knit holds and smooths the body. It is used in activewear for ventilated panels, supportive linings and sheer overlays, common in leggings, sports bras and base layers where airflow and light shaping are both wanted.
What is power mesh?
Power mesh is a knitted mesh fabric engineered to be light, breathable and stretchy all at once. Unlike a basic open mesh, which is mainly about airflow, power mesh combines that ventilation with real four-way stretch and a degree of supportive compression. It is typically made from nylon blended with a generous amount of elastane, giving it a smooth hand, strong recovery and the ability to gently hold and shape the body. The fine, regular holes in its structure let air and moisture pass through easily, so it keeps you cool while still providing light support, a combination that makes it very useful in activewear.
How power mesh is used in activewear
Power mesh shows up in several roles. As ventilated panels set into leggings, tops and jackets, it lets heat escape from areas that run hot, such as the backs of knees, underarms and the spine. As a supportive lining or inner layer in sports bras, swimwear and shaping garments, its gentle compression smooths and holds without adding weight or warmth. And as a sheer overlay it adds a fashionable see-through detail while still stretching and breathing. Because it is so light and recovers its shape well, it can be combined with heavier performance fabrics to add breathability and support exactly where they are needed.
Power mesh and support
The power in power mesh refers to its supportive stretch. The high elastane content gives it firm elasticity, so it can apply a light, smoothing compression rather than just hanging loosely like a flimsy net. This is why it is used as the supportive inner layer in sports bras and shaping pieces: it holds gently and evenly while still letting air through. It is not as strongly compressive as dedicated compression fabric, but it offers a comfortable middle ground of light support plus excellent breathability, which suits garments where you want a bit of hold without feeling squeezed.
Caring for power mesh
Power mesh is elastane-rich and relatively fine, so it needs the gentle care common to stretch performance fabrics. Wash cool and inside out, avoid fabric softener, which clogs the open structure and dulls the stretch, and air dry rather than tumble drying on heat that tires the elastane. Because it is a mesh, it can snag on rough surfaces, velcro and jewellery, so washing it in a laundry bag and keeping it away from abrasive items helps protect the delicate knit and keep it performing.
Power mesh activewear at OD's Designer Clothing
At OD's Designer Clothing we stock activewear from premium labels that use power mesh for breathable, supportive panels and linings, chosen for fabrics that keep you cool while holding their shape. Power mesh pairs naturally with stretch and moisture-wicking fabrics in well-designed performance pieces. We offer next-day delivery and free click and collect, and customers in the North West are welcome to feel the fabrics in person at our St Helens store.