Antibacterial Fabric

Overview

Antibacterial fabric is a category of technical textiles engineered to inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and odor-causing microorganisms on the fabric surface. The antimicrobial function is achieved either through the integration of silver ion (Ag+) technology, embedded during fiber production, or through post-finishing treatments applied to polyester, nylon, cotton blends, and knitted constructions. FuncFabric produces these fabrics in woven and knitted forms across a range of weights, with the antimicrobial agent bonded at the fiber or coating level to withstand repeated industrial laundering.

Key Properties & Specifications

• Fabric weight: available from 90gsm lightweight liners up to 320gsm heavy uniform and upholstery grades, with common healthcare weights at 150–220gsm.
• Antibacterial efficacy: ≥99% reduction against Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli, tested to AATCC 100 and ISO 20743 standards.
• Wash durability: antimicrobial performance retained through 50–100 industrial wash cycles for silver ion grades; 20–30 cycles for standard finish-treated grades.
• Tensile strength: warp 550–850N, weft 450–700N (ISO 13934-1), depending on construction and weight.
• Tear strength: 25–45N for woven medical grades (ISO 13937-2).
• Water column (for coated variants): 3,000–10,000mm H2O, suitable for fluid-resistant medical barrier applications.
• Breathability (moisture vapor transmission): 3,000–5,000 g/m2/24h for uncoated knitted and woven grades.
• UPF rating: 40–50+ for densely woven and dark-shade constructions.
• Dimensional shrinkage: ≤3% warp and weft after washing (ISO 6330) for pre-shrunk grades; knitted grades ≤5%.
• Colorfastness: grade 4–5 to washing, rubbing, and perspiration (ISO 105 series).
• Service temperature range: stable from -20°C to 120°C; autoclave-compatible grades available for medical sterilization at up to 134°C.

Popular Products

Silver Ion Antibacterial Fabric

Built on silver ion (Ag+) technology bonded at the fiber level, this fabric delivers durable antimicrobial performance that survives extended wash cycles. It is the preferred choice where long-term efficacy and certification traceability are required, such as multi-use hospital textiles.

Antimicrobial Polyester Fabric

A cost-effective, high-durability option using 100% polyester with an antimicrobial finish, offering good abrasion resistance and dimensional stability. It suits high-volume applications where budget and consistent supply are priorities over the longest wash durability.

Medical Antibacterial Fabric

Engineered specifically for clinical environments, this grade combines antibacterial protection with fluid resistance and autoclave or high-temperature laundering compatibility. It meets the barrier and hygiene requirements typical of surgical gowns, drapes, and reusable medical textiles.

Odor Resistant Sports Fabric

A lightweight knitted construction with moisture-wicking and odor-control properties, targeting activewear and performance garments. The antimicrobial treatment specifically addresses odor-causing bacteria generated during physical activity, extending garment freshness between washes.

Healthcare Uniform Fabric

A mid-to-heavyweight woven or blended fabric designed for scrubs, nurse uniforms, and staff workwear, balancing antibacterial function with comfort, durability, and repeated institutional laundering. It is offered in a range of professional shades with strong colorfastness.

Antibacterial Knitted Fabric

A stretchable knitted variant offering four-way flexibility with integrated antimicrobial protection, suitable for close-fitting garments and applications requiring drape and elasticity. It bridges antibacterial function with the comfort demands of intimate apparel and fitted uniforms.

Applications

Hospital and clinical textiles: reusable surgical gowns, patient gowns, bed linens, curtains, and drapes where microbial control reduces cross-contamination risk in high-traffic care environments.

Healthcare and hospitality uniforms: scrubs, nurse and caregiver uniforms, and staff workwear that require repeated hot-wash laundering while maintaining hygiene and professional appearance.

Activewear and sportswear: performance shirts, base layers, and athletic garments where odor resistance and moisture management improve wearer comfort during and after exercise.

Intimate and next-to-skin apparel: underwear, socks, and fitted garments that benefit from odor control and reduced bacterial buildup in close contact with skin.

Home and institutional bedding: mattress covers, pillow protectors, and bedding for hospitals, elderly care facilities, and hospitality where hygiene-sensitive surfaces need ongoing microbial control.

Personal care and hygiene products: reusable masks, wipes carriers, and hygiene-sensitive accessories where an antimicrobial surface adds a layer of protection against microbial growth.

Customization & Wholesale

FuncFabric supplies antibacterial fabric on a wholesale and OEM basis for global bulk buyers. Standard minimum order quantity is 500m per color and specification, with lower sampling quantities available for pre-production evaluation and lab-dip approval.

Custom width: standard roll widths are 150cm and 160cm, with alternative widths available on request for specific cutting and yield requirements.

Custom color: dyeing to Pantone or customer-supplied physical swatches is available, subject to color matching approval, with a typical MOQ of 500–1,000m per custom shade.

Custom printing: digital and rotary printing are offered for logos, patterns, and branded designs, with printing MOQ dependent on method and repeat size.

Weight and construction: fabric weight, fiber blend, and woven or knitted construction can be adjusted to meet target specifications, including selection between silver ion and finish-based antimicrobial systems based on required wash durability and budget.

OEM and private label: cut-and-sew finished goods, custom roll packaging, and private-label documentation are supported for buyers sourcing finished products or branded material.

Lead time: sampling typically requires 7–15 days; bulk production lead time is 25–35 days after order confirmation and deposit, subject to order volume and finishing complexity.

Certification and testing: fabrics can be supplied with AATCC 100, ISO 20743, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, and relevant antibacterial efficacy test reports to support import and regulatory requirements in target markets.

Export capabilities: FuncFabric exports worldwide with experience serving buyers in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, offering FOB and CIF terms, consolidated shipping, and support for standard export documentation.