Scuba Knit
Thick double-knit fabric with a neoprene-like feel, made from polyester and spandex with a layer of air between the two knit faces. Creates structured, sculptural garments with a modern aesthetic.
Material Score Breakdown
7-axis material rubric, not a garment verdict — see disclosure below.
How long the fabric lasts with regular use
Softness, feel against skin, wearability
Air flow and ventilation
Heat retention and insulation
Ability to pull sweat away from skin
Environmental impact of production and disposal
How easy it is to wash, dry, and maintain
Products with scuba knit
We don't have any garments containing scuba knit in our catalog yet. Browse the full synthetic materials or check the product catalog.
What this score doesn't measure
This is a material rating, not a verdict on any specific garment made from scuba knit. The axes above are research-backed averages for the fiber itself.
- ×Construction. Yarn staple length, weave / knit structure, stitch count, finishing. Identical fiber, very different garments.
- ×Fabric weight (GSM). A 140 GSM tee and a 220 GSM tee made of the same scuba knit feel and last very differently.
- ×Dye + finishing chemicals. Beyond the three we flag (PFAS, formaldehyde, antimony), dozens of textile finishes aren't modelled.
Best For
Good warmth (60) for cold weather
Good durability (65) and comfort (55) for office wear
Detailed Use Case Scores
Pros
- ✓ Holds sculptural shapes — ideal for structured dresses and skirts
- ✓ Thick fabric smooths body lines for a polished look
- ✓ Easy care — rarely wrinkles, machine washable
- ✓ Moderate stretch with excellent recovery
Cons
- ✗ Very poor breathability — can be uncomfortably warm
- ✗ Purely synthetic — no sustainability credentials
- ✗ Can look cheap if quality is low — a fast fashion favorite
- ✗ Limited drape — only works for structured silhouettes
Better alternatives
Higher-scored synthetic materials. Same category — what to consider instead.
+16 vs Scuba Knit · 76/100
Membrane technology that is waterproof yet breathable. A laminate applied to other fabrics rather than a fabric itself.
+15 vs Scuba Knit · 75/100
Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber — the world's strongest fiber by weight. 15x stronger than steel, used in cut-resistant gear, ultralight backpacks, and high-performance sails.
+14 vs Scuba Knit · 74/100
Waterproof breathable membrane fabric (Gore-Tex, eVent, or similar technology) laminated to a face fabric. The gold standard for rain and storm protection in technical outerwear.
Care Guide
Special Notes
• Do not iron — synthetic fibers melt
• Lay flat to dry to maintain shape
Additional Care Tips
- • Machine wash cold (30°C/85°F) on gentle cycle
- • Air dry recommended — lay flat to maintain shape
- • Do not iron at high heat — synthetic fibers melt easily
- • Do not bleach or dry clean unless label specifies
- • Store flat or on padded hangers — clips can leave marks
Cost
$$$$$
Mid-range
Shrinkage
Minimal shrinkage — follow care instructions
Eco Rating
High environmental impact