NILO by Jersey Lomellina® – The Italian Stretch Fabric Redefining Premium Activewear
Reading time: ~7 minutes
If you've ever worn leggings or activewear that truly felt like a second skin — smooth, supportive, breathable, and lightweight — then you've already experienced the difference between ordinary stretch fabric and premium technical textiles.
But finding all of those qualities in a single fabric, while also offering chlorine resistance, fast drying, elegant drape, and genuine Italian production quality, is rare.
This is where NILO by Jersey Lomellina® stands apart.
Produced in Italy by one of Europe's most respected technical textile mills, NILO combines refined aesthetics with real performance functionality. It is increasingly becoming the preferred choice for:
- Premium activewear brands
- Swimwear designers
- Athleisure collections
- Independent makers and MYOG projects
- Technical fashion garments
In this review, we'll break down:
- What NILO actually is
- Why polyamide outperforms many polyester blends
- How it compares to other stretch fabrics
- What projects it works best for
- Why Italian textile production still matters
What Is NILO by Jersey Lomellina®?
NILO is a lightweight premium stretch fabric produced by Jersey Lomellina®, an Italian textile mill specializing in high-end technical fabrics for activewear, swimwear, and sports fashion.
The fabric is constructed from:
| Composition | 86% Polyamide (PA) / 14% Elastane (EA) |
| Weight | ~120 g/m² |
| Width | ~140 cm |
| Origin | Made in Italy |
| Stretch Type | Two-way stretch |
| Finish | Matte, smooth, silky surface |
The result is a fabric that sits perfectly between technical sportswear and refined fashion textiles.
Why Polyamide Performs Differently
Polyamide (Nylon) – The Technical Foundation
At 86% polyamide, NILO gains many of the properties that define premium performance fabrics.
Key Advantages of Polyamide
- Excellent durability – highly resistant to abrasion and repeated stretching
- Lightweight structure – strong without feeling heavy
- Silky skin feel – softer and smoother than most polyester fabrics
- Premium matte appearance – refined visual texture without excessive shine
- Better chlorine resistance – ideal for swimwear and pool environments
- Quick drying – helps regulate comfort during movement
Compared to lower-cost polyester activewear fabrics, polyamide generally feels more luxurious against skin and maintains its appearance longer under repeated use.
14% Elastane – Stretch With Recovery
The elastane content is where NILO achieves its movement performance.
At 14% elastane, the fabric delivers:
- Smooth stretch recovery
- Freedom of movement
- Gentle compression
- Shape retention
- Comfort without excessive tightness
This percentage places NILO in an ideal middle ground:
| Fabric Type | Typical Elastane % | Stretch Category |
|---|---|---|
| Basic jersey | 2–5% | Light stretch |
| Standard activewear | 8–12% | Two-way stretch |
| NILO by Jersey Lomellina® | 14% | Enhanced two-way stretch |
| Compression sportswear | 18–25% | High compression |
| Competition swimwear | 15–20% | Four-way stretch |
NILO offers enough elasticity for technical movement while maintaining a refined and elegant hand feel.
NILO vs Other Stretch Performance Fabrics
NILO vs Polyester/Elastane Fabrics
Most mass-market activewear uses polyester/elastane blends due to lower manufacturing cost.
| Property | Polyester Blend | NILO (Polyamide Blend) |
|---|---|---|
| Skin feel | Can feel synthetic | Silky and smooth |
| Chlorine resistance | Moderate | Excellent |
| Visual finish | Often shiny | Refined matte |
| Comfort | Good | Premium |
| Durability | Good | Excellent |
| Origin | Usually mass-produced | Made in Italy |
For low-cost gym apparel, polyester blends are sufficient. For premium activewear, swimwear, or garments worn directly against skin, polyamide fabrics typically offer a superior experience.
NILO vs Econyl®
Econyl® is a regenerated recycled polyamide often used in sustainable swimwear.
| Property | Econyl® | NILO |
|---|---|---|
| Sustainability focus | Very high | Performance-focused |
| Surface softness | Good | Superior |
| Hand feel | Slightly technical | Smoother and softer |
| Best use | Eco swimwear | Premium activewear & lining |
NILO vs Supplex®
Supplex® fabrics are designed to imitate cotton while maintaining synthetic performance properties.
| Property | Supplex® | NILO |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Cotton-like | Smooth and silky |
| Weight | Usually heavier | Lightweight |
| Appearance | Casual matte | Technical refined matte |
| Best use | Yoga & casual wear | Technical activewear |
Best Uses for NILO
Activewear Leggings and Tops
At 120 g/m², NILO remains lightweight during movement while still offering enough structure for support and coverage.
- Gym apparel
- Running tights
- Yoga wear
- Pilates clothing
- Training tops
Swimwear Lining
This is one of the strongest applications for NILO.
The chlorine resistance, quick-dry performance, and smooth skin feel make it ideal for:
- Bikini lining
- One-piece swimsuit lining
- Swim shorts lining
- Technical swimwear interiors
Compression and Recovery Apparel
NILO provides light-to-moderate compression without feeling restrictive.
Suitable applications include:
- Compression shorts
- Training sleeves
- Recovery garments
- Performance base layers
Athleisure and Technical Fashion
The refined matte appearance allows NILO to transition naturally between sportswear and everyday fashion.
The fabric photographs exceptionally well under studio lighting and maintains elegant drape characteristics rarely found in lightweight technical fabrics.
Why Made in Italy Still Matters
Italy remains one of the world's most respected regions for technical textile manufacturing.
Jersey Lomellina operates within a textile ecosystem known for:
- Advanced knitting technology
- Precise finishing processes
- Consistent dyeing quality
- Reliable stretch recovery
- Strict quality control standards
For designers and brands, this translates into real-world advantages:
- Consistent color across rolls
- Predictable cutting and sewing behavior
- Professional finish quality
- Reliable production repeatability
Sewing Notes
Because NILO is a polyamide/elastane performance knit, proper sewing setup is important.
Recommended:
- Ballpoint or stretch needle
- Polyester thread
- Overlock, coverstitch, or narrow zigzag stitch
- Stretch-compatible seam construction
A standard straight stitch may break under tension during wear.
Important Buying Notes
| Sold By | Per meter |
| Cut Type | Continuous cut whenever possible |
| Width | ~140 cm |
| Weight | ~120 g/m² |
| Origin | Made in Italy |
| Availability | Limited stock from production roll |
For production projects where color consistency matters, purchasing sufficient quantity upfront is recommended.
Final Verdict
NILO by Jersey Lomellina® is not a low-cost commodity fabric. It is a premium Italian technical textile engineered for designers, makers, and brands that prioritize material quality, comfort, and performance.
Its combination of:
- silky matte finish,
- lightweight structure,
- chlorine resistance,
- excellent stretch recovery,
- and genuine Italian production quality
makes it one of the most versatile premium stretch fabrics available for modern activewear and swimwear development.
NILO by Jersey Lomellina®
86% Polyamide / 14% Elastane
~120 g/m²
Width: ~140 cm
Made in Italy
Sold by the meter
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