At Jilla Active we specialise in circular knitting using Italian Santoni knitting machines. We have chosen to use seamless knitting for all of our designs because the super stretchy fabric is really soft and comfortable next to the skin. We love this construction technique because we are able to integrate different knit structures to specific areas on the garment to provide breathability and extra support for different areas of the body.
Seamless is perfect for Jilla Active because we can achieve a whole new level of comfort, freedom of movement and flexibility.
In seamless knitting the yarn is the most important element. We take great care selecting the most functional materials to work with by testing the yarns to see if they are perfect for each style. We visit fabric fairs to source new and exciting yarns for our future seasons.
We currently use the following yarns in our range:
- Recycled and Non-Recycled Polyamide
- Bamboo Viscose Yarn
- Modal
- Recycled and Non-Recycled Polyester
- Elastane
- Organic Cotton
Our Bamboo yarn is grown in the South of China. To produce a yarn from the raw material, the bamboo plant is cut down and crushed mechanically before enzymes are added to breakdown the walls and extract the bamboo fibre. The carding machine then spins the fibre into a useable yarn for our Santoni circular knitting machines.
One of our favourite yarns, Bamboo is incredibly soft and comfortable to wear. It is a cellulose fibre made from the bamboo plant.
It’s benefits include:
- Temperature regulating to keep you comfortable
- Antibacterial and deodorising
- Great for sensitive skin
- Renewable natural material
- Sourced from a quick growing and sustainable plant
We use GRS (Global Recycled Standard) recycled Polyamide where possible which is made from post consumer materials. It works particularly well for tops and lighter weight styles. For our firmer styles like leggings and sports bras we use a specific Polyamide which isn't currently available in a recycled version however we continue to look into this. Look out for the recycled sash when browsing the website.
We use Polyamide (recycled and non-recycled) yarn for all styles- our leggings, tops and bras.
It’s benefits include:
- Four way stretch for a supportive fit
- Sweat wicking and quick drying
- Breathable and anti-bacterial
- ‘Fits like a glove’ quality
- We can knit panels into different areas for breathability and support
- Super soft and comfortable next to the skin
Modal yarn is part of the viscose family, similar to bamboo, it is created from a wood pulp derived cellulose material sourced from beech or pine trees.
We love Modal because it is a cooling fabric to wear which is deodorising and breathable so you feel cool and dry.
It’s benefits include:
- Breathable fabric
- Cool to touch
- Soft and smooth fabric
- Absorbant
- Renewable and sustainable natural material
- Sourced from beech and pine trees
We use GRS (Global Recycled Standard) recycled Polyester where possible which is made from post consumer materials. We use it in marl styles for leggings and bras. It has a particularly soft hand feel and a supportive stretch making it very comfortable to wear. Look out for the recycled sash when browsing the website.
We use Polyester (recycled and non-recycled) yarn for our marl styles.
It’s benefits include:
- Super soft and comfortable next to the skin
- Four way stretch for a supportive fit
- Sweat wicking and quick drying
- ‘Fits like a glove’ quality
- We can knit panels into different areas for breathability and support
There are many elements which go into producing our activewear, to do this we have sourced the best materials and components near to our factory. See the below map of where exactly we source our trims, yarns and packaging!
At our factory’s dye house, an environmentally friendly water processing unit has been installed to reduce the environmental impact of dying. This filter effectively removes all the dye from the water when it goes back into the the water system, essential to avoid pollution to the surrounding area. Some of the water is also re-used within the process, a more efficient and effective system.
The skilled team at the factory work hard to ensure the Jilla pieces are made with great care and attention to detail. At every stage of the process the garments are checked for quality- after knitting the tube, once dyed, and during stitching and finishing. These multiple checks ensure that we are delivering high quality and durable activewear.
