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Air Covered Yarn

Air covered yarn, also known as air-jet covered yarn, is a type of yarn that is produced by combining two or more different types of yarn using an air-jet covering process. It involves wrapping a filament or spun yarn around a core yarn using high-pressure air.

The air covering process starts by feeding the core yarn and the covering yarn(s) into a nozzle. The high-pressure air jet forces the covering yarn(s) to wrap around the core yarn, creating a covered yarn with a smooth and uniform appearance.

The core yarn provides the strength and structure, while the covering yarn(s) add desired characteristics such as softness, stretch, or texture. The covering yarn(s) can be made of different materials, such as polyester, nylon, or spandex, depending on the desired properties of the final yarn.

Air covered yarn is widely used in the textile industry for various applications. It is commonly used in the production of stretchable fabrics, such as sportswear, swimwear, and lingerie, where elasticity and comfort are important. It can also be used in the production of textured or fancy yarns, adding visual interest and unique effects to fabrics.

The advantages of air covered yarn include improved elasticity, enhanced texture, and reduced pilling. It offers versatility in terms of combining different yarn types and materials to achieve specific performance and aesthetic characteristics. Additionally, air covered yarn can be further processed, such as dyeing or finishing, to meet specific requirements of the end product.

Overall, air covered yarn is a popular choice for manufacturers looking to enhance the properties and appearance of their textile products by combining different yarns in a single yarn structure.


Crafted using advanced technology, our Air Covered Yarn encapsulates elastane with a protective layer of synthetic fibers, resulting in a yarn that offers exceptional stretch and recovery properties without compromising on durability. The air covering process not only enhances the yarn's physical attributes but also contributes to a smoother, softer feel, making it ideal for close-to-skin applications. Perfect for a wide range of uses from high-performance sportswear to elegant fashion garments, this versatile yarn adapts to your every move while maintaining its shape and integrity over time. Its superior breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities ensure comfort during even the most intense activities or climates. Available in a variety of deniers and colors, our Air Covered Yarn allows designers and manufacturers to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. Whether you're creating activewear that withstands rigorous workouts or fashion pieces that blend style with comfort, this yarn provides the foundation for textiles that meet the demands of modern lifestyles.

Overview


Air‑covered yarn (ACY) pairs a polyester or nylon sheath with a spandex core to deliver smooth elasticity and stable stretch. Longtai, based in Zhuji, Zhejiang, manufactures counts for socks, hosiery, circular knitting, seamless underwear, activewear, and medical textiles. Options include polyester/spandex and nylon/spandex in raw white, solution‑dyed black, and custom colors.


How it’s made and why it matters


An air‑jet entangles the filament sheath with the elastic core, without traditional twisting. This creates a uniform, low‑hairiness surface and predictable rebound. The yarn offers a soft handfeel, stable elongation, and efficient knitting on high‑speed machines.


ACY vs RCY


Compared with rubber‑covered yarn (RCY), ACY feels softer, breathes better, and adds less bulk. It suits daily‑wear socks and fine‑gauge hosiery. RCY, including polyester rubber‑covered versions, is used where higher modulus and a tighter grip are required. Longtai supplies both to meet performance and budget targets.


Materials and key benefits



  • Polyester + spandex: dimensional stability, quick drying, and cost efficiency for casual and sports socks.

  • Nylon + spandex: softer touch and high abrasion resistance for premium hosiery and smooth compression zones.


Shared benefits include consistent stretch, resilient recovery, and improved pilling resistance. Controlled dye uptake supports uniform shades across batches.


Specifications and variants



  • Common pairings: polyester DTY 75D/36F + spandex 20D; polyester 150D + spandex 40D; nylon 70D + spandex 20D; nylon 140D + spandex 40D.

  • Spandex denier range: typically 20D–70D. Covering tension and heat setting can be tuned to target elongation and modulus.

  • Colors and winding: raw white, solution‑dyed black, and customized shades. Winding options support high‑speed knitting. Standard cones and protective palletization are available.


Applications



  • Socks and hosiery: used in cuffs, legs, foot sections, and support bands to improve fit and shape retention.

  • Seamless underwear and activewear: smooth stretch with dependable rebound and wearer comfort.

  • Circular and flat knitting: stable runnability, consistent stitches, and reduced needle wear.


Customization and sampling


Engineers can adjust denier combinations, sheath material, spandex content, and finishing to match your machine gauge and fabric targets. Trials and rapid samples help confirm handfeel, recovery, and productivity before scale‑up.


Manufacturing capability and quality


Production is located in Datang Town, Zhuji City, Zhejiang. Modern covering, winding, and conditioning lines are operated by experienced technicians. In‑line checks and batch tests monitor elongation, evenness, strength, and color fastness. Traceable packaging supports consistent quality from sample to mass production.


Yarn‑to‑machine alignment


Guidance is available on yarn specs, machine gauge, and process settings to shorten start‑ups and reduce interruptions. Longtai also supplies socks‑manufacturing machinery to align yarn parameters with equipment from the outset.


Service and delivery


Support is available around the clock, with a digital showroom for capability demonstrations. We ship to Germany and Italy; Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka; Turkey and Myanmar; and Australia. We also serve Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and parts of Africa. Lead times are clear, and supply is steady.


Selection guide



  • By application and gauge: fine‑gauge hosiery often uses nylon 70D + spandex 20D. Casual socks commonly use polyester 75D–150D + spandex 20D–40D.

  • By handfeel and stretch: choose nylon for softness and polyester for robustness. Increase spandex denier for more support.


Share your machine gauge and fabric goals for a precise recommendation.


Packaging, MOQ, and ordering


Standard cone sizes and robust palletization protect yarn in transit and storage. Flexible MOQs support development runs and volume production. Color cards and small‑lot samples help validate shade and performance on your machines. Contact us to request a quote or arrange a trial.

Zhuji Longtai Import & Export Co., Ltd. is situated in Datang Town, Zhuji City, Zhejiang Province, China. The company's supply chain is equipped with advanced and
comprehensive production equipment as well as a highly skilled team of professionals.

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