Milliskin is one of those fabrics that once you work with it, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. Our Shiny Milliskin Nylon Spandex is a 76% Nylon / 24% Spandex blend buttery smooth, four-way stretch, and with a gorgeous subtle sheen that photographs beautifully under stage lights and in fashion shoots.
What is Milliskin fabric?
Milliskin is a fine-gauge tricot knit fabric made from nylon and spandex. The name refers to its extremely smooth, skin-like surface — it has a tight, even knit structure that gives it a sleek appearance and an incredibly soft hand feel. The "shiny" version has a slightly lustrous finish on one side that catches light beautifully without being overly flashy.
Our Milliskin is 170 GSM — heavier than cheap nylon fabrics but still lightweight and comfortable against skin. At 62 inches wide, you get excellent coverage for large pattern pieces.
Why sewists and costume designers love Milliskin
The four-way stretch and outstanding recovery are what set Milliskin apart. It stretches in every direction and snaps back to its original shape without bagging or distorting. That means leggings that stay put, bodysuits that hold their silhouette, and costumes that move with the performer without pulling or restricting.
It also doesn't fray when cut, which simplifies construction enormously — raw edges can often be left unfinished on sportswear and intimate garments.
What to make with Milliskin fabric
- Leggings, bike shorts, and athletic wear
- Figure skating and gymnastics costumes
- Dance costumes and performance wear
- Swimwear and rash guards
- Bodysuits, catsuits, and one-pieces
- Lingerie and shapewear
- Cosplay suits and superhero costumes
- Bridal intimates and honeymoon lingerie
Sewing tips for Milliskin nylon spandex
Needle: Always use a ballpoint or stretch needle, size 75/11 or 80/12. A ballpoint needle pushes between fibers instead of piercing them, preventing runs and skipped stitches.
Stitch: Use a narrow zigzag stitch (1.5–2mm width, 2.5mm length) or a serger with a 4-thread overlock. A straight stitch will pop when the fabric stretches.
Thread: Polyester thread has more stretch than cotton and won't break under tension. Match your thread color closely — the smooth surface shows contrast thread clearly.
Handling: Use clips instead of pins through the fabric face to avoid snag marks. Hold the fabric taut (but don't stretch it) as it feeds through the machine.
Care: Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle. Lay flat or hang to dry — never tumble dry, as heat degrades spandex over time.
Available in 22 colors
Our Shiny Milliskin comes in 22 colors ranging from classic Black and White to skin-tone nudes perfect for illusion garments, and bold jewel tones including Royal Blue, Hunter Green, Hot Pink, and Deep Purple. Every color has the same beautiful sheen and buttery hand feel.
Multiple yards are shipped as one continuous piece — no seams in the middle of your project.
Shop Shiny Milliskin Nylon Spandex →
Gala Textile sources premium fabrics from the LA Fashion District. 5% of every purchase is donated to Donate Life America.
