This paper reports an investigation into the effect of fabric substrates and coating materials on the electrical and mechanical performance of printed antennas. Inductively coupled antennas were printed on fabrics using silver ink. To assure printability and protection, a printing structure was configured, consisting of surface coating, conductive printing, and protective coating. In order to simulate a realistic situation, three fabric substrates (denim, broadcloth, and single jersey) were selected from woven and knit fabrics for everyday wear. Three coating materials (acrylic, polyurethane, and silicone) were chosen from conventional conformal coating materials for printed circuit boards. Experimental results verified that fabric substrates can be selected to fit specific end-use application since it is shown that antenna performance was not significantly affected. Silicone coating is suggested to support antenna performance since this gave the least impairment in the fabrics as mechanical performance.