Complete Guide to Knitted Fabric Types: Properties and Applications

Knitted fabrics dominate the activewear, sportswear, and casual clothing markets due to their inherent stretch, comfort, and versatility. Unlike woven fabrics that interlace threads at right angles, knitted fabrics loop yarns together, creating a flexible structure that moves with the body.

What Makes Knitted Fabrics Different?

Knitted fabrics offer several key advantages over woven alternatives:

• Natural stretch - The loop structure provides elasticity even without spandex
• Breathability - Open loop construction allows air circulation
• Comfort - Soft hand feel and excellent drape
• Efficient production - Computerized knitting machines reduce waste
• Versatility - Can create complex textures and patterns in one step

The global knitted fabric market is projected to reach $285 billion by 2027, driven primarily by activewear and athleisure demand.

Major Knitted Fabric Categories

1. Jersey (Single Knit)

Jersey is the most common and versatile knitted fabric, featuring a smooth face and slightly textured back.

Key Properties:

• Moderate stretch (primarily horizontal, 25-40% depending on composition)
• Soft, comfortable hand feel
• Tendency to curl at cut edges
• Good drape and flow
• Lightweight to medium weight (120-220gsm typical)

Common Applications:

• T-shirts and casual tops
• Lightweight activewear
• Underwear and loungewear
• Lining fabrics
• Dresses and skirts

Fiber Variations:

• 100% Cotton Jersey - Natural, breathable, prone to shrinking
• Polyester Jersey - Moisture-wicking, quick-dry, wrinkle-resistant
• Cotton/Poly Blends - Balances comfort and performance
• Jersey with Spandex - Enhanced stretch and recovery

Huada Creation Products: Our HD7928 cotton-like spandex jersey (170gsm, 95% Polyester / 5% Spandex) offers superior softness with excellent recovery, perfect for everyday activewear and casual tops.

2. Pique (Polo Knit)

Pique fabrics feature a distinctive textured surface with raised geometric patterns, traditionally used in polo shirts. The structure creates small air pockets between the fabric and skin.

Key Properties:

• Excellent breathability (20-30% better than flat jersey)
• Textured surface prevents clinging when wet
• Professional, structured appearance
• Superior durability vs single knits
• Resistant to pilling and abrasion

Pattern Variations:

• Bird's Eye Pique - Small diamond dots
• Honeycomb Pique - Hexagonal texture
• Waffle Pique - Square grid pattern

Weight Categories:

• Lightweight: 180-210gsm (summer polo shirts, athletic wear)
• Medium: 220-280gsm (year-round wear, corporate uniforms)
• Heavy: 300+gsm (school uniforms, workwear, durability-focused)

Common Applications:

• Polo shirts and golf apparel
• School uniforms (heavy weight)
• Corporate casual wear
• Tennis and court sports clothing
• Athleisure tops

Huada Creation Pique Products:

• HD8067 - Cotton-like Pique (300gsm, 100% Polyester) - Heavy-duty for school uniforms
• HD8137 - Double Yarn Pique (180-210gsm, 100% Polyester) - Lightweight summer option
• HD8153 - Tencel Pique (190-210gsm, 100% Polyester) - Premium soft hand feel
• HD8299-1 - Cloud-feel Pique (200gsm, 100% Polyester) - Ultra-soft texture
• HD8087 - Single Hole Pique (220gsm, 100% Polyester) - Quick-dry performance

3. Mesh Fabrics

Mesh knits feature an open structure with deliberate holes or spaces, maximizing airflow and moisture evaporation. Essential for high-performance sportswear.

Types of Mesh:

• Bird's Eye Mesh - Small diamond-pattern holes, balanced durability and breathability
• Eyelet Mesh - Larger decorative holes, maximum ventilation
• Power Mesh - Very open structure, used for compression and shaping
• Athletic Mesh - Dense small holes, durable for team sports

Key Properties:

• Maximum breathability (CFM ratings 3-5x higher than solid knits)
• Rapid moisture evaporation
• Very lightweight (typically 100-150gsm)
• Quick-drying (50-70% faster than jersey)
• May require lining for opacity in some applications

Common Applications:

• Running and training apparel
• Sports jerseys and team uniforms
• Activewear ventilation panels
• Athletic shoes (upper construction)
• Gym bags and sports equipment

Huada Creation Mesh Products:

• HD8001 - Bird's Eye Mesh (135gsm, 100% Polyester) - Distinctive diamond pattern, excellent breathability
• HD6850 - Eyelet Mesh (170gsm, 92% Polyester / 8% Spandex) - 4-way stretch with decorative holes
• HD8306 - Matte Small Mesh (150gsm, 100% Polyester) - Quick-dry with subtle matte finish

4. Interlock

Interlock is a double-knit fabric with identical smooth appearance on both sides, creating a thicker, more stable structure than jersey.

Key Properties:

• No curling edges (major advantage over jersey)
• Excellent shape retention and recovery
• Smooth on both sides (reversible)
• Moderate stretch in both directions
• Good opacity even in lighter weights
• Dimensional stability (minimal shrinkage)

Common Applications:

• Premium T-shirts and polo shirts
• Baby clothing and children's wear
• Dresses and skirts
• Activewear base layers
• Medical scrubs and uniforms

Weight Range: Typically 180-260gsm, providing substance without excessive weight.

5. Rib Knit

Rib knits feature pronounced vertical ridges created by alternating knit and purl stitches, offering exceptional crosswise stretch.

Key Properties:

• Excellent horizontal stretch (up to 100% or more)
• Strong recovery (snaps back to original shape)
• Textured vertical ridge surface
• Form-fitting and body-hugging
• Good thickness and warmth for weight

Rib Variations:

• 1x1 Rib - Finest, most flexible
• 2x2 Rib - Moderate stretch, popular for cuffs
• 2x1 Rib - Asymmetric, specific drape characteristics

Common Applications:

• Cuffs, collars, and waistbands (ribbed trim)
• Form-fitting garments and bodysuits
• Ribbed tank tops and fitted tees
• Necklines and sleeve hems
• Leggings and fitted athletic wear

Huada Creation Products: HD8357 Rib Fabric (160gsm, 100% Polyester) - Lightweight with excellent stretch recovery.

6. Fleece and Terry

These fabrics feature loops or pile on one or both sides, providing warmth, softness, and absorbency.

Fleece Types:

• Polar Fleece - Brushed on both sides, maximum warmth
• Anti-pill Fleece - Treated surface resists pilling
• French Terry - Looped inside, smooth outside
• Sherpa Fleece - Thick, textured pile mimicking wool

Terry Types:

• Terry Cloth - Absorbent loops on both sides
• Terry Velour - Looped back, sheared front
• French Terry - Smooth face, looped back

Key Properties:

• Excellent insulation and warmth
• Soft, comfortable hand feel
• Moisture-absorbent (terry)
• Warm without excessive weight (fleece)
• Brushed surfaces trap air for insulation

Common Applications:

• Hoodies and sweatshirts
• Athletic warmup wear and track suits
• Loungewear and pajamas
• Winter activewear and base layers
• Towels and bathrobes (terry)

Huada Creation Fleece & Terry Products:

• HD7916 - Terry Cloth (190-320gsm, 100% Polyester) - Four weight options
• HD7978a - Cotton-like Fleece (260-320gsm, 100% Polyester) - Warm and soft
• HD8066 - Okinawa Sweatshirt (180-280gsm, 100% Polyester) - Versatile weight range
• HD8331A - Dazzling Fleece (320gsm, 100% Polyester) - Colorful polar fleece
• HD8375 - Twill Fleece (330gsm, 100% Polyester) - Textured surface fleece

7. Jacquard Knits

Jacquard knitting creates intricate patterns and textures woven directly into the fabric structure during knitting, not printed afterward.

Key Properties:

• Complex multi-color patterns possible
• Textured, dimensional surface
• Often reversible with inverse pattern on back
• Premium appearance and hand feel
• Durable pattern (won't wash out or fade like prints)

Common Applications:

• Fashion activewear with decorative elements
• Premium casualwear
• Decorative panels in garments
• High-end sportswear collections
• Sweaters and cardigans

Huada Creation Products: HD8210 Polyester Spandex Jacquard (160gsm, 92% Polyester / 8% Spandex) - Lightweight with elegant woven patterns and stretch.

8. Textured/Specialty Knits

These fabrics feature unique surface textures created through specialized knitting techniques and stitch variations.

Popular Textures:

• Waffle Knit - Honeycomb 3D texture, excellent breathability
• Ottoman Rib - Prominent horizontal ridges
• Diamond Knit - Raised diamond geometric patterns
• Grid Patterns - Various geometric surface textures
• Twill Knit - Diagonal texture similar to woven twill

Huada Creation Textured Products:

• HD8008 - Cotton-like Waffle (200-280gsm, 100% Polyester) - Three weights available
• HD7901 - Great Wall Grid (160gsm, 92% Polyester / 8% Spandex) - Distinctive pattern
• HD7906 - Four-way Grid (150gsm, 92% Polyester / 8% Spandex) - Lightweight stretch
• HD8108 - Four-way Grid with Spandex (240-280gsm, 95% Polyester / 5% Spandex) - Heavier weight
• HD8317 - Crystal Grid (165gsm, 100% Polyester) - Lightweight geometric texture
• HD8319 - Twill Grid (260gsm, 100% Polyester) - Durable diagonal texture
• HD8052 - Large Twill (260-310gsm, 100% Polyester) - Bold twill pattern
• HD8058 - Small Twill (220-260gsm, 100% Polyester) - Subtle twill texture

Fabric Weight Guide (GSM)

GSM (grams per square meter) indicates fabric weight and directly impacts performance, drape, and application suitability:

Selection Tips:

• Summer/Hot Climate: 120-170gsm
• Year-round Versatile: 180-220gsm
• Cool Weather: 240-280gsm
• Winter/Cold Climate: 300+gsm

Fiber Content and Performance

100% Polyester

Advantages:

• Excellent moisture-wicking properties
• Quick-drying (2-3x faster than cotton)
• Durable and long-lasting
• Wrinkle-resistant and easy care
• Color-fast (minimal fading)
• Cost-effective

Disadvantages:

• Can retain odors more than natural fibers
• Less soft than cotton initially (though modern polyesters are very soft)
• Not biodegradable

Best For: Performance sportswear, school uniforms, corporate wear, any high-use application

Polyester/Spandex (Elastane) Blends

Common Ratios and Uses:

• 95/5 or 92/8 - Standard stretch for everyday activewear, maintains shape
• 90/10 - Enhanced stretch for fitted athletic wear
• 86/14 or 84/16 - High stretch for yoga, dance, gymnastics
• 80/20 - Maximum stretch for compression wear and performance leggings

Key Benefits:

• 4-way stretch (horizontal and vertical)
• Shape retention after stretching
• Improved fit and comfort
• Better recovery than 100% polyester

Nylon/Spandex Blends

Typical Ratio: 80/20 or 75/25

Advantages vs Polyester:

• Softer, more luxurious hand feel
• Slightly better abrasion resistance
• Smoother surface (better for printing)
• Premium market positioning

Disadvantages:

• Higher cost (20-30% more than polyester)
• Slightly less chlorine resistant (pool wear consideration)

Best For: Premium yoga wear, high-end leggings, luxury activewear

Huada Creation Example: HD8578 Lycra Yoga Fabric (210gsm, 80% Nylon / 20% Spandex) - Premium soft feel with excellent stretch.

Cotton-like Polyester

Modified polyester fibers engineered to feel like cotton while maintaining performance benefits.

Benefits:

• Soft cotton-like hand feel
• Polyester performance (moisture-wicking, quick-dry)
• No cotton drawbacks (shrinking, slow drying)
• Popular in Asian markets

Huada Creation Products:

• HD7887 Cotton-like Fish Scale (180gsm)
• HD7928 Cotton-like Jersey (170gsm)
• HD7978a Cotton-like Fleece (260-320gsm)
• HD8067 Cotton-like Pique (300gsm)

Choosing the Right Knitted Fabric by Application

For Running & High-Intensity Sports

Priorities: Maximum breathability, moisture-wicking, lightweight, quick-dry

Recommended Fabrics:

• Mesh fabrics: HD8001 (135gsm), HD8306 (150gsm)
• Lightweight jersey with moisture-wicking
• Eyelet fabrics: HD6850 (170gsm)

Avoid: Heavy fabrics, 100% cotton, non-wicking materials

For Yoga & Pilates

Priorities: 4-way stretch, opacity, soft feel, shape retention

Recommended Fabrics:

• 4-way stretch with 10-20% spandex
• Medium weight for opacity (200-240gsm)
• Soft hand feel: HD8039 Milk Silk (180gsm), HD8578 Lycra Yoga (210gsm)
• High recovery fabrics

Avoid: Thin fabrics (<180gsm may be sheer), low-stretch options

For Casual Leisure Wear

Priorities: Comfort, soft feel, versatile appearance, easy care

Recommended Fabrics:

• Jersey and pique knits
• Cotton-like polyester: HD7928 (170gsm), HD7887 (180gsm)
• Medium weights: 180-220gsm

Avoid: Technical-looking mesh, overly athletic aesthetics

For School Uniforms & Workwear

Priorities: Durability, professional appearance, easy care, value

Recommended Fabrics:

• Heavy pique: HD8067 (300gsm), HD8076 (300gsm)
• Medium to heavy weights: 260-300gsm
• 100% polyester for easy care

Avoid: Lightweight fabrics, high spandex content (loses structure)

For Winter & Cold Weather

Priorities: Warmth, insulation, comfort, moisture management

Recommended Fabrics:

• Fleece: HD7978a (260-320gsm), HD8331A (320gsm), HD8375 (330gsm)
• Sweatshirt knits: HD8066 (180-280gsm), HD14328 (200-250gsm)
• Heavy weights: 280-320gsm

Avoid: Thin mesh, lightweight jerseys

Quality Indicators for Knitted Fabrics

When evaluating or sourcing knitted fabrics, assess these critical quality factors:

1. Fabric Weight Consistency

• Weight should be uniform across entire roll (±5% tolerance acceptable)
• Uneven weight indicates machine calibration issues
• Test: Request GSM measurements from multiple roll sections

2. Knit Structure Uniformity

• No dropped stitches, holes, or irregular loops
• Consistent stitch density throughout
• Smooth surface without thick/thin bands
• Visual inspection under good lighting reveals defects

3. Color Fastness

• AATCC Grade 4 or Higher for wash fastness
• AATCC Grade 4 or Higher for crocking (rub fastness)
• No color bleeding when wet
• Minimal color change after laundering
• Request lab test reports from supplier

4. Pilling Resistance

• ASTM D3512 Grade 3.5 or Higher recommended
• Higher grades (4-5) indicate premium quality
• Critical for customer satisfaction
• Test: Request pilling test results for polyester fabrics

5. Stretch and Recovery

• Fabric should return to within 90% of original size after stretching
• Test by stretching 10cm of fabric to maximum, releasing, and measuring
• Poor recovery leads to sagging, baggy garments
• Spandex content improves recovery significantly

6. Dimensional Stability

• Shrinkage <3% after washing (polyester should be <2%)
• Skewing <2% (fabric grain shouldn't twist)
• Request shrinkage test data
• Important for garment fit consistency

7. Fabric Hand Feel

• Consistent softness across roll
• No rough spots or stiff areas
• Appropriate drape for weight
• Subjective but important for end-user satisfaction

Care and Maintenance of Knitted Fabrics

Polyester Knitted Fabrics (Most Huada Products)

Washing:

• Machine wash cold to warm (30-40°C / 85-105°F)
• Use mild detergent
• Avoid fabric softeners - Reduces moisture-wicking performance
• Wash dark colors separately for first 2-3 washes
• Turn garments inside out to protect surface

Drying:

• Tumble dry low heat
• Remove promptly to minimize wrinkles
• Air drying is energy-efficient and extends fabric life
• Avoid high heat (can damage spandex if present)

Ironing:

• Minimal to no ironing typically required
• If needed: Low heat setting, steam optional
• Iron on reverse side to protect surface texture

Stain Treatment:

• Treat stains promptly before washing
• Blot, don't rub (rubbing damages knit structure)
• Avoid chlorine bleach (yellows polyester over time)
• Oxygen-based stain removers safe for polyester

Cotton Knitted Fabrics

Washing:

• Wash in cold water to minimize shrinkage
• Expect 3-5% shrinkage on first wash
• Pre-shrink before cutting/sewing when possible

Drying:

• Tumble dry low or air dry
• Remove while slightly damp to reduce wrinkles
• High heat causes excessive shrinkage

Sustainability Considerations

Recycled Polyester

• Made from post-consumer plastic bottles (PET)
• Reduces petroleum dependency by 50-70%
• Performance equivalent to virgin polyester
• Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certification available
• Increasingly demanded by eco-conscious brands

Production Efficiency

• Knitted fabrics generate 20-30% less waste than cut-and-sew woven fabrics
• Computerized knitting creates near-net-shape pieces
• Fabric scraps can be recycled into new yarns

Chemical Usage

• Modern polyester dyeing uses less water than cotton (40-60% reduction)
• Solution-dyed polyester eliminates dye waste entirely
• Water-based finishing treatments replacing solvent-based options

Huada Creation's Sustainability Initiatives:

• Water consumption reduced 60% through advanced equipment
• Fabric waste recycling program (40% landfill reduction)
• Biodegradable finishing agents where applicable
• Continuous R&D for lower-impact processes

Conclusion

Knitted fabrics offer unmatched versatility for modern apparel manufacturing. Understanding the unique properties of each knit structure—from lightweight mesh to substantial fleece—enables designers and brands to select the optimal fabric for their specific application.

Key Takeaways:

1. Jersey - Versatile, comfortable, cost-effective for everyday wear
2. Pique - Professional appearance, excellent breathability, durable
3. Mesh - Maximum ventilation, essential for performance sportswear
4. Interlock - Premium stability, no-curl edges, elevated quality
5. Rib - Superior stretch, perfect for form-fitting and trim applications
6. Fleece/Terry - Warmth and comfort for cold weather, loungewear
7. Jacquard - Premium aesthetic, woven patterns, high-end appeal
8. Textured Knits - Unique aesthetics, enhanced performance, market differentiation

At Huada Creation, our extensive range spans from ultra-lightweight 120gsm performance mesh to substantial 330gsm fleece, providing solutions for every market segment and application. With over 60 different fabric specifications, consistent quality, and reliable supply chain performance, we partner with brands worldwide to bring their activewear visions to life.

Whether you're developing a technical running collection, comfortable yoga line, durable school uniforms, or fashionable athleisure, the right knitted fabric choice makes all the difference in product performance, customer satisfaction, and brand success.

Related Products:

• HD8001 Bird's Eye Mesh - 135gsm performance mesh
• HD8067 Cotton-like Pique - 300gsm school uniform fabric
• HD7978a Cotton-like Fleece - 260-320gsm winter warmth
• HD8578 Lycra Yoga Fabric - 210gsm premium stretch
• View All Knitted Fabrics