Different types of jersey fabric can suit different needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight, breathable option, or something sturdier and more durable, understanding the different types of jersey fabric is essential. From single jersey to interlock and ribbed jersey fabrics, each style has unique properties that make it suitable for different types of garments and applications.
Let’s explore the Different types of jersey fabric and take a deep dive into the qualities and uses of some of its standout types.
There are different types of jersey knitwear, all of which have different characteristics. The fabric can make or break your design. Therefore, it is very important to choose the right jersey knit when making a design. But first, let us understand what jersey knit is.
What Is a Jersey Fabric?
Jersey fabric is a type of knit fabric that is widely used in the garment industry. It is characterized by its unique knit construction, which creates a smooth and stretchy texture. Jersey fabric is made using a circular knitting machine that produces a series of interlocking loops, resulting in a single layer of fabric.
Jersey fabric is commonly made from cotton or a blend of cotton with synthetic fibers such as polyester or rayon. It can also be made from other materials like wool or silk. The fabric is known for its excellent drape, softness, and comfort.
Different Types of Jersey Fabric
Here is a detailed overview of different types of jersey fabric:
Single Jersey
Single jersey is a type of knit fabric that is lightweight, soft, and has a smooth surface. It is made using a single set of needles on a knitting machine, resulting in one set of interlocking loops. This creates a fabric with fine vertical ribs on one side and smooth horizontal lines on the other side. Single jersey fabric has good stretch and recovery properties, making it suitable for comfortable clothing items like t-shirts, underwear, dresses, and activewear. It is commonly used in the fashion industry due to its versatility and affordability.
Double Jersey (Interlock)
Double jersey is a type of knit fabric that is created using two sets of needles on a knitting machine, resulting in a double-layered fabric with interlocking loops on both sides. This construction produces a thicker and more stable fabric compared to single jersey. Double jersey fabrics are often used for heavier garments such as sweatshirts, hoodies, and winter clothing due to their warmth and durability.
While single jersey is lightweight and has only one set of interlocking loops creating it, double jersey is heavier and contains two sets of interlocking loops—resulting in greater thickness and stability.
Ribbed Jersey
Ribbed jersey features prominent vertical lines or ribs on its surface. It provides a textured appearance, increased elasticity, and tends to have more body to the fabric. Ribbed jersey is often used for cuffs, collars, waistbands, and other areas requiring elasticity and structure.
These raised ribs are created using a special knitting technique that gives the fabric a distinctive textured appearance and a stretchy quality. Ribbed jersey is often used for making comfortable and form-fitting clothing items such as t-shirts, dresses, and activewear. It is known for its flexibility, breathability, and ability to conform to the body’s shape.
Hacci Jersey
Hacci jersey is a type of knit fabric that is known for its unique texture and exceptional drape. It is made from a blend of fibers, typically including cotton, polyester, and sometimes rayon or spandex.
The term “hacci” refers to the knitting technique used to create this fabric. It involves brushing the surface of the fabric to create a slight fuzzy texture. This brushing process contributes to the softness and comfort of hacci jersey.
Hacci jersey is lightweight and breathable, making it ideal for garments that require a relaxed and comfortable fit. It has excellent drape, which means it falls gracefully and flows loosely when draped over the body. This quality makes hacci jersey a popular choice for tops, cardigans, dresses, and other garments where movement and flow are desired.
Overall, hacci jersey is beloved for its softness, comfort, exceptional drape, and versatility. It is a go-to fabric choice for creating cozy, yet stylish garments that offer both a relaxed and fashionable look.
Ponte Jersey
Ponte jersey, also called ponte di roma, is a double knit fabric that offers a firm and stable structure. It has a more substantial weight compared to other jersey fabrics, making it suitable for garments that require structure, such as tailored dresses, skirts, and pants.
Ponte jersey is typically made from a combination of polyester, rayon, and spandex fibers, which give it its characteristic stretch and recovery properties. The fabric has a smooth and slightly textured surface with a subtle sheen. It is known for its excellent drape and resistance to wrinkles, making it a popular choice for structured garments.
Due to its weight and stability, ponte jersey is often used in garments that require structure and shape retention. It is commonly used for dresses, skirts, pants, jackets, and other tailored or fitted clothing items. Ponte jersey offers a comfortable stretch, allowing for ease of movement while maintaining a polished and professional appearance.
Cotton Jersey
Cotton jersey is made from 100% cotton fibers, providing excellent breathability and natural comfort. It is a popular choice for everyday casual wear, including T-shirts, skirts, and lightweight dresses.
One of the main advantages of cotton jersey is its natural breathability. Cotton fibers have good moisture-wicking properties, meaning they can effectively absorb and release moisture, keeping the wearer cool and comfortable. This makes cotton jersey ideal for warm weather clothing items like T-shirts, tank tops, dresses, and lightweight activewear.
Cotton jersey is a popular fabric choice for casual and everyday wear due to its softness, breathability, comfort, and easy-care qualities. It offers a natural and sustainable option for those seeking a fabric that feels great against the skin.
Polyester Jersey
Polyester jersey is a type of fabric that is made from polyester fibers. It is a knitted fabric with a smooth and stretchy texture, similar to the feel of traditional cotton jersey. Polyester jersey can be either single or double knit, but it is most commonly single knit.
This type of fabric is widely used in athletic wear such as sportswear, activewear, and jerseys for various sports. It provides excellent breathability and flexibility during physical activities due to its lightweight nature and stretchiness.
Polyester jersey can come in various weights and finishes depending on the desired application. It can be found in different colors, patterns, prints, or even mimic textures like mesh or ribbed knit. Overall, polyester jersey offers comfortability alongside practicality for a range of clothing items.
Bamboo Jersey
Bamboo jersey is a type of fabric made from bamboo fibers. It is a soft, lightweight, and breathable material that has gained popularity in the clothing industry. Bamboo jersey is known for its luxurious feel and comfort, making it suitable for a wide range of garments.
The fabric is naturally moisture-wicking and hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Additionally, bamboo jersey has antibacterial properties, which help to keep the fabric fresh and odor-free.
Bamboo jersey can be used to create various types of clothing such as t-shirts, dresses, loungewear, activewear, and undergarments. Its soft drape and smooth texture make it comfortable to wear against the skin.
Bamboo jersey is a sustainable and eco-friendly fabric made from bamboo fibers. It offers silky softness, natural antimicrobial properties, and breathability. Bamboo jersey is often used in sportswear, Tracksuit, and underwear.
Modal Jersey
Modal jersey is a type of fabric made from modal fibers, a type of cellulose fiber derived from beech trees. It is known for its softness, smooth texture, and drape. Modal jersey fabric is often used in clothing due to its luxurious feel and comfortable wear.
Modal jersey has excellent moisture-wicking properties, making it breathable and ideal for activewear, loungewear, and garments worn in warm weather. The fabric also has good color retention and drapes well, making it suitable for creating flowing garments such as dresses or tops.
Additionally, modal fibers are known to be environmentally friendly as they are derived from renewable wood sources. Modal jersey is often combined with other materials such as cotton or spandex to enhance its stretch and resilience.
Organic Jersey
Organic jersey fabric is made from organic cotton or other natural fibers grown without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers. It offers the same qualities as traditional jersey fabrics, while also being environmentally friendly and safe for sensitive skin.
Organic jersey is commonly used in a wide range of clothing items including t-shirts, dresses, leggings, and children’s clothing due to its natural properties and eco-friendly production methods.
These are some of the different types of jersey fabric available in the market, each offering unique properties and catering to various garment requirements and preferences.
How to care for Jersey fabric？
To care for Jersey fabric, follow these steps: gentle wash (either machine gentle cycle or hand wash), use mild detergent, stay away from bleach, sort laundry carefully to avoid snags, dry properly (air dry or with low heat in dryer), iron with caution (use low heat and iron on reverse if possible), and store neatly in a clean and dry place. For instance, with a Jersey T-shirt, use a laundry bag for gentle washing and mild detergent, smooth it after drying, and be gentle when ironing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the different types of Jersey fabric is essential for making informed choices in various applications. From the classic single Jersey to the more complex interlock and rib knits, each type offers unique characteristics and benefits. Whether for apparel, home textiles, or other uses, knowing the properties and suitability of these fabrics allows for better design and functionality. It enables us to select the right Jersey fabric that meets our specific needs in terms of comfort, durability, stretch, and aesthetic appeal.
By being aware of the diverse range of Jersey fabrics available, we can explore endless creative possibilities and ensure optimal performance in our projects.
