Jersey is knit fabric that is stretchy, lightweight, and soft. It is used in various clothing products like dresses, t-shirts, tank-tops, and sports clothing. Wool was the most common fabric to make jersey material in the past. However, today we see cotton and synthetic jersey clothing products more due to the innovation and evolution in garments.
This material has iconic uses in the fashion garment industry because many trendy products like underwear and jersey shirts are made with this material. Due to having admirable properties and style, fashion lovers buy jersey garments to elevate their appearance and fashion sense.
Also, there are various types of jersey fabric that I have discussed in the blog for you. In fact, this blog is a complete guide, so you know everything important about this fabric.
History of Jersey Fabric
The origin of jersey fabric goes back to the middle ages, when it was first invented in Jersey, Channel Islands. This is why we call it Jersey fabric today. This fabric was originally made for only men, as the clothing products were sweaters and underwear for fishermen.
In 1916, the French fashion designer Gabrielle Bonheur, AKA Coco Chanel, introduced coats and dresses made of this fabric and revolutionized the women’s fashion market.
Types of Jersey Fabric?
Here are the different types of jersey fabric:
1. Single Jersey
A single jersey is defined as jersey-knit material with a weight less than 140 g per square meter. It consists of a thin knit material sheet.
This fabric is recognized by the V-pattern that is only on its front side. Moreover, it has one pole side and one flat side, an easy way to recognize it. This fabric is thinner than double or interlock jersey fabrics.
2. Double Jersey
Double jersey is also called interlock jersey. The reason it is called interlock or double is because of the two sheets of jersey fabric attached with the piled sides.
You can see the V-pattern on both sides of the fabric, making it double and recognizable. This fabric is flat and soft on both sides due to the two layers. Also, the duplicity of fabric makes it very durable.
3. Jacquard
Jacquard jersey material is quite special since the manufacturing companies use industrial knitting machines to make designs like brocade-like patterns on this fabric. It can have a range of simple and complex designs, depending on the type of product.
4. Stretch Jersey
As the name suggests, the material is stretchy. The reason for it to be flexible is the use of different fabric material blends like wool, polyester, and spandex.
5. Clocqué jersey
Clocqué is French for “blister or rankle”. Manufacturers create clocqué jerseys using knitting machines. In doing so, they give this material a raised or puckered texture.
6. Slub jersey
Slub jersey fabric is woven with yarn, giving it an irregular slup yar and textured pattern. The V-pattern is on the front side.
Significant Uses and Applications of Jersey Fabric
Jersey material is one of the very popular fabrics in the garment industry. It is used in various clothing products.
Tank Tops and T-shirts
Many t-shirts and tank tops are made with knit fabric like jersey, making them stretchy and durable. For example, the sports t-shirts that withstand rough and tough stretching are made with jersey fabric.
Sweatpants and Sweatshirts
The winterwear, sweatshirts, and sweat pants are manufactured using jersey material to make them absorbent, durable, stretchy, and comfortable.
Athleisure and Sportswear
Jersey is one of the finest materials to make athletic and sportswear clothing due to its flexibility and absorbancy. However, there is a misconception that jersey uniforms are made with jersey fabric.
They are called jerseys because they were originally made with this material. Today, there are many other fabrics that provide promising outcomes in making athletic uniforms.
Underwear
Strech and absorbancy are the two prime characteristics that make jerseys a fine choice for undergarments. Many underwear products are made with this material just to keep them flexible and highly comfortable.
Bedsheets
Since jersey is a very soft material, it is also used to make bedsheets.
Characteristics of Jersey Fabric
Jersey fabric is known for its many characteristics.
Softness
Jersey fabric is very soft since it is made with soft-textured materials.
Stretchability
The knitted structure of jersey material makes it stretchy, as it incorporates spandex. The knit-spandex combination makes it a fine choice for athletic clothing as well as daily wear.
Lightweight
Jersey is a lightweight material with 0 to 74 GSM, more than many other fabrics. The single-jersey variety is especially thin.
Breathability
Is jersey knit breathable? People ask this question quite often. The answer is yes. Jersey fabric is very breathable because it is made with interlocking loops of yarn that allow air to pass through easily.
Temperature Regulation
As jersey has multiple characteristics and properties like air regulation and sweat absorbing, it regulates the temperature of the body, which is very helpful for athletes. The reason is it keeps the body cool during high-impact activities.
Moisture Wicking
Spandex and polyester are two materials that are often used in the construction of jerseys. Both of these fabrics are moisture-wicking. They help clothes to absorb the sweat and keep the body dry.
Opaque
The knitted composition of jersey makes it opaque due to the fibers being extremely close, disallowing light to pass through.
Materials Used in Jersey Fabric
A variety of materials are used in the composition of jersey fabric.
Organic Cotton
Cotton is the most common material that is used to make jersey fabric. It gives jersey a soft texture, comfortable feel, brethability, and class.
Cotton-jersey material is used in making dresses, underwear, t-shirts, and kids clothing. Also, cotton is an eco-friendly material, which is highly beneficial in keeping the environment from any damages.
Cotton and Spandex
A blend of cotton and spandex or lycra makes jersey flexible and durable. This fabric then becomes suitable for athletic apparel.
Polyester
Polyester jersey fabric is excellent in terms of durability and ease of care.
Bamboo
Bamboo jersey material is known for making this material drapey and soft. It is used in clothing products like jersey tops and cardigans. Bamboo jersey fabric is also eco-friendly, keeping the environment clean.
French Terry
French Terry jerseys are heavier than other blends. But they offer a soft yarn pile on the back side.
Nylon-Spandex
The nylon-spandex jersey blend is ideal for making swimwear and activewear due to providing moisture-wicking and flexibility traits.
Natural Vs Synthetic Fabrics
Natural fabrics like bamboo and cotton are more eco-friendly and breathable. However, synthetic materials like polyester and spendex add durability, stretchability, and strength to withstand rough use.
Jersey Knit vs Woven Fabrics
People tend to get confused between jersey knit and woven fabrics. Let’s give you some key differences to make an informed decision.
Texture
Knit fabric is clingy, whereas the woven fabric has a tight and smooth texture.
Practical Uses
Knit fabric is commonly used in sweatpants, t-shirts, and sweaters. Woven fabric is more practical for down jackets, shirts, jeans, and suits.
Care and Maintenance
Knit fabric is rather tough to care for. Woven fabric resists wrinkles and is comparatively easier to maintain.
Durability
Knit fabric is less durable than woven fabric due to composition and construction.
Stretchabillity
The stretchability of knit fabric is more considerable since it can stretch in all directions and maintain its shape. Woven fabric only stretches diagonally and lacks shape retention.
Read more about 21 types of knitted fabric.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Jersey Fabric
Pros
- Jersey fabric moves perfectly due to the elasticity and fits perfectly.
- Jersey material doesn’t shrink easily.
- The soft and smooth texture feels amazing on the skin.
- It is both hand- and machine-washable. Ergo, it is easy to wash.
Cons
- High-temperature washing can ruin it.
- Moisture doesn’t dry quickly.
Care Instructions for Jersey Fabric
Taking care of jersey fabric is relatively easy. Just make sure you know the fibers accurately since this knowledge is necessary in maintaining this fabric.
- Cotton shrinks easily, so prewash your material before sewing.
- Use cool water to wash it.
- Machine dry jersey fabric with minimum heat.
Comparison to Other Fabrics with Jersey
Jersey Fabric vs. Cotton:
Jersey material is perfect for sportswear and t-shirts that require stretch capacity. Woven cotton, on the other hand, is better suitable for clothes that require shape. For instance, dresses and button downs.
Jersey Fabric vs. Linen:
Linen is an ideal choice for formal clothing, along with hot and humid weather conditions, due to its amazing crisp feel and breathability. Jersey is far better for casual wear or everyday wear due to its softness, stretchiness, and wrinkle resistance.
Jersey Fabric vs. Polyester:
Polyester is an outstanding choice for sportswear and outdoor clothing due to its durability and wrinkle resistance. However, it is not as comfortable as jersey fabric, as jersey offers optimal comfort.
You can make a better choice by looking at the facts and comparisons. Jersey is an unquestionable option when it comes to comfortable clothing like loungewear and casual wear. However, it may not suit well as formalwear or high-impact workout clothes.
Where to Get Jersey Fabric Garments?
This section is for everyone who wishes to know or get jersey-made and other materials-made custom clothes. To get the best clothes, you need the best custom clothing manufacturer that can create anything out of scratch for you.
Since we have talked about jersey fabric, polyester, lycra, and other materials too, it would be just fair to guide you on how you can get sports apparel according to your desires.
You need the leading sportswear manufacturer that can create phenomenal activewear, sportswear, and workout clothes. It is always better to explore your options. So make your mind by finding the top suppliers with top-class manufacturing expertise.
Conclusion
Jersey fabric is a knit material used in several clothing kinds. It has practical uses. It has certain advantages and disadvantages too. There are different types of jersey fabric.
Also, there are certain ways to care for and maintain this fabric. Luckily, this blog is all you need to know everything about jersey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does jersey knit mean?
Jersey knit means a fabric, jersey material, made with a single-needle knitting process to make the material soft, smooth, and flexible.
How do I identify jersey fabric?
Check for softness, stretchability, looped back, and soft front.
Why is a jersey used in T-shirts?
Because it is stretchable, breathable, and comfortable, which are all the properties of a fine t-shirt.
Is jersey fabric suitable for summer?
Yes, it is lightweight, breathable, and comfortable. Hence, a good choice for warm weather.
