What is Jersey Fabric?
Jersey fabric is a knit fabric known for its soft texture, natural stretch, and excellent drape. Originally made from wool, modern jersey fabrics are produced using cotton, polyester, bamboo, wool, Tencel, and blends. Today, it is widely used in t-shirts, dresses, loungewear, and sportswear because of its comfort and versatility.
In simple terms, jersey fabric is created through knitting loops of yarn rather than weaving straight threads. This gives it a stretchy, breathable, and wrinkle-resistant nature, making it one of the most popular fabrics worldwide.
Types of Jersey Fabric
There are multiple types of jersey fabric, each with unique qualities and uses:
- Single Jersey Fabric
- Lightweight, breathable, and slightly stretchy.
- Commonly used for t-shirts, dresses, and lining materials.
- Double Jersey Fabric (Interlock Jersey)
- Thicker and more durable with less stretch.
- Perfect for winter wear, trousers, and structured garments.
- Cotton Jersey Fabric
- Made from 100% cotton jersey fabric or blends.
- Soft, natural, and breathable; ideal for everyday clothing.
- Stretch Jersey Fabric
- Contains spandex/elastane for added stretch.
- Popular for leggings, bodycon dresses, and sportswear.
- Bamboo Jersey Fabric
- Eco-friendly, silky, and naturally antibacterial.
- Great for baby clothes, underwear, and sustainable fashion.
- Polyester Jersey Fabric
- Durable, wrinkle-free, and lightweight.
- Suitable for athletic wear and performance clothing.
- Wool Jersey Fabric
- Warm, insulating, and retains shape.
- Common in sweaters, cardigans, and winter dresses.
- Tencel Jersey Fabric
- Luxurious, sustainable, and soft.
- Popular in eco-conscious fashion brands.
- Thick Jersey Fabric
- High GSM, sturdy, and cozy.
- Used in hoodies, sweatshirts, and outerwear.
- Cotton Spandex Jersey Fabric
- Blended with spandex for excellent elasticity.
- Ideal for activewear, fitted tops, and yoga clothing.
How is Jersey Fabric Knitted?
Jersey fabric is produced on knitting machines that interlock loops of yarn to create stretch and flexibility.
- Single Jersey Knit → One set of needles, smooth on one side and looped on the other.
- Double Jersey Knit (Interlock) → Two needle beds working together, resulting in a thicker, smoother, and stronger fabric.
Depending on the yarn type, manufacturers produce cotton jersey fabric, knit jersey fabric, or blends like cotton spandex jersey fabric.
Jersey Fabric GSM: Weight and Quality
Just like other textiles, jersey fabric GSM (grams per square meter) determines its weight, durability, and usage.
- Lightweight Jersey (100–150 GSM) → Perfect for summer t-shirts, linings, and breathable wear.
- Medium Jersey (150–250 GSM) → Common in dresses, polo shirts, and everyday apparel.
- Heavy Jersey (250+ GSM) → Used for hoodies, thick jersey fabric, and structured outfits.
Higher GSM means the fabric is thicker, warmer, and more durable, while lower GSM means it’s airy and lightweight.
Common Uses of Jersey Fabric
- Jersey Fabric Dress → Flowy, breathable, and stylish.
- Everyday T-Shirts → Soft single jersey fabric is the standard.
- Sportswear & Yoga Wear → Stretch jersey fabric ensures flexibility.
- Winter Wear → Thick jersey fabric and wool jersey fabric provide warmth.
- Custom Sewing Projects → Buy jersey fabric by the yard for tailoring.
Why Jersey Fabric is Popular
- Breathable and comfortable.
- Naturally wrinkle-resistant.
- Easy to care for and durable.
- Available in cotton jersey fabric, bamboo jersey fabric, polyester jersey fabric, and blends.
- Sold by the yard for flexibility in sewing projects.
Final Thoughts
Jersey fabric is one of the most versatile textiles, available in many forms—cotton jersey fabric, stretch jersey fabric, bamboo jersey fabric, and more. Whether you’re making a jersey fabric dress, buying jersey fabric by the yard, or looking for knit jersey fabric for sportswear, understanding its types, knitting process, and GSM will help you make the right choice.
