In the textile world, the success of a collection depends more on technical decisions made in the fabric warehouse than on the sketches in a design office. A fabric’s elasticity, weight, and drape—not just its color or texture—determine the garment’s appearance on the rack and its feel against the user’s skin. Choosing the wrong fabric can cause even the best patterns to lose their form or lead to unforeseen costs on the production line.
Single Jersey (Süprem): The Essential for Lightness and Daily Wear
Single Jersey is the most widely produced and consumed knitted fabric globally. Produced on single-bed machines, it is known for its thin and flexible structure.
- Suitable Product Groups: T-shirts, basic tops, underwear (undershirts and boxers), and summer dresses (especially viscose or modal blends).
- Technical Note for Manufacturers: The biggest risks are edge curling and spirality (twisting). When purchasing wholesale, ensure the yarn twist is balanced and compact yarn is used.
Rib and Cardigan (Kaşkorse): Textures That Push the Limits of Elasticity
Knitted on double-bed machines, Rib and its wider-channeled version, Cardigan (Kaşkorse), offer the highest transverse (horizontal) elasticity.
- Suitable Product Groups: Complementary details (collars, cuffs, hemlines), body-con designs (women’s bodysuits, slim-fit blouses), and babywear.
- Technical Note for Manufacturers: To achieve high recovery power, optimize the elastane ratio for your project. Usually, 5% Lycra is sufficient for ideal shape retention.
Interlock Fabric: Double-Faced Smoothness and Elegance
Interlock is heavier and more substantial than single jersey, looking identical on both sides. Its interlocking needle beds create air pockets that provide thermal insulation.
- Suitable Product Groups: Baby and children’s wear (due to its softness and non-curling edges), premium polo shirts, and lightweight jackets or track tops.
Two-Thread and Three-Thread: The Giants of the Activewear World
Essential for sweatshirts and hoodies, these fabrics are distinguished by the characteristic loop structure on their back surface.
- Suitable Product Groups: Two-thread is used for spring tracksuits and thin sweatshirts (Athleisure trend), while three-thread is used for heavy winter hoodies and oversize sets (brushed for winter, unbrushed for modern streetwear).
Waffle Fabric: Functionality with a Textured Surface
Waffle fabric gets its name from the square, honeycomb-like texture on its surface. Its 3D structure offers visual depth and high absorbency.
- Suitable Product Groups: Loungewear and robes, lifestyle oversize sweatshirts, and baby blankets (breathable yet warm).
- Technical Note for Manufacturers: Waffle fabrics are prone to shrinkage. It is vital to adjust patterns wider to account for the shrinkage rate during production.
Milan Knit (Selanik): A Classic and Substantial Stance
Milan Knit is a full-bodied, reversible knit. While it has elasticity similar to ribbing, it is much thicker and more voluminous.
- Suitable Product Groups: Cardigans and sweaters (knitwear feel), premium polo sweatshirts, and accessory sets (scarves and beanies).
- Technical Note for Manufacturers: Due to the heavy weight, use appropriate needle sizes during sewing to prevent dropped stitches or seam bursts.
Ottoman Fabric: Durability and the Elegance of Horizontal Ribs
Ottoman is a very tight and durable fabric featuring distinct horizontal ribs on its surface.
- Suitable Product Groups: Tracksuits and jackets (excellent shape retention), school uniforms, and corporate wear (high resistance to friction and frequent washing).
- Technical Note for Manufacturers: The horizontal ribs require careful alignment during cutting. Incorrect cutting can ruin the garment’s symmetry.
Piqué (Lakost): The Signature of Sporty Chic and Polo Collars
Named after the world-famous polo shirts, Piqué’s porous and geometric structure is its most defining feature.
- Suitable Product Groups: Polo shirts (professional stance), sporty dresses (tennis/golf style), and durable workwear.
- Technical Note for Manufacturers: The porous structure provides excellent air circulation but increases shrinkage tendency. Opt for high-quality combed yarns and pre-shrunk tested fabrics to prevent shortening after washing.
Fabric Comparison Table
| Fabric Type | Ideal Product Group | Key Feature |
| Single Jersey | T-shirts, Underwear | Lightweight and Economical |
| Rib Knit | Collars, Cuffs, Bodysuits | High Elasticity and Recovery |
| Interlock | Babywear, Polo Shirts | Double-Faced Softness and Stability |
| Three-Thread | Hoodies, Oversize Sets | Thermal Insulation and Form Retention |
| Waffle | Loungewear, Baby Blankets | 3D Texture, High Absorbency |
| Milan Knit | Cardigans, Winter Sweaters | Voluminous, Knitwear Feel |
| Ottoman | Uniforms, Sport Jackets | Horizontal Ribs, High Strength |
| Piqué | Polo Shirts | Porous Structure, Breathable |
Technical Excellence with Baykar Kumaş
No matter how creative your design is, if the fabric carrying it is technically insufficient, your brand value will suffer. At Baykar Kumaş, we guide you in finding the most suitable knitted fabric for your product line with 24/7 technical support and our extensive sample network.
