Fabric Knowledge Centerfor Apparel Manufacturing

Most performance sportswear starts with a polyester base, often blended with spandex for stretch and built as mesh or interlock so sweat moves to the surface and dries fast. The right pick depends on the sport: high-intensity training favours lighter moisture-wicking knits, while contact sports lean on denser, more durable constructions.

Durable workwear usually relies on cotton twill, canvas, or ripstop, with poly-cotton blends balancing toughness against comfort. For environments with heat or spark exposure, flame-resistant (FR) fabrics are the safer choice, and we match the weight to how much abrasion the garment will face daily.

Hoodies typically land between 280 and 450 GSM. Around 280–320 GSM gives a lighter, layer-friendly feel, while 380–450+ GSM delivers the heavy, premium hand most retail brands want. Heavier fleece holds shape and warmth better but raises both cost and shipping weight.

Yes. We work with organic cotton, recycled polyester, bamboo, and hemp blends, and we can guide you toward OEKO-TEX certified mill options. We're transparent about which certifications are confirmed versus in progress, so your sustainability claims stay credible.

Both are knit fabrics, but fleece has a brushed, fuzzy inner face that traps warmth, making it ideal for cold-weather hoodies and sweatshirts. French terry has unbrushed loops on the inside, giving a lighter, breathable feel suited to year-round joggers, crewnecks, and athleisure.

Low minimum runs work best with widely stocked base fabrics such as cotton jersey, poly-cotton, and standard performance polyester, since speciality mill fabrics often carry their own high minimums. Eco Jersey supports orders of 50 pieces or fewer per design, so you can validate a range before scaling.

Sublimation bonds dye into the fibre, so it performs best on polyester and high-polyester blends, ideally in white or light shades for vivid colour. Natural fibres like cotton don't hold sublimation well, which is why most all-over printed sportswear is built on polyester.

Significantly. Fibre type, weight, finish, and certification all move the price, and heavier or speciality fabrics also raise consumption and freight. Use our apparel cost and consumption calculators to compare options before locking a fabric for production.