Explore fabric options for your next garment—from everyday knits to textured surfaces and special finishes. Compare recommended weights, common uses and the details to check.
01 / Explore the materials
A fabric for every direction.
Select a category to compare fabric types, then shortlist the options that suit your garment.
Weights shown are recommended starting points, not stock specifications. Images are AI-generated fabric-type illustrations. Confirm color, texture, weight and performance with actual samples.
Knitted Casual Fabrics
Everyday jersey, loopback and brushed sweatshirt fabrics, textured knits and fabrics with body.
Single Jersey
Recommended weight
160 / 180 / 220 / 260 / 300 GSM
Fabric characteristics
A fine knitted face gives this fabric a clean everyday appearance. Composition, yarn and density influence how softly it drapes or how firmly it holds a silhouette.
Common garments
T-shirts; Vests; Lightweight tops
Selection notes
For heavyweight tees, check shrinkage and twisting after the intended care treatment. Confirm opacity, especially for light colors.
Interlock
Recommended weight
200 / 240 / 280 / 320 / 400 GSM
Fabric characteristics
A double-knit structure offers a smooth face and back with more body than many lightweight jersey options. Compare the selected swatch for drape and surface density.
Common garments
Heavy tees; Structured tops; Sports sets
Selection notes
Identify the composition and structure before selection. Cotton-based interlock and polyester sports interlock should be checked against their own specifications.
French Terry
Weight ranges
280–349 / 350–399 / 400–449 / ≥450 GSM
Fabric characteristics
An unbrushed loopback surface distinguishes French terry from brushed fleece. Compare two-thread and three-thread constructions and the size of the loops.
Common garments
Sweatshirts; Sweatpants; Knitted shorts
Selection notes
Confirm composition, loop structure and dimensional change after washing. Check the finished hand feel on an actual swatch.
Brushed Fleece
Recommended weight
280 / 320 / 360 / 400 / 450 / 480 GSM
Fabric characteristics
A brushed inner surface gives sweatshirt fabric a soft, fuller feel. The outer face and level of brushing can be selected for the intended appearance.
Common garments
Hoodies; Sweatshirts; Sweatpants
Selection notes
Review shedding, pilling and shrinkage on the actual fabric. Check that the brushed reverse remains consistent after the intended care treatment.
Piqué
Recommended weight
170 / 200 / 220 / 250 GSM
Fabric characteristics
A small raised texture gives the surface a clear grain. Single- and double-piqué structures can differ in thickness, flexibility and appearance.
Common garments
Polo shirts; Sports tops; Casual sets
Selection notes
Check the size of the surface texture, composition and stretch. Confirm how the collar and body fabrics work together.
Waffle Knit
Recommended weight
200 / 250 / 300 / 350 GSM
Fabric characteristics
Raised ridges and recessed cells form a distinctive grid texture. Cell size, yarn and weight change the depth of the surface and the way it hangs.
Common garments
Long-sleeve tops; Textured tops; Casual sets
Selection notes
Compare fine and larger waffle structures. Check shrinkage and dimensional stability before confirming the garment fit.
Scuba / Spacer Fabric
Recommended weight
180 / 220 / 280 / 320 / 360 GSM
Fabric characteristics
Fabrics in this group have a fuller body and are considered for dimensional silhouettes. Their internal construction, thickness and surface can vary substantially.
Common garments
Structured tops; Sports sets; Shaped outer layers
Selection notes
Confirm the actual construction: scuba and spacer are not identical. Compare thickness and drape as well as GSM, and check seam bulk.
Rib Knit
Recommended weight
200 / 240 / 280 / 320 / 400 GSM
Fabric characteristics
Alternating knitted columns create visible ribs and crosswise flexibility. Different rib structures change the width, texture and recovery of the fabric.
Common garments
Tops; Necklines; Cuffs; Hems
Selection notes
Match stretch and recovery to the garment and main fabric. Confirm relaxed width and dimensions after washing.
Wax-dyed Knitted Fabrics
Tonal variation and washed character across four fabric bases.
Wax-dyed T-shirt Fabric
Recommended weight
180 / 220 / 260 / 300 GSM
Fabric characteristics
A wax-dyed or washed-looking surface introduces tonal variation to a T-shirt base. The visual direction can range from subtle fading to stronger uneven contrast.
Common garments
T-shirts; Long-sleeve tees; Casual tops
Selection notes
Confirm the actual dyeing route and an approved effect sample. Review shade variation, color transfer, shrinkage and finished fabric weight.
Wax-dyed Sweatshirt Fabric
Recommended weight
280 / 320 / 360 / 400 / 450 GSM
Fabric characteristics
A sweatshirt base with a varied, faded surface brings depth to solid-color styles. The underlying loopback or brushed structure should be selected separately.
Common garments
Hoodies; Sweatshirts; Sweatpants; Matching sets
Selection notes
Approve the base fabric and wash effect together. Check measurements after treatment and define acceptable shade differences within a set.
Wax-dyed Corduroy Knit
Recommended weight
240 / 280 / 320 / 360 GSM
Fabric characteristics
Raised cord-like ribs combine with an uneven dyed surface. The direction of the pile and the contrast between ribs can influence the finished appearance.
Common garments
Textured tops; Pants; Casual sets
Selection notes
Confirm that the selected base is knitted corduroy. Check nap direction, rubbing colorfastness, shrinkage and effect variation.
Wax-dyed Waffle Knit
Recommended weight
200 / 250 / 300 / 350 GSM
Fabric characteristics
A waffle-knit structure carries tonal changes across its raised and recessed areas. The combination gives visible texture to simple garment shapes.
Common garments
Long-sleeve tops; Casual sets; Textured layers
Selection notes
Approve the cell size and color effect together. Review dimensional change and how evenly the treatment appears across the garment.
Knitted Sports Fabrics
Compare eyelet, mesh, double-knit, jersey, warp-knit and jacquard sports fabrics.
Bird-eye Fabric
Weight / selection options
Fine / medium / large eye; lightweight / heavier constructions
Fabric characteristics
A small eye-like knitted structure offers different levels of surface texture. Select the eye size and GSM together.
Common garments
Basketball shorts; Jerseys; Training wear
Selection notes
Distinguish outer fabric from lining. Polyester white fabric is generally considered for sublimation; confirm suitability on the selected material.
Sports Mesh
Weight / selection options
Fine / medium / large mesh; double-layer / soft mesh / structured mesh
Fabric characteristics
Mesh constructions vary in hole size, softness and transparency. Compare the selected structure for the intended garment position.
Knitted-in patterns add texture to sportswear. Select the pattern scale and openness to suit the garment.
Common garments
Jerseys; Basketball shorts; Design-led sportswear
Selection notes
Distinguish existing patterns from custom development. Custom patterns require MOQ and lead-time confirmation.
Woven Sports & Functional Fabrics
Woven sportswear options grouped by construction, stretch, surface and confirmed function.
Polyester Sports Woven
Recommended weight
80 / 100 / 130 / 160 GSM
Fabric characteristics
Fine woven constructions offer options from soft and light to drier, crisper surfaces. The selected density and finish influence movement and appearance.
Common garments
Running shorts; Training shorts; Sports sets
Selection notes
Check yarn specification, density, opacity and fabric noise. Water-repellent or other functional claims require confirmation for the actual material.
Nylon Sports Woven
Weight / selection options
Lightweight and soft / dry hand / cotton-like / structured / fine crinkle
Fabric characteristics
Nylon woven options vary in hand feel, body and surface texture. Choose the finish for the intended garment.
Common garments
Utility shorts; Swim shorts; Sports shorts
Selection notes
Confirm abrasion performance on the selected fabric. Nylon is generally unsuitable for standard sublimation; review the decoration method.
Confirm hydrostatic pressure, breathability, layer construction, seam-sealing requirements and care instructions.
Regular Woven Outerwear Fabrics
Compare everyday outerwear constructions, from lightweight plain weaves to denim and corduroy.
Polyester Plain Weave
Weight / selection options
Matte and soft / matte and structured / semi-gloss / high gloss
Fabric characteristics
Plain-woven polyester options vary in hand feel and sheen. Select the surface and body for the outer layer.
Common garments
Windbreakers; Woven suits; Lightweight jackets
Selection notes
If the same fabric overlaps with sports woven stock, keep one confirmed specification and clarify its intended use.
Pongee
Recommended weight
60 / 80 / 100 GSM
Fabric characteristics
A fine plain-woven fabric direction often considered for light outer layers and linings. Density and finishing can create different levels of softness and surface sheen.
Common garments
Light windbreakers; Jackets; Linings
Selection notes
Confirm density, sheen and any coating. Check opacity and seam performance; do not infer water resistance from the fabric name.
A twill surface and colored yarn contrast give denim its recognizable appearance. Weight, stretch content and washing influence firmness, softness and the final shade.
Common garments
Jeans; Denim jackets; Denim shorts
Selection notes
Confirm composition and stretch, then review the intended wash. Check shrinkage, color transfer and variation in the finished garment.
Corduroy
Recommended weight
200 / 250 / 300 / 350 GSM
Fabric characteristics
Raised pile ribs create a visible vertical texture. Fine and wider wales change the scale of the surface, while the pile direction influences how color appears.
Common garments
Shirt jackets; Pants; Outerwear; Shorts
Selection notes
Check wale count and cut direction. Review pile marking, color variation and pressing on the selected material.
Patterned & Yarn-dyed Fabrics
Compare stripes, checks, prints and open structures.
Horizontal, vertical, narrow and wider stripes can give a garment a distinct rhythm. The stripe may be knitted, yarn-dyed, printed or jacquard, depending on the base.
Common garments
T-shirts; Polo shirts; Shirts; Jackets; Panels
Selection notes
Confirm how the stripe is formed and its repeat size. Plan matching at seams and allow for the cutting requirements.
Yarns are colored before fabric formation to build color and pattern into the structure. Options include subtle mixed tones, stripes, checks and more detailed effects.
Common garments
Shirts; Jackets; Pants; Sets
Selection notes
Confirm the yarn colors, repeat and construction. Check colorfastness and pattern alignment on the garment.
Check transparency, snagging and seam support. Decide whether the design needs a lining and review the edges after cutting.
Leather-like & Surface-treated Fabrics
Explore coated surfaces, shine and statement finishes.
PU Leather
Recommended weight
Selected according to backing, thickness and garment application.
Fabric characteristics
A polyurethane-coated material creates a leather-like surface. Matte, glossy, smooth, pebbled and aged-looking finishes can offer very different hand feels.
Common garments
Jackets; Pants; Shorts; Panels; Patch pockets
Selection notes
Check backing, thickness and flexibility. Review abrasion, hydrolysis resistance, storage requirements and care instructions for the actual material.
Patent PU Leather
Recommended weight
Selected according to backing, gloss finish and garment application.
Fabric characteristics
A glossy coated surface gives the material a clear reflective shine. The backing and thickness determine how easily it folds and how firmly it holds shape.
Common garments
Statement jackets; Pants; Stagewear; Panels
Selection notes
Check scratch sensitivity, sticking and lasting fold marks. Confirm suitable packaging, pressing limits and care instructions.
Holographic / Metallic Fabric
Recommended weight
Confirmed for the selected film, backing and finished construction.
Fabric characteristics
Metallic or angle-dependent surface effects add shine and color variation. The underlying fabric determines flexibility, weight and suitability for the garment.
Common garments
Windbreakers; Jackets; Stagewear; Panels
Selection notes
Check film adhesion, fold marks and rubbing performance. Review the actual effect under the lighting relevant to the design.
Foil / Coated Fabric
Recommended weight
Based on the selected base; confirm total weight after finishing.
Fabric characteristics
A foil or coating changes the surface of a fabric, adding metallic, matte or other visual finishes. The base may remain flexible or gain a firmer feel.
Common garments
T-shirts; Jackets; Statement pieces; Panels
Selection notes
Check adhesion, cracking and rubbing after stretching or folding. Confirm care requirements and the finished hand feel.
Reflective Fabric
Recommended weight
Confirmed for the chosen reflective material and garment use.
Fabric characteristics
A reflective surface is designed to return light under specified conditions. Materials differ in backing, appearance and suitability for full garments or smaller panels.
Confirm the actual reflective response and durability. Safety or visibility certification must be checked separately; appearance alone does not establish compliance.
Linings & Supporting Fabrics
Inner layers selected to work with the shell and the way a garment moves.
Polyester Lining Taffeta
Recommended weight
50 / 60 / 80 GSM
Fabric characteristics
A light plain-woven lining with smooth surface options, from matte to more lustrous. It adds an inner layer without the body of many outer fabrics.
Match the stretch direction and recovery to the shell and garment movement. Review shrinkage and seam behavior together.
Special-effect Fabrics
Start with the effect, then confirm the base and sample performance.
Thermochromic Fabric
Recommended weight
Jersey-based tee direction: 180 / 220 / 260 GSM; other bases by review.
Fabric characteristics
A temperature-responsive color system can create a change in appearance under specified conditions. The effect and base fabric must be selected as one material.
Confirm activation temperature, initial and changed colors, response time and wash durability. The static illustration does not demonstrate a tested color change.
Hydrochromic Fabric
Recommended weight
Selected according to the base fabric, finish and garment application.
Fabric characteristics
A water-responsive finish can change the visibility or appearance of a surface when wet. The chosen system determines the effect and how it returns to its dry state.
Common garments
Statement garments; Limited collections; Panels; Special designs
Selection notes
Confirm wet and dry appearance, recovery time, colorfastness and finish life on real samples. The illustration shows a possible dry-to-wet effect; confirm the result on actual samples.
Cracked-effect Fabric
Recommended weight
Confirmed after choosing a printed, coated or leather-like base.
Fabric characteristics
Fine or wider crack patterns create an aged, broken-surface appearance. A printed crack motif and a physically cracked coating behave differently.
Common garments
Vintage-style tops; Jackets; Pants; Panels
Selection notes
Identify how the effect is formed. Check adhesion, shedding and crack development after wear, bending and care.
Iridescent Fabric
Recommended weight
Selected according to the base and surface construction.
Fabric characteristics
Color and sheen can appear different as the viewing angle or light changes. The effect may come from yarn combinations, films or other surface treatments.
Common garments
Statement outerwear; Pants; Sets; Panels
Selection notes
Review the real material at several angles. Check rubbing, fold marks and the stability of the surface effect.
An uneven faded surface gives the material a worn-in visual character. The intensity can range from mild tonal changes to stronger mottled contrast.
Common garments
Vintage-style tops; Hoodies; Pants; Matching sets
Selection notes
Confirm the actual process and finished weight. Keep an approved effect sample and agree on acceptable shade and pattern variation.
Special Printed Fabric
Recommended weight
Jersey tee bases: 180 / 220 / 260 GSM; other bases by review.
Fabric characteristics
Specialty printing can create surface dimension or a distinctive visual effect on a chosen base. The method, artwork and fabric work together to define the result.
Confirm the specific effect and its limits. Review stretch behavior, adhesion, care and consistency using the actual printed sample.
Special Jacquard Fabric
Recommended weight
Knit top direction: 200 / 250 / 300 GSM; woven jacquards by review.
Fabric characteristics
Patterns formed through fabric construction add texture and visual detail. Yarn, repeat scale and structure influence the surface, drape and reverse side.
Common garments
Textured tops; Jackets; Sets; Design pieces
Selection notes
Confirm the pattern scale and reverse-side structure. Review snagging, cut placement, development requirements and care.
Other Special Effects
Recommended weight
Selected for the intended effect, base fabric and garment.
Fabric characteristics
This group covers other material effects that need a project-specific review. Start with the visible texture or required behavior and identify a suitable base.
Common garments
Special designs; Statement garments; Panels; Development samples
Selection notes
Define the required effect and how it will be assessed. Confirm durability and relevant test methods; the illustration shows surface texture only.
Have a fabric reference in mind?
Share a swatch, reference photo or garment idea. Include the intended product, preferred composition, weight and finish so the material direction can be reviewed together.
A weight number is a starting point. Here is how to read it alongside structure, feel and garment requirements.
What does GSM tell you?
GSM means grams per square meter: the weight of one square meter of fabric. It helps compare weight within a similar construction. A higher GSM does not automatically mean higher quality, more warmth or less transparency.
Why can the same GSM feel different?
Fiber composition, yarn, knit or weave structure, brushing and other finishes all influence hand feel and drape. Compare actual swatches at the same weight to judge softness, stretch and how the fabric holds shape.
How should you choose for a garment?
Start with the product, intended fit, season and movement. Then compare weight, drape, opacity, stretch and recovery. A fitted top, an oversized tee and a structured jacket ask different things of their fabric.
What should be confirmed before production?
Review an actual sample for composition, finished weight, color, shrinkage, colorfastness and relevant performance. For coated, wax-dyed or special-effect fabrics, also agree on appearance variation, care and finish durability.
Let’s narrow down the fabric for your garment.
Send your garment idea or fabric reference, with your preferred weight, hand feel and finish. We can discuss the details that need to be confirmed.
Your information will be kept strictly confidential.
I am Laurence Liang, the Manager of caloriesportswear.com, me and my team would be happy to meet you and learn all about your business, requirements and expectations.
