By the Rockhint team, Sialkot · Last updated: 7 October 2026
Quick answer: Most custom baseball jerseys are made from 100% polyester, either an open or pin-hole mesh for airflow or a smoother, denser knit for a classic pro look. A weight of roughly 180–220 GSM suits most teams. Polyester is the right choice when you want sublimated designs, while cotton-rich fabrics are better kept for fan shirts and practice tees. Baseball pants use a heavier, stretchier double-knit.
Key takeaways
- Polyester is the standard for game jerseys: light, quick-drying and colourfast.
- Mesh breathes best in hot climates; a smooth knit looks more traditional.
- Around 180–220 GSM balances durability and comfort for most teams.
- Sublimation only works on light-coloured polyester.
- Pants need a heavier stretch knit than jerseys.
Why does fabric matter so much in baseball?
A baseball game can last three hours, often in direct sun, with long periods of standing followed by bursts of sprinting, sliding and throwing. The jersey has to stay comfortable when wet with sweat, keep its shape after repeated washing, and survive contact with dirt and grass. Fabric decides all three. It also decides which decoration methods you can use, so choose the fabric before you finalise the design.
Which fabrics are used for baseball jerseys?
| Fabric | Feel and look | Best for | Decoration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester open-hole mesh | Very breathable, visible holes | Hot climates, summer leagues, practice | Sublimation, tackle twill, screen print |
| Polyester pin-hole / micro mesh | Smooth face, small holes, airy | Most game jerseys | Sharp sublimation detail |
| Polyester knit (smooth, denser) | Classic pro-style drape | Traditional full-button jerseys, cooler weather | Sublimation, tackle twill |
| Stretch polyester (with spandex) | Moves with the body, closer fit | Athletic or women’s cuts, softball | Sublimation |
| Cotton or cotton-poly blend | Soft, casual | Fan jerseys, coach shirts, practice tees | Screen print, DTF, embroidery |
For full-team game uniforms, polyester is the practical choice. Cotton absorbs sweat, gets heavy, shrinks more and cannot be sublimated.
What GSM should a baseball jersey be?
GSM (grams per square metre) measures fabric weight. Our baseball jerseys are made in the 180–220 GSM range, which is a common weight for game jerseys:
- Lower end (around 180 GSM): lighter and cooler, good for hot regions and summer tournaments.
- Upper end (around 220 GSM): a little more structure and durability, with a more traditional drape for full-button jerseys.
Weight is only one factor. The knit, yarn quality and finishing decide how the fabric feels and how long it lasts, so check them on a sample before ordering in bulk.
How do climate and season change the choice?
- Hot and humid (southern US, Australia, Asia): lighter mesh with sublimated graphics, so there are no heavy stitched numbers trapping heat.
- Mild spring and autumn seasons: pin-hole mesh or a smooth knit at the middle of the weight range.
- Cold early-season games: keep the jersey weight standard and add layers, such as long-sleeve compression undershirts, hoodies or warm-up jackets, rather than a heavy jersey.
How does fabric affect printing and lettering?
Sublimation dyes the design into the fibres, so it needs white or light-coloured polyester. The whole jersey, including pinstripes, gradients and numbers, can be printed with no extra weight. Tackle twill (stitched fabric numbers and letters) works on most polyester jerseys and gives a classic raised look, but adds weight and stiffness, especially on mesh. Screen printing and DTF suit solid-colour jerseys with simple numbers. Compare them in sublimation vs screen printing vs tackle twill.
What fabric should baseball pants be made of?
Baseball pants take more abuse than jerseys: sliding, kneeling and diving. They are usually made from a heavier polyester double-knit, often with some spandex for stretch, and many styles add a reinforced knee. Choose pants and jerseys from the same order so colours match exactly; white and grey fabrics from different batches can look different side by side.
How should you check fabric quality on a sample?
- Ask for the composition and GSM in writing.
- Hold the fabric to the light to check the mesh and knit are even.
- Stretch it and let go: it should recover without bagging.
- Wash it once inside out and check shrinkage, colour and print.
- Rub a white cloth on dark areas to check colour transfer.
More fabric details are in our fabric guide.
Frequently asked questions
What fabric are baseball jerseys made of?
Most custom baseball jerseys are made of 100% polyester, either a breathable mesh or a smoother knit, because it is light, quick-drying, colourfast and suitable for sublimation.
What GSM is a good baseball jersey?
Around 180–220 GSM suits most teams. Lighter weights are cooler for hot climates; heavier weights give a more structured, traditional drape.
Is mesh or knit better for baseball jerseys?
Mesh breathes better and suits hot weather. A smooth polyester knit gives a more traditional pro-style look and slightly more structure.
Can cotton baseball jerseys be sublimated?
No. Sublimation only works on polyester-rich, light-coloured fabric. Cotton jerseys need screen printing, DTF or embroidery.
What are baseball pants made of?
Usually a heavier polyester double-knit, often with spandex for stretch and sometimes with reinforced knees.
Do baseball jerseys shrink?
Polyester jerseys shrink very little. Cotton and cotton-rich blends shrink more, especially in hot water or a hot dryer.
About Rockhint
Rockhint is a custom sportswear manufacturer in Sialkot, Pakistan. We make baseball jerseys, pants and full team uniforms in our own factory, with a 20-piece minimum, free 24-hour mockups and worldwide shipping. Learn more about us or see our custom baseball jerseys.
Want fabric swatches or a sample? Request a free quote · WhatsApp +92 320 6371918 · Email info@rockhint.com