Knowledge
Sportswear Fabric Guide: Which Fabric for Which Sport?
Choose fabric by how the sport is played. Fast, hot sports need light, breathable fabric of 120–160 GSM; contact sports need tougher knits of 180–280 GSM. Almost all team jerseys are 100% polyester, because it wicks sweat, dries fast and holds sublimated colour.
What is GSM?
GSM (grams per square metre) measures how heavy a fabric is. A higher number means more fabric per square metre: usually tougher and warmer. A lower number means lighter and cooler.
Recommended fabric by sport
| Sport | Fabric | Weight at Rockhint | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soccer | Polyester interlock or mesh | 120–180 GSM | Light and breathable for 90 minutes of running |
| Basketball | Polyester interlock or mesh | 130–160 GSM | Airflow and freedom of movement |
| Volleyball | Polyester or polyester-spandex mesh | 130–160 GSM | Stretch for diving and blocking |
| American football | Mesh body, dazzle yoke | 180–200 GSM | Airflow under pads, smooth shoulders |
| Ice hockey | Polyester double-knit or 95/5 poly-spandex | 180–270 GSM | Resists snags from sticks and boards |
| Rugby | Polyester performance knit | 220–280 GSM | Grab-resistant for scrums and tackles |
| Baseball | Polyester mesh or interlock | On request | Wicks sweat, holds pinstripes and colour |
| Sweatshirts | Cotton-rich fleece | On request | Warmth and softness |
Common sportswear fabrics explained
Interlock
A smooth, tightly knitted polyester with a soft face. It prints very sharply, so it’s popular for soccer and basketball jerseys with detailed designs.
Mesh
A knit with small holes for airflow. Used on basketball and football bodies, and in panels under the arms and down the back of other jerseys.
Double-knit
Two layers knitted together into one heavier, stable fabric. Ideal for ice hockey, where jerseys must survive sticks, boards and repeated washing.
Dazzle
A smooth polyester with a slight sheen, used on American football shoulders and yokes so pads slide easily.
Polyester-spandex blends
Polyester with a small share of spandex (for example 95/5) for stretch. Used for volleyball, compression-style fits and hockey jerseys that go over pads.
Fleece
A brushed, soft knit, often cotton-rich, used for sweatshirts and hoodies. It can’t be sublimated, so it’s decorated with embroidery or prints instead.
Practice vs game fabric
Many teams order lighter fabric for practice and heavier fabric for game day. Practice jerseys get washed more and replaced more often, so a lighter, cheaper fabric makes sense. Game jerseys last several seasons, so heavier fabric is worth it.
Frequently asked questions
Why are sports jerseys made of polyester and not cotton?
Polyester wicks sweat away from the skin, dries quickly, keeps its shape and holds sublimated colour. Cotton absorbs sweat and stays heavy and wet.
Is a higher GSM always better?
No. Higher GSM is tougher but hotter. Choose by sport: light for running sports, heavy for contact sports.
Can I feel the fabric before ordering?
Yes. You approve a physical sample before bulk production.
Not sure which fabric to choose?
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