Introduction
Choosing the right knitted fabric is one of the most
important decisions for any garment manufacturer,
fashion brand or fabric importer. The wrong fabric
choice leads to poor end products, unhappy customers
and wasted money.
This guide will help you understand the key differences
between fabric types so you can make the right choice
for your business.
1. Polyester vs Cotton — Which is Right for You?
Polyester Knitted Fabric
- More durable and resistant to shrinkage
- Quick dry and moisture wicking — ideal for sportswear
- Lower cost than cotton
- Holds colour better over time
- Best for: T-shirts, sportswear, activewear, budget casualwear
Cotton Knitted Fabric
- Soft and breathable — comfortable against skin
- Natural feel — preferred for premium casualwear
- Better for sensitive skin and kids garments
- Slightly higher cost than polyester
- Best for: Premium t-shirts, innerwear, kids wear,
luxury casualwear
Poly-Cotton Blend
- Combines softness of cotton with strength of polyester
- Better shape retention than pure cotton
- More comfortable than pure polyester
- Popular blends: 60/40, 65/35
- Best for: Everyday t-shirts, hoodies, uniforms
2. Understanding GSM — Why It Matters
GSM means Grams per Square Metre. It tells you
how heavy or light a fabric is.
Lightweight (140 – 170 GSM)
- Thin and breathable
- Good for summer t-shirts and innerwear
- Less durable for heavy use
Medium Weight (180 – 220 GSM)
- Most popular range for t-shirts and polo shirts
- Good balance of comfort and durability
- Suitable for most markets
Heavy Weight (240 – 380 GSM)
- Thick and warm — fleece and hoodie fabrics
- Good for winter casualwear and outerwear
- Higher cost per metre
Tip: Always ask your supplier for the exact GSM
before placing a bulk order.
3. Fabric Construction Types Explained
Single Jersey
- Basic knit structure
- Lightweight and stretchy
- One smooth side, one looped side
- Most common for t-shirts
Interlock
- Double knit — smooth on both sides
- More stable and less stretchy than single jersey
- Better for polo shirts and kids garments
Fleece
- Knitted with a brushed inner surface
- Warm and soft
- Used for hoodies and sweatshirts
Rib
- Vertical ridged structure
- Highly stretchable with good recovery
- Used for collars, cuffs and waistbands
4. Questions to Ask Your Fabric Supplier
Before placing any order, always confirm:
- Exact GSM and tolerance
- Fibre content percentage
- Width of fabric in inches
- Shrinkage percentage after wash
- Colourfastness rating
- Minimum order quantity per colour
- Lead time for bulk production
5. Why Source Knitted Fabrics from Surat, India?
Surat is India's largest textile manufacturing hub.
Key advantages:
- Lower manufacturing costs than China and Bangladesh
- Wide variety of fabric types under one city
- Direct manufacturer pricing — no middlemen
- Strong export infrastructure
- English speaking export teams
- Full documentation support for international buyers
At Adhya Exim, we manufacture and export polyester
and cotton knitted fabrics directly from Surat.
We supply fabric by the roll as well as finished
garments including t-shirts, polo shirts, hoodies
and kids wear.
Conclusion
Choosing the right fabric comes down to three things:
- Your end product (t-shirt, hoodie, kids wear)
- Your target market (premium vs budget)
- Your order quantity and budget
If you are unsure which fabric is right for your
business, contact our team at Adhya Exim. We will
help you choose the right product and provide
samples before your bulk order.
Contact Us:
Email : hello@adhyaexim.com
Phone : +91 90331 17727
Website : www.adhyaexim.com