Jersey Knit

Jersey knit is a soft, stretchy fabric commonly used in custom t-shirt production. It’s lightweight, breathable, and ideal for printing or embroidery designs.
In the custom garment printing industry, jersey knit is widely used due to its comfort, stretch, and print compatibility. Across Australia, most standard promotional T-shirts and many uniform basics are made from cotton or cotton-blend jersey knit fabric.
The structure of jersey knit allows garments to drape naturally while remaining breathable and comfortable for everyday wear.

How Jersey Knit Is Made

Knit Construction

Unlike woven fabrics, which interlace threads at right angles, jersey knit is formed by looping yarns together in a continuous pattern. This creates natural stretch and flexibility without requiring elastic fibres.

The front of jersey knit fabric appears smooth and flat, while the back typically shows small looped textures.

Fibre Composition

Jersey knit can be produced from various fibres, including:

100% cotton
Cotton-polyester blends
Polyester performance yarns
Viscose or modal blends

The fibre content influences softness, durability, moisture management, and print results.

Key Features of Jersey Knit

Natural Stretch

Jersey knit stretches comfortably across the body, making it suitable for fitted or relaxed garment styles.

Soft Feel

Cotton jersey in particular is known for its soft, breathable texture, which contributes to wearer comfort.

Lightweight to Midweight Options

Jersey fabrics are available in different weights, typically ranging from lightweight 140 GSM to heavier 220+ GSM styles.

Print-Friendly Surface

The smooth face of jersey knit makes it well suited to various decoration methods.

Why Jersey Knit Is Ideal for Custom Printing

Jersey knit is highly compatible with multiple printing techniques used in professional garment production.

Screen Printing

Cotton jersey works exceptionally well with screen printing. The ink adheres evenly, producing vibrant and durable results.

Direct-to-Garment (DTG)

DTG printing performs best on cotton-rich jersey fabrics, where ink can bond effectively with the fibres.

Direct-to-Film (DTF)

DTF transfers can be applied to both cotton and polyester jersey blends, offering flexibility for detailed artwork.

Embroidery

While possible, embroidery on lightweight jersey should be stabilised properly to avoid puckering.

Common Applications in Australia

Jersey knit garments are widely used across industries, including:

Corporate promotional T-shirts
Retail merchandise and streetwear
Event apparel and fundraising shirts
Hospitality and casual uniforms
Fitness and lifestyle clothing

In Australia’s warm climate, lightweight jersey T-shirts are particularly popular for outdoor events and summer campaigns.

Practical Considerations

Fabric Weight Selection

Lightweight jersey is suitable for promotional giveaways and warm weather. Midweight or heavyweight jersey offers improved durability and structure for retail or uniform use.

Shrinkage

100% cotton jersey may shrink slightly if not pre-shrunk. Washing guidelines should be followed to maintain garment shape.

Print Placement

Because jersey knit stretches, artwork positioning should account for garment movement and fit.

Colour Fastness

High-quality dye processes ensure colour retention, especially important for darker garments used in uniforms.

Jersey Knit vs Other Fabrics

Compared to woven fabrics, jersey knit offers more flexibility and comfort. Compared to fleece, it is lighter and more breathable.

For businesses selecting garments for branding, jersey knit provides a balanced combination of comfort, print quality, and cost efficiency.

Jersey Knit in Professional Garment Printing

Jersey knit remains one of the most versatile and widely used fabrics in custom apparel production. Its smooth surface, natural stretch, and compatibility with multiple decoration methods make it a dependable choice for Australian businesses.

Whether used for promotional T-shirts, corporate uniforms, or retail merchandise, jersey knit offers comfort, practicality, and consistent print performance within modern custom garment printing.