Fabric Options Guide
Choose the perfect performance fabric for your custom sportswear. Compare materials, GSM weights, and technical specifications.
Performance Fabric Types
100% Polyester
MOST POPULARIndustry standard for athletic wear. Lightweight, durable, moisture-wicking with excellent color retention. Perfect for sublimation printing.
GSM Range
120-180
Best For
Jerseys, Shorts
Price Range
$2.50-$4.00/m
Shrinkage
<3%
Poly-Cotton Blend (65/35)
COMFORTABLECombines polyester durability with cotton softness. Ideal for casual team wear, training apparel, and lifestyle sportswear.
GSM Range
160-200
Best For
T-Shirts, Polos
Price Range
$3.00-$4.50/m
Shrinkage
3-5%
Polyester Mesh
BREATHABLEOpen-knit structure for maximum airflow. Used in panels, linings, or full garments for hot weather performance.
GSM Range
100-140
Best For
Panels, Linings
Price Range
$2.00-$3.50/m
Shrinkage
<2%
Polyester Fleece
WARMBrushed interior for warmth and comfort. Standard for hoodies, sweatshirts, and cold-weather training gear.
GSM Range
280-400
Best For
Hoodies, Sweats
Price Range
$4.50-$7.00/m
Shrinkage
3-4%
Understanding GSM (Grams per Square Meter)
GSM measures fabric weight and thickness. Higher GSM = heavier, more durable fabric. Choose based on garment type and climate.
Lightweight
120-160 GSM
Ultra-breathable, quick-dry
Best For:
Medium Weight
160-220 GSM
Balanced performance
RECOMMENDEDBest For:
Heavyweight
280-400 GSM
Maximum durability
Best For:
Technical Specifications Comparison
| Fabric Type | Moisture Wicking | Breathability | Durability | Stretch | Print Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% Polyester | Low | All Methods | |||
| Poly-Cotton 65/35 | Low | Screen, DTG, Embroidery | |||
| Polyester Mesh | Medium | Sublimation, Screen | |||
| Polyester Fleece | Low | Embroidery, Screen, DTG | |||
| Spandex Blend (5-10%) | High | Sublimation, Screen | |||
| Nylon/Windbreaker | Low | Screen, Heat Transfer |
How to Choose the Right Fabric
By Sport Type
Football / Soccer
100% Polyester, 140-160 GSM
Lightweight, moisture-wicking, sublimation-ready
Basketball
Polyester Mesh, 120-140 GSM
Maximum breathability, quick-dry for indoor courts
Rugby / American Football
Polyester, 180-200 GSM
Heavier weight for durability, reinforced stitching
Training / Gym
Poly-Cotton 65/35, 160-180 GSM
Comfortable, soft feel, good for casual wear
Cold Weather Sports
Polyester Fleece, 300-400 GSM
Insulated, warm, perfect for hoodies and sweats
By Climate
Hot & Humid (25°C+)
120-140 GSM Polyester or Mesh
Ultra-lightweight, maximum airflow, quick-dry
Moderate (15-25°C)
160-180 GSM Polyester
All-season standard, balanced performance
Cool (5-15°C)
200-280 GSM Polyester or Poly-Cotton
Medium weight, some insulation, comfortable
Cold (Below 5°C)
300-400 GSM Fleece
Heavyweight, brushed interior, thermal protection
Rainy / Wet Conditions
Nylon or Coated Polyester
Water-resistant, windproof, durable outer layer
Special Features & Treatments
Moisture-Wicking
Pulls sweat away from skin to fabric surface for faster evaporation. Keeps athletes dry and comfortable.
Anti-Microbial
Silver ion or zinc treatment prevents bacteria growth, reduces odor. Ideal for intensive training gear.
UPF 50+ UV Protection
Blocks 98% of harmful UV rays. Essential for outdoor sports in sunny climates.
Quick-Dry Technology
Dries 3x faster than cotton. Microfiber construction with enhanced airflow channels.
Water-Resistant Coating
DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating. Water beads off surface. For jackets and outerwear.
4-Way Stretch
5-10% spandex blend. Stretches in all directions, returns to original shape. Enhanced mobility.
Care Instructions by Fabric Type
Polyester & Polyester Blends
Machine wash cold (30°C)
Prevents color fading and fabric damage
Tumble dry low or hang dry
High heat can damage synthetic fibers
No bleach or fabric softener
Damages moisture-wicking properties
No ironing (or low heat only)
Polyester melts at high temperatures
Cotton & Poly-Cotton Blends
Machine wash warm (40°C)
Cotton tolerates higher temperatures
Tumble dry medium heat
Remove promptly to reduce wrinkles
Iron on medium heat if needed
Turn inside out to protect prints
Expect 3-5% shrinkage
Pre-shrunk fabrics minimize this
Fleece & Heavyweight Fabrics
Turn inside out before washing
Protects embroidery and prints
Wash with similar colors
Prevents lint transfer
Air dry or low heat tumble
Maintains softness and shape
No fabric softener
Reduces absorbency and softness
Mesh & Lightweight Fabrics
Use mesh laundry bag
Prevents snagging and tearing
Gentle cycle, cold water
Delicate fabrics need gentle care
Air dry recommended
Dries quickly, no heat needed
Avoid velcro and zippers
Can catch and damage mesh
Frequently Asked Questions
Expert answers to help you choose the perfect fabric for your custom sportswear
What's the difference between 140 GSM and 180 GSM polyester?
140 GSM is lighter and more breathable—ideal for hot weather and high-intensity sports like soccer or running. 180 GSM is slightly heavier with a more premium feel, better durability, and suitable for all-season use. The difference is about 40 grams per square meter, which translates to a thicker, more substantial fabric. Most teams choose 160 GSM as the sweet spot between breathability and durability.
Can I mix different fabrics in one order?
Yes! Many teams order jerseys in lightweight 140 GSM polyester and matching shorts in 160 GSM for added durability. Or hoodies in 320 GSM fleece with training shirts in 160 GSM polyester. As long as you meet the 50-piece MOQ per design (not per fabric), you can mix fabrics. Just specify fabric type for each garment in your RFQ.
Do you offer fabric samples before ordering?
Absolutely. We provide free fabric swatches (10cm x 10cm) for up to 5 different fabrics. Request samples through our RFQ form or contact page. We'll ship via DHL Express (3-5 days to US/EU). Samples include fabric type, GSM weight, and color options. Many customers order samples first to feel the quality before committing to bulk orders.
Which fabric is best for sublimation printing?
100% polyester is required for sublimation printing. The process uses heat to bond dye into polyester fibers—it won't work on cotton or natural fibers. We recommend 140-180 GSM polyester for jerseys and 280-320 GSM polyester fleece for hoodies. White or light-colored base fabric produces the most vibrant colors. Sublimation offers unlimited colors, gradients, and photo-realistic designs.
How do I know if fabric is moisture-wicking?
All our polyester fabrics have built-in moisture-wicking properties—it's inherent to the fiber structure. Polyester is hydrophobic (repels water), so sweat moves from skin to fabric surface where it evaporates quickly. Look for "moisture-wicking" or "quick-dry" in fabric descriptions. Cotton absorbs moisture and stays wet, which is why we don't recommend it for athletic jerseys.
What's the most durable fabric for rough sports like rugby?
For contact sports, we recommend 180-200 GSM 100% polyester with reinforced stitching at stress points (shoulders, sides). Polyester is more durable than cotton and resists tearing. We can add ripstop weave for extra strength (+$0.50/piece). Avoid mesh or lightweight fabrics for rugby—they'll tear easily. Many rugby teams also request double-stitched seams and reinforced collar/cuffs.
Can fabrics be recycled or are they eco-friendly?
We offer recycled polyester (rPET) made from post-consumer plastic bottles. Performance is identical to virgin polyester but with 50% lower carbon footprint. Cost: +$0.80-$1.20 per piece. We also have organic cotton blends (GOTS certified) and bamboo-polyester blends. Minimum order for eco-fabrics: 100 pieces. All our fabrics are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified (no harmful chemicals).
How much does fabric choice affect the final price?
Fabric typically accounts for 30-40% of total garment cost. Lightweight polyester (140 GSM) is most economical at $2.50-$3.50/meter. Heavyweight fleece (400 GSM) costs $6-$7/meter. Special treatments add: anti-microbial +$0.50-$1.00, UV protection +$0.30-$0.60, water-resistant coating +$1.50-$2.50 per piece. Recycled/eco fabrics add $0.80-$1.20.
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