Jersey

Why is jersey so popular for clothing?

Jersey and tricot are two terms used in various languages to refer to the shirts worn by athletes. Although football and basketball shirts are usually made using technologies developed by the brands themselves, often with polyester as the main component, this does indicate how comfortable jersey fabric is when the wearer is active. This is because jersey is supple and stretchable, but still hard-wearing. This is one of the reasons why it has become one of the most popular fabrics for making clothes. Being active in clothing made of jersey fabric feels very comfortable, yet the fabric will not easily tear.

The stretchability of jersey is one of the main reasons for the popularity of the fabric. Clothing made of jersey fabric will not quickly lose its shape. This also makes the fabric one of the most suitable materials for children's clothing. Active children can play outside in clothes made of jersey fabric that enable freedom of movement. We therefore have a particularly wide range of children's fabrics made of jersey. There are many fabrics with fun prints, but we also stock many jersey fabrics in plain colours And not just for children: we also sell beautiful jersey fabrics for adults.

Another reason why jersey is so popular for clothing relates to how pleasant the fabric feels on the skin. Despite its strong, tear-resistant character, tricot fabric feels soft, which contributes to the material's reputation for comfort. The fabric drapes well, which is an ideal characteristic of clothing. Many people also find the smoother weave of jersey looks neater than the rougher pattern of pique or waffle fabric. Yet jersey is more than just a clothing fabric. It is also very suitable for bedding and is a commonly used fabric for home decor.

The history of jersey fabric

As the name suggests, jersey originated on the island of Jersey, situated between England and France. The fabric was already made there in the Middle Ages and became an important export product for the island. At that time, jersey was actually exclusively a woolen fabric, but the term mainly refers to the right-left binding in which the material is knitted. We have the famous French fashion designer Coco Chanel to thank for jersey fabric being so commonly used for outerwear today. Before she began using it to make fashionable clothes at the beginning of the twentieth century, jersey was seen as a cheap fabric that was mainly suitable for underwear and sportswear.

Chanel's jersey clothing could be appreciated for two reasons. Firstly, there was a shortage of fabrics traditionally used for fashion due to the First World War. Secondly, more and more women needed clothing that offered more freedom of movement to perform their work in factories and hospitals. They could also easily put on jersey clothing without assistance. Within a short time, jersey grew into one of the most commonly used fabrics for women's clothing and later for men's clothing as well. The ease and comfort of tricot fabric consequently ensured that the material never lost its popularity.

As a result of that popularity, the range of jersey fabrics has become very versatile over the years. It can be made of cotton, polyester, viscose, or bamboo fabric, sometimes in combination with an elastic fabric like Spandex or elastane to improve the fabric's stretchability. There are various ways of making jersey fabric nowadays. For instance, interlock jersey is woven instead of knitted, and double-face jersey is knitted in two layers, making the fabric slightly stronger. Jacquard jersey stands out because of the different colors knitted into the fabric.

Working with Jersey Fabric

Working with jersey fabric has many benefits for the wearer, but those who make clothing from it are familiar with the challenges it presents. None of these challenges are insurmountable, but they should be taken into account. Jersey fabric shrinks slightly the first time it is washed, which is why it is recommended to wash the fabric before working with it. Additionally, since tricot fabric is slightly stretchy and gives way when pressed, care should be taken when cutting and sewing so as not to press too hard. It is also recommended to use a non-slip surface, such as an anti-slip mat.

When sewing tricot fabric, it is preferable to use a special jersey or microtex needle, and a zigzag stitch is best to ensure that the fabric remains elastic at the seam. Once the garment is finished, washing jersey fabric is relatively straightforward. The fabric can be machine washed at 30-40 degrees Celsius. The precise temperature depends on the fabric's composition. Jersey should not be put in the dryer, particularly if it contains synthetic fibers, as they may shrink or unravel. Ironing is possible, up to a maximum of 110 degrees Celsius, but it is likely unnecessary due to the stretch.

Buying Jersey and Tricot Fabric Online

If you're into making clothing, jersey fabric is a must-have. That's why at Quality Textiles, we have a wide and varied selection of jersey fabrics in various styles. Our fabrics are available in over 60 different colors. Additionally, a large portion of our children's fabrics are made of high-quality jersey with fun prints. We always keep the most popular fabrics in stock, and most of the tricot fabrics in our collection can be delivered quickly. Furthermore, we offer haberdashery items for making clothes from jersey fabric.