Why sportswear is polyester
Polyester is light, strong, quick-drying and holds its shape. It also wicks sweat away from the skin to the outside of the fabric, where it evaporates. And it is the only common fabric that takes sublimation printing.
The main sportswear fabrics
| Fabric | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Interlock | Smooth, double-knit polyester with a soft face | Match shirts, training tops, polos |
| Bird-eye | Knit with a pattern of small holes | Hot-weather shirts, cricket and football |
| Micro-mesh | Very fine open mesh | Ventilation panels under arms and down the back |
| Open mesh | Larger open holes | Basketball jerseys, training bibs |
| Stretch polyester | Polyester with elastane | Cricket trousers, shorts, close-fitting tops |
| Heavy tight knit | Dense, heavier polyester | Rugby shirts that must resist pulling |
| Polyester tricot | Smooth, light knit | Tracksuits and warm-up jackets |
Matching fabric to the sport
- Cricket: long hours in the sun. Breathable interlock or bird-eye shirts with mesh panels; stretch trousers. See best fabric for cricket kits.
- Football: short, intense play. Light interlock or bird-eye; mesh panels for hot climates.
- Rugby: contact. Heavier tight-knit fabric and reinforced seams.
- Basketball: indoor heat. Open mesh or light interlock.
- Training wear: daily washing. Mid-weight interlock that holds up over time.
Matching fabric to the climate
In Pakistan, the Gulf and the US South, lighter fabrics and mesh panels make a real difference. In the UK, slightly heavier interlock and long-sleeve options are more comfortable early and late in the season.
Weight matters too
Fabric weight is measured in grams per square metre (GSM). Lighter fabrics feel cooler; heavier fabrics feel more substantial and last longer. Read fabric GSM explained.
Not sure which to pick? Tell us your sport, climate and how often the kit is worn, and we recommend a fabric in your quote.
Frequently asked questions
Is 'dri-fit' a fabric?
Dri-FIT is a brand name. The generic term is moisture-wicking polyester, which most sublimated sportswear fabrics are.
Is recycled polyester an option?
Recycled polyester fabrics exist and can be sublimated. Ask us about availability for your order.