100% polyester
Micro polyester interlock
Micro polyester interlock is a dense double knit with a smooth face, the usual base for a fully sublimated game jersey. It takes fine detail sharply and feels soft against the skin.
Fabrics
Team uniform fabrics: the eight we cut
Eight cloths cover the range, from the smooth knit under a sublimated jersey to the brushed fleece inside a winter hoodie. Each one is chosen for what the garment has to do.
Velofit cuts team uniforms from eight fabrics. Sublimated jerseys, shorts and singlets use polyester knits: micro polyester interlock, bird-eye mesh or 88/12 poly-spandex. Hoodies and tees use cotton-rich French terry, brushed fleece or single jersey, decorated by screen print, embroidery or DTF. Ripstop softshell covers jackets, and 1x1 rib finishes collars and cuffs.
Last updated
- 01What is the best fabric for a sports jersey?
- 02The library
- 03How do the eight fabrics compare?
- 04Why does sublimation need polyester?
- 05Outside the library
What is the best fabric for a sports jersey?
For a fully sublimated game jersey, a 100% polyester knit: micro polyester interlock for a smooth face and a sharp print, or bird-eye mesh where air flow matters most.
Beyond the jersey, the right cloth is decided by the sport, the season and the decoration. A jersey that will be fully printed needs a polyester knit; a hoodie that should feel soft and warm needs cotton in the blend; a singlet needs stretch that springs back.
You do not have to choose alone. Tell us the sport and how the garment will be worn, and the quote names the fabric we recommend for each piece.
The library
100% polyester
Bird-eye mesh
Bird-eye mesh is an open polyester knit with tiny vents through the cloth, so air moves through the garment. The choice for hot gyms, summer seasons and running sports.
88% polyester, 12% elastane
Poly-spandex jersey
Poly-spandex jersey is a polyester knit with elastane that stretches in every direction and snaps back, which is what keeps a singlet or a base layer snug through a season of laundry. The print moves with the cloth.
80% cotton, 20% polyester
French terry
French terry is a cotton-rich knit, smooth outside with soft loops inside, lighter than fleece and comfortable through spring and fall. Logos go on by print or by stitching.
65% cotton, 35% polyester
Brushed fleece
Brushed fleece is a cotton-polyester knit brushed soft on the inside to trap warmth: the cloth for winter hoodies, cold rinks and late-season sidelines.
95% cotton, 5% elastane
Cotton-rich single jersey
Cotton-rich single jersey is a light knit that feels like everyday cotton, with a touch of give, for tees, tanks and the team shop. Decorated by screen print or a DTF transfer.
100% polyester
Ripstop softshell
Ripstop softshell is a polyester fabric with a grid-woven, wind-resistant face and a bonded backing, for jackets that see cold dugouts and wet sidelines.
95% cotton, 5% elastane
1x1 rib trim
1x1 rib trim is the ribbed knit for collars, cuffs and hems, dyed to match the body or tipped in a contrast color.
How do the eight fabrics compare?
| Fabric | Fiber content | Used for | Decoration | Typical sports |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Micro polyester interlock | 100% polyester | Game jerseys, match shirts | Sublimation | Soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse |
| Bird-eye mesh | 100% polyester | Jerseys, shorts, reversibles | Sublimation | Basketball, soccer, lacrosse, flag football |
| Poly-spandex jersey | 88% polyester, 12% elastane | Singlets, base layers, spandex shorts | Sublimation | Wrestling, volleyball, football |
| French terry | 80% cotton, 20% polyester | Hoodies, crew sweatshirts | Screen print, embroidery, DTF | All twelve, especially esports and basketball |
| Brushed fleece | 65% cotton, 35% polyester | Winter hoodies, sweatpants | Screen print, embroidery, DTF | Ice hockey, football, esports |
| Cotton-rich single jersey | 95% cotton, 5% elastane | Team tees, tanks, merch | Screen print, DTF | Esports, flag football, team shops |
| Ripstop softshell | 100% polyester | Bench jackets, outerwear | Embroidery, screen print | Baseball, softball, rugby |
| 1x1 rib trim | 95% cotton, 5% elastane | Collars, cuffs, waistbands | Dyed to match or contrast-tipped | Hockey, rugby, baseball |
Your quote names the fabric for each piece. Weights are confirmed on the quote and the sample.
Custom soccer uniforms Custom basketball uniforms Custom wrestling singlets Custom volleyball uniforms Custom hockey jerseys Custom baseball uniforms
Why does sublimation need polyester?
Dye sublimation is a print process that turns ink into a gas with heat so it bonds inside polyester fibers. It only works on polyester: the cloth needs to be at least 80% polyester for the colors to come out full. That is why jerseys, shorts and singlets are sublimated and cotton-rich hoodies and tees are screen printed, embroidered or finished with DTF.
Outside the library
Need a cloth that is not on this page? Post us a piece of it, or describe what it has to do, and we will find or make a match, with the cost and any extra time spelled out before you decide. Recycled polyester versions of the jersey fabrics can be quoted beside the standard ones.
Which fabric suits a fully sublimated jersey?
Micro polyester interlock for a smooth face and sharp detail, or bird-eye mesh when the jersey has to breathe. Both are 100% polyester, which sublimation needs.
What are wrestling singlets made from?
Poly-spandex jersey, 88% polyester and 12% elastane. It stretches in every direction, snaps back and takes a full sublimated print.
Why are team hoodies not sublimated?
They are cotton-rich for warmth and a soft feel, and sublimation only colors polyester. Hoodies are screen printed, embroidered or finished with DTF instead.
Can we have recycled polyester?
Ask for it in your request. Where a recycled version of a jersey fabric is available, it is quoted beside the standard cloth so you can compare.
Can we feel the fabric before ordering?
Yes. The sample is made in the real fabric 10 days after you approve the artwork, so you approve the cloth as well as the design before the order is made.
Ready to price your kit?
Send the sport, quantities and deadline, with any artwork you have.