Each and every one of our products comes with its own handy product description. We take a close look at each product, noting the interesting features and what some might consider the boring details. They’re not boring to us! And, trust me, they make a big difference to the look and feel of a product. Let’s take a closer look then at the differences between jersey knit and ribbed knit and make you a true t-shirt connoisseur.
Ribbed Knit:
Ribbed Knit is a ridged pattern running vertically along the product. The ridges of ribbed knit fabrics can either be thick or fine – the thicker, obviously, can be easily seen, while the finer ribbed knit is only visible upon closer inspection. Ribbed knit fabrics are also stretchy and have a elasticity to them which allows them to stretch without distorting their shape. The ribbed effect makes the fabric feel a little thicker – and you most often see them in articles like scarves, sweaters, socks and form fitting shirts.
Too much stretch is not always good, especially when printing on the fabric. If the material is too stretchy, prints can tear or rip the design. That’s never good. And that’s why we use fine-ribbed products like the Men’s Long Sleeve Shirt and Women’s Long Sleeve Hoodie, both by American Apparel. You get the form fitting quality of ribbed knit with a somewhat thicker feel and no too much stretch.
Jersey Knit:
The stitches in jersey knit fabrics are a lot closer together and hard to see unless you get really, really close. The pattern is a square criss-crossing type and the fabric is most often used to make t-shirts. There is a very slight stretch with jersey fabric, especially the single knitted type, and it is very soft and lightweight. A good example of this comfortable fabric is our Women’s Deep V-Neck Shirt which has a form fitting and comfortably smooth feel.
Fun Random Facts about Jersey Knit Fabrics:
- Jersey knit fabric is named after Jersey, Channel Islands, where this kind of fabric was originally produced.
- “Coco” Chanel shocked the fashion industry in 1916 by using jersey at a time when it was strictly used for undergarments.
Do you have a preference between jersey and ribbed knit?
