Discover how selecting the right knit fabric impacts comfort, durability, and design. Find out how Deepwear’s global network provides expert sourcing and manufacturing services to brands. Choosing the right knit fabric is fundamental to creating garments that deliver on wearability, fit, durability, and brand identity. A well-selected knit supports how a piece drapes, performs, and resonates with consumers, while a poor choice can compromise the entire garment experience. A garment’s drape, performance, and resonance with customers are supported by a well-chosen knit, whereas a poor choice can compromise the garment’s experience as a whole. In this blog we cover:
Key types of knit fabrics and their common uses
How to match the fabric type to the purpose of a garment The significance of fabric performance characteristics like breathability, weight, and stretch How Deepwear facilitates global sourcing from reputable manufacturers Regional strengths in knit production across Portugal, India, Turkey, China, and Thailand
Deepwear’s key services for knit fabric development and production
Market Overview
The global knitted fabric market continues to grow robustly, reflecting rising consumer demand for comfort, flexibility, and innovative textile solutions. According to the IMARC Group’s 2024 knitted fabric market report, the market size reached USD 32.4 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a steady compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3% through 2033, reaching nearly USD 49.1 billion. Applications in the fashion, sportswear, healthcare, home furnishings, and even automotive sectors are driving this expansion.
The growing popularity of athleisure and casual wear, a growing emphasis on sustainability with the use of organic and recycled fibers, and technological advancements like smart textiles that provide moisture management and temperature regulation are all important drivers of this expansion. The versatility and comfort of knitted fabrics make them the preferred choice across diverse sectors, while ongoing innovations continue to open new market opportunities.
In 2025, which knit fabric is best for fashion brands?
There is no one knit fabric that is the “best” for every brand. The best choice depends on the purpose of the garment, the season, the audience, and the design’s vision. For example: For everyday basics, single jersey and rib knit are excellent choices. In collections for cold weather, fleece and thermal knit are the best choices. When it comes to activewear’s performance knit fabrics, mesh knits and blends of spandex work best. Tricot, raschel, and velour bring softness and drape to luxury or lingerie lines.
Whether you’re expanding a bestseller or creating an experimental capsule, our team at Deepwear helps you find the right fabric for your creative and practical needs. As your apparel manufacturing consultant, we support everything from yarn selection to prototype testing and supply chain alignment.To help you get started, here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used knit fabrics, categorized by their typical applications. Each type of fabric has distinct characteristics that influence comfort, structure, and style, ranging from everyday basics to materials suitable for activewear, thermal knits, and luxury options. Use this guide to better understand how these knit fabrics function—and how they can work for your next collection.
Everyday Essentials
These knits, chosen for their comfort, stretch, and wearability, serve as the foundation of everyday basics and casual wear.
Single Jersey: cost-effective, lightweight, and soft. Commonly used for basic tees, tops, and underlayers.
Vertical ribs allow for excellent stretch and shape retention in the rib knit. ideally suited for fitted garments, cuffs, and necklines.
Interlock Knit: Double-layered structure for more stability and opacity. Often used in babywear, premium tees, and leggings.
Purl Knit: Textured on both sides with good elasticity. suitable for items that require volume or drape, as well as reversible garments. Structural and Decorative Knits These knits are frequently used to enhance garment construction with dimensional patterns and visual appeal and to add interest.
Jacquard Knit: Fabric with intricate woven-in designs that do not require printing. ideal for jackets, statement garments, and sweaters. Because of its raised braid-like texture, the Cable Knit is iconic. Popular in heritage-style sweaters and premium knitwear.
Pointelle: Delicate, lacy patterns with openwork designs. Often found in women’s tops, cardigans, and sleepwear.
Double Jersey: A jersey with more density that has a smoother finish and less curling. used in dresses and blazers that are structured. Cozy & Thermal Options
These fabrics are essential for loungewear and cooler climates because they emphasize warmth, breathability, and tactile comfort.
Fleece Knit: Brushed for softness and insulation. Commonly used in hoodies, sweatpants, and outerwear.
French Terry’s loopback design provides warmth without adding bulk. A go-to for sweatshirts, joggers, and transitional layering.
Thermal (Waffle) Knit: Grid-like texture traps heat efficiently. Frequently seen in thermal underwear and winter base layers.
Sweater Knit: Heavier weight and bulkier texture. Covers a range of styles from chunky to fine gauge, ideal for sweaters and cardigans.
Hacci Knit: A loose, drapey knit with a sweater-like feel. utilized for cardigans, flowy tops, and casual layering pieces.
