Knits vs wovens
| Knit fabrics | Woven fabrics | |
|---|---|---|
| How it is made | Interlocking loops | Threads crossed at right angles |
| Stretch | Natural stretch | Little or none, unless blended with spandex |
| Examples | Jersey, rib, interlock, fleece, French terry, pique | Poplin, twill, denim, linen, cambric, crepe |
| Typical products | Tees, hoodies, joggers, polos, kidswear | Shirts, trousers, kurtas, dresses, jackets |
| India hub | Tiruppur, Ludhiana, Kolkata | Surat, Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, Jaipur |
Common knit fabrics
- Single jersey: the classic t-shirt fabric, smooth on one side.
- Rib: stretchy with visible ridges; used for cuffs, collars and fitted tops.
- Interlock: thicker, smooth on both sides, stable; popular for baby wear.
- Pique: textured, breathable; used for polo shirts.
- French terry: loops on the inside; for year-round sweatshirts and joggers.
- Fleece: brushed on the inside for warmth; for winter hoodies.
Common woven fabrics
- Poplin and cambric: smooth, crisp cotton for shirts and kurtas.
- Twill: diagonal weave, durable; for chinos and workwear.
- Denim: sturdy cotton twill for jeans and jackets.
- Linen: very breathable with a natural texture; wrinkles easily.
- Rayon (viscose): soft and drapey; popular for kurtas and dresses.
- Mulmul and voile: very light cottons for summer wear.
- Georgette and crepe: flowy synthetics or blends for festive and western wear.
Cotton quality terms
- Carded vs combed: combed cotton removes short fibres for a smoother, stronger fabric.
- Bio-washed: enzyme-treated for softness and less pilling.
- Compacted or pre-shrunk: processed to reduce shrinkage after washing.
- Organic: grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilisers; ask for certification if you market it.
- Yarn count: higher counts mean finer yarn and a smoother fabric.
What GSM to choose
| Product | Typical GSM range |
|---|---|
| Light summer tee | 140 to 170 |
| Regular tee | 170 to 200 |
| Heavyweight oversized tee | 220 to 260+ |
| Polo shirt (pique) | 200 to 240 |
| Sweatshirt or French terry hoodie | 260 to 320 |
| Heavyweight fleece hoodie | 350 to 450 |
These are common ranges, not rules. Ask for a fabric swatch and feel it before deciding.
Fabric checks before bulk production
- Weigh a swatch or sample to confirm GSM.
- Wash-test for shrinkage, colour bleeding and twisting.
- Rub-test dark colours for colour transfer.
- Check that bulk uses the same fabric lot as the approved sample.
Put your fabric choices in a tech pack, or ask Voz Cruda to recommend fabrics for your product and budget.
Frequently asked questions
What does GSM mean in fabric?
GSM means grams per square metre. It measures fabric weight: a higher GSM fabric is heavier and usually thicker, while a lower GSM fabric is lighter and cooler.
What is the difference between knit and woven fabric?
Knit fabric is made from interlocking loops, so it stretches, like t-shirt jersey and fleece. Woven fabric is made by crossing threads at right angles, so it is more stable, like shirting, denim and linen.
What is combed cotton?
Combed cotton has been combed to remove short fibres and impurities before spinning. The resulting yarn is smoother and stronger, giving a softer, more even fabric than carded cotton.
Which fabric is best for Indian summers?
Light, breathable fabrics such as lightweight cotton jersey, cotton mulmul, linen and linen blends, and rayon work well in hot and humid weather.
Are cotton-polyester blends good for a clothing brand?
Blends shrink less, dry faster and cost less, which suits merchandise, team wear and activewear. Pure cotton usually feels more premium and breathable for fashion basics.