Knitted Fabric Types: A Practical Guide for Brands and Suppliers

Knitted Fabric Types: A Practical Guide for Brands & Suppliers

Knitted fabrics are created through inter‑looping yarns, offering stretch, comfort and versatility. They can broadly be classified into weft knits and warp knits. Affix Apparel+1

1. Weft Knit Fabrics

These are the most common knits, formed horizontally, and include:

  • Jersey knit – Single knit with a smooth right side and textured wrong side; used for T‑shirts, simple tops. Nature's Fabrics+1

  • Rib knit – Vertical ribbing on both sides, offering great cross‑wise stretch; used for cuffs, collars, body‑hugging garments. Nature's Fabrics

  • Interlock knit – A double‑knit fabric with both sides smooth, heavier and more stable; good for structured tops, dresses. Tissura

Pros

  • Excellent comfort, flexibility and ease of movement

  • Generally soft and breathable

  • Ideal for casual apparel, activewear and everyday use

Cons

  • Weft knits may be less stable than woven fabrics—prone to curling at edges or stretching out if poorly controlled Wikipedia

  • Some styles may shrink or lose shape if low‑quality yarns are used

2. Warp Knit Fabrics

These fabrics are knitted vertically, offering more structure and stability. Common types include:

  • Tricot – Lightweight, slightly ribbed on the face and smooth on back; often used for lingerie, swimwear. Tissura

  • Raschel – More open, lace‑like patterns; used for openwork garments, fashion overlays. Tissura

Pros

  • Better dimensional stability, less prone to runs or laddering Wikipedia

  • Suitable for garments requiring structure or durability

Cons

  • Typically less stretch or comfort compared to weft knits

  • May require more complex machines or higher cost production

How Luopeita Can Help You Leverage Knits

At Luopeita, the Clothes Factory, we support full custom manufacturing of knit‐wear:

  • Advising on appropriate knit type (weft vs warp) based on design, target market, and performance needs

  • Offering fabric sourcing and knit development: jersey for tees, rib for cuffs, interlock for premium fit, or warp for structured styles

  • Ensuring quality control on stability, shrinkage, yarn blend and stretch recovery

  • Integrating finishing touches like rhinestone embellishment, custom trims, low MOQ runs—all tailored for brand differentiation

Choosing the Right Knit for Your Brand

  • For casual tees and everyday wear → Jersey knit, comfortable and cost‑effective

  • For fitted or high‑stretch designs → Rib knit or interlock, offering shape retention

  • For premium structured pieces, outerwear or specialty styles → Warp knits or double‑knits such as Ponte Wikipedia

  • Always evaluate: yarn quality, GSM (weight), blend (cotton, viscose, spandex), finishing, shrinkage and machine type

Final Thoughts

Knitted fabrics bring comfort, versatility and style to modern apparel—but not all knits are created equal. By understanding the types, their properties and use‑cases, and working with a manufacturing partner like Luopeita, you position your brand for better fit, function and market impact.

Elevate your knitwear line not just through design—but through informed fabric choice and execution.

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