Types of Knit Fabric and Their Uses: A Complete Guide
A comprehensive manufacturer guide covering 12 core knit fabric types — from single jersey to double-face — with structure, weight, composition and ideal applications.
Knit fabrics form the backbone of modern apparel thanks to their stretch, comfort and fast production. From t-shirts and sweatshirts to eveningwear and sportswear, most garments in your wardrobe start as a knit. In this guide we walk through the main knit fabrics we manufacture at RT Tekstil, covering their structure, weight ranges, composition options and best applications.
What Is a Knit Fabric? How It Differs From Woven
Knit fabrics are produced by interloping a single yarn system into loops, whereas woven fabrics interlace warp and weft yarns at right angles. This structural difference gives knits three core advantages: stretch (the loop structure lets the fabric extend even without elastane), breathability (air gaps between loops release heat and moisture) and a soft hand ideal for everyday wear.
Basic Knit Fabrics
1. Single Jersey (Süprem)
Single jersey is the most common knit, with a smooth face and looped back, produced at 120–220 gsm. It is the essential t-shirt fabric, available in ring (combed) or open-end (carded) yarn, with or without elastane, in 100% cotton, modal and poly-viscose blends.
2. French Terry (2-Thread)
French terry is the base for sweatshirts and hoodies, with a flat face and looped back at 220–320 gsm. Brushed versions add warmth for autumn-winter, while unbrushed stays light for spring-summer.
3. Three-Thread
Three-thread fleece is a heavy 300–350 gsm fabric with a full, draping hand, favoured for oversize and streetwear collections, especially in its brushed winter form.
4. Rib (Ribana)
Rib fabric offers high stretch and excellent recovery with its vertical ribs, used for collars, cuffs, bodysuits and underwear in 1x1 and 2x2 structures.
Textured & Accessory Fabrics
5. Pique (Lacost)
Pique is the classic polo fabric, with a honeycomb texture that improves airflow. Mercerised versions add a silky sheen and strength.
6. Crinkle (Bürümcük)
Crinkle fabric needs no ironing thanks to its textured surface, making it a practical, stylish choice for blouses, dresses and summer collections.
7. Kaşkorse
Kaşkorse is a pronounced ribbed knit with full elastane that hugs the body and holds its shape all day — elegant for womenswear and bodysuits.
8. Collar & Cuff
Knitted collars and cuffs are custom-produced with colourfastness guarantee to match the main fabric exactly.
Technical & Performance Fabrics
9. Scuba (Dalgıç)
Scuba is a double-knit with a structured, upright drape at 250–350 gsm, ideal for eveningwear, blazers and jackets.
10. Cotton Scuba
Cotton scuba combines scuba's structure with cotton breathability and a soft-touch matte surface for sportswear.
11. Polyester Scuba
Polyester scuba is fully compatible with sublimation printing and water-repellent, perfect for performance and promotional apparel.
12. Double-Face
Double-face knits two surfaces into one, allowing different colours or textures on each side, at 350–500 gsm for coats and winter outerwear.
Working With RT Tekstil
As an Istanbul-based knit fabric manufacturer and exporter since 1980, we offer end-to-end solutions with a wide machine park, tight weight tolerances and colourfastness guarantees. Reach out via our contact page for product and sample requests, or browse our catalogue on the password-protected collections page.
