Team Jersey Fabrics: Polyester, Weight and Mesh

The fabric decides how a jersey feels, how long it lasts and how well it handles sweat.

Why most jerseys are polyester

Nearly every modern team jersey is polyester or a polyester blend.

• It absorbs very little water, so it dries quickly and moves sweat away from the skin.
• It holds its shape and doesn't shrink or stretch out with washing.
• It stands up to abrasion better than cotton.
• It is the fabric sublimation works on. The ink bonds with polyester fibres, which is how sublimated colours stay bright without cracking or peeling.

Cotton feels soft but soaks up sweat and gets heavy, so it is a poor choice for game jerseys.

Knit vs woven

Knit fabrics are made from interlocking loops of yarn. They stretch, move with the body and breathe well. Almost all jerseys are knit.

Woven fabrics are made from yarns crossing at right angles. They are stiffer and more structured, with little stretch. You'll find them in things like jackets and some pants, rather than in game jerseys.

Fabric weight

Fabric weight is how heavy the material is for a given area. It affects how the jersey feels and how it holds up.

• Lighter fabrics breathe better and feel cooler. They suit high-intensity indoor sports and warm weather.
• Heavier fabrics are tougher, more opaque and feel more substantial. They suit contact sports and teams that want a pro-style feel.

Our hockey jerseys come in three fabrics. Birdseye Ice is the standard and our most popular for ice hockey. Birdseye Inline is the same knit but lighter, for lacrosse, roller hockey and ball hockey. Pro weight double-knit is heavier and more durable; it comes on the Pro cut and is a $8 upgrade on Classic. The Resources page compares them side by side. [Add fabric weights for Birdseye Ice and Pro weight if we publish them.]

Texture and mesh

Birdseye is a knit with a small, regular pattern of raised dots or holes. It adds airflow and surface area for sweat to evaporate, while staying solid enough for detailed sublimated graphics.

Open mesh panels are sometimes added in hot areas, like under the arms or along the sides, for extra ventilation. Very open mesh shows less print detail, so it works best in areas without logos or numbers.

Treatments and finishes

Some fabrics get extra finishes, like antimicrobial treatments for odour, stain resistance or UV protection. Surface treatments can wear off over many washes. A well-built fabric that wicks because of its fibre and knit doesn't depend on them.

If a feature matters to your team, ask us what the fabric you're choosing actually includes: [confirm which treatments, if any, our fabrics have].

Matching fabric to your team

Ask a few questions before you choose:

• Is it a contact sport? Heavier, tougher fabric and reinforced elbows help. On hockey jerseys, reinforced elbows are a $5.50 add-on and are included with the Pro cut.
• Is it hot, or a high-intensity indoor sport? Go lighter and more breathable.
• Does it go over pads? Make sure the cut and size leave room; see the size chart on the Resources page.
• How often will it be washed? Polyester handles frequent washing well if you follow the care steps.

For sports other than hockey, see the pricing page for fabric options and prices.

Care keeps the fabric performing

Wash jerseys inside out in cold water and hang them to dry. Don't use bleach or fabric softener, and don't iron the print. Softener is the one most people get wrong: it coats the fibres and cuts down on wicking.