JERSEY FABRIC GUIDE: UNDERSTANDING POLYESTER TYPES FOR SPORTSWEAR

Not all polyester is created equal. The fabric your jersey is made from directly affects comfort, durability, and performance during play. Here's a breakdown of the most common jersey fabrics.

INTERLOCK POLYESTER

The most popular fabric for sublimation jerseys. It has a smooth surface on both sides, good stretch, and a medium weight (140-160 GSM). It's breathable, drapes well, and produces excellent print quality. Suitable for cricket, football, and most team sports.

HONEYCOMB / EYELET

Features a textured surface with tiny holes that enhance ventilation. Slightly heavier than interlock but much more breathable — ideal for outdoor sports in hot climates. The texture also adds a premium look and feel to the jersey.

DRI-FIT / MOISTURE WICKING

Engineered with special fiber treatments that pull sweat away from the skin to the fabric surface where it evaporates quickly. This keeps players dry and comfortable during intense activity. Premium option used by professional teams.

MESH

Highly breathable with visible holes in the fabric. Commonly used for basketball jerseys and as panel inserts in cricket and football jerseys for extra ventilation in high-sweat zones (underarms, back). Not suitable as the primary fabric for sublimation printing due to the open weave.

WHAT WE RECOMMEND

For most team orders, interlock polyester (150 GSM) offers the best balance of comfort, print quality, durability, and cost. For teams playing in extreme heat, honeycomb fabric is worth the small price premium for its superior breathability.

At Athenax, we use premium grade interlock polyester that's specifically optimized for sublimation printing. Ask us about fabric options.