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Jersey

What is Jersey fabric?

Jersey is a general name for knitted clothing fabrics rather than one fixed fibre composition. The knitted loops give Jersey natural flexibility and distinguish it from woven fabrics, while composition determines much of the hand feel, drape and recovery.

At Nooteboom Textiles, we have several Jersey types, including Cotton Jersey, Viscose Jersey, Polyester Jersey, Viscose Vortex Jersey, Bamboo Jersey and Plissé qualities. These fabrics can all belong to the wider Jersey group, but they differ considerably in surface, fluidity, stretch and intended application.

Go to Jersey collection

Specifications

  • Construction Knitted fabric, often single jersey or other weft-knitted structures
  • Composition Can be made from cotton, viscose, polyester, wool or blends, often with elastane
  • Fabric weight Within the Nooteboom Textiles range, Jersey varies strongly by type: Bamboo Jersey is mainly 130-260 g/m², Cotton Jersey approximately 185-345 g/m² and Viscose Jersey approximately 200-335 g/m²
  • Stretch Moderate natural stretch; good stretch and recovery when elastane is added
  • Abbreviations CO = cotton, CV or VI = viscose, PES = polyester, WO = wool, EL = elastane
  • Appearance Smooth face side, softer reverse side, flexible drape, soft and comfortable touch

What are the properties of Jersey?

Jersey is formed from intermeshing knitted loops rather than separate warp and weft yarn systems. This construction gives the fabric natural crosswise flexibility even when no elastane is present. The exact behaviour depends strongly on fibre composition, yarn, density and finishing, so one Jersey can be soft and stable while another is highly fluid or elastic. Single Jersey commonly has a smoother face and a visibly different reverse, while other Jersey constructions can be denser or more structured.

How does Jersey feel?

There is no single hand feel for Jersey because the fibre composition makes a major difference. Cotton Jersey generally feels soft and slightly fuller, while Viscose Jersey is smoother and more fluid.

Polyester Jersey can feel smooth, light and resilient, while Bamboo Jersey usually has a soft and supple character. Viscose Vortex Jersey is relevant when a clean, smooth Jersey surface is required, while Plissé adds a permanently pleated or rippled surface effect.

Applications

  • T-shirts and tops
  • Dresses and skirts with stretch
  • Leggings and fitted garments
  • Loungewear and pyjamas
  • Underwear and base layers
  • Casual trousers and jumpsuits

Care Instructions

Jersey is usually washable at 30 to 40°C, depending on the fibre composition and colour. Wash inside out to help reduce pilling and protect the surface. Do not bleach. Air drying is preferred for jersey with elastane, as high-temperature tumble drying can affect stretch recovery. Iron at low to medium temperature on the reverse side, depending on the fibre content.

Certifications

OEKO-TEX Standard 100 may be available depending on the specific article. Organic cotton, recycled polyester, Lenzing EcoVero or other certified fibre variants may be available depending on the fabric and supplier.

Practical Tip

Use a stretch stitch, narrow zigzag or overlock seam when sewing jersey, so the seams can move with the fabric. A ballpoint or jersey needle helps prevent skipped stitches and damage to the knitted loops.

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Written by

Dave Van der Steen Nooteboom Textiles

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