Short answer: choose fabric by sport, garment and decoration method first, then by feel and weight. Most custom team wear uses polyester-based knits because they take dye sublimation well, dry fast and hold colour through repeated washing; stretch garments add spandex (elastane) for fit and recovery.
This guide is for US and EU sportswear brands, team dealers and club buyers briefing a China OEM/ODM factory. It explains the common fabric families, how they behave in production, and what to put in your brief. Pair it with our tech pack guide and decoration methods guide.
Why does fabric choice matter so much for custom team wear?
Short answer: fabric decides how the garment fits, breathes, takes print and survives the season.
The same design can look and perform very differently on two fabrics. A heavy mesh suits a hockey jersey that takes contact; a light stretch knit suits a rash guard worn skin-tight. Fabric also limits decoration: full-colour dye sublimation needs a high-polyester, light-coloured base, while tackle twill and embroidery need a fabric stable enough to hold stitching.
Which fabrics are commonly used for custom jerseys?
Short answer: polyester knits, often in mesh or interlock constructions, for most team jerseys.
- Polyester mesh: open structure for airflow; common for hockey, lacrosse, basketball and football jerseys. See hockey jerseys, lacrosse jerseys, basketball jerseys and American football jerseys.
- Polyester interlock or smooth knit: cleaner surface for sharp sublimated graphics; common for soccer and baseball. See soccer jerseys and baseball jerseys.
- Heavier knits or double layers: used where durability and a pro look matter more than weight.
What fabric works for rash guards, compression and wrestling singlets?
Short answer: a polyester–spandex (or nylon–spandex) stretch knit with good recovery, sewn with stretch-friendly seams.
These garments sit close to the body and stretch in every direction, so the fabric must spring back without bagging. Seam construction matters as much as fabric: flatlock or similar stretch seams reduce chafing. See MMA shorts and rash guards, wrestling singlets and our rash guard buyer’s guide.
What about hoodies, fishing shirts and golf polos?
Short answer: match the fabric to the climate and use, then check it suits your decoration.
- Hoodies: fleece or French terry for warmth; polyester-rich blends take sublimation, cotton-rich blends suit embroidery and screen-style looks. See hoodies.
- Fishing shirts: light, quick-dry polyester knits for long days outdoors. See fishing shirts.
- Golf polos: smooth performance knits with a neat collar and placket finish. See golf polos.
How does fabric affect sublimation printing?
Short answer: sublimation dyes bond with polyester fibres, so the more polyester and the lighter the base colour, the brighter and longer-lasting the print.
Cotton-rich fabrics do not hold sublimation dye well, and dark base fabrics hide colour. If your design needs full-colour, edge-to-edge graphics, choose a white or light polyester base. For the full process, read dye sublimation explained.
What fabric details should I put in my brief?
Short answer: sport and garment, preferred fabric family, feel and weight preference, stretch needs, any certificate requirement, and a reference garment if you have one.
A useful fabric line in a brief looks like: “Hockey jersey, polyester mesh body, smooth knit shoulder yoke, full sublimation, durable for contact play.” If you are unsure, describe the use and climate; a factory team can suggest suitable options and send fabric swatches for review.
Do your fabrics carry safety certification?
Short answer: the fabric supplier we use holds an OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certificate, number 23.HCN.91580, valid to August 2027.
If your market or retailer needs specific documents, mention it in your Inquiry so the right paperwork is prepared with your order.
About Glory Ground Apparel
Glory Ground Apparel is a custom sportswear OEM/ODM manufacturer in Pinghu, Longgang District, Shenzhen, with 10+ years of experience. In-house dye sublimation, tackle twill and embroidery, JUKI industrial sewing machines and a capacity of about 50,000 pieces per month support brands, dealers and clubs. Ready to discuss fabric for your next collection? Use the Inquiry button to send your design and requirements.
Quick answers
Which fabrics are commonly used for custom jerseys?
Most team jerseys use polyester knits. Open polyester mesh suits hockey, lacrosse, basketball and football jerseys; smooth polyester interlock gives sharper sublimated graphics for soccer and baseball.
What fabric works for rash guards and wrestling singlets?
A polyester-spandex or nylon-spandex stretch knit with good recovery, sewn with flatlock or similar stretch seams to reduce chafing.
How does fabric affect sublimation printing?
Sublimation dyes bond with polyester, so a high-polyester, white or light base gives the brightest, longest-lasting print. Cotton-rich or dark fabrics are not suitable for full-colour sublimation.
What fabric details should I put in my brief?
List the sport and garment, preferred fabric family, weight and stretch needs, any certificate requirement and a reference garment. If unsure, describe the use and climate and the factory team can suggest options.
