Choosing the right fabric is one of the most consequential decisions in garment development. The fabric determines the drape, breathability, durability, shrinkage behaviour, dye absorption, and ultimately the perceived quality of the finished product. For t-shirts and casual knitwear, the most common choice is cotton jersey — typically in the 160–220 GSM range, with heavier weights offering a premium hand feel and lighter weights better suited to warm climates or athletic use. Cotton-polyester blends reduce cost and improve dimensional stability, though they sacrifice some breathability and dye vibrancy. For performance or activewear, moisture-wicking polyester or nylon fabrics are standard.
Beyond fibre content, buyers should evaluate the construction method (single jersey, interlock, French terry, piqué, waffle), the yarn count (affecting softness and pilling resistance), and the finish applied (bio-wash, enzyme wash, or silicone softener treatments). Sustainable options — organic cotton, recycled polyester, Tencel/Lyocell blends — are increasingly available at competitive price points. When briefing a manufacturer, providing a target GSM range, a fabric hand-feel reference, and a washcare requirement from the outset will save multiple development rounds and ensure the first sample lands close to your specification.