What Are the Various Types of Polyester Knits?
By: ShirtsBargain Posted on: Sep 29, 2025Now that we’ve covered everything you should know about polyester and polyester apparel in an earlier blog, it’s time to dive into polyester knits. Polyester knits, as the name suggests, mean knitted construction with polyester fabric. Such a construction can give the garment all the traits of polyester but with more flexibility and comfort. For this, manufacturers use a variety of knitting techniques and finishing processes, resulting in distinct textures, weights, and performance characteristics for the garment.
Basic Polyester Knit Types
- Single Jersey Knits: The most fundamental type of polyester knit fabric, single jersey knits have a lightweight construction and smooth surface texture. This fabric features visible flat vertical lines on both sides. Single jersey polyester knits offer natural stretch and breathability, making them ideal for basic t-shirts, tank tops, dresses, and lightweight activewear. The K398 performance polo from Port Authority is a polyester single jersey polo shirt with stain release, snag resistance, and moisture-wicking capabilities.
- Interlock Knits: You could say interlock polyester knits are a more refined version of jersey knits, featuring smooth surfaces on both sides with increased thickness and stability. It is obviously a double-knit, “interlocked” construction, which makes the fabric heavier than a single jersey. Apparel with polyester interlock construction, like the Sport Tek ST550 Competitor Polo and the Sport-Tek ST520 blank PosiCharge work polo with UV protection, offers excellent drape. In ShirtsBargain, you can explore a wide selection of blank t-shirts and blank polo shirts with polyester interlock construction, and many more featuring Posicharge fabric technology.
- Rib Knits: This type of knit polyester fabric features distinctive vertical textured lines created through alternating knit and purl stitches. Rib knits offer exceptional stretch and recovery properties, particularly in the crosswise direction. Common variations include 1×1 rib (alternating single knit and purl stitches) and 2×2 rib (alternating double knit and purl stitches), with 1×1 rib providing greater elasticity. Rib knits are extensively used for cuffs, collars, necklines, and form-fitting garments like tank tops. There are also sweatshirts and hoodies with rib-knit cuffs and collars, like the Gildan G185 and the Sport-Tek F281 heavyweight hoodie.
Specialized Polyester Knit Types
- French Terry Knits: French terry polyester knits feature a unique construction with a smooth surface on one side and soft, uncut loops on the reverse side. This structure provides excellent moisture absorption, superior breathability compared to fleece, and moderate warmth. These fabrics are commonly used for sweatshirts, hoodies, joggers, casual dresses, and loungewear. You can find French terry styles in ShirtsBargain, like the District DT355 French Terry Hoodie, the Jerzees 91M French Terry Raglan sweatshirt, and more at super low wholesale prices.
- Fleece Knits: Polyester fleece knits are engineered for maximum warmth and insulation through specialized brushing processes that give fleece knit apparel a soft, fuzzy texture. Unlike cotton fleece, polyester fleece offers superior moisture-wicking and quick-drying capabilities. Customer-favorite styles in ShirtsBargain, like the Port and Company PC78H hoodie, the Port Authority F217 blank fleece jacket, and the CornerStone CS625 hooded work jacket, and more are made of polyester fleece blends. Various fleece types include microfleece (lightweight and thin), polar fleece (thick and warm), and sherpa fleece (extremely fluffy with a wool-like appearance). These fabrics are essential for cold-weather garments, outdoor gear, and comfort wear.
- Mesh Knits: Polyester mesh knits incorporate open-weave structures with holes to maximize breathability and air circulation. These fabrics are specifically engineered for athletic and performance applications where moisture management is critical. Variations include power mesh (for compression garments), micro mesh (for fine breathability), and jacquard mesh (combining patterns with breathability). Mesh knits are predominantly used in sportswear, activewear, athletic footwear, and swimwear. The Sport-Tek ST695 blank performance polo from ShirtsBargain is a polyester mesh knit.
Performance-Oriented Knit Types
- Pique Knits: Pique polyester knits have distinctive waffle-like or honeycomb textures as specialized knitting techniques are employed in manufacturing. This textured surface provides enhanced breathability by allowing air to circulate between the raised areas and the skin. Pique knits offer exceptional moisture-wicking and are particularly effective at concealing perspiration. These fabrics are the standard choice for polo shirts, casual sportswear, and professional uniforms. The Port Authority K863 blank eco-friendly performance polo is 100% recycled polyester pique.
- Double Knits: Double-knit polyester fabrics are constructed using two sets of needles to create thick, stable fabrics with excellent structural integrity. Common variations include ponte knits (smooth and structured), scuba knits (medium weight with spongy texture), and techno knits (lighter than scuba with enhanced drape). Double knits offer superior shape retention and are ideal for tailored garments requiring structure, such as dresses, skirts, pants, and blazers. ShirtsBargain’s bestselling Port Authority K540 Easy Care polo features a polyester double-knit fabric.
- Jacquard Knits: Jacquard polyester knits have intricate patterns woven directly into the fabric structure, typically using computerized knitting technology. These fabrics can feature complex geometric designs, florals, or custom patterns that become permanent elements of the textile. Jacquard knits offer both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits, with the raised patterns adding texture and visual depth. Fashion garments, decorative apparel, and premium casual wear can have jacquard knits. Styles like the Port Authority K569 Diamond Jacquard Polo and the K528 Performance Jacquard Polo from Port Authority in ShirtsBargain are top preferences for some of our customers who want a little textile sophistication.
Polyester knits deliver a fantastic balance of comfort, durability, and even cost-effectiveness that today's apparel market demands. Their stretch recovery, breathability, and easy care properties make them a smart choice for both manufacturers and consumers. As textile technology continues advancing, polyester knits remain at the forefront of practical fabric solutions that perform consistently across diverse applications.
Explore a vast array of polyester and polyester-blended blank apparel solutions wholesale from brands like Port Authority, Sport-Tek, and more at exceptional per-piece prices in ShirtsBargain. Purchase in bulk for maximum value, and talk to us if you require specific recommendations.