A Buyer’s Guide to 6 Knit Fabrics
Updated: Oct 14
A polo is a polo… right?
Well, not quite.
Give six different buyers the same brief for a men’s polo, and you could end up with six very different garments. Change the fabric, weight, texture, or construction, and suddenly the product has a completely different look and feel.
For brands, wholesalers, and private-label buyers, fabric selection is often where the real product development begins. So, let’s take a look at six knitwear options from our collection.
1. Tencel Feather Knit - For When “Soft” Matters
Let's start with Tencel.
Our Tencel Feather Knit polo sits at 200–210 GSM. Tencel fibres are known for their soft hand feel, making them an interesting choice when the fabric experience is an important part of the product.
For a buyer developing a polo that needs something beyond the usual basic feel, this is a fabric worth sampling.
2. Double Pique PC (60/40) - The Polo Classic
There are some combinations in menswear that simply work.
Piqué and polo shirts are one of them.
Our Double Pique PC (60/40) is a 225 GSM polo made with a 60/40 PC blend. Compared with a lighter polo, the higher fabric weight gives buyers another option when developing a more substantial product.
Sometimes, the classic route is classic for a reason.
3. Pentium Striper - Because Basic Doesn't Have to Mean Boring
A plain polo has its place. But sometimes a little stripe does the job.
The Pentium Striper is a 170 GSM contrast-stripe polo that adds visual detail without changing the basic appeal of the polo silhouette.
For brands building casual collections, small design details like contrast stripes can give a familiar product a different personality.
4. Spun Fleece - Time to Turn Up the Weight
And now we leave the polo section.
At 270 GSM, our Spun Fleece hoodie is built around a considerably heavier knit construction. This is where fabric weight becomes an important part of the product decision, particularly when developing colder-season or heavier casualwear.
In other words: when the brief says “make it warmer,” you probably shouldn't start with your lightest fabric.
5. SAP Waffle Knit - Let the Texture Do the Work
Here's where things get interesting.
The SAP Waffle Knit is a 180–190 GSM cut-and-sew polo with a waffle-knit surface. Instead of relying only on colour, prints, or trims to make a garment stand out, the texture of the fabric itself becomes part of the design.
For brands looking for something a little less predictable, textured knits can be a useful direction.
6. Recycled PC - When the Fabric Has a Story Too
Last but not least on our list: Recycled PC.
This 220 GSM cut-and-sew polo uses recycled PC material, giving buyers another option when recycled materials are part of their product-development brief.
For today's apparel buyer, the fabric conversation isn't always just about how something looks. Where the material comes from can be part of the product story too.
Understanding Fabric Choices
So, which fabric makes sense for your product?
There is no universal winner here, and that's exactly the point.
A 170 GSM striped polo, a 225 GSM piqué polo, a textured waffle polo, and a 270 GSM fleece hoodie are designed around very different requirements.
For brands and private-label buyers, the best place to start is the product you want to create. From there, fabric, construction, and weight can be developed around the intended market.
Because good knitwear doesn't start with “What fabric do we have?”
It starts with “What are we trying to make?”
Conclusion: The Importance of Fabric Selection
In conclusion, fabric selection is crucial in the development of knitwear. Each fabric offers unique qualities that cater to different needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize softness, weight, texture, or sustainability, understanding these options can significantly impact your final product.
As you explore our collection, consider how each fabric aligns with your vision. The right choice can elevate your designs and meet the expectations of your target audience.
By focusing on the intended outcome, you can create garments that not only look good but also resonate with consumers. Remember, the fabric you choose tells a story about your brand and its values.
So, take your time, sample different fabrics, and find the perfect match for your next apparel project. The journey of creating exceptional knitwear begins with informed decisions about fabric selection.
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