Polyester Interlock vs Mesh vs Pique: Choosing Fabric for Custom Team Jerseys

Published September 27, 2026 · Last updated September 28, 2026 · Reviewed by the RUIJUN production team

Short answer: polyester interlock (160–180 gsm) is the safe default for most sublimated team jerseys; bird-eye or micro mesh (160–170 gsm) when breathability matters more than print sharpness; and heavier interlock, pique or double-knit (200–290 gsm) for baseball button-ups, polos and jackets. Our standard fabric range runs from 160 to 290 gsm. Choose by sport, climate and whether the design has fine detail. Here is how the common options compare, what each one costs relative to the others, and how to pick one without guessing.

Why fabric choice matters for sublimation

Sublimation ink bonds to polyester. The tighter and smoother the knit, the sharper the print; the more open the knit, the more air passes through but the more small text and thin lines soften. Weight (gsm – grams per square metre) decides drape, opacity and how the jersey feels in hot weather. Below about 150 gsm a white jersey becomes see-through when wet; above 200 gsm a jersey starts to feel warm for summer play.

Polyester interlock

Smooth, stable, double-knit surface. Prints the sharpest, resists snagging, holds shape after washing. 160–180 gsm is the club standard for soccer and basketball jerseys; 200–240 gsm for baseball button-ups and long-sleeve jerseys. Choose interlock when the design has small sponsor text, thin pinstripes or photographic gradients.

Bird-eye / micro mesh

Small perforations for airflow. The first choice for hot climates, summer leagues and training wear. Print detail is slightly softer than interlock, so keep sponsor text above 8 mm high. 160–170 gsm. Roughly the same price as interlock.

Engineered / jacquard mesh

Knitted-in texture or honeycomb patterns that give a pro-team look. Priced as a fabric upgrade (+US$0.60 per jersey, +US$1.10 per set); often used for the front panel with plain interlock on the back for names and numbers.

Pique

The classic polo knit. Textured surface, good breathability, prints well for block colours and simple stripes. Used for golf, tennis and pickleball polos and coach wear. 180–220 gsm.

Spandex blends (polyester + 8–15 % spandex)

Four-way stretch for compression tops, cycling, volleyball and women’s cut jerseys. Prints well; check that the design allows for stretch distortion – a logo placed over the chest will widen slightly when worn. Priced as the premium fabric upgrade, +US$1.70 per jersey over plain interlock.

Recycled polyester (rPET)

Same performance as virgin polyester with a sustainability story that clubs and brands increasingly ask for. Available in interlock and mesh; a fabric-upgrade premium of +US$0.60 per jersey (+US$1.10 per set) and a slightly longer fabric lead time if not in stock. GRS certificates are available on request for the yarn.

Heavier knits for jackets and teamwear (240–290 gsm)

Sublimated tracksuits, quarter-zips and warm-up jackets use heavier interlock, double-knit or brushed-back fabrics in the 240–290 gsm range for structure and warmth while still taking a full-colour print. Brushed-back (fleece-feel) fabrics print a little softer because of the surface pile.

Fabric comparison at a glance

Fabric	Weight	Print sharpness	Breathability	Relative cost	Best for
Interlock	160–180 gsm	Highest	Medium	Base	Soccer, basketball, esports, fine detail
Bird-eye / micro mesh	160–170 gsm	High	High	Base	Hot climates, training
Jacquard mesh	170–190 gsm	Medium-high	High	+US$0.60	Pro look front panels
Pique	180–220 gsm	Medium	Medium-high	Base	Polos, golf, tennis, pickleball
Spandex blend	180–220 gsm	High	Medium	+US$1.70	Compression, cycling, women’s fit
Heavy interlock / double-knit	200–240 gsm	Highest	Low-medium	Included in product price	Baseball, long sleeve, cold weather
Brushed-back / fleece-feel	240–290 gsm	Medium	Low	Included in product price	Jackets, tracksuits, hoodies

Quick guide by sport

Sport	Fabric	Weight
Soccer	Interlock or micro mesh	160–180 gsm
Basketball	Bird-eye mesh, interlock for reversible	160–180 gsm
Baseball / softball	Interlock, 2-way stretch	200–240 gsm
Tennis / pickleball / golf	Pique or lightweight interlock	160–220 gsm
Training / teamwear	Micro mesh, rPET	160–180 gsm
Jackets / tracksuits	Heavy interlock, double-knit, brushed-back	240–290 gsm

Questions clubs ask about fabric

Will a white jersey be see-through? Not at 160 gsm and above in interlock; very light mesh under 150 gsm can be when wet. For white kits we recommend 170–180 gsm interlock.

Does the print fade? Sublimation dye is inside the fibre, so it does not crack or peel. Our standard fabrics test at SGS colour-fastness grade 4–5 to washing and rubbing, which means no visible change after a normal season of machine washing at 30–40 °C.

Will it shrink? Polyester knits are heat-set before printing; dimensional change after washing is under 3 % on our standard fabrics. Avoid tumble-drying on high heat.

Can I mix fabrics in one jersey? Yes – mesh side panels or underarm inserts on an interlock body are a common combination and do not change the price much.

What about cotton? Sublimation does not work on cotton. For cotton tees or hoodies we use screen printing, heat transfer or embroidery instead – see which decoration to use where.

How to read a fabric spec on a quote

A proper quote names the fabric by construction and weight, for example “100 % polyester interlock, 170 gsm, moisture-wicking finish”. If a quote only says “quick-dry polyester” with no gsm, ask for it – the difference between 140 and 170 gsm is the difference between a jersey that lasts one season and one that lasts three. Our fabric upgrades are simple: upgrade A is +US$0.60 per jersey or +US$1.10 per jersey-and-shorts set; the premium tier is +US$1.70 per jersey; a long-sleeve version of any jersey is +US$1.40. Full product prices are in our 2026 price guide.

Testing and consistency

Our standard fabrics carry SGS test reports for colour fastness, staining and washing dimensional change (grade 4–5). We keep fabric specs and the dye lot on file per customer so a re-order next season uses the same cloth and shade. If a fabric is discontinued, we tell you before quoting and send the closest replacement swatch.

Not sure? Ask for a fabric swatch

We send fabric swatches with the sample, or on their own by express, so you can feel the options before committing. Request swatches and a mockup, or see the fabric options listed on each product page such as custom soccer uniforms.

See also: how long sublimated jerseys last – care and durability and the jackets, quarter-zips and tracksuits guide.

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