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Compare · Fabric Comparisons4 min · 757 words

Side by side

Jersey vs Interlock Knit.

Compare single jersey and interlock knit fabrics on weight, stretch, pilling, and use in T-shirts, activewear, and polo shirts.

4 min read757 wordsSearch volume · 1-2K/moUpdated · March 2026
Overview · 01

What you're comparing.

Jersey and interlock are the two most important knit fabric structures for the T-shirt, activewear, and casual wear industry. India's knitwear sector — centred in Tirupur — exports over $4 billion annually, and these two knits form the foundation.

Single jersey is a lightweight knit made on one set of needles, creating a smooth face and looped back. It is the fabric of nearly every basic T-shirt in the world.

Interlock is a double-knit fabric made on two sets of needles that interlock, creating a fabric that looks the same on both sides. It is heavier, more stable, and doesn't curl at the edges — making it the preferred choice for polo shirts, premium T-shirts, and children's wear.

Subject A · 02

Jersey

Jersey: The T-Shirt Standard

Key Properties:

  • Structure: Single knit — smooth face, looped back
  • Weight: Light (120–180 GSM for T-shirts)
  • Stretch: Good lateral stretch (30–50%)
  • Edge Curl: Curls at cut edges (needs hemming)
  • Pilling: Moderate tendency to pill

Types of Jersey:

  • Cotton Jersey — Basic T-shirts, 140–180 GSM
  • Poly-Cotton Jersey — More durable, less shrinkage
  • Viscose Jersey — Softer drape, fashion tops
  • Lycra Jersey — 4-way stretch, activewear/leggings
  • Slub Jersey — Textured, uneven yarn, vintage look

Best Use Cases:

  • T-shirts and undershirts
  • Casual tops and dresses
  • Leggings and activewear (with lycra)
  • Underwear and sleepwear

Pricing (India Market):

  • Basic cotton jersey (160 GSM): ₹200–350/kg
  • Combed cotton jersey: ₹350–500/kg
  • Bio-washed jersey: ₹400–600/kg
  • Lycra jersey: ₹450–700/kg
Subject B · 03

Interlock Knit

Interlock Knit: The Premium Double-Knit

Key Properties:

  • Structure: Double knit — interlocking front and back
  • Weight: Medium (180–280 GSM)
  • Stretch: Moderate stretch (20–30%) — more stable
  • Edge Curl: No curling — lies flat (easier to sew)
  • Pilling: Lower tendency — denser structure

Types of Interlock:

  • Cotton Interlock — Polo shirts, baby wear
  • Pique Interlock — Textured surface, classic polo fabric
  • Ponte di Roma — Heavy interlock, structured garments
  • Scuba/Neoprene — Thick double-knit, structured fashion
  • Micro-Modal Interlock — Ultra-soft, premium basics

Best Use Cases:

  • Polo shirts and premium T-shirts
  • Baby and children's clothing
  • Activewear and joggers
  • Structured knit dresses
  • Medical/institutional wear

Pricing (India Market):

  • Cotton interlock (200 GSM): ₹300–500/kg
  • Pique interlock: ₹350–550/kg
  • Combed cotton interlock: ₹450–650/kg
  • Modal interlock: ₹600–900/kg
Side-by-side · 04

The comparison.

FeatureJerseyInterlock Knit
StructureSingle knitDouble knit (interlocking)
WeightLight (120–180 GSM)Medium (180–280 GSM)
Both Sides SameNo (face vs back)Yes (identical both sides)
StretchHigh (30–50%)Moderate (20–30%)
Edge CurlYes — needs hemmingNo — lies flat
PillingModerateLower
OpacitySemi-transparent (light GSM)Opaque
Price₹200–600/kg₹300–900/kg
Sewing DifficultyHigher (curling edges)Easier (flat edges)
Best ForBasic T-shirts, casualPolo, premium, baby wear
Verdict · 05

Our verdict.

Single jersey is your bread-and-butter for affordable T-shirts and casual wear. At 160 GSM in combed cotton, a single jersey T-shirt is the world's most produced garment.

Interlock is the upgrade for premium positioning — polo shirts, baby wear, and quality-focused brands. It costs 20–40% more but offers better opacity, less pilling, and easier manufacturing.

Smart positioning: Offer basic T-shirts in single jersey (₹299–499 retail) and premium polo/heavyweight tees in interlock (₹599–999 retail). This price-quality ladder keeps both budget and premium customers.

Entrepreneur's perspective · 06

Why this matters for entrepreneurs.

Sourcing both: Tirupur (Tamil Nadu) is the global knitwear hub — over 6,000 knitting mills. Visit the Tirupur Exporters' Association for manufacturer directories. Also try Ludhiana for winter knitwear and Kolkata for specialty knits.

MOQs in Tirupur: For greige (unfinished) fabric: 500 kg minimum. For finished, dyed fabric: 200–500 kg. For garments (CMT): 500–1,000 pieces per style/colour.

Quality tip: Always specify combed cotton (not carded) for T-shirts — it's 15–20% more expensive but significantly softer and less pilling. For interlock, request bio-washed finish for instant softness.

Cost comparison: A basic 160 GSM jersey T-shirt costs ₹60–90 to manufacture in Tirupur. A 220 GSM interlock polo costs ₹120–180. Retail markups of 3–5x are standard for D2C brands.

FAQ · 03

Frequently asked.

Interlock produces a higher-quality T-shirt — thicker, more opaque, less pilling, and easier to sew. However, it costs 20–40% more and is heavier. For budget/basic T-shirts, single jersey at 160 GSM is the industry standard. For premium brands charging ₹599+, interlock offers better perceived quality.

For basic T-shirts, 150–180 GSM single jersey is standard. For premium tees, 180–220 GSM single jersey or interlock gives a substantial feel. For winter/heavyweight tees, 220–280 GSM. The sweet spot for Indian D2C brands is 180 GSM bio-washed combed cotton jersey — premium feel at moderate cost.

Jersey curls because it is a single-knit structure — the front and back have different tensions. The face stitches pull inward at horizontal edges, causing the fabric to roll toward the face side. Interlock does not curl because its double-knit structure balances tension on both sides. Solutions for jersey: wash before cutting, use ballpoint needles, and hem immediately after cutting.

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