Best Tshirt and Polo Shirt Fabrics

Discover our full range of Tshirt and Polo Shirt fabrics, featuring Yardblox’s most-recommended styles for comfort, quality, and everyday wear. Made for brands and sewists.

Shop Popular Tshirt & Polo Shirt Fabrics

If you are looking for tshirt fabric by the yard, polo shirt fabric, or premium knit fabrics for clothing, this collection brings together the most commonly used fabrics for tshirts and polo shirts. From everyday cotton jersey to structured double knits and classic pique polo fabrics, these fabrics are suitable for both casualwear and premium apparel brands.

Fabric Guide for T-Shirts and Polos

When choosing T-shirts and polo shirts, fabric choice often depends on the type of garment being used. Below are some of the most commonly requested fabrics from our customers, organized by use case.

Tshirt Fabric with Ribbing 

Factory Matched Ribbing

Ribbing is a key detail in many tshirt developments, and achieving a good color match between rib and body fabric can often be one of the more difficult parts of development. With factory matched sets, the ribbing is produced and dyed by the same factory as the main fabric, ensuring consistent color and saving development time.

Heavyweight Tshirt Fabric

Heavyweight Jersey Fabric

Heavyweight fabrics are often used for brands looking to create more structured tshirts, oversized fits, or premium basics. Compared to standard jersey, heavier fabrics provide more structure, better shape retention, and a more substantial hand feel. Choosing the right weight and fabric construction is an important part of developing heavyweight tshirts that hold their shape and maintain a premium feel over time.

T-Shirt Fabrics - Best Selling Swatch Pack of 10

T-Shirt Fabrics - Best Selling Swatch Pack of 10

$9.99

Explore 10 fabrics from our tshirt selection with this curated swatch pack. This pack includes a selection of fabrics suitable for tshirt projects allowing you to feel the fabric quality, weight, stretch, and drape before ordering.

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Supima Cotton Fabrics

Premium Long Staple Cotton

Supima cotton is often used by brands looking to develop higher quality tshirts and polos with a smoother surface and improved durability. The longer staple fibers create fabrics that are smoother, stronger, and less prone to pilling, making Supima cotton a popular choice for premium basics and core programs where fabric quality is a key focus.

Polo Shirt

The Classic Polo Shirt Fabric

Polo shirts are most commonly developed using pique fabrics, which provide the textured surface and structured look typically associated with polo shirts. Some brands also use double knit or mercerized fabrics for a cleaner and more refined polo.

Mercerized Fabrics for Premium Tshirts and Polos

Liquid ammonia mercerization is a finishing process used to create smoother, more stable fabrics with a cleaner surface and reduced fuzz. These fabrics are commonly used for premium tshirts and polo shirts where a more refined and higher quality fabric is desired.

Smooth and Refined

Smooth and Refined

The mercerization smooths the cotton fibers, creating a cleaner, more refined fabric surface often used for premium tshirts and polos.

Softer and Denser Hand Feel

Softer and Denser Hand Feel

The process gives the fabric a smooth, dense, and more substantial feel compared to regular cotton.

Less Pilling

Less Pilling

The smoother fiber surface reduces fuzz formation, helping fabrics resist pilling and maintain a clean appearance over time.

Better Shape Retention

Better Shape Retention

Improves dimensional stability so fabrics shrink less, twist less, and keep their shape better after washing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most commonly used fabric for tshirts is jersey knit fabric, especially cotton jersey or cotton spandex jersey. Jersey fabric is soft, breathable, and comfortable, making it ideal for everyday tshirts. For more premium tshirts, many brands use double knit, mercerized cotton, or liquid ammonia mercerized fabrics for a smoother and more structured finish.
Polo shirt ribbing like pique fabrics uses a specific type of ribbing fabric that is usually sold in a strip. We do not currently sell this type of ribbing fabric, however for wholesale customers, we can offer this service as an add-on.
Jersey fabric is softer, lighter, and more drapey, making it suitable for basic tshirts and casual clothing. Double knit fabric is thicker and more structured, making it suitable for premium tshirts, polo shirts, and garments that require more shape and stability.
Mercerized cotton is cotton that has been treated to improve smoothness, strength, and dye absorption. Mercerized cotton fabrics are smoother, more durable, and have a more premium appearance compared to regular cotton fabrics, which is why they are often used for premium tshirts and polo shirts.
Most tshirts are made from fabrics between 140 and 180 GSM. Lightweight tshirts are usually around 140–160 GSM, while higher quality and premium tshirts are usually between 180–220 GSM depending on the desired structure and weight. Polo shirts are typically made from heavier fabrics than tshirts. Most polo shirt fabrics are between 200 and 240 GSM, especially for pique and double knit fabrics.

Fabric Guide

Discover our fabrics in depth: what they’re made from, how they feel and function, and how to select the best fabric for your next design or collection.

close up of blue double knit fabric

What is Double Knit Fabric: How it’s Made, Clothing Uses, and Fabric Buying Guide

By Annie Kao

Double knit fabric is a thicker, more stable knit known for its smooth finish on both sides and its ability to hold shape better than regular jersey. This guide explains...

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What is Liquid Ammonia Mercerized Fabric: How It’s Made, Clothing Uses, and Buying Guide

What is Liquid Ammonia Mercerized Fabric: How It’s Made, Clothing Uses, and Buying Guide

By Annie Kao

Liquid ammonia mercerization transforms ordinary cotton into a premium fabric that’s softer, stronger, and more sustainable. This guide explains how the process works, why it’s gentler than caustic soda mercerization,...

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Close up of beige green and brown pique fabric

What is Pique Fabric: How It’s Made, Clothing Uses, and Fabric Buying Guide

By Annie Kao

Pique fabric blends texture, comfort, and durability, perfect for polos, dresses, and activewear. Learn its key traits, uses, and how to choose the right pique for your next project.

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Close up of blue fabric

What is Jersey Fabric: How it’s Made, Clothing Uses, and Fabric Buying Guide

By Annie Kao

Jersey fabric is a soft, stretchy knit used in everything from everyday t-shirts to fitted dresses and loungewear. This guide explains what jersey fabric is, how it’s made, and the...

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