Material Library · Polyester

Polyester & Recycled Polyester Fabrics

Polyester is the standard synthetic for sports and outdoor products: quick-drying, durable, colourfast and the only common fibre that takes sublimation printing. Recycled polyester (RPET) generally performs in much the same way; its recycled share and any certification must be documented by the mill for each order.

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Updated 23 October 2026

Layers of smooth blue and turquoise knit fabric

50 pcsMinimum order
14 daysStandard lead time
OEKO-TEX®Fabrics from certified mills
ISO 9001Certified (Eco Jersey Limited)
SedexMember (Eco Jersey Limited)

Polyester fabrics

Polyester fabrics we work with

Open a fabric to see what is typical for it and what we confirm for your order. Polyester fleece and performance knits are described on their own family pages and listed below.

Polyester & Recycled Polyester
Polyester Interlock
A double-knit polyester with a smooth, stable face on both sides. It takes sublimation and screen prints cleanly and keeps its shape, so it is used…
InterlockMidweight
Warmth
Moderate
Breathability
High
Stretch
Moderate
Full specification: Polyester Interlock Get a quote in this fabric: Polyester Interlock
Polyester & Recycled Polyester
Heavy Double-Knit Polyester
A thick, firm double knit, heavier than interlock, with a smooth face on both sides and good body, similar to ponte. It keeps its shape and…
Double knit (heavy)Heavyweight
Warmth
High
Breathability
Moderate
Stretch
Moderate
Full specification: Heavy Double-Knit Polyester Get a quote in this fabric: Heavy Double-Knit Polyester
Polyester & Recycled Polyester
Polyester Microfiber Knit
A fine knit made from very thin polyester filaments. It feels smooth and soft, drapes well and shows sublimated prints in sharp detail, so it is…
Single jerseyInterlockLightweight
Warmth
Low
Breathability
High
Stretch
Moderate
Full specification: Polyester Microfiber Knit Get a quote in this fabric: Polyester Microfiber Knit
Polyester & Recycled Polyester
Stretch Velvet (Knit Velour)
A stretchy knit with a short, dense, soft pile on the face, also called knit velvet or velour. Its polyester-rich face takes sublimation in full colour,…
Knit velvet (velour)Midweight
Warmth
High
Breathability
Moderate
Stretch
Very high
Full specification: Stretch Velvet (Knit Velour) Get a quote in this fabric: Stretch Velvet (Knit Velour)
Polyester & Recycled Polyester
Recycled Polyester Knit (RPET)
Polyester knitted from recycled feedstock, usually post-consumer PET bottles. It generally performs much like virgin polyester: quick-drying, durable and ready for sublimation. The recycled share, and…
Single jerseyInterlockLight to heavy (varies)
Warmth
Moderate
Breathability
High
Stretch
Moderate
Full specification: Recycled Polyester Knit (RPET) Get a quote in this fabric: Recycled Polyester Knit (RPET)
Polyester & Recycled Polyester
Polyester Tricot (Warp Knit)
A warp-knitted polyester with a smooth, fine face and a slight sheen. It resists laddering, takes sublimation well and is used for smooth liners, light face…
Tricot (warp knit)Lightweight
Warmth
Low
Breathability
High
Stretch
Moderate
Full specification: Polyester Tricot (Warp Knit) Get a quote in this fabric: Polyester Tricot (Warp Knit)
Polyester & Recycled Polyester
Polyester Piqué
A textured knit with a fine raised pattern, best known from polo shirts. The texture breathes well, hides wear and holds embroidery and sublimation, so it…
PiquéMidweight
Warmth
Low
Breathability
High
Stretch
Moderate
Full specification: Polyester Piqué Get a quote in this fabric: Polyester Piqué
Polyester & Recycled Polyester
Polyester French Terry
A knit with a smooth face and small loops on the back, like a light sweatshirt fabric. The loops add comfort and absorb moisture while the…
French terryMidweight
Warmth
Moderate
Breathability
High
Stretch
Moderate
Full specification: Polyester French Terry Get a quote in this fabric: Polyester French Terry
Polyester & Recycled Polyester
Waffle & Honeycomb Knit
A knit with a raised square (waffle) or hexagon (honeycomb) pattern. The small pockets hold a little warm air while staying breathable, so it is used…
Waffle or honeycomb knitMidweight
Warmth
Moderate
Breathability
High
Stretch
Moderate
Full specification: Waffle & Honeycomb Knit Get a quote in this fabric: Waffle & Honeycomb Knit

More polyester

Polyester fleece and performance fabrics

These fabrics are polyester too and are described with the fleece and performance fabrics.

Polyester Microfleece
A fine, low-pile polyester fleece, often with an anti-pilling finish. Warm for its weight, quick-drying and not bulky,…
Polar Fleece
A double-sided polyester fleece with a thick, lofty pile: one of the warmest common fleeces. Used for winter…
Coral Fleece
A polyester fleece with a longer, very soft pile, chosen for its plush hand feel. Suited to linings,…
Technical Grid Fleece
A performance fleece with a brushed grid on the back: the raised squares hold warmth while the channels…
Brushed-Back Stretch Fleece
A stretchy polyester-elastane knit with a smooth face and a soft brushed back that traps warmth. It moves…
Windproof Laminated Fleece
Fleece bonded to a thin windproof membrane, with a second fleece or a knitted face on the other…
Merino/Polyester Blend
Merino blended with polyester, usually so that it dries faster and costs less than pure merino while keeping…
Polyester Jersey
A light single-knit polyester with a smooth face. It dries fast, takes sublimation in full colour and is…
Polyester/Spandex Stretch Jersey (SHY Series)
Our SHY series stretch jersey: 88% polyester and 12% spandex, knitted for four-way stretch and recovery. Close-fitting, smooth,…
Polyester Mesh
An open knit with clearly visible holes that lets air straight through. It is used for vents and…
Bird’s-Eye Mesh
A polyester knit with a pattern of tiny holes, named after its bird’s-eye look. It lets air through…
Power Mesh
A fine, sheer stretch mesh with strong recovery. It is used as breathable stretch panels and liners: ventilation…
3D Spacer Mesh
Two knitted faces held apart by upright yarns, giving a thick, springy mesh that air flows through. It…
Softshell (Bonded Performance Fabric)
A stretch outer fabric bonded to a soft fleece or knit backing, usually with a water-repellent finish. It…
Polyester Pongee Shell
A smooth, tightly woven polyester plain weave and one of the most common outer fabrics for ski jackets,…
Recycled Polyester Shell (rPET)
A woven shell fabric made from recycled polyester, usually from plastic bottles, in a pongee, twill or ripstop…
Ripstop Shell Fabric
A woven fabric with thicker yarns set into a small grid, so a small tear usually stops at…
Stretch Woven Shell
A woven outer fabric with elastane or mechanical-stretch yarns, so fitted ski pants and jackets move with the…
Peached Polyester Twill (Peach Skin)
A fine polyester twill whose face is lightly sanded (peached) for a soft, matt, almost cotton-like feel. Coated…
PU-Coated Waterproof Shell
A woven shell with a polyurethane coating on the back that makes it water-resistant or waterproof, depending on…
2-Layer Laminated Shell
An outer fabric bonded to a waterproof-breathable membrane, with a separate hanging lining of mesh, taffeta or fleece…
2.5-Layer Laminated Shell
An outer fabric bonded to a waterproof-breathable membrane, with a thin printed protective layer on the inside instead…
3-Layer Laminated Shell
Face fabric, waterproof-breathable membrane and a thin tricot backer bonded into one fabric. Usually lighter, tougher and more…
Polyester Wadding (Padding)
Sheets of polyester fibre quilted or stitched into ski jackets, pants and suits for warmth. It keeps much…
Polyester Fibre Fill (Down Alternative)
Loose polyester fibre clusters blown into stitched chambers. It gives the puffed look and loft of down while…
Microfibre Thermal Insulation
A thin insulation made of very fine polyester fibres, which usually hold more warm air for their thickness…
Recycled Polyester Sock Yarn (RPET)
Polyester spun from recycled plastic bottles, used in place of some new polyester in sport and everyday socks.…
Polyester/Nylon Performance Sock Yarn
Polyester and nylon with elastane, chosen for sport socks: it helps move sweat away from the skin, dries…
Polyester Taffeta Lining
A smooth, light polyester plain weave used to line ski jackets and pants. Its slippery face lets a…
Terry-Loop Sock Knit
A knit with thousands of small loops on the inside of the sock. The loops cushion the foot,…
Mesh Vent Sock Panel
An open, breathable zone knitted into the top of the foot or the sides of a sock. It…
Brushed Interior Sock Knit
A sock knit whose inside is brushed to raise a soft pile. It traps warm air much like…
Graduated Compression Sock Knit
A knit with zoned tension: firmest at the ankle and easing towards the top of the leg, built…
Brushed Tricot Lining
A fine warp-knitted polyester with a brushed, soft face. It lines collars, chin guards, pockets and bodies of…
Heat-Reflective Lining
A lining printed with fine metallic dots that reflect some body heat back inside, while the gaps between…
Recycled Polyester Cap Twill
A polyester twill made from recycled plastic bottles. It generally behaves like standard polyester: quick-drying, colour-fast and well…
Polyester Cap Mesh
An open, breathable mesh used for the back panels of trucker caps and the vents of sport caps.…
Polyester Yarn
A strong synthetic yarn that keeps its colour, dries quickly and absorbs very little moisture. In knitwear it…
Recycled Polyester Yarn
Polyester yarn spun from recycled material, usually post-consumer PET bottles. It knits and performs much like virgin polyester;…
Wool Blend & Tweed (Cap Fabric)
Wool blended with polyester or acrylic, or woven into tweed and herringbone. Warm, textured and traditional, it is…
Faux Suede
A polyester microfibre with a soft, suede-look surface. It gives cowboy hats, gambler hats, berets and snapbacks a…
PU Leather-Look
A polyurethane-coated fabric with a leather-look grain. Used for hat bands, cap peaks, patches, flat caps, bomber hats…
Poly-Cotton Twill (65/35)
A twill woven from a polyester-cotton blend, most often 65% polyester and 35% cotton. It keeps the clean…
Chenille Yarn
A yarn built like a tiny velvet rope: short fibres are twisted between core threads so they stand…
Sherpa (Teddy Fleece)
A polyester fleece with a deep, curly pile that looks like sheep's wool. It is the warm lining…
Faux Fur
A long-pile knitted fabric in acrylic or modacrylic, usually on a polyester back, that imitates animal fur. Used…
Quilted Nylon
A light nylon shell stitched to a layer of polyester wadding in diamond or channel quilting. It gives…
Cap Sweatband & Lining Fabrics
What touches the head: a cotton, moisture-wicking polyester or terry sweatband, and satin, cotton or quilted linings in…
Polyester Satin
A satin weave in polyester with the gloss of silk satin at a lower price. It is durable,…
Polyester Chiffon
A sheer, light polyester that drapes like silk chiffon but costs less, keeps its colour and washes easily.…
Polyester Twill (Silk-Touch)
A fine polyester twill with a soft, silk-like hand, often sold as silk-touch or silky twill. It holds…

At a glance

All polyester fabrics compared

Typical characteristics relative to the other fabrics in the library.

Typical characteristics, relative to the other fabrics in the library
Fabric	Construction	Weight class	Warmth	Breathability	Stretch	Moisture management	Typical products
Polyester Microfleece	Microfleece	Lightweight	High	High	Moderate	High	Balaclavas, Beanies, Scarves, Ski wear
Polar Fleece	Polar fleece	Midweight	Very high	High	Low	High	Balaclavas, Beanies, Scarves, Ski wear
Coral Fleece	Coral fleece	Midweight	High	Moderate	Low	Moderate	Balaclavas, Beanies, Scarves
Technical Grid Fleece	Grid (technical) fleece	Midweight	High	High	High	High	Balaclavas, Ski wear
Brushed-Back Stretch Fleece	Fleece, Brushed-back fleece	Midweight	High	High	Very high	High	Ski wear
Windproof Laminated Fleece	Fleece, Bonded / laminated	Heavyweight	Very high	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	Ski wear
Merino/Polyester Blend	Single jersey	Midweight	High	High	Moderate	Very high	Balaclavas, Ski wear
Polyester Interlock	Interlock	Midweight	Moderate	High	Moderate	High	Balaclavas, Scarves, Ski wear, Caps & hats
Heavy Double-Knit Polyester	Double knit (heavy)	Heavyweight	High	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	Balaclavas, Beanies
Polyester Microfiber Knit	Single jersey, Interlock	Lightweight	Low	High	Moderate	High	Balaclavas, Beanies, Scarves, Ski wear, Caps & hats
Stretch Velvet (Knit Velour)	Knit velvet (velour)	Midweight	High	Moderate	Very high	Moderate	Balaclavas, Scarves, Caps & hats
Recycled Polyester Knit (RPET)	Single jersey, Interlock	Light to heavy (varies)	Moderate	High	Moderate	High	Balaclavas, Ski wear, Caps & hats
Polyester Tricot (Warp Knit)	Tricot (warp knit)	Lightweight	Low	High	Moderate	Moderate	Balaclavas, Scarves, Ski wear
Polyester Piqué	Piqué	Midweight	Low	High	Moderate	High	Balaclavas, Caps & hats
Polyester French Terry	French terry	Midweight	Moderate	High	Moderate	High	Balaclavas, Beanies, Scarves
Waffle & Honeycomb Knit	Waffle or honeycomb knit	Midweight	Moderate	High	Moderate	High	Balaclavas, Beanies, Ski wear
Polyester Jersey	Single jersey	Lightweight	Low	Very high	Moderate	Very high	Balaclavas, Beanies, Scarves, Ski wear, Caps & hats
Polyester/Spandex Stretch Jersey (SHY Series)	Single jersey	Midweight	Moderate	High	Very high	Very high	Balaclavas, Ski wear, Caps & hats
Polyester Mesh	Mesh	Lightweight	Low	Very high	Moderate	High	Balaclavas, Ski wear, Caps & hats
Bird’s-Eye Mesh	Bird’s-eye mesh	Lightweight	Low	Very high	Moderate	Very high	Balaclavas, Caps & hats
Power Mesh	Power mesh	Lightweight	Low	Very high	Very high	High	Balaclavas, Ski wear
3D Spacer Mesh	3D spacer mesh	Midweight	Moderate	Very high	Low	High	Balaclavas, Ski wear, Caps & hats
Softshell (Bonded Performance Fabric)	Softshell	Heavyweight	High	Moderate	High	Moderate	Balaclavas, Ski wear, Caps & hats
Polyester Pongee Shell	Woven, Plain weave (pongee, taffeta)	Lightweight	Low	Moderate	Low	Low	Ski wear
Recycled Polyester Shell (rPET)	Woven	Lightweight	Low	Moderate	Low	Low	Ski wear
Ripstop Shell Fabric	Woven, Ripstop	Lightweight	Low	Moderate	Low	Low	Ski wear
Stretch Woven Shell	Woven, Stretch woven	Midweight	Low	Moderate	High	Low	Ski wear
Peached Polyester Twill (Peach Skin)	Woven, Twill	Midweight	Low	Moderate	Low	Low	Ski wear
PU-Coated Waterproof Shell	Woven	Midweight	Low	Moderate	Low	Low	Ski wear
2-Layer Laminated Shell	Bonded / laminated, 2-layer laminate	Midweight	Low	High	Low	Moderate	Ski wear
2.5-Layer Laminated Shell	Bonded / laminated, 2.5-layer laminate	Lightweight	Low	High	Low	Moderate	Ski wear
3-Layer Laminated Shell	Bonded / laminated, 3-layer laminate	Midweight	Low	Very high	Low	High	Ski wear
Polyester Wadding (Padding)	Insulation, Polyester wadding	Light to heavy (varies)	High	Moderate	Low	Moderate	Ski wear
Polyester Fibre Fill (Down Alternative)	Insulation, Polyester fibre fill	Light to heavy (varies)	Very high	Moderate	Low	Moderate	Ski wear
Microfibre Thermal Insulation	Insulation, Microfibre insulation	Light to heavy (varies)	High	Moderate	Low	Moderate	Ski wear
Recycled Polyester Sock Yarn (RPET)	Single jersey, Rib knit	Lightweight	Moderate	High	High	Very high	Socks
Polyester/Nylon Performance Sock Yarn	Rib knit, Mesh, Terry loop	Lightweight	Moderate	High	Very high	Very high	Socks
Polyester Taffeta Lining	Woven, Plain weave (pongee, taffeta)	Lightweight	Low	Moderate	Low	Low	Ski wear
Terry-Loop Sock Knit	Terry loop	Midweight	High	Moderate	Moderate	High	Socks, Ski wear
Mesh Vent Sock Panel	Mesh	Lightweight	Low	Very high	High	High	Socks
Brushed Interior Sock Knit	Single jersey	Midweight	High	Moderate	High	Moderate	Socks
Graduated Compression Sock Knit	Rib knit	Midweight	Moderate	High	Very high	High	Socks
Brushed Tricot Lining	Tricot (warp knit)	Lightweight	Moderate	High	Moderate	Moderate	Ski wear
Heat-Reflective Lining	Woven, Tricot (warp knit)	Lightweight	High	Moderate	Low	Moderate	Ski wear
Recycled Polyester Cap Twill	Woven, Twill	Midweight	Low	High	Low	High	Caps & hats
Polyester Cap Mesh	Mesh	Lightweight	–	Very high	Moderate	High	Caps & hats
Polyester Yarn	Knitted from yarn	Light to heavy (varies)	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	High	Balaclavas, Beanies, Scarves
Recycled Polyester Yarn	Knitted from yarn	Light to heavy (varies)	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	High	Balaclavas, Beanies, Scarves
Wool Blend & Tweed (Cap Fabric)	Woven	Midweight	High	Moderate	Low	Moderate	Caps & hats
Faux Suede	Woven	Midweight	Low	Moderate	Low	Low	Caps & hats
PU Leather-Look	Woven	Midweight	Low	Low	Low	Low	Beanies, Caps & hats
Poly-Cotton Twill (65/35)	Woven, Twill	Midweight	Low	High	Low	Moderate	Caps & hats
Chenille Yarn	Knitted from yarn	Light to heavy (varies)	High	Moderate	Low	Low	Balaclavas, Beanies, Scarves
Sherpa (Teddy Fleece)	Fleece, Sherpa (teddy fleece)	Heavyweight	Very high	Moderate	Moderate	Low	Ski wear, Caps & hats
Faux Fur	Faux fur (long pile)	Heavyweight	Very high	Low	Low	Low	Beanies, Ski wear, Caps & hats
Quilted Nylon	Quilted, Woven	Midweight	High	Low	Low	Low	Ski wear, Caps & hats
Cap Sweatband & Lining Fabrics		Lightweight	Low	High	Moderate	Very high	Caps & hats
Polyester Satin	Woven, Satin weave (charmeuse)	Lightweight	Low	Moderate	Low	Moderate	Beanies, Scarves
Polyester Chiffon	Woven, Chiffon	Lightweight	Low	Very high	Low	Moderate	Scarves
Polyester Twill (Silk-Touch)	Woven, Twill	Lightweight	Low	Moderate	Low	Moderate	Scarves

Recycled polyester

What "recycled polyester" can and cannot claim

RPET is made by melting and re-spinning recycled PET, most often from post-consumer bottles. Its performance matches virgin polyester. The claim on your product depends on documentation, not on the fabric alone.

Recycled share

A fabric can be fully recycled polyester or a blend with virgin polyester or elastane. The percentage on your label must match the mill's documentation.
Certified claims

GRS and RCS certify recycled content through a chain of custody. Buying recycled fabric does not by itself make a product GRS or RCS certified. See the certifications guide.
Same processing

RPET is cut, sewn, printed and sublimated like virgin polyester, so the product and its branding do not change.

Printing

Polyester and sublimation printing

Sublimation turns dye into a gas that bonds with polyester fibres, so all-over prints do not crack or peel and the fabric stays breathable. It needs a polyester-rich, light-coloured base; the higher the polyester share, the brighter the print. On dark polyester, screen printing needs low-bleed inks so the fabric dye does not migrate into the print.

Products

Where polyester is used

Polyester is the base of most printed, sports and outdoor headwear.

Custom balaclavasPrivate-label balaclava and ski mask manufacturer in Sialkot, Pakistan. Knitted, fleece, mesh and sublimated styles from 50 pcs,…
Custom ski wearCustom ski jackets, pants, suits, fleece and base layers under your label, waterproof 5K–20K with taped seams. From…
Custom caps & hatsCustom caps and hats under your label: baseball, dad, trucker, snapback, bucket, boonie, safari and camo caps. From…
Custom socksCustom socks under your label: ankle, crew, dress, sport, thermal, grip and team socks with jacquard logos. From…
Custom beaniesCustom beanies under your label: cuffed and logo, streetwear, pom-pom and winter, sports and jacquard beanies. From 50…
Custom scarvesCustom scarves under your label: knitted, football, silk and printed scarves, bandanas, neckerchiefs and hijabs. From 50 pcs…

Portfolio

Polyester in our projects

See all projects

Journal

Guides on performance fabrics

FAQ

Polyester fabrics: frequently asked questions

Does recycled polyester perform like virgin polyester?

Yes, for wicking, drying, durability and printing. The difference is the feedstock and the documentation behind a recycled claim.

Is polyester breathable?

The fibre itself does not absorb water, but knitted polyester moves sweat along the fibres and dries fast, which is why it feels drier than cotton during sport. Mesh and light jersey constructions breathe the most.

Which polyester fabric is best for an all-over print?

A smooth, light polyester such as interlock or polyester/elastane jersey. Fleece and mesh take sublimation less sharply, so we test them on a sample first.

Material Library