For Southeast Asian apparel exporters selling on Alibaba.com, understanding fabric types is fundamental to matching buyer expectations and closing B2B deals. The three most common knit fabrics for t-shirts—jersey, pique, and fleece—each serve distinct market segments with different price points, seasonal suitability, and end-use applications.
Jersey knit is the industry standard for basic t-shirts. It features a smooth face with slight ribs on the back, offering excellent drape and comfort. Typical GSM (grams per square meter) ranges from 150-180 for standard tees, making it ideal for year-round wear in tropical climates like Southeast Asia. Jersey is commonly used for casual wear, promotional items, and sublimation printing due to its smooth surface [4].
Pique knit has a textured, waffle-like surface that's more structured than jersey. With GSM typically between 180-220, pique is the go-to choice for polo shirts and higher-end casual wear. The textured surface holds embroidery better than jersey and offers superior breathability, though it costs 15-25% more due to more complex knitting processes [4].
Fleece is a brushed knit fabric with a soft, fuzzy interior surface. GSM ranges from 280-350 for lightweight fleece up to 400+ for heavyweight streetwear. While traditionally associated with hoodies and sweatshirts, fleece t-shirts are gaining traction in the 'heavyweight streetwear' trend of 2026. Fleece offers superior warmth but is less suitable for hot climates unless specifically marketed as 'winter collection' or 'premium streetwear' [5].
