Knit and woven fabrics are built in fundamentally different ways, and that difference drives almost everything a buyer cares about: stretch, drape, durability, cost and even how the garment is sewn.
How They Are Made
Knit fabric is formed by interlocking loops of yarn. Woven fabric is formed by interlacing warp and weft threads at right angles. Loops give knit its natural stretch; interlacing gives woven its stability.
Side by Side
| Property | Knit | Woven |
|---|---|---|
| Stretch | Natural, higher with spandex | Low unless elastic fibre is added |
| Drape | Soft, conforms to the body | Structured, holds shape |
| Wrinkle resistance | Good | Depends on fibre and finishing |
| Typical products | T-shirts, hoodies, activewear, underwear | Shirts, trousers, jackets, workwear |
Choosing by Product
- Garments that must move with the body: knit.
- Garments that must hold a crisp shape: woven.
- Performance activewear: often a knit base with a woven panel for structure.
- Workwear: woven for abrasion resistance, knit for comfort linings.
One Factory, Both Constructions
Because we produce both knit and woven in the same facility, you can develop a full range with one contact, one set of approvals and consistent colour across constructions.
Send us your tech pack and we will advise which construction gives the best result for your garment and price point.
Fabric sourcing
Talk to our team