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CHENJIA GARMENT · FABRIC KNOWLEDGE

Choose the right fabric.
Build a better garment.

A practical guide to fabric composition, weight, stretch and construction for activewear, T-shirts, hoodies and everyday apparel.

100 PCSStarting MOQ
7–12 DAYSTypical sampling
OEM / ODMDevelopment support

Close-up texture of soft knitted apparel fabric
THE RIGHT STARTING POINT
Fabric makes
the difference.

Hand feel · Weight · Performance · Finish

MATERIAL SELECTION / 01

START WITH THE MATERIAL

Good product decisions
begin with good fabric.

Fabric affects how a garment feels, fits, performs and wears over time. Our team helps compare material options against your product design, target customer, price point and production requirements.

01 / MATERIAL LIBRARY

Explore common
apparel fabrics.

Different structures create different results. Start with the fabric family that best matches your product.

Cotton jersey knit fabric close-up
01

Cotton Jersey

SOFT / BREATHABLE

A versatile single-knit fabric commonly used for T-shirts and casual tops. Available in different cotton and cotton-blend options.

COMMON USE · T-SHIRTS / CASUAL TOPS

French terry fabric showing loopback construction
02

French Terry

LOOPBACK / COMFORT

Smooth on the face with looped yarns on the reverse. A popular choice for sweatshirts and relaxed sets.

COMMON USE · SWEATSHIRTS / SETS

Smooth four-way stretch performance fabric
03

Performance Knit

STRETCH / MOVEMENT

Often made with polyester or nylon and elastane blends. Choose based on stretch, recovery, moisture management and intended activity.

COMMON USE · LEGGINGS / TRAINING TOPS

Soft brushed fleece fabric close-up
04

Brushed Fleece

WARM / SOFT

A brushed surface creates a softer, warmer hand feel. The exact warmth and weight depend on the construction and finishing.

COMMON USE · HOODIES / JOGGERS

Beige rib knit fabric with visible vertical ribs
05

Rib Knit

TEXTURE / RECOVERY

Recognized by its raised rib structure. Often selected for fitted tops, neckbands, cuffs and garment details.

COMMON USE · TANKS / COLLARS / CUFFS

Fabric appearance varies by yarn, gauge, composition, dyeing and finishing. Final selection should be confirmed with physical swatches.

02 / FABRIC WEIGHT

Understand
GSM.

GSM means grams per square metre. It describes fabric weight, but it does not tell the whole story: fibre, knit structure and finishing also affect drape, warmth and performance.

Ask for a swatch.Compare weight and hand feel before approving the bulk fabric.

ILLUSTRATIVE WEIGHT RANGEPRODUCT DIRECTION
Lightweight120–160 GSMLight tees / layering
Midweight160–220 GSMEveryday tees / tops
Heavyweight220–320 GSMHeavy tees / sweatshirts
Heavy fleece300+ GSMWarm hoodies / outer layers

Ranges are general starting points, not fixed standards. Suitable GSM depends on the fabric type and garment design.

03 / MATCH FABRIC TO PRODUCT

Choose for the
way it will be worn.

Use the product’s purpose as your starting point, then refine the fabric with your target fit, finish and cost.

01

Yoga & Activewear

Prioritize stretch, recovery, opacity, comfort and moisture-management requirements.

Performance knits

02

T-Shirts

Consider softness, surface appearance, drape, shrinkage and print compatibility.

Cotton jersey / blends

03

Hoodies & Sweatshirts

Compare loopback or brushed interiors, fabric weight, warmth and shape retention.

French terry / fleece

04

Polo Shirts

Look at surface texture, breathability, collar stability and the intended smart-casual look.

Piqué / jersey knits

04 / FROM SWATCH TO BULK

Make the fabric
decision with confidence.

A clear material approval process helps keep development and production aligned.

01

Share your product brief

Tell us the garment type, target hand feel, performance needs, reference and target price.

02

Review fabric options

Compare composition, GSM, construction, color and finishing options.

03

Test and sample

Review physical swatches and garment samples against the agreed requirements.

04

Approve before bulk

Confirm the selected fabric and specifications before bulk production begins.

05 / FABRIC QUESTIONS

What should
you know?

Need help choosing a material? Start with these common questions.

Does a higher GSM always mean better quality?

No. GSM describes weight, not quality by itself. Fibre quality, yarn, construction, finishing and testing all matter.

Can you source custom fabric compositions?

Fabric options can be reviewed according to your target composition, product requirements, quantity and availability.

Can I request fabric swatches before sampling?

Yes. Share your product brief and reference requirements so the team can review suitable swatch options.

Will the fabric shrink or change after washing?

Performance depends on fibre and finishing. Discuss shrinkage and colorfastness requirements during development and confirm them through appropriate testing.

LET’S DEVELOP YOUR NEXT COLLECTION

Looking for the right
fabric for your product?

Send us your reference, target composition or product idea. Our team can help review suitable fabric directions.

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