Jersey fabric appears in nearly every client brief—from basics to trend-driven silhouettes. But there’s one question that always comes up during sourcing: “Is jersey considered high quality?”
Jersey can absolutely be a high-quality fabric—if it’s made from premium fibers, constructed with a dense, even knit, and finished to resist pilling, shrinking, or distortion.
Here’s what separates low-end jersey from luxury-grade material, and how to make the right sourcing decision for your market.
What determines the quality of jersey fabric?
Like any textile, jersey quality depends on inputs and manufacturing.
Fiber content, fabric weight, knitting technique, and finishing processes all contribute to the final quality of jersey fabric.
Key quality factors
- Fiber composition: Premium jerseys are often made with combed cotton, bamboo rayon, or modal.
- GSM (grams per square meter): Heavier jerseys (180–240 GSM) typically have better coverage and recovery.
- Knit density: Tight, even knits resist stretching and hold their shape longer.
- Finishing: Anti-pilling, silicone softening, and enzyme washes elevate touch and durability.
Signs of high-quality jersey
- Soft but substantial handfeel
- No see-through issues in lighter colors
- Minimal curling at cut edges
- Strong stretch recovery
How does fiber content affect jersey performance?
Not all jerseys behave the same—especially when worn and washed repeatedly.
Natural and regenerated fibers (like cotton, bamboo, modal) tend to feel softer, breathe better, and perform longer compared to synthetic-heavy blends.
Fiber guide
| Fiber Type | Feel | Breathability | Durability | Quality Score* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combed Cotton | Soft, matte | Excellent | Good | ★★★★☆ |
| Bamboo Rayon | Silky, cool | Excellent | Moderate | ★★★★☆ |
| Modal | Ultra-smooth | High | Very Good | ★★★★★ |
| Polyester Blend | Smooth, shiny | Low | Very High | ★★★☆☆ |
*Based on combined softness, longevity, and customer satisfaction.
What we use at Xzapparel
For premium collections, we favor cotton-modal or bamboo blends at 200 GSM, finished with anti-pilling treatment. They hold up to frequent washes without fading or twisting.
What are the signs of poor-quality jersey?
Even a soft fabric can perform poorly.
Low-end jersey may feel nice at first touch, but reveal issues after a few wears—like pilling, shape distortion, and color loss.
Red flags to avoid
- Excessive slubbing or loose knit texture
- See-through even in midtones
- Twisting or stretching at seams
- Color fading after 1–2 washes
How we test at Xzapparel
- 3-wash cycle testing (stretch + color)
- Pilling resistance scored from 1–5
- Recovery test: Does the fabric snap back after stretching 3 times?
Is high-quality jersey worth the cost?
For brands, it often is.
High-quality jersey adds perceived value, reduces returns, and improves customer satisfaction—especially for wardrobe staples.
Cost vs. performance breakdown
| Jersey Type | Cost (USD/kg) | Avg. Retail Price Impact | Longevity Benefit |
| Basic Cotton | $5–6 | Entry to mid-range | 6–8 washes |
| Modal Blend | $8–10 | Mid to premium | 20+ washes |
| Bamboo-Cotton | $7–9 | Premium/eco-positioned | 15–20 washes |
When we recommend upgrading
- Capsule collections
- Signature dress programs
- Markets with repeat customers (e.g., subscriptions, DTC)
Compared to other knits, jersey is versatile but less structured.
Jersey offers softness and drape, while ponte or interlock knit provide more shape and support for tailoring.
Fabric comparison
| Knit Fabric | Best For | Feel | Structure | Price Tier |
| Jersey | Everyday, dresses | Soft, flexible | Low | Low to Premium |
| Ponte | Workwear, bodycon | Firm, smooth | High | Mid to High |
| Interlock | T-shirts, elevated basics | Dense, double | Medium | Mid |
| French Terry | Loungewear | Soft loop-back | Medium | Mid |
Conclusion
Jersey can be a high-quality fabric—when selected and treated the right way. At Xzapparel, we help our clients identify the right fiber, weight, and finishing combination to match their price point and product goal. A well-made jersey dress can feel luxurious, perform beautifully, and build long-term brand loyalty.
