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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-08-03 Origin: Site
This article systematically explains the three core aspects of knitted pique fabric: what pique fabric actually is (definition and characteristics), its main classifications (single pique, double pique, and derivative varieties), and how to match different grades of garment development (fabric selection recommendations from basic to premium). The content covers basic information, classification comparisons, premium process upgrades, and core application scenarios, helping procurement, pattern-making, and garment development professionals quickly and accurately select the right fabric.
Definition: In a broad sense, pique refers to any knitted fabric with a textured surface formed by loop structure. In a narrow sense, it specifically refers to a textured knitted fabric produced on a single circular knitting machine through a 4-feed repeat cycle. The English term is Pique.
Core Characteristics: Thanks to its unique textured loop structure, the fabric creates an air circulation layer between the fabric and the skin, delivering significantly better breathability, heat dissipation, and moisture-wicking performance than regular single jersey. The fabric feels dry and non-sticky against the skin.
Common Raw Materials: Cotton, cotton-polyester blends, modal, bamboo fiber, Tencel™, moisture-wicking fibers, anti-bacterial fibers, organic cotton, etc. Raw materials can be flexibly selected based on functional requirements.
Category | Alternative Name | Structure | Back Side Appearance | Characteristics & Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Single Pique | Four-corner mesh | 4-feed repeat on single circular knitting machine | Four-corner shape on the reverse side | Lightweight, breathable, cost-effective. Suitable for basic POLO shirts and mass-market casual T-shirts. |
Double Pique | Six-corner mesh / Soccer mesh (English name: Lacoste) | Double-knit structure | Six-corner shape on the reverse side | Strong three-dimensional texture with a premium feel. Often used with the reverse side as the garment face. Commonly used in mid-to-high-end POLO shirts. |
Other Derivatives | Pique/jersey alternating structures (vertical stripes, horizontal stripes, squares), jacquard combinations, double-pique on double-knit machines | Various knitting combinations | Depends on specific process | Meets personalized design requirements. Note the technical differences between double-pique produced on double-knit machines versus single-knit machines. |
Double Singeing & Double Mercerized Pique: Removes surface hairiness from yarn and imparts a silky luster. The fabric becomes smooth, soft, and vibrant in color, significantly enhancing its quality grade.
Yarn-Dyed Computerized Large Repeat Stripe: Achieves rich color stripe and check effects through yarn-dyeing combined with computer-programmed large-repeat knitting, offering strong visual design appeal.
Computer Jacquard / Computer Drop-stitch: Utilizes computer-controlled jacquard technology to create complex patterns, or uses drop-stitch techniques to form unique draped textures, meeting personalized fashion needs.
Functional Fiber Pique: Uses modal, bamboo fiber, or Tencel™ to enhance skin-friendly softness, or incorporates moisture-wicking, anti-bacterial, or other functional fibers to add value to the fabric.
Organic Cotton Pique: Meets the growing trend of sustainable and eco-conscious consumption, targeting the premium health-oriented wearing segment.
Pique fabrics are primarily used in POLO shirts, knitted tops, and T-shirts. They represent a clear step up from basic jersey fabrics and are a key reason why POLO shirts can command a premium price.
Quick Selection Guide:
Basic / Mass-market positioning → Single Pique (four-corner mesh), cost-performance priority
Mid-to-high-end / Quality positioning → Double Pique (six-corner mesh / Lacoste), texture and hand-feel priority; using the reverse side as the face delivers a better effect
Premium / Luxury positioning → Double mercerized + singeing + yarn-dyed jacquard or functional fibers, delivering a dual upgrade in both hand-feel and visual appeal
Pique fabric relies on its textured loop structure to achieve breathability and moisture-wicking—this is the defining characteristic that distinguishes it from standard jersey.
Single Pique is lightweight and affordable, making it ideal for basic styles.
Double Pique offers a three-dimensional texture and premium hand-feel, making it the go-to choice for mid-to-high-end garments.
By incorporating processes such as singeing, mercerizing, functional fibers, yarn-dyeing, and jacquard, the fabric's quality and wearing performance can be further elevated.
When developing POLO shirts or knitted casual tops, matching the appropriate pique category to the product's market positioning allows you to precisely control hand-feel, breathability, and the final product's premium margin.
