MEET JERSEY
FROM:
Cotton or a blend of cotton with other fibers like polyester or viscose.
IS IT SUSTAINABLE?
Depends on factors, but most of the time yes.
IS IT DURABLE?
Yes.
IS IT BREATHABLE?
Yes.
IS IT WARM?
Depends on the fibre blend.
HISTORY:
The history of jersey fabric dates back to the 19th century. The name “jersey” comes from the island of Jersey in the English Channel, where the fabric was first produced. Initially, people crafted jersey fabric from wool and primarily used it for fishermen’s clothing because it provided warmth and insulation even when wet.
In the early 20th century, advancements in textile technology allowed for the production of jersey fabric using cotton and synthetic fibers. This led to the popularity of jersey in the fashion industry, as it offered a comfortable and versatile fabric suitable for various garments, including T-shirts, dresses, and sportswear.
Jersey gained further prominence in the 1920s and 1930s with the rise of sportswear and the introduction of knitted jersey dresses by renowned fashion designer Coco Chanel. The fabric’s stretchiness and draping qualities made it suitable for creating form-fitting and elegant designs.
Since then, the fabric has remained a staple in the fashion industry due to its comfort, versatility, and ease of care. People commonly use it for a wide range of garments, from casual wear to athletic apparel, and still appreciate its softness, breathability, and ability to conform to the body’s shape.
PRODUCTION PROCESS:
The first step is to select the fibers that will be used to create the jersey fabric. Common fibers used for jersey include cotton, polyester, rayon, bamboo, and blends of these fibers. Workers spin the fibers into yarns using ring spinning or open-end spinning, depending on the fiber type and desired properties.
The yarns are then fed into knitting machines to create the fabric. Knitting machines use needles to interloop the yarns, forming a series of interlocking loops that create the fabric structure. After knitting, the fabric may go through processes such as dyeing and finishing to enhance its appearance and properties. Dyeing adds color, while finishing treatments can include softening, anti-pilling, or moisture-wicking processes.
Once the fabric is ready, it is typically cut into pattern pieces and then sewn together to create the desired garment or product. This step is typically done by garment manufacturers or individual sewers.
