Apparel Fabric Reference Sheet: Common Types, GSM & Uses

Cotton, Poly-Cotton, Stretch & Performance Fabric Quick Reference for B2B Buyers

Use this reference sheet when specifying fabric for garment RFQs from Pakistan. Match fabric type to end use, then confirm GSM and certification requirements before submitting your specification.

Knitted Fabric Types

Fabric	Construction	Typical GSM	Fibre options	Primary end use
Single jersey	Weft-knitted, 1 loop layer	120–220 GSM	Cotton / poly-cotton / modal	T-shirts, tank tops, casualwear
Piqué (single)	Textured weft-knit, raised surface	180–240 GSM	Cotton / poly-cotton	Polo shirts, sportswear
Piqué (double / birds-eye)	Denser texture, reversible	210–260 GSM	Cotton	Premium polo shirts
Rib knit (1×1)	Alternating knit/purl columns	140–200 GSM	Cotton / cotton-elastane	Cuffs, collars, tank tops
Rib knit (2×2)	Wider rib, more stretch	160–220 GSM	Cotton / cotton-elastane	Waistbands, cuffs, casualwear
Interlock	Double-knit, both faces identical	160–220 GSM	Cotton / bamboo	Baby wear, underwear
French terry (loopback)	Flat face, loop reverse	240–320 GSM	Cotton / cotton-poly	Sweatshirts, hoodies
Brushed fleece	Raised, soft pile on reverse	280–380 GSM	Cotton / cotton-poly	Hoodies, sweatpants
Polar fleece	100% polyester brushed knit	200–400 GSM	Polyester	Outerwear, jackets
Performance mesh	Open-knit, moisture-wicking	90–150 GSM	Polyester / nylon	Activewear, sports jerseys

Woven Fabric Types

Fabric	Weave	Typical GSM	Fibre options	Primary end use
Poplin	Plain weave, fine yarn	90–130 GSM	Cotton / cotton-poly	Dress shirts, formal shirts
Oxford	Basket weave, heavier	120–160 GSM	Cotton / cotton-poly	Casual shirts, button-downs
Twill (chino)	2×1 or 3×1 diagonal	160–240 GSM	Cotton / cotton-elastane	Chinos, trousers, shorts
Denim	3×1 twill, indigo warp	180–380 GSM	Cotton / cotton-elastane	Jeans, jackets, shorts
Canvas / duck	Heavy plain weave	280–420 GSM	Cotton	Workwear, cargo pants
Ripstop	Reinforced grid plain weave	60–150 GSM	Nylon / poly-cotton	Cargo pants, outerwear
Linen	Plain weave, flax fibre	100–220 GSM	Linen / linen-cotton	Casual shirts, trousers, shorts
Dobby	Small geometric woven pattern	100–150 GSM	Cotton / poly-cotton	Casual shirts, corporate wear

Certification Compatibility

Certification	Applies to	Required for
OEKO-TEX Standard 100	All fabric types	EU/UK/USA retail, baby products (Class 1)
GOTS	Organic cotton, organic blends	Organic label claims (EU, USA, Japan)
GRS (Global Recycled Standard)	Recycled polyester, recycled nylon	Recycled content label claims
BSCI / Sedex	Factory audit standard	EU and UK retailer social compliance requirements
ISO 9001	Quality management system	Volume B2B contracts, institutional buyers

Fabric Selection by End Use

Product	Recommended fabric	GSM target	Key spec
Basic T-shirt (retail)	Combed cotton single jersey	160–180 GSM	Ring-spun, garment washed
Premium T-shirt	Combed cotton single jersey	200–240 GSM	Ring-spun or open-end, softened
Polo shirt	Cotton piqué	200–230 GSM	OEKO-TEX, combed cotton
Hoodie	Brushed cotton fleece	300–360 GSM	80/20 cotton-poly, garment washed
Dress shirt	Cotton poplin or twill	100–130 GSM	60×60 or 40×40 thread count
Cargo pants (fashion)	Cotton twill	200–240 GSM	Cotton-elastane blend for comfort
Cargo pants (workwear)	Cotton canvas or poly-cotton	300–380 GSM	Triple-needle seams
Activewear / sportswear	Polyester performance mesh or interlock	100–160 GSM	Moisture-wicking finish

Use this sheet when completing RFQ forms at mzglobaltrading.com/rfq/. Full fabric type guide at mzglobaltrading.com/knowledge/apparel-fabric-types-guide/.

Disclaimer: This document is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal, customs or compliance advice. Figures reflect common trade practice and are indicative — always verify against your buyer specification, applicable regulations and your destination market.