Choose the Right Material for Your Custom Jerseys
Explore the best fabrics for soccer jerseys, basketball uniforms, cycling jerseys, rugby kits, retro jerseys, and custom team sportswear. Compare polyester, poly-spandex blends, mercerized cotton, mesh fabric, and recycled polyester to find the right material for your project.
Fabric Comparison Table
Compare the Best Materials for Custom Sportswear
Different sports and printing methods require different fabrics. Use this comparison table to understand the composition, weight, key properties, recommended applications, and compatible printing methods for each sportswear fabric.
Custom Hooded Sweatshirt

Mens Sportswear Size Chart (CM)
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL | 2XL | 3XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chest (A) | 48 | 50.5 | 53 | 55.5 | 58 | 60.5 | 63 |
| Length (B) | 68 | 70 | 72 | 74 | 76 | 78 | 80 |
Womens Fitness Wear Size Chart (CM)
| Size | 6 (XS) | 8 (S) | 10 (M) | 12 (L) | 14 (XL) | 16 (2XL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bust | 82 | 86 | 90 | 94 | 98 | 102 |
| Waist | 64 | 68 | 72 | 76 | 80 | 84 |
* Note: All measurements are in centimeters (CM). Please allow a +/- 1-2cm tolerance due to manual measurement and fabric elasticity.
Custom Hooded Sweatshirt

Mens Sportswear Size Chart (CM)
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL | 2XL | 3XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chest (A) | 48 | 50.5 | 53 | 55.5 | 58 | 60.5 | 63 |
| Length (B) | 68 | 70 | 72 | 74 | 76 | 78 | 80 |
Womens Fitness Wear Size Chart (CM)
| Size | 6 (XS) | 8 (S) | 10 (M) | 12 (L) | 14 (XL) | 16 (2XL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bust | 82 | 86 | 90 | 94 | 98 | 102 |
| Waist | 64 | 68 | 72 | 76 | 80 | 84 |
* Note: All measurements are in centimeters (CM). Please allow a +/- 1-2cm tolerance due to manual measurement and fabric elasticity.
Custom Hooded Sweatshirt

Mens Sportswear Size Chart (CM)
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL | 2XL | 3XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chest (A) | 48 | 50.5 | 53 | 55.5 | 58 | 60.5 | 63 |
| Length (B) | 68 | 70 | 72 | 74 | 76 | 78 | 80 |
Womens Fitness Wear Size Chart (CM)
| Size | 6 (XS) | 8 (S) | 10 (M) | 12 (L) | 14 (XL) | 16 (2XL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bust | 82 | 86 | 90 | 94 | 98 | 102 |
| Waist | 64 | 68 | 72 | 76 | 80 | 84 |
* Note: All measurements are in centimeters (CM). Please allow a +/- 1-2cm tolerance due to manual measurement and fabric elasticity.
Custom Hooded Sweatshirt

Mens Sportswear Size Chart (CM)
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL | 2XL | 3XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chest (A) | 48 | 50.5 | 53 | 55.5 | 58 | 60.5 | 63 |
| Length (B) | 68 | 70 | 72 | 74 | 76 | 78 | 80 |
Womens Fitness Wear Size Chart (CM)
| Size | 6 (XS) | 8 (S) | 10 (M) | 12 (L) | 14 (XL) | 16 (2XL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bust | 82 | 86 | 90 | 94 | 98 | 102 |
| Waist | 64 | 68 | 72 | 76 | 80 | 84 |
* Note: All measurements are in centimeters (CM). Please allow a +/- 1-2cm tolerance due to manual measurement and fabric elasticity.
Custom Hooded Sweatshirt

Mens Sportswear Size Chart (CM)
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL | 2XL | 3XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chest (A) | 48 | 50.5 | 53 | 55.5 | 58 | 60.5 | 63 |
| Length (B) | 68 | 70 | 72 | 74 | 76 | 78 | 80 |
Womens Fitness Wear Size Chart (CM)
| Size | 6 (XS) | 8 (S) | 10 (M) | 12 (L) | 14 (XL) | 16 (2XL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bust | 82 | 86 | 90 | 94 | 98 | 102 |
| Waist | 64 | 68 | 72 | 76 | 80 | 84 |
* Note: All measurements are in centimeters (CM). Please allow a +/- 1-2cm tolerance due to manual measurement and fabric elasticity.
Fabric Comparison Table
Compare the Best Materials for Custom Sportswear
Different sports and printing methods require different fabrics. Use this comparison table to understand the composition, weight, key properties, recommended applications, and compatible printing methods for each sportswear fabric.
| Fabric | Composition | Weight | Key Properties | Best For | Compatible Print |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% Polyester | 100% Polyester | 120-180 gsm | Lightweight, moisture-wicking, quick-dry | Soccer, basketball, cycling jerseys | Sublimation |
| Poly-Spandex (AK8016) | 93% Polyester / 7% Spandex | 198 gsm | 4-way stretch, quick-dry, soft | Soccer, rugby, athletic fit jerseys | Sublimation |
| Mercerized Cotton | Akilex self-developed | Mid-weight | Silk-like sheen, smooth, absorbent | Retro jerseys, fashion sportswear | Screen print, DTG |
| Polyester Mesh | 100% Polyester mesh knit | 140-160 gsm | Ultra-breathable, open structure | Basketball, training wear | Sublimation, screen print |
| Recycled Polyester | 100% Recycled PET | 130-170 gsm | Eco-friendly, same performance as virgin polyester | All sports, sustainable option | Sublimation |
100% Polyester Sportswear Fabric
The Industry Standard for Sublimation-Printed Jerseys
100% Polyester is the industry standard fabric for sublimation-printed sportswear because it supports vibrant full-color printing, quick-dry performance, moisture management, and long-lasting durability.
100% Polyester is the industry standard fabric for sublimation-printed sportswear. Here’s why:
- Sublimation Compatibility: Polyester is the ONLY fabric that accepts dye-sublimation printing at the molecular level. The dye bonds directly with the polyester polymer chains.
- Moisture Management: Polyester is hydrophobic – it repels water and wicks moisture away from the skin to the fabric surface where it evaporates quickly.
- Durability: High resistance to stretching, shrinking, wrinkling, and abrasion. Maintains shape through repeated wear and washing.
- Lightweight: Low fabric weight means less heat retention and greater freedom of movement for athletes.
- Color Retention: Sublimated colors become part of the fiber and will never fade, crack, or peel.

Poly-Spandex Blend Fabric
AK8016 93% Polyester / 7% Spandex for 4-Way Stretch Performance
Our AK8016 fabric combines polyester performance with spandex elasticity, making it ideal for athletic-fit jerseys, rugby kits, cycling wear, compression garments, and high-movement sportswear.
Our AK8016 fabric (93% Polyester / 7% Spandex, 198 gsm) combines the best of both worlds:
- 4-Way Stretch: Spandex adds exceptional elasticity for unrestricted movement in all directions.
- Shape Retention: Garments return to their original shape after stretching – no bagging or sagging.
- Soft Hand Feel: The spandex component adds a silky, premium touch against the skin.
- Quick-Dry Technology: The polyester base ensures moisture is wicked away and evaporated rapidly.
- Ideal Applications: Soccer jerseys, rugby kits, cycling wear, compression garments, athletic-fit team uniforms.

Mercerized Cotton Fabric
Akilex Self-Developed Premium Fabric for Retro Jerseys and Fashion Sportswear
Akilex Sport’s self-developed mercerized cotton fabric is engineered for retro jerseys, fashion sportswear, premium fan merchandise, and collaboration collections that require a smooth touch and elevated appearance.
Our self-developed mercerized cotton fabric is engineered for the retro and fashion sportswear market:
- Silk-Like Luster: A specialized mercerization process creates a permanent, luxurious sheen.
- Smooth Surface: Exceptionally soft and smooth against the skin – no roughness or irritation.
- Moisture Absorption: Cotton’s natural absorbency keeps wearers comfortable in warm conditions.
- Premium Aesthetic: The elevated look and feel make it perfect for retro jerseys, fashion collaborations, and premium fan merchandise.
- Compatibility: Best paired with screen printing, DTG, or embroidery – not compatible with sublimation.

Mens Sportswear Size Chart (CM)
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL | 2XL | 3XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chest (A) | 48 | 50.5 | 53 | 55.5 | 58 | 60.5 | 63 |
| Length (B) | 68 | 70 | 72 | 74 | 76 | 78 | 80 |
Womens Fitness Wear Size Chart (CM)
| Size | 6 (XS) | 8 (S) | 10 (M) | 12 (L) | 14 (XL) | 16 (2XL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bust | 82 | 86 | 90 | 94 | 98 | 102 |
| Waist | 64 | 68 | 72 | 76 | 80 | 84 |
* Note: All measurements are in centimeters (CM). Please allow a +/- 1-2cm tolerance due to manual measurement and fabric elasticity.
