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Cotton Jersey

What is cotton jersey fabric?

Cotton jersey is a knitted fabric made mainly from cotton. It has a smooth front, a softer looped back and a flexible structure that moves easily with the body. Because of this knitted construction, cotton jersey feels softer and stretchier than most woven cotton fabrics.

Cotton jersey is often used for comfortable garments that need softness, breathability and freedom of movement. It is especially relevant for T-shirts, longsleeves, baby bodysuits, pyjamas, leggings and simple stretch dresses.

Go to Cotton Jersey

Specifications

  • Construction Knit (single jersey, knit right-left)
  • Composition Typically 95-100% cotton, sometimes blended with 5% elastane
  • Weight Within the Nooteboom Textiles range, we mainly see Cotton Jersey around 200 to 240 g/m², with heavier basics qualities around 300 to 400 g/m²
  • Stretchability Moderate stretch in the width (20-40%), with elastane up to 50%
  • Abbreviations CO = cotton, EL = elastane

What are the properties of Cotton Jersey?

Cotton Jersey is formed from knitted loops instead of interlaced warp and weft yarns, which gives it more natural flexibility than woven cotton fabrics. Single jersey usually has a smooth face and a visibly different reverse side. Cotton contributes softness and moisture absorption, while elastane improves recovery in fitted garments. Cut edges can curl, particularly in single jersey constructions, which should be considered during cutting and sewing.

How does Cotton Jersey feel?

Cotton Jersey generally feels soft, smooth and flexible against the skin. Compared with woven cotton fabrics, it moves more easily with the body and has a softer drape.

Qualities containing elastane usually feel more elastic and recover more effectively after stretching. More compact constructions provide greater body, while lighter qualities fall more softly.

Applications

  • T-shirts and tops: the soft knitted structure provides comfort and freedom of movement.
  • Dresses and skirts: suitable for relaxed or fitted designs depending on weight and elastane content.
  • Baby clothing: commonly used for bodysuits, tops, leggings and other comfortable everyday garments.
  • Underwear and pyjamas: the soft hand and flexibility make Cotton Jersey suitable for garments worn close to the skin.
  • Loungewear: suitable for relaxed trousers, tops and other comfortable garments.
  • Leggings: qualities with sufficient elastane, opacity and recovery can be used for close-fitting styles.

Wash instructions

  • Wash cotton jersey usually at 30 to 40°C, depending on colour, weight and finish.
  • Wash inside out to help reduce pilling and protect the surface.
  • Air drying is preferred, especially when elastane is included.
  • Iron on the reverse side at low to medium temperature.
  • Avoid high tumble-drying temperatures, as they can affect shrinkage and stretch recovery.

Other Information

  • Certifications: OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 may apply to specific qualities, while GOTS can apply to certified organic Cotton Jersey.
  • Spirality: Single Jersey can twist after washing due to yarn torque and the knitted construction, especially in garments with long side seams.
  • Pilling: Pilling depends on fibre quality, yarn structure, finishing and abrasion during wear.
  • Printing: The smooth face of Single Jersey is suitable for prints, although the print method can affect stretch and hand feel.

What Is the Difference Between Cotton Jersey and Jersey?

Jersey is the general name for a group of knitted fabrics, while Cotton Jersey specifically refers to Jersey in which cotton is the main fibre. Jersey can also be made from viscose, polyester, bamboo-derived cellulose and other fibres or blends, which can result in very different levels of drape, softness, moisture absorption and recovery. Cotton Jersey generally has a fuller, less fluid feel than Viscose Jersey and is widely used for T-shirts, children's clothing, underwear and casual garments.

Read more about the wider fabric family in our Jersey Fabric Guide.

What Is the Difference Between Cotton Jersey and Cotton Poplin?

Cotton Jersey is knitted, while Cotton Poplin is woven. The looped structure of Cotton Jersey gives it natural flexibility and a softer, more relaxed character, whereas Cotton Poplin has a compact woven structure with little natural stretch and a cleaner, more structured appearance. Cotton Jersey is commonly used for T-shirts, leggings and comfortable clothing, while Cotton Poplin is better suited to shirts, blouses and garments that require more shape.

Read more about the woven construction in our Cotton Poplin Fabric Guide.

Practical tip

Test vóór het knippen van Cotton Jersey zowel de rek als de recovery en laat de stof na het afrollen plat rusten. Dit helpt vervorming te beperken en maakt het gemakkelijker om de juiste draadrichting te bepalen.

FAQ

Does Cotton Jersey shrink after washing?
Cotton Jersey can shrink after washing, especially when it has not been pre-shrunk during manufacturing. The amount of shrinkage depends on the cotton quality, knitted construction and finishing treatment. Testing a washed fabric sample before cutting helps prevent unexpected changes in garment dimensions.
Is Cotton Jersey see-through?
Lightweight Cotton Jersey can be slightly transparent, particularly in white and other light colours. Opacity depends on fabric weight, knitting density, colour and the amount of stretch when worn. For leggings, fitted dresses or other close-fitting garments, checking the fabric under tension is recommended.
Which needle is best for sewing Cotton Jersey?
A jersey or ballpoint needle is generally recommended for sewing Cotton Jersey because its rounded tip helps separate the knitted loops rather than damaging them. A stretch needle may be more suitable for highly elastic qualities containing elastane. Using a stretch-compatible stitch helps prevent seams from breaking when the fabric stretches.
How can you prevent Cotton Jersey from curling while sewing?
Single Cotton Jersey often curls at cut edges because of its knitted construction. Allowing the fabric to relax before cutting, avoiding excessive stretching and using suitable clips or stabilising techniques can make sewing easier. A differential-feed overlocker can also help produce more even seams.
Why do Cotton Jersey garments sometimes twist after washing?
Cotton Jersey garments can develop twisted side seams due to spirality, which occurs when yarn torque and the knitted structure cause the fabric to rotate. This effect may become more noticeable after washing, particularly in Single Jersey fabrics. Testing dimensional stability and spirality before production helps identify potential problems.

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Dave Van der Steen Nooteboom Textiles

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