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Piqué

What is Piqué Fabric?

Piqué is a textured fabric characterised by a fine raised, honeycomb-like or irregular surface. The name refers to the structure rather than one fixed fibre composition, and Piqué can be either knitted or woven. Knitted Piqué is particularly well known from polo shirts, where tuck stitches create the characteristic textured surface, while woven Piqué tends to be firmer and more structured. At Nooteboom Textiles, Piqué appears in cotton qualities as well as blends with viscose, polyester, polyamide and elastane for different fashion applications.

Specifications

  • Construction: knitted or woven; knitted Piqué commonly uses tuck stitches to create relief, while woven Piqué creates structure through its yarn and weave construction.
  • Composition: varies by quality and can include cotton (CO), viscose (VI), polyester (PL), polyamide (PA) and elastane (EL).
  • Weight: current Nooteboom Textiles examples include qualities around 215 to 360 g/m².
  • Stretchability: varies from non-stretch to elastic depending on the construction and fibre composition.
  • Abbreviations: CO = cotton, VI = viscose, PL = polyester, PA = polyamide, EL = elastane.

What Are the Properties of Piqué?

The most recognisable feature of Piqué is its textured surface, which gives the fabric more visual depth than a smooth Jersey or plain woven fabric. Knitted Piqué often has more body and less fluidity than standard Jersey, while woven Piqué can be relatively firm and shape-retaining. Cotton qualities provide moisture absorption and a natural hand, while synthetic fibres or elastane can influence durability, flexibility and recovery. The actual drape, stretch and stability therefore depend strongly on the individual construction and composition.

How Does Piqué Feel?

Piqué generally has a dry, slightly structured hand with a clearly noticeable surface texture. Cotton Piqué often feels soft but substantial, while qualities containing viscose can feel smoother and more fluid. Stretch blends are more flexible and can follow the body more closely.

Applications

  • T-shirts and polo-style tops: knitted Piqué is widely used where a breathable-looking, structured surface is desired.
  • Dresses: suitable for both relaxed and more structured silhouettes depending on the quality.
  • Skirts: medium and heavier qualities can provide useful body and shape.
  • Tops: stretch or softer Piqué qualities can be used for fitted and casual styles.
  • Shirts: woven or stable Piqué can be used where a more defined surface and structure are required.
  • Baby clothing: specific certified cotton qualities can be suitable for comfortable garments with a textured surface.

Wash Instructions

  • Washing temperature: cotton Piqué is often washable at 30 to 40°C, but always follow the care instructions for the specific composition.
  • Drying advice: air drying helps limit unnecessary shrinkage and protects stretch qualities from excessive heat.
  • Ironing instructions: iron at a low to medium temperature according to the fibre composition.
  • Dry cleaning: only when permitted by the care label of the specific quality.
  • Special considerations: wash tests are useful before production because cotton, viscose and stretch blends can respond differently to laundering.

Other Information

  • Certifications: OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Product Class I or II may apply to specific Piqué qualities within the Nooteboom Textiles range.
  • Surface structure: Piqué can show honeycomb, geometric or more irregular relief depending on the construction.
  • Recovery: stretch Piqué should be assessed for recovery as well as stretch percentage, particularly for fitted garments.
  • Printing: the textured surface can influence how fine print details appear compared with a smooth fabric.

Is Piqué Woven or Knitted?

Piqué can be both woven and knitted. Knitted Piqué commonly uses a combination of regular and tuck stitches to create its raised, slightly irregular surface and is particularly associated with polo shirts. Woven Piqué uses a different construction, where yarn tension and additional yarn systems can create clearly defined relief patterns. The two versions can therefore look similar at first glance but behave very differently in stretch, drape and garment construction.

What Is the Difference Between Piqué and Jersey?

Jersey is the general name for a family of knitted fabrics with a relatively smooth surface, while Piqué refers to a textured construction that can be knitted or woven. Knitted Piqué usually has more surface relief, body and structure than a standard Single Jersey and may also have less natural stretch. Jersey is widely used for T-shirts, dresses and flexible basics, while Piqué is especially associated with polo shirts and garments where a more structured texture is desired.

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

Practical Tip

When cutting Piqué, check the direction of the surface pattern before laying out the pattern pieces. A visible relief can make reversed pieces noticeable even when the fabric is a solid colour.

FAQ

Is Piqué fabric always made from cotton?
No. Piqué describes a textured fabric construction, not a specific fibre. Although cotton Piqué is widely associated with polo shirts, Piqué can also contain viscose, polyester, polyamide, linen and elastane. Nooteboom offers several blended qualities with different properties.
Is Piqué fabric stretchy?
Some Piqué fabrics stretch, but not all. Knitted Piqué is often flexible, and selected Nooteboom qualities contain elastane for additional stretch. Woven Piqué may have little natural give. Check the individual product's stretch specifications before choosing a fitted pattern.
Is Piqué fabric suitable for summer clothing?
Certain lightweight, breathable Piqué qualities can work well for summer tops, polo shirts and dresses. However, the comfort depends on fibre content, weight, density and finishing. A heavy stretch Piqué may feel substantially warmer than a light cotton-rich quality.
Does Piqué fabric shrink after washing?
Shrinkage depends on the composition and construction. Cotton, viscose and linen blends may change dimensions, especially when exposed to unsuitable washing or drying conditions. Follow the care label and pre-wash a sample when precise sizing is important.
Can Piqué fabric be washed in a washing machine?
Many Piqué qualities can be machine washed on a gentle programme, but not every fabric has the same care requirements. Stretch blends, viscose-rich qualities and decorative finishes may need more careful handling. Follow the individual care label and avoid unnecessary heat or friction.

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Dave Van der Steen Nooteboom Textiles

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