Woven vs Knitted Fabric: Which Does Your Garment Need?

|Dynamic Knitfabs

Quick Answer

Woven and knitted fabrics are built differently, and that changes stretch, drape and the garments they suit.

Knitted fabric

Every fabric is either woven, knitted or non-woven. Woven and knitted are the two used most in fashion.

Woven fabric

Woven fabric interlaces two sets of yarns at right angles. It is stable, holds a crease and has little natural stretch unless spandex is added. Satin, georgette, chiffon, crepe, poplin and linen are woven.

Knitted fabric

Knitted fabric is made from interlocking loops. It stretches naturally, recovers its shape and feels soft. Single jersey, rib, interlock and fleece are knitted.

How to choose

  • T-shirts, loungewear, activewear: knitted
  • Shirts, kurtas, dresses with structure: woven
  • Fitted styles in a woven look: woven with Lycra

Production notes

Knits need different cutting and stitching from wovens, so plan your factory setup accordingly.

Explore woven fabrics and knit fabrics.

About the Author

The Dynamic Knitfabs Team

Dynamic Knitfabs Pvt. Ltd. is a family-run fabric manufacturer founded in 1990, with in-house knitting, weaving and sublimation printing in Surat and Noida, India. The company is led by Directors Rajeev Jain and Siddharth Jain and supplies fabric to 100+ international and Indian fashion brands.