Day 19: 1x1 vs. 2x1 Rib Knit (Handshake vs. Bear Hug)

Welcome to Week 3, Day 19 of My Dad vs. The Algorithm.

Today we are entering the Rib Cage Match.

A designer recently sent us a sample of a heavy 20oz Hoodie. It looked great, but the cuffs were loose and floppy. They asked: "Why doesn't the cuff stay up? It's the same color as the body."

My dad, Ira, took one look at it and sighed. They had used a fine 1x1 Rib on a heavy sweatshirt.

Ira’s Reaction:

"You sent a boy to do a man's job. You used a T-shirt rib on a Hoodie. A 1x1 rib is a polite handshake; it holds you gently. A 2x1 rib is a bear hug; it grabs you. If you want a cuff that holds up a heavy sleeve, you need the guts of a 2x1."

Don't mix up your ribs! 🔍 As Ira shows here, the 1x1 Rib (left) is fine and smooth—perfect for T-shirts. The 2x1 Rib (right) has deep, chunky ridges—mandatory for heavy Sweatshirts. Match the texture to the weight!

Here is the difference between the two most common trims.

1x1 Rib Knit : The "Handshake"

Construction: 1 stitch Knit, 1 stitch Purl. Look: Flatter, finer, smoother. The "ridges" are very small. Feel: Tighter and more subtle. Best For:

• T-Shirt Necklines.

• Lightweight Tank Tops.

• Baby Clothes.

• Why: It lays flat against the skin and doesn't look bulky. It stretches, but it’s meant to be streamlined.

2x1 Rib Knit: The "Bear Hug"

Construction: 2 stitches Knit, 1 stitch Purl. Look: Deep vertical ridges. It looks like an accordion. Feel: Looser stretch but more powerful recovery (if it has Spandex). It has more texture and volume. Best For:

• Sweatshirt Cuffs & Waistbands.

• Heavy Jackets.

• Beanies.

• Why: The "Accordion" structure allows it to stretch much wider (to get your hand through) and snap back tighter. It has the visual weight to match a heavy fleece.

The Common Mistake

The most common mistake new brands make is matching the Color but ignoring the Texture.

• If you put a 2x1 Rib on a lightweight T-shirt, the neck will look heavy, chunky, and distorted.

• If you put a 1x1 Rib on a heavy Hoodie, the cuff will look flimsy and cheap.

Ira’s Take:

"Don't just look at the dye lot. Look at the architecture. A flat wall looks different than a brick wall, even if they are painted the same blue. Match the weight of the rib to the weight of the body."

The Bottom Line

• Lightweight Body (Jersey) = 1x1 Rib.

• Heavyweight Body (Fleece/Terry) = 2x1 Rib.

Ira’s Final Advice:

"If you want a dainty neckband, use 1x1. If you want a cuff that stops the wind, use 2x1. Pick the right tool for the job."

Tune in tomorrow for Day 20!

(Missed yesterday's post about Sourcing Honesty? Read Day 18: The First Date Rule here.)

Shop our matching trims in our Rib Collection.