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Day 20: Pique vs. Jersey: Which Fabric is Best for Polos?

Welcome to Week 3, Day 20 of My Dad vs. The Algorithm.

Today we are talking about Structure.

We recently had a customer try to make a classic Golf Polo using our 30/1 Combed Cotton Jersey. They called us after the first sample was sewn, upset that the collar looked "sad."

My dad, Ira, didn't even need to see the sample to know what happened.

: A cartoon comparison of fabric types by Greene Textile. On the left, Alex holds a surfboard wearing a loose Jersey knit t-shirt, labeled "Jersey: The Surfer." On the right, Ira swings a golf club wearing a crisp Pique knit polo with a structured collar, labeled "Pique: The Golfer."
Match the vibe to the fabric! 🏄‍♂️⛳️ As Ira explains, Jersey (left) is the "Surfer"—relaxed, soft, and drape-y. Pique (right) is the "Golfer"—structured, crisp, and breathable. If you want a collar that stands up, you need the Golfer!

Ira’s Reaction:

"You're trying to build a house out of paper. Jersey is flat and lazy. It wants to drape. Pique is structural; it has a backbone. If you make a polo collar out of Jersey, it’s going to flop over like a limp noodle. If you want the collar to stand up and salute, you need Pique."

Here is the difference between the T-Shirt and the Polo.

The Jersey Knit (The Surfer)

  • What it is: The standard T-shirt fabric. It is a single knit with a flat, smooth face and loops on the back.

  • The Vibe: Relaxed, soft, and drape-y.

  • The Physics: Jersey has very little structural rigidity. If you cut a collar out of it, gravity will win immediately.

  • Best For: T-Shirts, Tank Tops, Dresses.

The Pique Knit (The Golfer)

  • What it is: The classic Polo fabric. It is knitted with a specific pattern (tuck stitches) that creates a geometric, waffle-like or honeycomb texture.

  • The Vibe: Crisp, sporty, and breathable.

  • The Physics: That honeycomb texture acts like a 3D scaffolding. It creates stiffness and allows air to flow through the "holes." This structure is what holds a collar up.

  • Best For: Polos, Tennis Skirts, Uniforms.

The "Collar Test"

If you are designing a shirt with a collar (a placket), you have a choice:

  1. The "Fused" Way: If you use Jersey, you have to fuse the collar with heavy interfacing (stiffener) to make it stand up. This can look cheap or bubble after washing.

  2. The Natural Way: If you use Pique, the fabric naturally supports itself. No fusing required.

Ira’s Take:

"Don't fight the fabric. If you want a soft, slouchy shirt to sleep in? Use Jersey. But if you want to look professional on the back nine? You need the texture of Pique. It breathes better, it looks sharper, and it doesn't look like you slept in it."

The Bottom Line

  • T-Shirt = Jersey.

  • Polo = Pique.

Ira’s Final Advice:

"Jersey is comfortable. Pique is professional. Pick your lane."

Tune in tomorrow for Day 21!

(Missed yesterday's post about Rib Trims? Read Day 19: Handshake vs. Bear Hug here.)

Shop our structural Pique Collection or our smooth Jersey Collection.

 
 
 
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