Pique Fabric vs. Knit Cotton: Which Is Better for You?

When it comes to apparel, the fabric or material makes all the difference. That is to say, it describes the comfort, wearability, and durability of articles of clothing. Among clothing fabrics, two remain a popular choice for blank clothing, including pique and knit cotton. Comparing pique fabric vs. knit cotton, you can determine which fabric is the right choice for you.

In this post, we’ll compare pique fabric and knit cotton in detail to help you choose the right fabric. But before that, you need to understand what these fabrics are and how apparel manufacturers produce them. 

Understanding Pique and Cotton Knit Fabrics 

So, what actually are pique and cotton knit fabrics? No worries, if you don’t know the answer! We are going to provide you with it next. 

What Is Pique Fabric?

Pique stands out as a fabric in the clothing world with its uniquely raised and waffle-like texture. Thanks to its texture, pique as a fabric is breathable and comfortable. Besides, pique, pronounced as pee-kay, refers to a weaving technique. That is the technique that creates a unique pattern that improves the visual and tactile appeal of the fabric.

Moreover, pique is a moisture-wicking fabric, which makes it an excellent choice for sportswear and activewear. Because of its textured surface, it allows for better air circulation and helps with temperature regulation. This is also the reason why pique remains a preferred material for polos (polo shirts).   

In addition, pique as a durable fabric goes beyond moisture management with its tight weave. It makes it a solid choice at times, for corporate apparel, too, such as dress shirts. In other words, pique isn’t just for sportswear or activewear. Primarily, you can find pique in 100% cotton or cotton blends. Also, it is possible to blend pique with synthetic materials, such as polyester. 

What Is Knit Cotton?

Knitted or knit cotton is a fabric with features, like good elasticity, moisture absorption, air permeability, comfort, and warmth. As the name indicates, clothing manufacturers produce it via knitting, which we’ll talk about later.

Both knitted cotton and pure cotton are similar in appearance, yet they have certain differences. For example, knitted cotton has better dyeability and color vividness than pure cotton. However, the comfort and absorbency of both knitted and pure cotton clothes are the same when you put them on.

How Pique Fabric Is Made.

Pique fabric is a knitted fabric, made from 100% cotton, CVC (Chief Value Cotton, and TC (Tetron Cotton) yarn. It can have other threads added to it, too, giving it unique textures and structures. Further, it has textured patterns, like square, hexagonal, or others due to the way clothing manufacturers produce it.  

Here, we would also like to emphasize the environmental impact of pique fabric production (manufacturing).  

Environmental Impact of Pique Fabric Manufacturing

Traditionally, the production of pique has been linked with serious environmental concerns. Conventional cotton farming techniques entail the heavy use of pesticides, herbicides, and water resources. All of them contribute to solid degradation and water pollution. And it takes loads of water to produce just 1 kilogram (Kg) of cotton. That is up to 20,000 liters of water, as per the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). That’s a significant amount of water. Nonetheless, apparel manufacturers nowadays have started adopting sustainable practices to produce pique. They have started using organic farming methods with reduced water usage to produce pique cotton. Not to mention, producing pique through organic and recycled materials has less impact on the environment. 

How Knit Cotton Is Made

Clothing manufacturers produce knit cotton through a technique called knitting, interlocking yarns. As a result, the knit cotton fabric they produce is stretchy and comfortable. Unlike woven fabrics, the cotton knit fabric is flexible, making it ideal for a wide variety of apparel. 

Key Differences Between Pique Fabric and Knit Cotton

Now, let’s compare pique fabric vs. knit cotton in light of their key differences:

The Texture and Look of Pique Fabric Compared to Knit Cotton

Pique fabric has a raised and textured surface with geometric patterns, like honeycomb or square. Such a look makes this fabric comfortable to wear and durable at the same time. Unlike pique, knit cotton has a smooth surface, with a fabric quality that is smooth and stretchy. And it doesn’t have the textured patterns that the pique fabric has.  

Breathability Comparison of Pique Fabric vs. Knit Cotton

Pique is a more breathable fabric than knit cotton because of its textured weave. As it allows for better airflow, it remains an ideal fabric for athletic clothes, such as polo shirts. Moreover, knit cotton isn’t as breathable as pique despite the fact it is a soft and comfortable fabric.

Durability and Lifespan of Each Material

Pique, as a fabric, is more structured plus resistant to wrinkles and wear over time. That is to say, it retains its shape over time, contributing to its longer life. On the other hand, knit cotton is a soft fabric that can lose shape quickly over time. So, it doesn’t have a longer lifespan, unlike pique cotton.  

Common Uses of the Two Fabrics

Commonly, pique fabric remains a pick for sportswear, such as polo shirts. On the other hand, you will usually see the use of knit fabric in casual clothing, like t-shirts and tank tops.

Next, we’ll compare pique and knit cotton fabrics based on their pros and cons.

Pros and Cons of Pique Fabric

Here are the benefits of pique fabric:

Soft and Relatively Smooth

Pique is a classic choice for apparel as a soft and relatively smooth fabric, compared to some rough fabrics, like tweed. Thanks to the natural fibers, it feels soft on the touch, making it ideal for casual to athletic apparel!

Year-round Durability

Another plus of the pique fabric is its year-round durability. That is to say, you can confidently wear it throughout the year because of the superior characteristics of this fabric. It is actually the weave that is responsible for the extreme durability of pique.   

Breathable and Moisture-wicking

Pique is a cool and breathable fabric to wear. In addition, it wicks away moisture from the body fast, besides allowing for air circulation. So, when you look for the best breathable fabrics, don’t overlook pique as your one good option. 

High Absorbency

Another pro of the pique cotton fabric is its high absorbency, contributing to the fabric’s comfort.  

No Stretching as Cotton-blend

Usually, cotton fibers stretch and shrink quickly after multiple washes. However, you can combine cotton with polyester to produce pique as a cotton-blend fabric. When you do that, it makes pique a stronger and more durable fabric. That is to say, it won’t stretch and last for a long period even with multiple washes.

Now, let’s talk about the cons of pique fabric:

High Cost

Producing pique fabric entails higher costs. Why? Let us explain that to you. Apparel manufacturers need to invest in more advanced and meticulous weaving technology to produce it. So, it takes more cost to produce pique fabric.

Unsmooth Fabric

The surface of the pique fabric is not as smooth as the surface of the cotton fabric. So, it feels more rippled to touch because of the eyes of the fabric hole (visible opening creating the textured patterns).

Pros and Cons of Knit Cotton

Here are the advantages of knit cotton fabric:

Comfortable to Wear

Knit cotton has a soft texture and greater breathability, which makes it comfy to wear. In the hot weather, it allows the body to breathe. And it keeps you warm in cold weather.   

Astounding Stretchability 

Knit cotton can stretch in all four directions, allowing users to create form-fitting wear that doesn’t restrict movement. Thanks to its astounding stretchability, it can take the shape of the human body!

Versatility

Knit cotton is a versatile fabric that clothing manufacturers use to produce a wide variety of apparel. Tops, such as tees (t-shirts) and shirts, bottoms, such as trousers, and more, to mention them. What’s more? Products that manufacturers produce from knit cotton fabric are airy, warm, and cozy. Here, we would like you to know what makes knit cotton tees a versatile addition to a wardrobe. 

Versatility of Knit Cotton T-shirts, a Wardrobe Must-have

Knit cotton tees are soft, smooth, and comfortable to wear, in general. You can easily dress up with these t-shirts to upgrade your looks. And you can dress them down, pairing these t-shirts with the right items. Such comfort and versatility of these tees make them a wardrobe must-have. 

Easy to Take Care of

Knit cotton fabric of high quality not only resists wrinkles with its astounding elasticity but is also durable. That is to say, it doesn’t lose its shape and color for a long period. So, knit cotton is easy to take care of.  

Now, let’s talk about the cons of knit cotton:

Prone to Pilling

Knitted fabrics, such as knit cotton fabric, are prone to fluff or pill after multiple washes or long-term wear. This is one of the prominent disadvantages of the knit cotton fabric. 

Shorter Lifespan

Unlike the pique fabric, knit cotton has a shorter lifespan. As it has a relatively loose structure, it can easily wear over time, having a shorter lifespan.

Cost Analysis of Pique Fabric and Knit Cotton

In general, it costs more to produce pique compared to knit cotton fabric. You can find that out with the price comparison of the fabrics: Pique and knit cotton. Here is why pique is a costlier fabric to produce than knit cotton:

• Producing pique cotton entails a complex weaving process.

• Making pique fabric more durable and structured further adds to the cost of the fabric.

• Pique often incorporates blends, such as cotton-polyester blends, to improve its texture and durability, increasing the production cost.  

Pique Fabric vs. Knit Cotton: Popular Uses

We have already touched on a point related to common uses of pique fabric compared to knit cotton. Now, we want to share the popular uses of these two fabrics with you to help you better understand their applications. Without any further ado, let’s reveal them to you next.

Popular Uses of Pique Fabric, a True Jack-of-all-Trades 

Here are the popular pique fabric uses:

1. Polo Shirt Manufacturing

Clothing manufacturers often choose pique as the fabric for polo shirts. Thanks to the elegant appeal of this fabric alongside its breathability and moisture-wicking qualities!  Not to mention, polo shirts are a popular choice for sports and business-casual settings. And they are also popular garments to accomplish put-together looks without much effort. In addition, companies also use polo shirts made of pique fabric in corporate or promotional contexts. For instance, they may utilize pique polos for business branding with their logos on them. Companies also utilize these shirts as a part of a dress code for their employees.    

Let’s share some style ideas here on wearing pique polo shirts before discussing another use of the pique fabric. 

Styling Ideas for Pique Fabric Polo Shirts

Here are some excellent ideas for men and women to style pique fabric polo shirts:

• You can pair a pique polo shirt with chino pants or jeans and impress.

• Or you can drape a sweater over your shoulders wearing a pique polo for a classic look.

• In the summer, you may wear a pique polo shirt with shorts and sneakers for a relaxed look. 

2. Pique Fabric in Sportswear

Apparel made of pique fabric can keep users (wearers) cool and dry. It makes it an excellent choice as one of the stylish fabrics for sportswear, catering to athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Running tops, hoodies, and golf shirts, to mention some of the sportswear or activewear made from pique. 

3. Fashionable Apparel Production

Fashion trends with pique fabric truly shine because of its unique texture and soft drape. So, designers use it to produce stylish garments, such as skirts and tops, catering to fashion enthusiasts.  

Popular Uses of Knit Cotton Fabric

Here are the popular uses of knit cotton

1. Knit Cotton for Casual Wear, Fashion, and Beyond

Knit cotton remains a popular fabric for casual wear and beyond, targeting the fashion industry, in particular. For this reason, you often find casual wear, like cardigans, and activewear, like sweatshirts & hoodies made from knit cotton. In fact, many accessories nowadays, like hats and scarves, besides jackets & vests feature knit cotton as their material. In general, knit cotton appeals to the fashion industry as a comfortable and stylish fabric for apparel.    

2. Home Textiles

Besides fashion, knit cotton is a popular fabric for the production of interior decor (decoration) items. As an example, you can find curtains, upholstery, throws, and blankets often utilizing knit cotton as their fabric. Also, the popularity of the knit cotton fabric has surged nowadays for producing blankets and throws. Thanks to the warmth and softness of the fabric, which contribute to cozy and stylish living spaces!

How to Check Fabric Quality Before Buying

Here are the things to keep in mind to check the fabric quality of apparel that applies to both pique and knit cotton fabrics:

Longevity

Make sure the apparel you buy doesn’t tear apart when you put it on or take it off. In other words, expect your clothing items made of pique or knit cotton to last longer than a few months only.

Resistant to Wear 

Make sure the garments you buy don’t wear out, such as shrink or twist, after a few washes only. 

No Color Fading

Instead of fading, expect the colors of the clothing items you buy to stay deep and fresh after long-term wear and wash.

Natural Drape

Expect a natural drape from apparel made of pique and knit cotton of high quality. In other words, high-quality pique and knit cotton make clothing items look flattering on users. 

Excellent Comfort

High-quality pique and cotton knit fabrics won't ever compromise your comfort. That is to say, they will always feel good on the skin, without any irritation.  

Stylish

Last but not least, high-quality pique and knit cotton clothes are stylish to wear, showcasing their high quality. 

How to Choose Between Pique and Knit Cotton Fabrics

There are three factors you need to consider to choose between pique and knit cotton fabrics, as mentioned below:

Climate

Opt for knit cotton if the climate where you live is hot and humid. As it allows you to breathe easily and help wick away the moisture from your body nicely. On the other hand, pique is the right fabric choice for a cooler climate and more structured looks.  

Occasion

Pique is the right fabric choice when you need apparel to attend semi-formal events or accomplish a more polished look. Contrarily, knit cotton is your classic fabric for casual outings. In fact, many casual sweaters, pullovers, and sweatshirts are made from knit cotton. 

Personal Preference

If you prefer apparel with a softer and smoother texture, knit cotton is the right choice for you. Conversely, pique is the right fabric choice when you prefer wearing clothes with a unique texture.

Popular Brands Offering Pique Fabric Clothing

There are many reputable brands that use pique fabric for clothing, especially for polo shorts. Lacoste and Ralph Lauren, to name a few reputable brands in this regard. As a matter of fact, the aforenamed brands have made high-end pique polo shirts popular. However, you may not have the budget to invest in high-end pique polo shirts. Or look to get your hands on polo shirts of high quality on sale. Or you may even look for knit cotton clothing of high quality, without breaking the bank. So, where can you find such items? Find that out next.

Where to Buy Pique Fabric and Knit Cotton in the USA

Look no further than JustBlanks to buy pique fabric and knit cotton clothing of high quality. At our online store, you can shop for pique fabric and knit cotton polos at discounted prices. Here, you can find a wide variety of blank clothes at affordable prices, including tops and bottoms.

Also, we recommend you regularly check our New Arrivals section for blank clothes. It will help you get your hands on our exclusive and affordable blank clothes before others get them.  

Conclusion

Pique and knit cotton are two popular fabric choices for blank clothing. Comparing the two, you can choose the right fabric to wear. Pique is a knitted fabric with a unique texture. It isn’t free from environmental concerns but clothing manufacturers have started producing it via sustainable practices. On the other hand, knit cotton is a fabric with features like good elasticity, moisture absorption, air permeability, and more. Moreover, pique and knit cotton have key differences based on their looks, breathability, durability, and common uses. Comparing pique fabric vs. knit cotton in light of their pros and cons, you can choose the right fabric. Year-round durability, breathability, and high absorption, to recap some of the pros of pique. However, pique is costlier to produce than knit cotton. Compared to pique, knit cotton is a comfortable fabric to wear with astounding stretchability but is prone to pilling. 

Also, it is important you consider the fabric quality before buying pique or knit cotton clothing. In this regard, consider factors like longevity, resistance to wear, and natural drape of the fabric. Lastly, you can choose between pique and knit cotton considering the climate, occasions, and your style preference.