For most team jerseys in hot weather, a mesh knit is best: HEXA-B football mesh breathes the most and dot knit is lighter. Grid knit is the best everyday budget fabric. All four are 100% polyester, which is what sublimation printing needs.
Every jersey maker says their fabric is breathable and durable, so the names on a quote rarely help. What actually changes how a jersey feels is the knit: the pattern the polyester yarn is looped into. That pattern decides how much air gets through, how heavy the shirt feels once it is wet, and how sharp the print looks.
These are the knits we use at Jaypee Sportswear and how they compare.
The four knits teams ask about most
| Knit | What it looks like | Typical GSM | Best for | Jaypee fabric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Football mesh (honeycomb) | Open hexagon cells | 160 | Football, cricket, basketball in heat | HEXA-B, ₹699 |
| Dot knit | Small evenly spaced eyelets | 160 | Football, running, fast bowlers | DOTTA-F, ₹599 |
| Diamond knit | Diamond pattern in the knit | 180 | Finals, tournament and photo kits | DIAGO-A, ₹699 |
| Grid knit | Tiny raised squares in rows | 170 | Club, office and school teams | GRID-E, ₹499 |
Is dot knit fabric good for jerseys?
Yes. Dot knit is one of the most common jersey fabrics in India because the eyelets let heat out without making the shirt see-through, and the smooth face between the holes takes sublimation print very cleanly. It is lighter than honeycomb mesh, so players who run a lot, like wingers and fast bowlers, tend to prefer it.
The trade-off is airflow. Dot knit holes are small, so on a still afternoon a honeycomb mesh will feel cooler.
When football mesh is worth paying more for
HEXA-B is the honeycomb football mesh used for professional football kits, and it is the fabric we recommend first for football. It has the largest openings of any knit we make. If your team plays two or three matches a day in a tournament, or plays football at 3 PM in April, the difference is noticeable by the second half. It costs ₹100 more per jersey than dot knit, which on a 15-player squad is ₹1,500.
Why some teams choose a heavier diamond knit
At 180 GSM, the diamond knit is not the coolest fabric. Teams pick it for how it looks: the raised pattern catches light, the shirt holds its shape on the shoulders, and it photographs well. Clubs often order it for a final or an anniversary kit, and keep a mesh kit for regular matches.
Our premium fabrics are treated
DIAGO-A, HEXA-B, DOTTA-F, RHOMB-H and RIBRA-G all come with UV protection, moisture-wicking and anti-microbial finishes. RIBRA-G is the lightest of them at 140 GSM and is made for summer.
The budget option that still lasts
Grid knit is smooth, easy to wash and holds its colour well. It is the fabric we suggest for office leagues, schools and clubs that play every week and want one dependable kit. For first kits, gully cricket and practice sets, our LINEA-S and PINDOT-N fabrics start at ₹499.
What about cotton and dri-fit?
Cotton cannot be sublimated: the ink only bonds with polyester. “Dri-fit” is a brand name for moisture-wicking polyester, so every knit above already behaves the way people mean when they ask for dri-fit.
See all eight fabrics with prices on the fabric guide, or send your sport and budget on WhatsApp and we will suggest one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which fabric is best for a football jersey?
Honeycomb mesh (HEXA-B) or dot knit (DOTTA-F). Both let heat out, so the shirt stays light when you sweat.
Which jersey fabric is cheapest?
LINEA-S and PINDOT-N at ₹399 per jersey with names and numbers. Grid knit (GRID-E) at ₹499 is the best value for regular use.
Is dot knit fabric see-through?
No. The eyelets are small and spaced out, so printed dot knit is not see-through.
Can cotton jerseys be sublimated?
No. Sublimation ink only bonds with polyester, which is why every sublimated jersey is polyester.
{“@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@type”: “FAQPage”, “mainEntity”: [{“@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Which fabric is best for a football jersey?”, “acceptedAnswer”: {“@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Honeycomb mesh (HEXA-B) or dot knit (DOTTA-F). Both let heat out, so the shirt stays light when you sweat.”}}, {“@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Which jersey fabric is cheapest?”, “acceptedAnswer”: {“@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “LINEA-S and PINDOT-N at ₹399 per jersey with names and numbers. Grid knit (GRID-E) at ₹499 is the best value for regular use.”}}, {“@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Is dot knit fabric see-through?”, “acceptedAnswer”: {“@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “No. The eyelets are small and spaced out, so printed dot knit is not see-through.”}}, {“@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Can cotton jerseys be sublimated?”, “acceptedAnswer”: {“@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “No. Sublimation ink only bonds with polyester, which is why every sublimated jersey is polyester.”}}]}
Get Your Free Quote
Tell us about your team kit. We send a free design mockup on WhatsApp within 24 hours.
Or WhatsApp us directly: +91 95003 97105
Watch Our Custom Jerseys
See real Jaypee Sports team kits in action. Tap to play.
Ready to Kit Out Your Team?
Custom sublimated jerseys from Rs.499/piece. Free design mockup. Delivery across Tamil Nadu.