What is Pique Knit Fabric and Why is it Ideal for Sweaters

Best Xindi Knitwear
December 25, 2025

Pique knit fabric makes sweaters soft and stylish. You can see the raised texture quickly. The weave lets air move through, so you stay cool. You feel comfortable all day. The fabric stretches, so you can move easily. Many designers pick this material for its comfort and special look. If you want the best, choose a pique knit sweater supplier who knows comfort matters in every part.

Key Takeaways

Pique knit fabric feels soft and looks nice. It lets air pass through, so sweaters are comfy. The bumpy texture helps air move better. This keeps you cool and dry, even when it is hot. Pique fabric lasts a long time and does not wrinkle easily. Your sweater will keep its shape for a long time. Pick a good supplier for pique knit sweaters. This helps your clothes stay nice and last longer. Pique knit works for many styles. You can wear it for casual or formal events.

What is Pique Knit Fabric

Pique Knit Fabrics — Image Source: unsplash

Definition and Structure

Pique knit fabric is used in lots of sweaters and clothes. It has a bumpy, waffle-like texture that stands out. The surface feels different and looks cool. Piqué fabric is made with a special double-weaving or knitting method. This way of making it creates tiny air pockets. These air pockets help you stay cool and comfy. The structure makes piqué fabric tough and less likely to wrinkle than regular cotton or jersey.

Here is an easy chart to show how pique knit fabric is not the same as other knit fabrics:

Feature	Pique Knit Fabric	Other Knit Fabrics
Texture	Bumpy surface with raised patterns	Smoother surfaces (like jersey)
Breathability	Very breathable because of air pockets	Changes, often less breathable
Durability	Strong and hard to damage	Usually not as strong
Moisture Absorption	Soaks up moisture really well	Changes, often not as good
Structure	Made with a special double-weaving method	Regular knitting methods
Aesthetic Appeal	Looks fancy and stylish	Looks different depending on type

Sweaters often use cotton piqué and blends with cotton. These blends mix cotton and polyester, and sometimes spandex for stretch. The most popular blends are:

Fiber Blend	Composition
Common Blend 1	41% cotton, 58% polyester, 1% spandex
Common Blend 2	40% cotton, 57% polyester, 3% spandex

Piqué fabric has a bumpy surface made by a special knitting style. You notice it lets air through, lasts long, and soaks up sweat. The raised patterns make it different from smooth fabrics like jersey. Cotton piqué and blends feel soft and hold their shape well. Pique knit fabric stays strong and does not wear out fast, so it is great for sweaters.

Origins and Uses

Pique knit fabric has been around for a long time. Its first name was Marcella. People in Lancashire started making piqué fabric in the late 1700s. They wanted to copy the corded quilts from Provence. Over the years, piqué fabric became popular in fancy clothes. Designers used it for polo shirts in the 1900s. Now, you see piqué fabric in lots of stylish and comfy clothes.

Pique knit fabric is used for more than just sweaters. You find it in many other clothing items. Here are some common ways piqué fabric is used:

Polo shirts: They feel comfy and let air through.
Dresses and skirts: These look nice, especially in warm weather.
Suits and jackets: Piqué fabric is good for summer dress clothes.
Accessories: Ties, scarves, and handbags look fancy with piqué.
Tuxedo shirts, vests, bow ties, and neckties: These use piqué for a sharp look.
Trendy skirts and tops: Piqué fabric is in many cool styles.

Cotton piqué and blends are used in lots of these clothes. You get a fabric that feels soft, looks good, and lasts long. Piqué fabric gives you style and comfort. When you pick a sweater made from pique knit fabric, you choose a material with a long history and many good things.

Key Features and Comfort of Piqué Fabric

Breathability and Airflow

When you wear a piqué sweater, you feel how easy it is to breathe. The special knit makes tiny air pockets in the fabric. These small pockets let air move through, so you stay cool. Pique knit fabric lets about 120–150 CFM of air pass. Regular knit cotton only lets 80–100 CFM through. This means piqué is much better for airflow than other sweater fabrics. The waffle-like texture helps pull sweat away from your skin. You stay comfortable, even if you wear your sweater all day. Studies show the single tuck structure traps air between loops. This helps keep you cool and makes the fabric good for sportswear and casual sweaters.

Pique fabric lets more air through than knit cotton.
The extra airflow makes pique great for sports and sweaters.
Knit cotton is soft but not as breathable as pique.

Durability and Easy Care

Piqué fabric helps sweaters last longer. The tight knit and strong design stop wrinkles and damage. Pique sweaters keep their shape and do not sag or stretch. You can wear your sweater for many seasons. Taking care of piqué sweaters is easy. You can wash them in cold water with gentle soap. If you wash by hand, swish the sweater and use a towel to dry it. Always dry your sweater flat to keep its shape. If you need to fix the size, trace the outline and block it. Fold your sweaters to store them and clean them before putting them away. These steps help keep piqué fabric strong and good at pulling away moisture.

Care Instruction	Details
Machine washing	Use cold water and gentle soap for delicates.
Hand washing	Swish softly, do not rub, roll in a towel to dry.
Drying	Dry flat; check the label for machine drying rules.
Blocking	Trace the sweater and block it to fix the shape.
Daily Care	Fold sweaters to store; keep away from jewelry to stop snags.
Storing Winter Sweaters	Clean before storing; put in a cool, dry spot.

Texture and Visual Appeal

Piqué fabric looks special because of its textured surface. The fabric has raised and lowered spots that make cool patterns. Some patterns are corded, honeycomb, and birdseye. This texture gives piqué a modern style for many sweaters. The fabric also pulls sweat away and absorbs moisture, so it works in different weather. You can find piqué in lots of colors and designs. Pick a sweater that fits your style. The mix of texture and classic look makes piqué popular in fashion. When you choose a piqué sweater, you get comfort, strength, and a style that always looks good.

Characteristic	Description
Waffle-knit structure	Has raised and lowered spots that make patterns.
Patterns	Includes corded, honeycomb, and birdseye styles.
Material	Usually made from cotton, which helps it breathe and last.
Visual appeal	Comes in many colors and designs for a stylish look.

Tip: Pick piqué sweaters for their cool, comfy, and stylish feel. You will look fresh and feel good every time you wear one.

Types of Pique Material in Sweaters

Sweater makers use different kinds of pique fabric. This helps them make sweaters that look and feel special. You can pick from classic pique, double pique, or stretch pique. Each one has its own good points for your sweater.

Classic Pique

Classic pique is easy to spot because it has a bumpy, waffle-like surface. When you touch it, you feel how soft it is. The pattern looks cool and stylish. Sweaters made with classic pique let air move through. This keeps you cool and comfy. The cotton blend makes the sweater strong. You can wear it in any season. Classic pique does not wrinkle much. It stays smooth better than other fabrics. It also soaks up sweat, so you stay dry. The table below shows why classic pique is a great choice for sweaters.

Feature/Benefit	Description
Unique Texture	Pique has a raised, waffle-like texture that enhances visual and tactile appeal.
Breathability	The fabric is breathable, allowing for better air circulation and temperature regulation.
Moisture-wicking	Pique wicks away moisture quickly, making it suitable for activewear.
Softness	It is soft and smooth, providing comfort for casual and athletic apparel.
Year-round Durability	The weave contributes to its durability, making it suitable for all seasons.
High Absorbency	Pique has high absorbency, adding to its comfort.
Cotton-blend Strength	When blended with polyester, it becomes stronger and more durable, resisting stretching.

Double Pique

Double pique is thicker and stronger than classic pique. You can feel that it is heavier. The weave is tight, so the sweater keeps its shape. Even after many washes, it still looks good. Double pique lasts a long time and soaks up sweat well. Your sweater will not wear out fast. Many people like double pique for sweaters that need to last.

Double pique is thicker than classic pique.
The weave is stronger, so your sweater lasts longer.
Double pique keeps its texture and shape after washing.
You get better sweat absorption and more durability.

Tip: Pick double pique if you want a sweater that feels strong and lasts a long time.

Stretch Pique

Stretch pique is soft and lets you move easily. You can stretch and bend without feeling tight. This fabric mixes cotton with spandex or polyester. The mix helps the sweater stretch but not lose its shape. Your sweater fits well and feels nice. Stretch pique is good for sports and everyday wear. Designers use it when they want sweaters that look good and let you move.

You can see that each type of pique fabric gives you choices. You can pick what you like for style, comfort, and strength. Pique fabric makes sweaters tough, cool, and easy to wear.

Why Choose Pique Knit for Sweaters

Performance and Style

Sweaters should look nice and feel good. Pique knit fabric does both. This fabric keeps its shape well. It does not crease easily. You can wear it to fancy events or just hang out. The surface stays smooth, so you look neat. Piqué is stiffer than other knits. Your sweater does not sag or wrinkle much. The fabric lets air move through. It also absorbs moisture. You stay comfy all day. This makes it great for summer and cool days.

Many clothing makers pick pique knit fabric for three reasons:

Durability: Your sweater lasts longer and keeps its shape.
Breathability: You stay cool and comfortable when you move.
Moisture-wicking: The fabric pulls sweat away, so you feel dry.

Here is a table that shows why pique knit fabric works for both casual and formal styles:

Characteristic	Description
Shape Retention	Piqué is stiffer than other knits, allowing it to retain shape and resist creasing, ideal for formal wear.
Breathability	The fabric is breathable and absorbs moisture, making it comfortable for casual wear.
Versatility	Piqué can be used in a range of garments, from polo shirts to tuxedo shirts, suitable for various occasions.

Tip: Pick pique knit fabric if you want sweaters that look sharp and feel good anywhere.

Comparing Pique Knit to Other Fabrics

You might wonder how pique knit compares to other sweater fabrics. Wool and fleece are popular choices. Wool keeps you warm and feels soft. Fleece is cozy and holds heat. But fleece does not let air move through well. Pique knit fabric stands out because it lets air flow and lasts long. You get a light sweater that is good for active days or warm weather.

Here is a table that compares warmth, breathability, and weight:

Fabric Type	Warmth	Breathability	Weight
Merino Wool Knit	Temperature-regulating, cozy	Good, helps regulate moisture	Light
Wool Knit	Effectively traps heat	Moderate, depends on weave	Medium
Fleece Knit	Retains heat, soft and plushy	Low, less air circulation	Heavy
Pique Knit	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified

Pique knit fabric costs more to make than regular knit cotton. The weaving process is harder. Cotton-polyester blends also raise the price. You pay more, but your sweater lasts longer and keeps its shape. Many people pick pique because it stays strong and looks good.

Note: If you want a sweater that stays strong and looks good after many washes, pique knit fabric is a smart choice.

Finding a Pique Knit Sweater Supplier

You need a good supplier to get the best sweaters. Picking the right one helps you get quality and good service. Here are steps to help you choose:

Manufacturer vs. Trading Company: Pick direct manufacturers for better prices.
Compliance and Certifications: Look for certifications like OEKO-TEX® and ISO 9001.
Production Capacity and Infrastructure: Make sure the supplier has enough space and modern machines.
Quality Assurance Protocols: Ask for inspection reports and samples.
Supply Chain Transparency: The supplier should share info about their sources.
Communication Responsiveness: Fast replies help you fix problems quickly.
On-Time Delivery Performance: Check past shipment rates for on-time delivery.

You can find many trusted pique knit sweater suppliers worldwide. Here is a chart showing the top suppliers by order volume:

Bar chart comparing order volumes of global pique knit sweater suppliers

Here are some of the most trusted suppliers:

Supplier Name	Order Volume	Link
CSI INDUSTRIES	60	CSI INDUSTRIES
AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS CANADA	51	AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS CANADA
BLUE STAR IMPORTS L P	36	BLUE STAR IMPORTS L P
CHRISTOPHER AND BANKS COMPANY	34	CHRISTOPHER AND BANKS COMPANY
PRESIDIO INTERNATIONAL	30	PRESIDIO INTERNATIONAL
THE CHILDREN S PLACE SERVICES LL	24	THE CHILDREN S PLACE SERVICES LL
GLOBAL KNITS CORPORATION	22	GLOBAL KNITS CORPORATION
TOAD	20	TOAD
WAL MART CANADA CORP	12	WAL MART CANADA CORP
NEWTON BUYING CORPORATION	12	NEWTON BUYING CORPORATION

Tip: Always check reviews and ratings before you pick a supplier. Good suppliers help you get sweaters that last and feel comfy.

Pique knit fabric is a great choice for sweaters. You get comfort, strength, and style. When you pick a trusted supplier, your sweaters last and look nice. Pique is perfect for summer, sports, and everyday wear. Try pique for a fresh look and lasting quality.

You get many benefits when you choose pique knit fabric for sweaters.

Pique feels soft and smooth.
The fabric lets air move and wicks moisture, so you stay cool and dry.
It does not stretch or shrink easily, especially with cotton blends.
You can wear it all year because it is durable.

Many people think pique is only for polo shirts, but you can use it for stylish sweaters too. New technology and sustainable farming help make pique better for you and the planet. Try pique knit for comfort, strength, and a fresh look.

FAQ

What makes pique knit fabric different from regular cotton?

You notice the raised, bumpy texture on pique knit fabric. Regular cotton feels smooth. Pique knit lets air move through better. You stay cooler and drier when you wear it.

Can you wear pique knit sweaters in warm weather?

Yes, you can. Pique knit sweaters let air flow. The fabric pulls sweat away from your skin. You feel comfortable even when the temperature rises.

How do you care for a pique knit sweater?

Wash your sweater in cold water. Use gentle soap. Dry it flat to keep its shape. Fold it for storage. Avoid hanging to prevent stretching.

Is pique knit fabric good for people with sensitive skin?

You get a soft feel with pique knit. Cotton blends help reduce irritation. Many people with sensitive skin choose pique knit sweaters for comfort.

Does pique knit fabric shrink after washing?

Pique knit fabric resists shrinking. Cotton-polyester blends help keep the size stable. Always follow the care label for best results.

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