Overview
Tricot fabric is a popular and versatile fabric, featuring a smooth face and a textured back. This provides both comfort and durability, making it perfect for applications such as activewear, swimwear, linings, and more. Typically made from synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon, tricot fabric has excellent stretch and performance capabilities, as well as snag resistance, making it a go-to fabric for a wide variety of applications.
What Makes Tricot Fabric Unique?
Tricot fabric is a warp knit fabric that has a smooth surface on one side and a ribbed texture on the other. Typically made from polyester or nylon, tricot has a zigzag knitting pattern that gives it a distinctive appearance and hand, as well strength, stretch, and a smooth surface. Unlike circular knits, tricot fabric stretches more in the crosswise direction than lengthwise.
Top 8 Characteristics of Tricot Fabric
- Elasticity and stretchability: Tricot has excellent four-way stretch, so it conforms to a body’s shape and provides flexibility in both the warp and weft directions.
- Smooth on the face: Tricot has a smooth surface on one side, making it soft and comfortable against the skin.
- Moisture-wicking: when made from synthetic fibers, tricot efficiently draws moisture away from the body, keeping the wearer dry during physical activities.
- Durability: Tricot is known for its resistance to wear and tear and maintains its shape through repeated washing and extended use.
- Lightweight: Tricot fabrics are breathable and come in a variety of weights; making them perfect for different applications and climates.
- Drape: Tricot drapes gracefully, making it perfect for various apparel applications.
- Unique construction: The warp knit process results in a zigzag weave pattern with a textured back and smooth front.
- Wrinkle and run resistant: Tricot’s construction contributes to its ability to resist wrinkles, snags, and runs, and maintain its appearance over time.
Top Applications for Tricot Fabric
Tricot’s combination of stretch, durability, and smooth texture makes it a go-to fabric across multiple industries. Because it resists snags, maintains its shape, and can be made with moisture-wicking properties, it’s heavily used in sportswear, lingerie, and performance textiles. In automotive and industrial settings, its abrasion resistance and structural integrity make it ideal for linings, upholstery, and reinforcement layers. Lightweight and strong, it is also a staple in medical textiles, tactical gear, and technical applications. Here are some common applications:
- Activewear and sportswear: Tricot is widely used in leggings, sports bras, workout tops, and athletic jerseys due to its stretch, moisture-wicking properties, and comfort.
- Swimwear: The fabric’s smooth texture, durability, and quick-drying capabilities make it ideal for bathing suits and swim trunks.
- Garment linings: It’s commonly used as a lining material in jackets, coats, dresses, and skirts, providing additional comfort and structure.
- Dancewear and costumes: The fabric’s flexibility and comfort make it suitable for dance outfits and performance costumes.
- Outerwear: Some types of outerwear incorporate tricot fabric for its durability and moisture-wicking properties.
- Accessories: Tricot is used in gloves, hats, scarves, and headbands.
- Home textiles: The fabric is utilized in bed linens, pillowcases, and curtains due to its drape and durability.