120 GSM Sportswear Fabric
The industry-standard weight for team sportswear worldwide. Lightweight, breathable, and sublimation-ready — the #1 choice for soccer jerseys, basketball kits, training tops, and athleisure in 40+ countries.
What Is 120 GSM Sportswear Fabric?
120 GSM sportswear fabric is the undisputed sweet spot of athletic textile weights — light enough for high-intensity performance in warm conditions, yet substantial enough to hold structure, opacity, and print fidelity. It accounts for an estimated 60%+ of all sublimated sportswear produced globally.
Our 120 GSM range is available in 100% polyester, 92/8 poly-spandex, and 85/15 poly-spandex — each in single jersey and interlock knit constructions. Every meter is tested for shrinkage (<3%), colorfastness (Grade 4+), pilling resistance (Grade 4+), and moisture wicking (AATCC 195).
Whether you're launching a custom teamwear brand, outfitting a league, or building an athleisure line, 120 GSM is the safest, most versatile starting point.
Available Blend Options
Choose the right blend for your product — from rigid team jerseys to stretch-fit athleisure.
Where 120 GSM Sits in the Weight Spectrum
Understanding neighboring weights helps you pick the perfect fabric for each product in your line.
Ultra-Light Baselayer
Lightweight Tee
Team Jerseys
Polo / Training
Track Jackets
Why 120 GSM Is the Go-To Choice
The properties that make 120 GSM the most ordered fabric weight in sportswear.
Sublimation Perfect
Optimal fiber density for deep dye penetration — vibrant, fade-resistant full-color prints with zero cracking.
Ultra-Lightweight
Barely-there feel on the athlete — 120 GSM provides coverage without bulk, even during intense movement.
Moisture Wicking
Pulls sweat away from skin to the fabric surface where it evaporates rapidly — keeps athletes dry and cool.
Highly Breathable
Open knit structure allows maximum airflow — ideal for soccer, basketball, running, and training in warm conditions.
Quick Dry
Dries 2–3× faster than cotton — garments can be washed and game-ready within hours.
Shape Retention
Minimal shrinkage (<3%) after 50+ washes — garments hold their fit season after season.
Soft Hand Feel
Smooth, non-irritating surface that feels comfortable directly against skin — no itching or chafing.
UV Resistant
Polyester naturally resists UV degradation — maintains color and strength even with heavy outdoor exposure.
What It's Used For
120 GSM is the workhorse weight behind the world's most popular team and athletic garments.
120 GSM vs. Other Popular Weights
An honest side-by-side so you can decide if 120 GSM is right — or if a neighboring weight better suits your product.
| Property | 100 GSM | 120 GSM This Page | 150 GSM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight Feel | Very light, sheer | Light, balanced Best | Medium, structured |
| Breathability | Excellent | Excellent Best | Good |
| Opacity | Low — may need lining | Good in colors Tie | Excellent — no lining needed |
| Sublimation Quality | Good — lighter colors | Excellent — deep saturation Best | Excellent — deep saturation |
| Durability | Lower — prone to snags | Good — full-season use Tie | Very good — multi-season |
| Drape / Flow | Flowy, less structure | Balanced drape Best | Stiffer, holds shape |
| Stretch (92/8 blend) | 15–20% | 15–20% Tie | 12–18% |
| Best For | Baselayers, light tees | Team jerseys, training Most Versatile | Polos, track jackets |
| Cost Per Meter | 5–8% less | Baseline Reference | 8–12% more |
Honest Assessment
- The most proven weight for sublimated sportswear — trusted by thousands of brands
- Perfect balance of lightweight comfort and enough body for structure
- Excellent sublimation color vibrancy and edge sharpness
- Highly breathable — ideal for high-intensity and warm-weather sports
- Quick-dry and moisture-wicking out of the box — no extra finish needed
- Cost-effective — widely produced, so pricing is very competitive
- Low shrinkage (<3%) — maintains fit wash after wash
- Naturally UV resistant — no additional treatment required
- Pure white 120 GSM can show slight translucency in direct light
- Not thick enough for standalone outerwear or jackets
- 100% poly version has minimal stretch — spandex blend needed for fitted garments
- Lighter weight means slightly lower snag resistance than 150+ GSM
- May feel too thin for consumers accustomed to heavy cotton tees
- Not ideal for embroidery — fabric is too light for heavy stitch counts
Best Printing Methods for 120 GSM
120 GSM polyester is a printer's dream — here are the three methods that deliver the best results.
Sublimation Printing
The #1 choice for 120 GSM polyester. Dye converts to gas and permanently bonds with fiber — zero texture, zero cracking, unlimited colors, and the print becomes part of the fabric itself.
Screen Printing
Ideal for simple logos, sponsor names, and number placements on pre-dyed or sublimated garments. Plastisol and water-based inks both bond excellently with 120 GSM poly.
Heat Transfer Vinyl
PU vinyl transfers apply cleanly on 120 GSM — perfect for individual player names, numbers, and small-batch customization without screen setup costs.
Make It Yours
120 GSM polyester is highly customizable — from knit structure to branded labels.
Knit Structure
Single jersey, interlock, or mesh — each gives a distinct look and feel.
GSM Fine-Tuning
Adjust ±5 GSM (115–125) for specific performance or feel requirements.
Spandex Ratio
0%, 8%, or 15% spandex — from rigid jerseys to compression fit.
Anti-Microbial
Silver-ion treatment that kills 99.9% of odor-causing bacteria.
Wicking Finish
Enhanced hydrophilic treatment for faster moisture spread and evaporation.
Branded Labels
Woven labels, heat-transfer tags, or tear-away care labels with your brand.
Ordering Process
From first contact to delivery — a streamlined 5-step process.
Inquiry
Day 0Samples
3–5 DaysApproval
1–2 DaysProduction
15–21 DaysDelivery
4–7 DaysMOQ, Capacity & Lead Time
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore More Fabrics
Complete your product range with complementary fabric options from our mill.
Ready to Start Your 120 GSM Order?
Get a detailed quote with pricing, lead time, and free fabric samples — typically within 4 business hours.