THE POLO SHIRT STANDARD

Piqué Fabric

The textured, structured knit that built the polo shirt industry — invented by René Lacoste in the 1920s and still unmatched for its combination of breathability, shape retention, and embroidery readiness. From corporate uniforms to golf courses, this is the fabric that always looks professional — even after 100 washes.

1920s
Since Invention
0
Fabric Types
0
Min. Order
95%
Embroidery-Ready
OEKO-TEX 100Certified Safe
ISO 9001:2015Quality System
Embroidery GradeStructured Knit
Shrinkage <3%Pre-Shrunk
DHL / FedExExpress Delivery
OVERVIEW

What Is Piqué Fabric?

Piqué fabric (pronounced "pee-kay") is a double-knit textile construction that creates a distinctive textured surface with a pattern of raised cords and recessed valleys — commonly described as waffle-like or honeycomb. Unlike flat knits such as jersey, piqué's dual-layer structure gives it dimensional stability that resists stretching, wrinkling, and distortion far better than any single-knit alternative.

"Piqué is the only knit fabric where the texture IS the product. When a corporation orders 5,000 embroidered polo shirts, they're not buying fabric — they're buying a guarantee that every shirt will look crisp, structured, and identical on day one and day three hundred. That guarantee only exists in piqué. It's the most forgiving knit fabric ever invented for branded apparel."

Our piqué range covers 100% cotton piqué (the premium choice for retail and golf), CVC piqué at 60/40 cotton/polyester (the corporate uniform standard), TC piqué at 65/35 polyester/cotton (the bulk team and promo workhorse), long-staple combed cotton piqué (ultra-premium with visibly smoother texture), polyester piqué (for full sublimation), and waffle piqué (deeper texture for fashion-forward designs). Each serves distinct market segments within the polo shirt fabric ecosystem.

Every roll is tested for shrinkage control (<3% after washing per ISO 6330), pilling resistance (Grade 3–4, ISO 12945-2), colorfastness to washing (Grade 4+, ISO 105-C06), colorfastness to light (Grade 5–6 for polyester blends, ISO 105-B02), dimensional stability after 5 wash cycles (<2%), and embroidery pull resistance (no distortion at 12 stitches/cm).

100+
Years Proven
Close-up of piqué fabric showing characteristic waffle-like honeycomb texture and raised cord pattern
Quality Lab — Sialkot
FABRIC TYPES

All Piqué Fabrics We Offer

From premium long-staple cotton to sublimation-ready polyester — each piqué construction targets a specific market.

Cotton Piqué
100% Premium
CVC Piqué
60/40 Blend
TC Piqué
65/35 Blend
Long-Staple
Ultra-Premium
Polyester Piqué
Sublimation Ready
Waffle Piqué
Deep Texture
HEAD TO HEAD

Piqué vs. Jersey vs. Interlock

How piqué compares to the other two major knit structures across properties that matter for polo shirts and structured garments.

Piqué
Jersey
Interlock
Texture
Breathability
Shape Hold
Embroidery
Wrinkle Resist
Durability
Scores shown are for CVC piqué 60/40 at 210 GSM. Jersey scores: Texture 25, Breathability 80, Shape Hold 50, Embroidery 35, Wrinkle Resist 40, Durability 60. Interlock scores: Texture 45, Breathability 62, Shape Hold 78, Embroidery 68, Wrinkle Resist 58, Durability 85. All scores based on standardized lab testing at equivalent GSM, per ISO 6330 (washing), ISO 12945-2 (pilling), and ISO 105-C06 (colorfastness). See our polyester vs. cotton comparison for blend-specific insights.
PERFORMANCE FEATURES

Why Piqué Remains Unmatched After a Century

Engineered properties that explain why this 1920s invention still dominates polo shirt production globally.

Natural Texture

The double-knit construction creates raised cords and recessed valleys that give piqué its signature waffle pattern — a visual and tactile premium that flat knits cannot replicate.

Enhanced Breathability

The textured surface creates micro-air channels between fabric and skin — these channels promote airflow and reduce cling, keeping the wearer cooler than equivalent-weight flat knits.

Dimensional Stability

The double-knit structure locks yarns in place, resisting the stretching, bagging, and distortion that plague single-jersey polos — collars stay upright, hems stay flat, seams stay aligned.

Embroidery-Ready Surface

The textured surface grips stitches securely without puckering or distortion — making piqué the gold standard for embroidered logos, monograms, and chest crests on embroidered polo shirts.

Wrinkle Resistance

Double-knit structure naturally resists wrinkling — CVC and TC piqué blends require minimal ironing and maintain a polished appearance even after being packed in a suitcase or gym bag.

Wash Longevity

Piqué maintains its texture depth and structural integrity through 100+ wash cycles — the textured pattern actually becomes more pronounced with initial washes as the fabric "settles" into its final hand.

Moisture Management

The micro-channels in piqué's texture facilitate air circulation that accelerates evaporation — polyester-blend piqué with moisture-wicking finishes performs admirably for active use.

Premium Perception

Consumers and corporate buyers instinctively associate piqué's texture with quality — it signals "this isn't a cheap t-shirt with a collar" and justifies premium pricing across every market segment.

APPLICATIONS

What It's Used For

Piqué fabric dominates every category where a structured, professional knit is required — it's not just for polo shirts anymore.

Polo Shirts
Golf Wear
Tennis Polos
Corporate Uniforms
Team Polos
Staff Uniforms
School Polos
Promo Apparel
Work Wear
Medical Scrubs
Hotel Uniforms
Retail Staff
Event Merch
Gym Polos
Sideline Gear
COMPARISON

Piqué Types — Head to Head

Choosing the right piqué blend determines your cost, performance, decoration options, and target market.

PropertyCotton Piqué 100%CVC Piqué 60/40TC Piqué 65/35
Hand FeelSoftest — natural, premium hand SoftestSoft — slightly crisper than cottonFirm — polyester adds crispness
DurabilityGood — natural fiber durabilityVery good — poly adds strengthExcellent — highest abrasion resistance Toughest
Wrinkle ResistanceModerate — cotton wrinkles LowestGood — poly reduces wrinkling significantlyExcellent — minimal wrinkling Best
Shrinkage3–5% (pre-shrunk: <3%)2–3% Low1–2% Lowest
ColorfastnessGood — Grade 3–4 after 20 washesVery good — Grade 4+Excellent — Grade 4–5, UV stable Best
SublimationNot compatible NoNot compatible NoFully compatible Yes
Embroidery QualityExcellent — soft hand under stitches PremiumExcellent — stable and crispVery good — slightly firmer under stitches
BreathabilityExcellent — best air circulation BestVery good — poly slightly reduces airflowGood — less breathable than cotton
Cost Per MeterHighest — premium raw materialModerate — best value ratio Best ValueLowest — most cost-efficient
Best ForRetail polos, golf, premium fashionCorporate uniforms, team polos, staff wear Most VersatileBulk promo, giveaways, sublimation polos
Pro tip: The most successful multi-segment brands use all three: cotton piqué for their premium retail line (sold at $50–80+ with prominent branding), CVC for their corporate sportswear and team uniform programs (where the buyer is the organization, not the end wearer), and TC for their promotional and event merchandise (where unit cost is the primary driver). We produce all three from coordinated dye lots so your brand colors match perfectly across every tier. Read more about blend selection in our polyester vs. cotton for sportswear guide.
PROS & CONS

Honest Assessment

Advantages
  • Unmatched dimensional stability — collars stay upright, hems stay flat, no bagging or stretching over time
  • Best-in-class embroidery surface — textured grip holds stitches without puckering, distortion, or show-through
  • Natural breathability through micro-air channels — keeps wearer cooler than equivalent-weight flat knits
  • Distinctive texture signals premium quality — consumers and buyers instinctively perceive piqué as higher-value than jersey
  • Excellent wrinkle resistance in CVC and TC blends — minimal ironing needed, looks professional straight from the wash
  • 100+ wash longevity — texture and structure actually improve after initial settling washes
  • Wide blend versatility — from 100% cotton (premium) to TC 65/35 (budget) with consistent texture across all blends
  • Proven global standard — 100 years of market acceptance means zero education needed for buyers or end consumers
  • Structured drape that flatters all body types — the texture creates visual interest that draws attention away from fit imperfections
Disadvantages
  • Heavier than jersey at equivalent GSM — the double-knit structure uses more yarn, increasing weight and cost
  • Less stretch than single knits — pure cotton piqué has minimal give, which can restrict movement in active use
  • Texture can interfere with very fine detail in screen printing — small text and thin lines may not print crisply
  • Cotton piqué wrinkles more than blends — requires ironing for a crisp appearance, limiting convenience
  • Not ideal for close-fitting garments — the structured drape works for polos but not for compression or body-con designs
  • Pure cotton and CVC versions cannot be sublimated — limits all-over print options for those blends
  • Higher production cost than jersey — double-knit construction requires more machinery time and raw material per meter
  • Can feel rough on sensitive skin initially — the textured surface needs 2–3 washes to soften fully
Our mitigation: All cotton and CVC piqué is pre-shrunk at source (<3% residual shrinkage). For stretch needs, we add 3–5% spandex to any piqué blend — this creates a "stretch piqué" that maintains texture while adding comfort stretch for active polo shirts. For sublimation requirements, our TC piqué 65/35 accepts full dye-sub with excellent results. For print detail concerns, we recommend embroidery over screen printing on piqué — it looks better and lasts longer. For initial roughness, we offer an enzyme wash finish that softens the hand before shipping, so garments feel broken-in from day one. Care labels are pre-written in 12 languages to minimize washing-related issues.
DECORATION OPTIONS

Best Methods for Piqué Fabric

Piqué's textured surface creates unique decoration opportunities — and a few limitations to be aware of.

Embroidered corporate logo on cotton piqué polo shirt showing crisp stitch definition on textured surface
Gold Standard

Embroidery

The undisputed #1 decoration method for piqué — the textured surface provides exceptional stitch grip, creating clean, dimensional logos that stand proud of the fabric. No other knit handles embroidery as well as piqué. We recommend 8,000–15,000 stitches for chest logos and always use a mid-weight cutaway backing to stabilize the double-knit structure during stitching.

Premium LookPermanent3D EffectBest on Piqué
Plastisol screen print on TC piqué polo showing solid color logo placement
Large Areas

Screen Printing

Works well on piqué for bold, solid-color designs — large block logos, sponsor names, and back-shoulder prints. The textured surface means very fine detail (thin lines, small text under 8pt) can be inconsistent. We use a slightly thicker ink deposit to bridge the texture valleys, which creates a more solid print but with a slightly heavier hand. Best for simple, high-impact graphics.

Bold GraphicsCost Effective1–8 ColorsLarge Areas
All-over sublimation print on TC piqué polo showing full-wrap custom design
TC Piqué Only

Sublimation (TC Piqué)

Exclusive to our TC piqué 65/35 — the 65% polyester content enables full dye-sublimation with permanent, fade-proof, photographic-quality prints. The piqué texture creates a subtle tonal variation where colors appear slightly deeper in the valleys and brighter on the raised cords — a unique visual effect that many brands leverage as a design feature.

All-Over PrintFull ColorTC OnlyPermanent
CUSTOMIZATION

Make It Yours

Piqué offers deep customization — from fiber blend to texture pattern to functional finishes. Explore our full customization options.

01

Blend Ratio

100% cotton, CVC 60/40, TC 65/35, or custom splits — each shifts cost, performance, and care requirements.

02

Spandex Addition

Add 3–5% spandex for stretch piqué — essential for active and golf polos where range of motion matters.

03

Texture Pattern

Standard piqué (fine honeycomb), micro-piqué (smaller, finer texture), or waffle piqué (deeper, bolder pattern).

04

Yarn Quality

Carded (standard), combed (smoother, fewer surface fibers), or ring-spun long-staple (ultra-premium hand feel).

05

GSM Range

160–260 GSM — from lightweight summer polos to heavyweight structured corporate and winter golf shirts.

06

Functional Finishes

Moisture-wicking, UV protection (UPF 30+), anti-microbial, or enzyme softening wash for broken-in hand from day one.

HOW IT WORKS

Ordering Process

From first inquiry to finished polo shirts — a streamlined 5-step process.

Inquiry

Day 0

Samples

3–5 Days

Approval

1–2 Days

Production

15–21 Days

Delivery

4–7 Days
Total turnaround: 23–35 days from inquiry to doorstep. Embroidery digitization adds 2–3 days. Rush orders available in 15–20 days.
ORDER DETAILS

MOQ, Capacity & Lead Time

500 pcs
Minimum Order Quantity
Fabric-only: 150 meters
30K pcs/mo
Manufacturing Capacity
Scalable to 50K+ on demand
15–21 days
Production Lead Time
Rush orders: 10–12 days
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Piqué (pronounced pee-kay) is a double-knit weaving technique that creates a textured surface with a distinct waffle-like or honeycomb pattern of raised cords and recessed valleys. René Lacoste invented the piqué polo shirt in the 1920s specifically because this texture provided superior breathability and sweat management compared to the woven oxford shirts tennis players wore at the time. The texture creates micro-air channels between the fabric and skin that enhance airflow, while the double-knit structure gives the fabric dimensional stability that flat knits like jersey can't match — meaning piqué polo shirts hold their collar shape, resist wrinkling, and maintain a structured, polished appearance wash after wash. It remains the global standard for polo shirt construction because no other knit structure delivers this combination of texture, breathability, shape retention, and embroidery suitability. For a deeper dive into how piqué compares to alternatives, see our gym wear fabrics guide.
Cotton piqué (100% cotton) offers the softest hand feel, most natural texture, and best breathability — ideal for premium retail polos and golf wear where the fabric hand is a selling point. CVC piqué (Chief Value Cotton — typically 60% cotton / 40% polyester) retains most of cotton's softness and appearance while gaining significantly better dimensional stability, wrinkle resistance, and durability — the most popular choice for corporate uniforms and team polos. TC piqué (Terylene/Cotton — typically 65% polyester / 35% cotton) prioritizes durability, shape retention, and cost efficiency — the workhorse for bulk team orders, promotional polos, and budget-conscious brands. The rule of thumb: if the wearer is paying a premium for the polo, use cotton. If the brand is paying for the polo as a uniform, use CVC. If it's a giveaway or high-volume promo item, use TC.
Piqué is widely considered the BEST fabric for embroidery in the knit category — and one of the best overall. The textured surface provides a stable, grippy foundation that holds stitches securely without the puckering or distortion common on smooth jersey knits. The raised waffle pattern creates natural contrast with flat embroidery, making logos appear crisp and elevated. The double-knit structure resists the stretching and shifting that ruins embroidery on lighter single knits. This is why 95%+ of embroidered corporate logos, team crests, and brand marks on polo shirts are done on piqué — it's engineered for it. The only consideration is stitch density: very dense fills can mask the piqué texture and look flat, so we recommend designs with moderate density (8,000–15,000 stitches for chest logos) that let the fabric texture show through. Learn more about decoration methods in our embroidery vs. heat transfer comparison.
Pure cotton piqué and CVC piqué cannot be sublimated — sublimation dye only bonds with polyester fibers. However, our TC piqué (65/35 polyester/cotton) and 100% polyester piqué are fully sublimation-compatible. The textured piqué surface creates a slightly different sublimation result compared to smooth jersey — colors appear subtly more muted in the recessed valleys and more vibrant on the raised cords, creating a tonal texture effect that many brands find visually interesting and leverage as a design feature. For all-over print polos and team wear where sublimation is required, we recommend TC piqué at 200–220 GSM for the best balance of print vibrancy and structural integrity. Read more in our sublimation vs. screen printing guide.
The ideal GSM depends on the use case and market positioning. 160–180 GSM: lightweight summer polos, tropical climates, and fashion-forward slim-fit designs — breathable but less structured, collars may not hold shape as firmly. 200–220 GSM: the industry sweet spot — provides enough body for collar structure and embroidery stability while remaining comfortable in warm weather. This is what most premium brands use for their standard polo. 240–260 GSM: heavyweight premium polos, winter-weight golf shirts, and structured corporate uniforms — maximum durability and the most pronounced texture depth, but can feel warm in summer. For most brands launching a piqué polo line, we recommend starting with 210 GSM in CVC 60/40 — it hits the sweet spot of quality perception, comfort, and cost. See our 200 GSM and 220 GSM fabric pages for more details on these specific weights.
All cotton-based piqué will shrink to some degree because cotton fibers contract when exposed to heat and water. Raw cotton piqué can shrink 5–8% — which is significant on a garment. However, ALL of our cotton and CVC piqué fabrics are pre-shrunk at source using a controlled compaction process that reduces residual shrinkage to under 3% (typically 1.5–2.5%). TC piqué with 65% polyester shrinks less than 2% because polyester is dimensionally stable. Our pre-shrinking process is tested per ISO 6330 (5 wash cycles at 40°C) and we guarantee <3% shrinkage for cotton/CVC and <2% for TC. We also provide care labels that specify cold wash and low-heat drying to further minimize any residual shrinkage. For brands that want zero-shrink guarantee, TC piqué is the safest choice.
Absolutely. We provide free A4-size fabric swatches (up to 3 options — we recommend including cotton piqué, CVC piqué, and TC piqué so you can feel the hand, weight, and texture differences between blends) shipped via DHL/FedEx at no charge. We can also include small cut panels that have been embroidered with a sample logo so you can evaluate how the fabric performs under actual decoration — this is especially valuable for piqué because the embroidery result varies noticeably between blends.
For traditional polo shirts, piqué is objectively superior in every way that matters: dimensional stability (no bagging or stretching), embroidery quality (no puckering), wrinkle resistance (especially in blends), and premium perception (texture signals quality). Jersey polos exist as a cheaper, lighter alternative — they're softer against skin initially, more breathable in single-jersey form, and 15–25% cheaper per meter. But they lack the structure, embroidery suitability, and professional appearance that defines a "proper" polo shirt. If you're building a premium or professional brand, piqué is the only correct choice. If you're making budget promotional polos where cost is the only driver, jersey is acceptable. The middle ground is a lightweight piqué (160–180 GSM) — it costs only slightly more than jersey but delivers the piqué advantages. See our jersey fabric page and interlock fabric page for comparisons with other knit structures.
Our MOQ is 500 pieces per color per design for finished piqué polo shirts, or 150 meters for fabric-only orders. This applies to all piqué types — cotton, CVC, and TC. For corporate uniform programs that need multiple sizes in the same color, the 500-piece MOQ is typically distributed across sizes (e.g., 500 total pieces split across S/M/L/XL/XXL). For brands just starting out who need lower quantities, we offer a sample run of 100–200 pieces at a slightly higher per-unit price — contact us to discuss sample run pricing. For fabric-only orders under 150 meters, we can sometimes accommodate based on current stock availability.
RELATED FABRICS

Explore More Fabrics

Complete your product range with complementary knit structures from our mill.

Jersey Fabric

The lighter, softer alternative — for t-shirts, casual polos, and budget-friendly garments where structure isn't critical.

View

Interlock Fabric

The middle ground between piqué and jersey — smoother than piqué, more stable than jersey, great for polo collars and cuffs.

View

Cotton-Polyester Blend

The foundation of CVC and TC piqué — understand the blend science behind our most popular piqué constructions.

View

Combed Cotton

The yarn quality upgrade that transforms standard piqué into ultra-premium — visible smoothness, fewer surface fibers, softer hand.

View

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