You’ve probably come across this word before: jersey. Maybe on the label of your favorite t-shirt or boxer. But what exactly is jersey? This soft and stretchy fabric has a fascinating history, a specific manufacturing method, and technical properties that make it a must-have in fashion. Beyond its comfort and versatility, jersey has become a fabric of choice for sustainable fashion brands like BLUEBUCK, which prioritize quality materials and eco-friendly production methods. And what if we told you that jersey isn’t even a material… Surprised? Let’s explain everything.
The origins of jersey
Jersey was born… in Jersey!
So, what exactly is jersey? Well, surprise: jersey is first and foremost a geographical name! Originating from the Channel Island of Jersey, this fabric came to life in the late 16th century.
At the time, wool was used to knit this flexible textile, perfect for making practical and warm clothing for local fishermen. But what has jersey become since then?
Over time, jersey has evolved. While wool was its original fiber, the introduction of cotton brought a lighter, more breathable option, ideal for summer garments. Later, innovative materials like Tencel added a sustainable twist, and synthetic fibers enhanced stretch for activewear and performance clothing. Today, it’s the foundation for everyday clothing: t-shirts, underwear, sportswear, dresses, loungewear, and even bedding… in short, anything that rhymes with comfort and style.
So, what is jersey?
Because yes, contrary to what one might think, jersey is not a material. No, it’s a textile manufacturing technique. Simply put, regardless of the thread used – cotton, wool, polyamide – what makes jersey is its method of production.
What makes jersey so special? The fabric is made of interwoven loops forming stitches. This process gives jersey its natural elasticity without requiring specific fibers. But, of course, the result and properties can vary depending on the material used. Wool jersey? Warm and soft. Cotton jersey? Breathable and light. We’ll get back to that.
The textile revolution: how jersey became essential
From hand-knitting to industrial mechanization
If you’re still wondering what jersey changed in textile history, the answer boils down to two words: flexibility and speed. Initially, jersey was hand-knitted. A meticulous and, above all, very slow job. Fortunately, the Industrial Revolution came along. Knitting machines appeared in the 19th century, speeding up production and democratizing the use of jersey.
These mechanical machines, capable of creating fine and regular stitches at high speed, allowed for the production of jersey garments at much more affordable costs. Goodbye rigid and rough woven fabrics, hello flexibility and comfort!
Popularization in fashion and society
Jersey could have remained confined to the drawers of Jersey’s fishermen, but Coco Chanel had other plans. During World War I, she revolutionized fashion by using jersey in her collections, turning what was once considered a humble, utilitarian fabric into a symbol of modern, practical luxury. Her designs, such as striped sailor shirts, challenged traditional notions of women’s clothing and offered a relaxed, elegant alternative. (As we discussed in our article What is the origin of the Breton shirt? See, it’s all connected.)
In the 1920s, jersey became synonymous with practical and comfortable fashion. It entered wardrobes, replacing stiff fabrics made of linen or hemp. No more suffocating corsets: welcome a flexible and relaxed silhouette.
Composition and technical properties of jersey
A knit at the heart of natural elasticity
So, what makes jersey so special from a technical standpoint? The magic of jersey lies in its knitted structure. If you look closely, you’ll see “V” shapes on the front and small arcs on the back. It’s thanks to this configuration that the fabric is naturally stretchy.
And it’s a revolution: before, fabrics were mainly woven in warp and weft, making them rigid and far less comfortable to wear. Jersey arrived with its flexible stitches and unmatched comfort for t-shirts and underwear from the late 19th century.
A small technical detail: it’s not the thread that’s elastic, but the jersey stitch that gives it this flexibility. Clever, right?
The other advantages of jersey
What else does jersey offer? It’s not just stretchy; it’s also:
- Comfortable: its softness and lightness make it an ideal choice for garments in direct contact with the skin.
- Breathable: perfect for regulating temperature and limiting moisture.
- Versatile: light or thick, fluid or structured, plain or patterned, it adapts to all styles.
- Easy to care for: a wash at 30-40 °C is enough, no need to iron (a good excuse to leave the iron in the closet).
Some variations depending on materials
And finally, what does jersey become depending on the material used? Its properties change based on the fibers employed:
- Cotton jersey: soft, ideal for summer or underwear.
- Wool jersey: warm, perfect for winter garments.
- Jersey with elastane: even stretchier, like the one used for BLUEBUCK underwear (5% elastane for optimal comfort).
The quality of jersey also depends on the thread used. At BLUEBUCK, we use long fibers for softer and stronger cotton. Add to that a high weight (200 g/m² for our underwear), and you get a robust jersey that withstands the rigors of daily life.
Jersey is a clever mix of technique, history, and comfort. This fine and light knit has established itself as a must-have in our wardrobes. And at BLUEBUCK, we take it further by combining durability and quality for underwear that respects your skin… and the planet. So, ready to slip into your next jersey boxer?