Fibres: what the fabric is made of
| Fibre | Strengths | Limitations | Typical uniform uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Soft, breathable, comfortable on skin, takes dye well | Absorbs and holds sweat, creases, can shrink and fade | Office shirts, T-shirts, chef coats, polos for indoor roles |
| Polyester | Strong, quick-drying, colourfast, holds shape, resists creasing | Less breathable unless engineered to wick; can retain odour | Sports-style polos, outdoor tops, hi-vis, sublimation garments |
| Poly-cotton (e.g. 65/35) | Balance of comfort and durability, less shrinkage and creasing than cotton | Less soft than pure cotton; cannot be sublimated well | Workwear, trousers, shirts, scrubs, hospitality uniforms |
| Viscose / rayon blends | Smooth drape, cool feel, good for formal looks | Weaker when wet, can shrink, needs careful laundering | Blouses, front-of-house and hospitality garments |
| Nylon (polyamide) | Very strong, abrasion resistant, lightweight | Low breathability on its own; can be warm | Jackets, outer shells, reinforcement panels |
| Elastane (spandex) | Adds stretch and recovery, usually 2 to 5 per cent | Can degrade with heat and chlorine | Stretch trousers, scrubs, fitted shirts |
For a detailed comparison of the three most common choices, see cotton vs polyester vs blended uniform fabrics.
Knits and wovens
Knitted fabrics are made from interlocking loops, so they stretch and feel soft; they are used for polos, T-shirts and fleeces. Woven fabrics interlace threads at right angles, so they are more stable and structured; they are used for shirts, trousers, jackets and chef coats.
| Construction | Type | Character | Common uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pique | Knit | Textured honeycomb surface, breathable, holds shape | Polo shirts |
| Single jersey | Knit | Smooth, light, soft, stretchy | T-shirts, lightweight tops |
| Interlock | Knit | Double-knit, smooth both sides, more stable than jersey | Premium T-shirts and polos |
| Fleece | Knit | Brushed inner face, warm | Hoodies and sweatshirts for air-conditioned spaces or winter |
| Poplin | Woven | Fine, smooth, crisp | Office shirts, blouses |
| Oxford | Woven | Basket weave, slightly textured, durable | Casual corporate shirts |
| Twill | Woven | Diagonal rib, drapes well, hides marks | Trousers, chef coats, work shirts |
| Drill | Woven | Heavy, tight twill, very hard-wearing | Workwear trousers, coveralls |
| Ripstop | Woven | Reinforcing grid that limits tears | Field workwear, outdoor trousers |
GSM explained
GSM means grams per square metre. It measures fabric weight, not quality. A higher GSM usually feels thicker and more opaque, and may last longer, but it also traps more heat. The right GSM depends on the garment, the fibre and the working environment.
| Garment | Lighter | Mid-weight | Heavier |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-shirts | Around 140 to 160 | Around 160 to 190 | Around 200 and above |
| Polo shirts | Around 160 to 180 | Around 180 to 220 | Around 220 and above |
| Woven shirts | Around 90 to 110 | Around 110 to 130 | Around 140 and above |
| Work trousers | Around 180 to 220 | Around 220 to 260 | Around 280 and above |
| Hoodies and fleece | Around 240 to 280 | Around 280 to 320 | Around 330 and above |
Suitability for UAE heat and humidity
| Environment | Priorities | Fabrics that often suit |
|---|---|---|
| Air-conditioned office or retail | Appearance, crease resistance, comfort | Cotton-rich or poly-cotton poplin and oxford, mid-weight pique |
| Outdoor field work | Wicking, quick drying, light weight, sun cover | Lightweight polyester or poly-rich knits, ripstop trousers |
| Commercial kitchens | Heat, frequent hot washing, stain release | Poly-cotton twill, cotton-rich drill for chef coats |
| Warehouses and logistics | Durability, movement, varied temperatures | Poly-cotton knits, twill or ripstop trousers |
| Healthcare | Frequent washing, stretch, easy care | Poly-cotton or poly-viscose with elastane |
More detail is in best fabrics for uniforms in UAE weather and breathable fabrics for outdoor workers.
Laundering, colourfastness and shrinkage
- Laundering: polyester and poly-cotton tolerate frequent washing and dry quickly. Pure cotton is comfortable but creases and may shrink; viscose needs gentler care. Tell us if garments go to a commercial or industrial laundry.
- Colourfastness: the resistance of colour to washing, light, rubbing and perspiration. Polyester generally holds colour well; dark or bright cotton can fade with sun and repeated washing. Colourfastness tests, such as those in the ISO 105 series, can be requested for colour-critical orders.
- Shrinkage: cotton-rich fabrics can shrink, particularly in hot washes and tumble drying. Pre-shrunk or compacted fabrics reduce this. Agree acceptable shrinkage for made-to-spec orders.
- Pilling: small fibre balls on the surface, more common on some polyester and blended knits. Better yarns and finishes reduce it.
How to specify fabric in your enquiry
- Where the garment will be worn: indoors, outdoors, kitchen, site
- Preferred fibre or blend, or the qualities you need (cool, durable, easy care)
- Preferred weight, or an existing garment you like as a reference
- Laundering method and frequency
- Branding method, since some methods suit certain fibres only
- Any protective requirements, which may require certified fabrics
Frequently asked questions
Is cotton or polyester better for uniforms in the UAE?
Neither is better in every case. Cotton is comfortable indoors but holds sweat; polyester dries quickly and suits active or outdoor work. Poly-cotton blends are a common middle ground.
Does higher GSM mean better quality?
No. GSM measures weight. A well-made lighter fabric can outperform a heavier one, and heavier fabrics are warmer. Choose GSM by garment and environment.
What is pique fabric?
Pique is a knitted fabric with a textured, honeycomb-like surface. It is the traditional polo shirt fabric because it breathes well and holds its shape.
Will my uniforms shrink?
Cotton-rich garments can shrink, especially in hot washes and dryers. Polyester and blends shrink less. Following care labels and choosing pre-shrunk fabrics reduces the risk.
Can I get a fabric swatch before ordering?
Fabric swatches or samples can be requested. Availability and any charges are confirmed on the quotation.
Last updated