Jersey against interlock
Short answer: Jersey is thinner and lighter, interlock is thicker and holds its shape better. You can see the difference by turning the fabric over: interlock looks the same on both sides. The choice depends on whether the garment should be light or hold its form.
Two knitted fabrics
Jersey and interlock are both knitted, not woven, and both are widely used for clothes close to the body. They look similar at first glance but are built differently, and you feel it in weight, drape and durability. Here we explain the difference in plain language so you can choose the right one for what you need.
Weight and drape
Jersey is knitted with one row of needles and is therefore thinner with the same yarn. Interlock is knitted with two rows and becomes twice as thick. That gives two different drapes. Jersey is light and mobile, while interlock is denser and more stable. The difference is clear when you hold two pieces to the light or feel the weight between your fingers.
How to tell them apart
The simplest test is to turn the fabric over. Interlock looks the same on the front and the back, because the two rows of needles form the same surface on both sides. Jersey has a clear right and wrong side, where the stitches look different. Try it on a garment in your wardrobe, and you will quickly see what you are holding.
The edges
Jersey curls at the edge when it is cut, so all edges have to be sewn. Interlock does not, because the two rows of needles lock the stitches into each other. That is the simplest way to tell them apart when you are holding a finished garment. Have a look at our bamboo shorts for women.
Jersey in daily life
Jersey is used for light t-shirts and dresses because it is thin and drapes softly. It is cooler in summer and takes up little room in a bag or on the drying rack. For clothes that must move and must not be warm, jersey is a natural choice. The drawback is that thin fabric has less structure, so it follows the body more closely.
Interlock in daily life
Interlock is used for underwear and sleepwear that must hold its shape. It is thicker and more stable, so it sits calmly on the body and is not pulled out of shape as easily. For pieces you wear for many hours, that can be an advantage. See our bamboo bra without underwire and bamboo sleepwear for women as examples of clothes worn often.
Summer and warmth
Jersey is cooler in summer because it is thinner. Interlock is thicker and therefore warmer on a hot day, but more stable in return. Think about when you will wear the piece. For a hot summer day in town jersey is pleasant, while interlock suits calm evenings and nights, when you want something that sits still.
Washing and wear
Interlock is more durable in garments washed after every use. Jersey is lighter and therefore often dries faster, because there is less fabric. Always follow the care label in each item, whichever knit it is. And remember that durability also depends on yarn, fit and care, not only on the knit.
What you should choose
Choose jersey if you want something light and cool for summer and everyday. Choose interlock if you want something that holds its shape and takes many washes. Many people have both in the wardrobe, and that is perfectly fine. Look at the product description and the fabric thickness, and turn the fabric over if you are unsure.
Frequently asked questions
How can you see the difference
Turn the fabric over. Interlock looks the same on front and back, while jersey has a clear right and wrong side. Jersey also curls at the edge when cut, while interlock lies flat.
What holds its shape best
Interlock, because the stitches lock into each other and the fabric is thicker. That is why it is often used for underwear and sleepwear that must sit still and cope with frequent washing.
What is coolest
Jersey, because it is thinner. It suits hot summer days well, while interlock is denser and suits better when you want a stable fabric that lies still.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
