Single jersey, interlock and rib knit

Short answer: Single jersey is thin and rolls at the edge. Interlock is twice as thick and lies flat. Rib knit stretches most and is used for edges.

Single jersey

This is the simplest knit type and what you find in almost all t-shirts. Knit on one face and purl on the other. It is thin, light and cool, but a free edge always rolls towards one side.

Interlock

Interlock is two layers of jersey knitted together. It is thicker, smooth on both sides and does not roll. That is why it is used for underwear and nightwear where the edge has to lie flat. See bamboo underwear for women.

Rib knit

Rib has vertical grooves and can stretch a great deal across. It is used for neck edges, cuffs and sock legs, meaning everywhere the fabric has to give and pull back. See bamboo socks for women.

How to choose

For thin t-shirts jersey is right. For underwear and nightwear interlock is more comfortable. Rib is rarely the whole garment but almost always the edges. See bamboo nightwear for women.

Frequently asked questions

Can you tell the difference by eye

Yes. Look at the reverse. If both sides look the same, it is interlock.

Which is warmest

Interlock, because there are two layers. Jersey is the coolest.

Why does jersey roll

Because the two faces are knitted differently and hold different tension.