What Material is a Jersey Dress?

Jersey dresses are a fantastic choice for warmer seasons. What sets jersey fabric apart is its softness and the way it drapes. From gorgeous A-line shapes to clingy and breezy styles – the fabric can be used for countless silhouettes. While jersey is perfect for casual wear, the fabric also works wonders for designer dresses through its shaping, draping, top stitching, and darting. If you look in the right places, you can find enchanting (and comfy) jersey evening wear for formal events or cocktail parties. 

Some of the most common types of jersey dresses include maxi and mini dresses, A-line, body-hugging outfits, and shirt dresses. If lightweight dresses are your style, jersey fabric is perfect for you. But what is jersey fabric made of, exactly? Where did it first originate? What does it feel like? Read on to understand.

First, the Origins

Jersey fabric first emerged in Jersey, Channel Islands during medieval times. That’s where the name of the fabric comes from. Jersey was originally used only for menswear – for clothing items such as fisherman’s sweaters and underwear. 

In the year 1916, however, Coco Chanel tapped into the jersey market. She introduced this magical fabric to women’s fashion by crafting comfortable (and stylish) jersey coats and dresses. 

Which Fabric is a Jersey Dress Made Of? 

Jersey fabric was traditionally made of wool. Today, however, wool is the least common fabric that contributes to it. The reason? Wool is typically more expensive and not as widely available. Wool is also not easy to care for. With the growing popularity of jersey material, cotton has become one of the most common fabrics that contribute to it. 

Jersey is also crafted from synthetic fibers like polyester or a combination of polyester and cotton. Regardless of the fabrics used, the process of making jersey is usually the same. 

Jersey is a knitted fabric. The process involves several steps including:

• Creating fibers by combining a variety of chemicals. 
• Knitting fabrics such as cotton, silk, or other synthetic yarn using a knitting machine.
• Twisting and combining the yarn to craft the structure of jersey fabric.
• Dyeing the fabric (after the knitting process is complete) or before the knitting process begins. 

A closer look at the fabric will show a combination of untwisted horizontal yarns and twisted vertical yarns. 

What are the Characteristics of a Jersey Dress? What Does the Fabric Feel Like?

The two cutting-edge qualities of jersey include its multi-functionality and versatility. It also boasts several qualities that have turned it into a widely used fabric for daily use today. But what does jersey feel like? Here’s a quick look:

• Soft and comfy. Jersey is super smooth and lightweight, making it a comfortable choice for dresses.
• Stretchy. Thanks to its ingenious knitted structure, jersey is a stretch fabric. This factor makes the fabric a great option for outfits that require movement. 
• Well-structured. Jersey fabrics boast a gorgeous drape. It is the fiber composition, however, that defines the drape or structure. For instance, jersey dresses crafted from silk or viscose offer a smoother drape. Jersey dresses made of cotton, on the other hand, tend to offer more structure. 
• Breathable and absorbent. When it comes to fabric breathability, cotton jersey is undoubtedly the king. Cotton, after all, is a super breathable and absorbent fabric. 
• Opaque. Thanks to its knitted structure, jersey fabric is typically opaque. This brings the fibers so close together that there are no chances for light to pass through. 

What are the Different Types of Jersey Dresses? 

Each type of jersey fabric emerges from a specific process. Here are some of the most common types:

Single Jersey 

The single jersey or the classic jersey is knitted with a single set of needles on a single bed. It has one right side (or the face) and one wrong side (or reverse). For increased elasticity, the process is infused with a hint of elastane. Single jersey boasts a four-way stretch – both crosswise and lengthwise. 

Double Jersey 

As the name goes, double jersey (or Ponte di Roma) puts two needle beds and two sets of needles to use. It can either be double-reverse or double-face. In comparison to single jersey, double jersey is often more stable. However, it only stretches in one direction – crosswise. In addition, double jersey drapes better than single jersey. This offers the fabric type a more constructed style. 

Jacquard Jersey 

This one is another version of a double-face fabric. What makes jacquard jersey unique is a set of special stitches and designs such as relief, pattern, and more. These are created not in print but in cloth. Due to the way it is made, jacquard jersey offers a detailed working, superb drape, and lesser stretch compared to other jersey fabrics. 

Interlock Jersey

Interlock Jersey, again, is a double-face fabric. It features knit stitching on both sides. Here, the yarn is very fine, and the stitches are super tight. This offers the fabric an ultra-compact look. In a dress made from interlock jersey, the cut edges never curl. This type of jersey is usually seen in baby clothes. 

Stretch Jersey 

Stretch jersey takes form from jersey fabrics that are crafted from cotton or a variety of other fiber yarns. It features a small percentage of elastane within. Stretch jersey offers better recovery and stretch. This makes the fabric a popular choice for sportswear. 

How Should You Care for Your Jersey Dress? 

With its ever-booming popularity, it’s safe to say jersey is a very convenient fabric to use. But how exactly should you take care of it? 

The fabric itself is not difficult to care for. Cotton jersey, however, tends to be vulnerable to shrinkage. When it comes to cleaning the fabric, it’s best to wash it with cool water followed by a tumble dry on medium level. 

Now that you know everything there is about this magical fabric, it’s time to start your shopping spree for jersey dresses! Head over to our extensive collection of jersey dresses to dazzle at your next event.