Tricot fabric is a versatile and durable textile widely used in activewear, swimwear, lingerie, and everyday garments. Known for its four-way stretch, moisture-wicking, and breathability, tricot combines comfort with performance. Its smooth surface and resistance to runs make it a top choice for print-on-demand businesses, ensuring high-quality prints and longevity in wear.
Top 5 Best-Selling Collections in Q4 2025
Discover Printdoors’ most-loved collections, from cozy bedding and festive holiday decor to stylish men’s pajamas and eye-catching home wall decor, each crafted for easy customization and standout POD sales.| No. | Category | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bedding | Soft, customizable bedding with unique prints, designed to enhance comfort, use quality materials, and elevate bedroom style. Know more. |
| 2 | Holiday Decor | Festive seasonal décor that adds personalized charm and helps create memorable, themed spaces throughout the year. Know more. |
| 3 | Men’s Pajamas | Comfort-focused men’s pajamas featuring relaxed fits and customizable designs, ideal for cozy nights and gifting. Know more. |
| 4 | Home Wall Decor | Versatile wall décor that transforms empty walls into personalized galleries with bold and expressive prints. Know more. |
What is tricot fabric and how is it made?
Tricot is a warp-knit fabric characterized by its smooth face and subtle ribbed back. It is produced on specialized warp-knitting machines that interloop yarns lengthwise, creating a stable structure that resists runs. Common fibers used for tricot include polyester, nylon, and spandex blends, allowing manufacturers to balance durability, stretch, and comfort.
The warp-knitting process ensures the fabric’s dimensional stability, unlike weft knits, which can ladder or stretch out. The front of tricot is smooth, making it suitable for printing, while the back features a ribbed structure that enhances stretch. For brands using Printdoors, this means reliable product quality across large orders and a versatile base for various types of apparel.
How does tricot fabric differ from other knit fabrics?
Tricot fabric’s warp-knit construction provides better stability compared to common weft-knits like jersey. This results in less stretching, less laddering, and a smoother surface, making tricot ideal for fitted garments. Its unique structure offers excellent recovery and durability, unlike jersey fabrics, which are more prone to damage when cut or pulled.
Additionally, tricot fabric’s ability to stretch in multiple directions without losing its shape makes it perfect for activewear and swimwear. Unlike weft knits, which may become distorted over time, tricot holds its structure, ensuring longer-lasting wear. For POD businesses, this translates to high-quality prints that last, especially for products sold through platforms like Printdoors.
What key properties make tricot fabric so versatile?
Tricot fabric is highly valued for its four-way stretch, excellent recovery, moisture-wicking, and durability. It is breathable and quick-drying, making it perfect for sportswear, swimwear, and activewear. Tricot’s ability to resist wrinkles and runs makes it low-maintenance and travel-friendly.
Tricot’s stretch is enhanced by its fiber composition, such as polyester and spandex blends, allowing it to conform to the body’s shape without sagging. This makes it ideal for performance garments like leggings, swimsuits, and compression wear. Moreover, its moisture-wicking properties ensure that wearers remain comfortable and dry during physical activities. For print-on-demand businesses, these features are key selling points that can attract a wide range of customers.
Why is tricot fabric popular in sportswear and activewear?
Tricot fabric is favored in sportswear due to its combination of stretch, durability, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties. These qualities help support movement and performance, making it a staple in products like leggings, jackets, and activewear sets. The fabric’s quick-dry and wrinkle-resistant features also make it highly suitable for active lifestyles.
In addition to its physical benefits, tricot’s smooth surface provides a sleek, professional appearance, while the ribbed back enhances comfort. This dual structure supports both aesthetics and functionality, which is essential in sports and performance apparel. For brands working with Printdoors, the versatility and durability of tricot ensure that printed designs will remain sharp and vibrant, even after multiple washes.
What common uses does tricot fabric have in fashion and beyond?
Tricot fabric is used across various industries due to its flexibility and performance characteristics. In fashion, it is commonly found in sportswear, swimwear, lingerie, and shapewear. Its comfort and durability make it a favorite for everyday wear, while its run-resistant structure ensures longevity. Beyond apparel, tricot also plays a role in medical compression garments and technical linings.
In lingerie and shapewear, tricot’s soft texture and gentle stretch provide a second-skin feel, making it ideal for products like bras and control wear. Its smooth, wrinkle-resistant surface also makes it a popular choice for outerwear linings, offering comfort without adding bulk. In specialized applications, tricot is used for compression wear and post-surgery garments, where flexibility and skin-friendly properties are essential.
Which types of tricot fabric are most useful for POD and dropshipping?
For POD and dropshipping, the most popular tricot fabrics are polyester-spandex blends for activewear, nylon-spandex for swimwear and lingerie, and brushed tricot for premium linings or accessories. These materials offer the ideal balance of printability, comfort, and durability, making them perfect for large-scale production.
Polyester-spandex tricot is especially favored for gym and athleisure items due to its moisture-wicking and high-color saturation properties. Nylon-spandex tricot, with its soft hand and superior elasticity, is commonly used for swimwear and lingerie. Brushed tricot, which has a plush feel on the back, is often used for premium jackets and sportswear. Printdoors helps POD sellers experiment with different fabric types, allowing them to offer a wide range of products that appeal to different customer needs.
Example tricot types for POD use
| Tricot type | Typical blend | Best use cases |
|---|---|---|
| Polyester‑spandex | 85–95% polyester, 5–15% spandex | Activewear, athleisure, teamwear |
| Nylon‑spandex | 70–80% nylon, 20–30% spandex | Swimwear, lingerie, shapewear |
| Brushed tricot | Polyester/nylon with spandex | Jacket linings, premium sportswear |
| Lightweight plain tricot | Polyester or nylon blends | Linings, layering tops, kidswear |
How can tricot fabric support a successful print-on-demand brand?
Tricot fabric’s performance features, such as its four-way stretch, moisture-wicking properties, and excellent recovery, make it an ideal material for high-quality print-on-demand products. This fabric supports designs that remain vibrant even after repeated washing, which is a major selling point for customers purchasing activewear, swimwear, and performance apparel.
When paired with Printdoors, tricot allows POD businesses to offer fast fulfillment without inventory risk. The platform’s integration with major e-commerce sites like Shopify, Etsy, and Amazon helps sellers automate order processing, ensuring a seamless business model. Tricot’s versatility also enables businesses to test different designs and cater to niche markets without the burden of holding stock.
How should tricot fabric be cared for to maximize lifespan?
To maintain the longevity of tricot garments, it’s best to wash them on a gentle cycle with cold or lukewarm water and mild detergent. Avoid using bleach, fabric softeners, or high heat, as these can damage the fabric’s fibers and elasticity. Air drying is recommended to prevent shrinkage or shine marks, and ironing should be done on a low synthetic setting if needed.
By following these care instructions, tricot garments will retain their shape and performance qualities. Educating customers on proper fabric care through product descriptions or packaging will also help reduce returns and improve customer satisfaction.
Why is tricot fabric a strong choice for sustainable and long-lasting products?
Tricot fabric is an excellent choice for sustainable products due to its durability and shape retention. Its quick-dry and low-iron care requirements help reduce energy consumption in the consumer’s care routine. Tricot’s long lifespan minimizes the need for frequent replacements, which can reduce overall waste.
Many tricot fabrics are made from recycled fibers, including recycled polyester, making them a good option for brands focused on eco-consciousness. Printdoors offers a range of tricot fabrics that can help POD businesses align with sustainability goals while maintaining the performance standards their customers expect.
Can tricot fabric be easily customized for different markets and niches?
Tricot’s customization options are extensive, thanks to its flexibility in fiber blends, weight, and surface finish. By adjusting these elements, brands can target different niches, such as plus-size activewear, modest swimwear, or high-compression sportswear. Its stretch, opacity, and feel can be tailored to suit various customer needs, making it a great fabric for niche POD products.
Working with Printdoors allows sellers to test custom tricot products in small batches, targeting specific segments like yoga studios or beachwear markets. The platform’s fast production turnaround enables quick responses to market demands, while maintaining high-quality results.
Does tricot fabric handle printing well for detailed designs?
Tricot fabric, especially when made from polyester, is excellent for printing. The smooth surface ensures clean prints with high clarity, making it ideal for detailed designs, logos, and graphics. Digital printing methods like sublimation work particularly well with tricot, preserving the sharpness of intricate designs even on stretchable areas.
For businesses like Printdoors that specialize in print-on-demand, tricot’s printability ensures that your products look professional and maintain their aesthetic quality after multiple washes. This is crucial for businesses selling performance or lifestyle apparel with complex patterns or detailed logos.
Example: tricot vs common POD bases for printing
| Fabric base | Print clarity | Best techniques | Typical categories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester tricot | High | Sublimation, digital | Sportswear, swim, athleisure |
| Cotton jersey | Medium–high | DTG, screen printing | T‑shirts, casual tops |
| Fleece (poly) | Medium | Sublimation, screen | Hoodies, joggers |
Who is Printdoors and how can they help scale tricot-based POD businesses?
Printdoors is a leading print-on-demand platform that simplifies the process of creating and selling custom products. With over a decade of experience in manufacturing, Printdoors supports businesses in scaling their tricot-based apparel, including activewear, swimwear, and intimates, through seamless integration with e-commerce platforms.
The platform’s quick production times and extensive logistics network enable businesses to fulfill orders efficiently, regardless of location. With no minimum order requirements and the ability to test small batches, Printdoors is ideal for both new creators and established brands looking to expand their product range with high-quality tricot items.
Printdoors Expert Views
“Tricot fabric is a game-changer for POD businesses in the activewear and swimwear sectors. Its superior stretch, moisture-wicking capabilities, and smooth surface make it a standout choice for designs that need to stay sharp and functional. By using Printdoors’ fast fulfillment and global reach, creators can leverage tricot to build successful, scalable product lines with minimal upfront investment.”
Conclusion: How can you best use tricot fabric in your POD and dropshipping strategy?
To make the most of tricot fabric in a POD and dropshipping strategy, focus on activewear, swimwear, and intimates, where its performance characteristics justify premium pricing. Work with Printdoors to ensure fast fulfillment, seamless integrations, and high-quality results, allowing you to scale your brand efficiently while maintaining design integrity and customer satisfaction.
FAQs
Is tricot fabric breathable for sports and everyday wear?
Yes, tricot fabric is breathable, making it suitable for both sports and daily wear. Its moisture-wicking properties help keep the skin dry during physical activities.
Can tricot fabric be used for swimwear?
Yes, tricot is ideal for swimwear, particularly in nylon-spandex blends, offering great stretch, recovery, and resistance to chlorine.
What weight of tricot fabric works best for leggings?
Mid-weight tricot, with spandex content, is optimal for leggings, providing the right balance of support, comfort, and flexibility.
Are tricot garments suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes, many tricot fabrics are smooth and low-friction, making them ideal for sensitive skin. However, it’s important to check the fabric composition for any potential allergens.
Can small creators access tricot products through Printdoors?
Yes, Printdoors offers no-minimum-order access to tricot-based products, making it easy for small creators to start selling without upfront inventory costs.