Have you ever wondered why polo shirts have a waffle texture on the outside but are smooth on the inside? The reason lies in a special type of fabric called pique fabric.
Pique fabric began in France during the 18th century. It has a woven fabric that has a distinct raised pattern. This fabric was used for the collars and cuffs of men’s dress shirts. Later on, it became popular in England and was used for the uniforms of polo players.
It was commonly called “pique” or “piquee” as it was commonly used for polo shirts. In the 1800s, wealthy people liked to make fancy dresses, waistcoats, and jackets using this fabric.
Nowadays, pique fabrics are still a great choice for casual clothing.
What is pique fabric?
Pique cloth is a woven type of fabric that has a unique texture and appearance. It is breathable, making it comfortable to wear. It is also durable for regular use and gives a bit of stretch when worn.
It has a light to medium weight (150–250 GSM), ideal for year-round wear. Pique cloth is low-maintenance and can be washed and dried using a machine.
These fabrics are created by weaving yarns together on a loom, which makes them strong and breathable. It comes in various colors and weights, making it versatile for any occasion or season.
How are pique fabrics made?
Pique fabrics can be made using cotton or a combination of cotton and polyester. This results in a lightweight and tough fabric.
Here is how pique fabric is made:
- The process starts with selecting the appropriate yarns, which can be cotton or a cotton-polyester or other fabric blends.
- The yarns are then woven together on a loom using a weft or warp knitting method. The two layers of fabric are knitted together to create a waffle-like texture.
- The fabric is then dyed to achieve the desired color, and can also be finished with various treatments to enhance its properties.
- Finally, the pique fabric is cut and sewn into various products such as polo shirts, dresses, and jackets.
Overall, the pique fabric process involves a careful selection of materials and precise weaving techniques to create a durable and versatile fabric with a unique texture.
What are pique fabrics used for?
Pique textiles are commonly used to make sportswear garments like polo shirts and tennis dresses. It is also in demand in other industries like home decor, upholstery, and automotive.
Their versatility and popularity make them an ideal option for designers and manufacturers.
Here are some common uses for pique fabrics:
- Polo shirts
- Dresses and skirts
- Pants and shorts
- Jackets and blazers
- Tablecloths and placemats
- Towels and bathrobes
- Bedding such as sheets and pillowcases
- Upholstery for furniture, and
- Automotive interiors.
What are the types of pique fabrics?
Pique fabrics are known for their unique texture and versatility. Did you know that there are different types of pique fabric available? Every type of fabric has a unique texture and design.
These are the most common types of pique textiles.
Baby pique
This pique textile is soft, lightweight, and mainly made of cotton and polyester blends. To create this type of fabric, makers use a special loom called a dobby loom and knit it with delicate ribbing patterns.
The fabric has parallel cords running along its length, making it feel breathable and comfortable.
It is ideal for baby clothes like onesies, rompers, and dresses because it has a smooth texture that’s perfect for hot summer days.
Double pique
Double pique knit is a heavier type of pique compared to the regular one. It is typically used to create polo shirts, dresses, and skirts. The weaving of two fabric layers together makes its surface look textured.
This type of pique is the most affordable of all types because of the method used to make it. Expensive threads are fused with less expensive threads, resulting in a decrease in production expenses.
Despite this, it still offers an aesthetic appearance without sacrificing quality.
French pique
French is a premium type of pique textile crafted from long-staple cotton fibers. It is famous for its silky feel, durability, and excellent draping abilities. In making this, the ribbed texture of the fabric is lifted, creating a diamond shape that is nice to touch.
French pique is perfect for making blouses, knit skirts, and shirt dresses and can be worn comfortably at any time. Moreover, this fashion apparel has moisture-wicking properties, which enhance its versatility. Unlike double-knit pique, this one is expensive.
Micro pique
This type of pique has a smooth and silky texture due to the use of fine yarns. Micro pique is made from polyester and is designed to absorb sweat from the skin. This makes it ideal for athletic clothing such as golf shirts and tennis skirts.
If you use micro pique textile, you should know that stitching can be challenging due to its fussy nature. It is recommended to use a simple design to avoid tangling problems after sewing.
Swiss pique
Swiss pique is a high-quality fabric. It’s made from solid cotton fibers that are woven tightly together. This cloth looks like a honeycomb and is made by weaving and knitting. It is stretchy and bouncy, but you must be careful when washing it or it might get messed up.
Swiss pique lasts long, feels nice, and absorbs sweat well. No wonder most people use this fabric for polo shirts, dress shirts, and sportswear.
FAQ about pique fabric
Is pique better than cotton?
When it comes to sportswear and casual clothing, pique is a great option to consider. It provides more breathability and durability than plain cotton. It also has a unique texture that adds an extra touch of style to any outfit.
Is pique fabric durable?
While pique textile is generally considered to be a strong and sturdy material, its durability can vary depending on the quality of the fabric, the type of weave used, and the care and maintenance of the fabric, which can all impact its overall durability.
Does pique fabric wrinkle?
Pique fabric is known for its resistance to shrinkage, but it is not entirely immune to wrinkling. To minimize the likelihood of wrinkles, avoid high heat when washing and drying the fabric.
Additionally, it is worth noting that while some wrinkling may occur, the unique texture and thickness of this fabric can help to mask any wrinkles that do appear, making it a popular choice in a variety of apparel and home decor applications.
What is Lacoste pique fabric?
Lacoste pique fabric is a unique fabric that has become synonymous with the Lacoste brand. It is known for its high quality and unique texture used in the production of Lacoste polo shirts.
The fabric is breathable and moisture-wicking, making it ideal for use in sportswear and activewear.
Conclusion
Pique fabric’s durability and versatility make it popular use for different applications. Its unique texture and weave structure are perfect for clothing, especially sportswear and polo shirts. It’s also commonly used in home decor, like tablecloths, napkins, and bedding.
Its unique waffle-like texture and breathability set it apart from plain cotton, and its strength and resilience make it a practical choice for everyday use.
Whether you’re looking for a comfortable and stylish shirt, a durable upholstery fabric, or anything in between, pique fabrics are a great option to consider. With proper care and maintenance, pique fabric can last for years and continue to look and feel great.
