Jersey is a knitted fabric rather than a woven one. Its loops give natural stretch, softness and an ability to follow the body without added elastane. It can be made from cotton, viscose, wool, silk or synthetic fibres, and the same name covers everything from a fine T-shirt knit to a dense dress or jacket quality.
Fit and recovery
Stretch a small area gently and let go. Good jersey should return without a wavy edge or pale strain marks. Check shoulders, elbows, knees and seat, where weak recovery appears first. A heavier knit can skim the body, while very thin jersey reveals seams and underwear; opacity should be judged while the fabric is moving, not only flat on a hanger.
Look at the grain and side seams. If they spiral before wear, the garment may twist further after washing. Necklines need stable binding, and hems should lie flat without tunnelling between stitches. Added elastane improves recovery but also makes high heat more damaging.
Care
Follow the fibre-specific label. Wash inside out on a gentle cycle, avoid overloading the drum and reshape while damp. Heavy wet jersey stretches easily, so dry it supported rather than hanging from narrow shoulders. Wool and silk versions may need hand washing or professional care. Steam lightly; pressing too hard can flatten the loops and leave shine.
Choose jersey for comfortable movement, but match its weight and recovery to the cut. Softness alone does not guarantee that a garment will keep its shape.
