How to compare sports jersey fabrics in 2026
The right sports jersey fabric affects budget, comfort, mobility and appearance. Kappa, Jarse, Damla, Polymesh, Puma, stretch fabric, German Mesh and American Mesh differ in surface structure and elastane content. The most expensive option is not automatically necessary for every team, while the cheapest may not meet every performance requirement.
Explore Our Models
This comparison uses the actual material specifications and 2026 imajersey pricing supplied for custom production. It helps football, volleyball and basketball teams compare single jerseys and complete sets. For a broader explanation of performance by sport, read the existing sports jersey fabric guide.
Five criteria for choosing jersey fabric
- Breathability: Perforated structures support air circulation during activity.
- Stretch: Higher elastane content improves the ability to follow body movement.
- Surface: Smooth glossy finishes and open performance meshes create different visual results.
- Use level: Occasional tournaments and professional training have different requirements.
- Set budget: Compare a single top with jersey-and-shorts and full-set pricing.
Kappa: economical basic use
Kappa is an economical porous fabric that provides basic breathability but contains no stretch component. It suits schools, corporate tournaments and entry-level team use where budget is the primary consideration.
Jarse: smooth surface with 20 percent stretch
Jarse is an economical fabric with a glossy, smooth surface. Its 20 percent elastane content provides more comfort and flexibility than a non-stretch basic fabric. It is suitable when teams want a clean visual surface and accessible pricing.
Damla: porous structure and balanced performance
Damla combines an economical price with a breathable textured surface and 20 percent elastane. It is a balanced choice for football and volleyball teams that need mobility without moving immediately into the professional segment.
Polymesh: 35 percent stretch in the middle segment
Polymesh is a mid-range performance fabric. Its porous construction supports strong breathability, while 35 percent elastane provides flexibility and durability for regular training and match use.
Puma pattern fabric: professional performance balance
Puma pattern fabric is a professional porous option designed to help transfer perspiration away from the body. Its 35 percent elastane content supports freedom of movement during intensive play.
Stretch fabric: smooth finish with 50 percent elastane
The professional stretch fabric has a glossy, smooth surface and 50 percent elastane. It is designed for high flexibility, close athletic fits and sports involving frequent changes of direction.
German Mesh: maximum air circulation
German Mesh uses a wide-open structure for maximum air movement and contains 35 percent elastane for durability and flexibility. It is particularly relevant for warm halls, summer use and high-intensity competition.
American Mesh: open ventilation with 50 percent stretch
American Mesh is an upper-segment option combining wide-open ventilation with 50 percent elastane. It is suitable when a team wants both strong airflow and high freedom of movement.
Sports jersey fabric comparison
| Fabric | Level | Surface | Elastane | Main advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kappa | Economy | Porous | None | Basic use and low budget |
| Jarse | Economy | Glossy, smooth | 20% | Appearance and comfort |
| Damla | Economy | Porous | 20% | Airflow and movement |
| Polymesh | Mid-range | Porous | 35% | Breathability and durability |
| Puma | Professional | Porous | 35% | Moisture transfer and mobility |
| Stretch fabric | Professional | Glossy, smooth | 50% | Maximum flexibility |
| German Mesh | Professional | Wide mesh | 35% | Maximum air circulation |
| American Mesh | Upper segment | Wide mesh | 50% | Ventilation and high stretch |
2026 football and volleyball jersey prices
Prices below apply to 2026. Shipping is paid by the customer, higher quantities may receive order-specific evaluation and the minimum custom production quantity is six pieces.
| Fabric | Jersey | Jersey + shorts | Jersey + shorts + socks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kappa | 325 TRY | 385 TRY | 425 TRY |
| Damla / Jarse | 345 TRY | 435 TRY | 475 TRY |
| Polymesh | 355 TRY | 455 TRY | 495 TRY |
| Puma pattern | 375 TRY | 475 TRY | 515 TRY |
| Stretch fabric | 425 TRY | 525 TRY | 565 TRY |
| American Mesh | 425 TRY | 525 TRY | 565 TRY |
| German Mesh | 445 TRY | 545 TRY | 585 TRY |
| Professional quality | 525 TRY | 645 TRY | 725 TRY |
| Elite quality | 625 TRY | 775 TRY | 825 TRY |
2026 basketball jersey prices
| Fabric | Jersey | Jersey + shorts |
|---|---|---|
| Kappa | 325 TRY | 385 TRY |
| Damla / Jarse | 345 TRY | 435 TRY |
| Polymesh | 355 TRY | 455 TRY |
| Puma pattern | 375 TRY | 475 TRY |
| Stretch fabric | 425 TRY | 525 TRY |
| American Mesh | 425 TRY | 525 TRY |
| German Mesh | 445 TRY | 545 TRY |
| Professional quality | 525 TRY | 645 TRY |
Which fabric suits each sport?
Football
Kappa, Damla and Jarse can cover occasional amateur use. Polymesh and Puma suit regular competition, while stretch fabric and American Mesh support more demanding mobility. Browse football jersey designs.
Volleyball
Jumping, reaching and rapid arm movement make flexibility important. Damla and Jarse provide an economical balance; Polymesh, Puma, stretch fabric and American Mesh provide stronger movement support. German Mesh is attractive in warm halls. Explore volleyball jersey options.
Basketball
Continuous running and upper-body movement increase the value of breathability and low weight. Polymesh and mesh structures suit intensive play, while high-stretch fabric supports a closer fit. See basketball jersey designs.
Final fabric selection checklist
- How often will the team train and compete?
- Will the garments be used outdoors or in a warm hall?
- Do players prefer a relaxed or close athletic fit?
- Is the order for jerseys only or complete sets?
- Are quantities and sizes confirmed?
- Does the team prefer a smooth glossy finish or a porous performance texture?
- Has stretch, opacity and print appearance been checked on a sample?
Conclusion: the best fabric is the one that fits the team
There is no single best jersey fabric for every order. Kappa delivers basic economy; Damla and Jarse add accessible stretch; Polymesh offers mid-range performance; Puma balances professional movement; stretch fabric and American Mesh maximise flexibility; and German Mesh prioritises airflow. The right choice aligns usage intensity with set budget.
Explore digital jersey designs or contact imajersey with the sport, quantity, set preference and frequency of use to receive a product-specific quotation.