Textile Term: Tricot Knit
Tricot knit fabric is a kind of warp knit that is woven utilizing a knitting machine with flat needles. It's like a checkerboard, with horizontal and vertical rows of loops, or wales and courses.
The loops are intertwined by the machine's needles in a zig-zag design. The resulting fabric is strong, stretchy, and has fantastic recovery, making it ideal for lingerie, swimwear, and sportswear.
Tricot's stretchability is one of its advantages. The knit construction allows it to stretch in both directions, making it comfortable and providing ease of movement for the wearer. Because of this, it is a common choice for activewear and sportswear. The fabric is also lightweight, making it a great option for clothing that needs to be breathable, like t-shirts or undergarments.
Tricot knit fabrics are also renowned for their durability. The fabric's construction results in a stable and tightly knitted surface that resists tearing and pilling. The fabric's good recovery allows it to retain its shape, even after multiple washes, making it a practical choice for garments that are laundered frequently.
Tricot knit fabrics come in a variety of fibers, such as nylon, polyester, and spandex, and their performance characteristics, such as moisture-wicking properties or UV protection, are determined by the fiber content.
Nylon tricot, for example, is known for its toughness and abrasion resistance, while polyester tricot is known for its wrinkle resistance and moisture-wicking properties.
