Nobody picks a jersey based on its GSM rating - but the fabric underneath the design is doing a lot of quiet, unglamorous work to keep players comfortable for 80 minutes. Here's a decoder for the fabric names you'll see floating around when you order custom jerseys.
Honeycomb Jacquard
A textured, structured weave with a honeycomb-like pattern woven into the fabric itself. It has a premium feel and adds a bit of visual texture even before any printing goes on top.
Brush Jacquard and Lift Jacquard
Both are subtly patterned jacquard weaves - Brush has a soft brushed finish with a diagonal texture, while Lift has a raised texture that adds depth and extra durability. Neither shows up loudly in photos, but you can feel the difference in hand.
Sugar Mesh and Box Mesh
These are all about airflow. Sugar Mesh is a fine, micro-perforated knit built for maximum breathability, while Box Mesh uses a classic box-weave structure that's long been a go-to for rugby and league kits thanks to its balance of strength and ventilation.
Ribbed Pinstripe Mesh
A fine ribbed stripe texture that gives a classic sport-poly look and feel - the kind of subtle pinstripe texture you'd recognise from big-league kits without it being an obvious pattern.
Premium Polyester (P.P)
A smooth, durable polyester knit that prioritises a clean finish and long-term durability over texture - a solid all-rounder when you want a classic, understated feel.
Why does any of this matter?
Beyond the feel, fabric choice affects how a design prints. Textured weaves like jacquards can add subtle depth to sublimated designs, while smoother, tighter knits like micromesh give the sharpest, most accurate colour reproduction. It's also part of why we always recommend requesting a sample swatch before locking in a big team order - photos on a screen only tell half the story.
Want to feel the difference for yourself? Check out our Custom Rugby Jerseys page for the full fabric options, or get in touch and we'll talk you through what suits your sport and budget.