Pique Knit
Pique fabrics are typically medium weight and are made using cotton and cotton-polyester blends. One advantage of the patterns created using the dobby loom attachment, is that the weave is airy and provides additional ventilation. This is particularly nice for knit pique polo shirts that are worn in warm summer months!
A pique fabric is created using a dobby loom attachment. It is typically woven or knit and has patterns of fine ribbing or cording. Pique fabric differs from your standard jersey t-shirt as it has a textured, waffle weave look whereas jersey tees have smooth, flat surfaces. Woven piques usually have parallel cording running the length of the fabric and knit piques oftentimes feature ribbing or waffle weaves.
Pique knitting produces polo shirts that are generally considered more formal than their jersey polo counterparts. They are durable, have dimension and texture, show sweat less, but do tend to wrinkle a bit more than standard jersey knits.
Ultimately, opting for pique fabric is a great way to achieve a more formal look without being forced to dust off your long sleeve button up. It’s sophisticated, but not stuffy. In terms of downsides to pique, be mindful that it tends to wrinkle- but that’s about it!
Pique polo shirts are a timeless wardrobe staple, and since the birth of the first polo shirt in 1926, have continued to be a must-have for men, women, and kids alike.
