When it comes to custom hockey jerseys, the design may turn heads—but the fabric determines how it performs on and off the ice. From moisture control to durability, the material you choose affects comfort, fit, and longevity. Whether you’re outfitting a competitive team or creating custom fanwear, understanding the pros and cons of different fabric types will help you make the right choice. In this guide, we compare the most popular fabrics used in custom hockey jerseys and highlight which options are best for various needs.
1. Air-Knit Polyester
Overview:
Air-knit polyester is one of the most popular fabrics for professional-quality hockey jerseys. It features a tightly woven texture with small holes to allow breathability without sacrificing durability.
Key Features:
- Excellent breathability and airflow
- Strong resistance to snags and tears
- Medium to heavyweight feel for durability
- Commonly used in pro and semi-pro jerseys
Best For:
- Game jerseys
- Teams looking for NHL-style quality
- Long seasons and rough play
2. Pro Mesh Polyester
Overview:
Pro mesh is a looser, more breathable weave that offers excellent ventilation. It’s slightly lighter than air-knit and is often used for practice jerseys or summer leagues.
Key Features:
- Highly breathable mesh design
- Lightweight and flexible
- Less expensive than air-knit
- May be more prone to snags
Best For:
- Practice or training jerseys
- Warm-weather leagues
- Budget-conscious teams
3. Sublimated Performance Polyester
Overview:
Sublimated jerseys use a lightweight polyester base with ink-dyed graphics, meaning the design becomes part of the fabric rather than sitting on top of it.
Key Features:
- Allows full-color, detailed designs
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Won’t peel, crack, or fade over time
- May lack the structure of thicker knits
Best For:
- Tournament teams
- Complex logo designs
- Lightweight, modern style jerseys
4. Heavyweight Knit Polyester
Overview:
This is a thick, durable material often used in traditional-style jerseys. It offers maximum toughness, making it ideal for rough physical play.
Key Features:
- Very durable and resistant to wear
- Thicker and heavier than mesh or sublimated fabrics
- Less breathable, especially in warm conditions
Best For:
- High-contact leagues
- Cold weather conditions
- Long-term wear and tear
5. Pinhole Mesh Polyester
Overview:
Pinhole mesh features small perforated holes for enhanced breathability. It’s lighter than air-knit but still offers decent structure.
Key Features:
- Good ventilation
- Soft, flexible feel
- May snag more easily than tighter weaves
Best For:
- Casual or youth teams
- Hot climates or indoor play
- Short seasons or practice wear
6. Hybrid Fabrics (Mixed Panels)
Overview:
Some high-end jerseys combine different materials in specific zones—for example, air-knit for the body and mesh underarms for breathability.
Key Features:
- Optimized comfort and ventilation
- Extra durability where needed
- More expensive due to advanced construction
Best For:
- Serious competitive teams
- Players looking for maximum performance
- Custom designs that prioritize mobility and airflow
Fabric Comparison Table
| Fabric Type | Breathability | Durability | Weight | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air-Knit Polyester | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | Medium-Heavy | Pro-quality game jerseys |
| Pro Mesh Polyester | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | Light | Practice, warm-weather play |
| Sublimated Polyester | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | Light | Custom graphics, tournaments |
| Heavyweight Knit | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | Heavy | Cold-weather, rough leagues |
| Pinhole Mesh | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | Light | Youth and casual use |
| Hybrid (Mixed Panels) | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Varies | Elite players, high performance |
What Fabric Is Best for You?
For Pro-Level Durability:
→ Go with air-knit polyester or heavyweight knit
For Budget or Practice Wear:
→ Choose pro mesh or pinhole mesh
For Bold Custom Designs:
→ Use sublimated performance polyester
For Elite Fit and Functionality:
→ Invest in hybrid construction jerseys
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right fabric for your custom hockey jersey means balancing comfort, durability, and design flexibility. Whether you’re designing for a rec league, youth team, or tournament squad, the material you pick will shape how your jersey looks and feels on the ice. By understanding the strengths of each fabric, you can create a custom jersey that performs as hard as your team does.