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Explore Mercerized Cotton Knit Fabric

Runtang manufactures mercerized cotton knit fabric for apparel brands and garment manufacturers. The mercerization process enhances luster, color saturation, and tear strength — well suited for polo shirts, premium T-shirts, and fine-gauge casualwear. Available in single jersey and interlock constructions, with fine-count yarn options. OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified options are available. MOQ 300 kg per color.

Weight per ㎡
- 150-280gsm
Width
- 155-185cm
Minimum Order Quantity
- 300 kg per colour
Fabric Type
- Mercerized Cotton Knit Fabric
Possible Fabric Production Certifications
- Oeko-Tex,
- GRS
Sample
- A4 Size Sample Available
Lab Dip Lead Time
- 3-7days
PP Sample Lead Time
- 15days
Bulk Lead Time
- 25-45days
Also Known As
- Mercerized Cotton
Yarn Fiber Type
- 100% Cotton,
- Cotton Polyester Blends,
- Lyocell Cotton Blends,
- Modal Cotton Blends,
- Bamboo Cotton Blends,
- Cotton Rayon Blends
For Garments
- T-shirts,
- Polo Shirts

Our Mercerized Cotton Knit Fabric Composition

Discover our exceptional range of knit fabrics, perfect for quality and style. For custom options, feel free to contact us.

255gsm 54%Cotton 46%Sorona Interlock Mercerized Cotton Fabric 160cm RHS45006
Mercerized Cotton Knit Fabric

Composition: 54% cotton 46% sorona

Weight: 255gsm

Width: 160cm
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195gsm 100%Cotton Interlock Mercerized Cotton Fabric 140cm RHS45004
Mercerized Cotton Knit Fabric

Composition: 100% cotton

Weight: 195gsm

Width: 140cm
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190gsm 100%Cotton Interlock Mercerized Cotton Fabric 155cm RHS45005
Mercerized Cotton Knit Fabric

Composition: 100% cotton

Weight: 190gsm

Width: 155cm
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165gsm 100%Cotton Interlock Mercerized Cotton Fabric 135cm RHS45002
Mercerized Cotton Knit Fabric

Composition: 100% cotton

Weight: 165gsm

Width: 135cm
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160gsm 100%Cotton Interlock Mercerized Cotton Fabric 135cm RHS45003
Mercerized Cotton Knit Fabric

Composition: 100% cotton

Weight: 160gsm

Width: 135cm
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How Mercerized Cotton Knit Fabric Is Made

Mercerization is a pre-dyeing treatment in which cotton is processed with a concentrated sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution under controlled tension, then thoroughly washed and neutralized. The treatment causes cotton fibers to swell and adopt a rounder cross-section, which increases dye uptake, improves surface luster, and enhances dimensional stability and tear strength.

Fine-count yarns and long-staple cotton varieties produce tighter surface consistency and stronger color vibrancy compared to standard cotton knit. The specific yarn count and cotton type can be selected based on the required hand feel, luster level, and end-use application.

This immersion enables the cotton fibers in the Mercerized Knit Fabric to fully absorb the strong alkaline solution, causing them to shrink into a round shape. This transformation facilitates easier dye absorption during the subsequent dyeing process, thereby increasing the overall dye absorption rate.

This kind of cotton fabric commonly employs exceptionally fine cotton yarns, ranging from 70s, 80s, 100s, to even 200s yarn. The use of finer yarns contributes to an enhanced luster in the Mercerized Fabric, resulting in a more delicate and comfortable feel.

Mercerized Fabric, especially when crafted from long-staple cotton varieties such as Sea Island cotton or SUPIMA cotton, exhibits superior luster and color vibrancy. This stands out in comparison to fabrics made from regular fine cotton.

Mercerized Cotton Knit Fabric Properties for Apparel Production

Mercerized cotton knit combines the breathability of standard cotton with enhanced color saturation and surface luster. Key properties for apparel production: improved wrinkle resistance versus conventional cotton knit; higher color fastness due to increased dye absorption; dimensional stability suited to fitted and structured garments; available in single jersey and interlock constructions.

These characteristics make it a practical choice for polo shirts, premium T-shirts, and fine-gauge knitwear where surface finish and repeat-order color accuracy are sourcing priorities.

Additionally, maintaining and cleaning mercerized fabric is a hassle-free process, demanding fewer cumbersome care steps.

Applications of Mercerized Cotton Knit Fabric

Mercerized cotton knit fabric is used in apparel categories where surface quality and color consistency are sourcing priorities. Primary applications include polo shirt fabric and fitted tops for sportswear and casualwear brands; premium T-shirts and crewnecks for fashion labels; formal dress shirts where fine-count knit constructions offer improved body conformity over conventional woven alternatives; and fine-gauge knitwear at mid-to-high price points.

Runtang supplies mercerized cotton knit to apparel brands and garment manufacturers in Europe, North America, and Australia. Samples available on request.

In addition to its prevalent use in high-end T-shirts and polo shirts, designers increasingly turn to knitted mercerized cotton for crafting formal dress shirts. Shirts made from 100s mercerized cotton fabric exhibit superior body conformity and enhanced wrinkle resistance when compared to conventional woven dress shirts.

This shift in material choice reflects a recognition of the unique properties of mercerized cotton, particularly its ability to elevate the quality and performance of formal attire.

What is Mercerized Cotton Fabric?

Mercerized cotton fabric is produced by treating cotton with a sodium hydroxide solution, which enhances luster, dye absorption, and tear strength. In knit form — including single jersey and interlock — it is primarily used for polo shirts, premium T-shirts, business-casual shirts, and fine-gauge tops where surface quality and color consistency are key requirements.
Does Mercerized Cotton Shrink?

Mercerized cotton has greater dimensional stability than standard cotton due to the NaOH treatment, which reduces shrinkage tendency. For bulk production, pre-washing protocols before cutting and sewing are recommended to minimize post-production shrinkage risk.
Is Mercerized Cotton Safe?

Yes. The mercerization process uses sodium hydroxide, but the fabric is thoroughly washed and neutralized after treatment, meeting standard textile safety requirements. OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified options are available for brands with certification sourcing requirements. Please confirm at the time of sampling.
Is Mercerized Cotton Breathable?

Yes. Mercerized cotton retains the breathability of standard cotton. The NaOH treatment improves luster and dye absorption without reducing air permeability, making it well-suited for polo shirts, fitted knitwear, and warm-weather apparel.
Is Mercerized Cotton Knitted or Woven?

Mercerized cotton is available in both knit and woven constructions. Runtang specializes in knitted mercerized cotton — single jersey and interlock — for apparel brands that require the combination of surface luster, cotton breathability, and the stretch typical of knit structures.