Polyester horizontal fabric — sometimes called horizontal-stripe or cross-rib polyester — is one of the most versatile knit constructions used across sportswear, activewear, and light home-textile applications today.
The "horizontal" designation refers to the direction of the rib or stripe formed during knitting or weaving, running perpendicular to the fabric's length as it comes off the roll. This structure is typically achieved through alternating yarn tension or texture on a circular or warp-knitting machine, producing a fabric with visible horizontal texture, moderate stretch, and a stable hand-feel. Because the base fiber is polyester — often blended with spandex for recovery — the resulting textile combines the dimensional stability of synthetic filament yarn with a small amount of engineered elasticity.
Below are the published specifications for the reference SKU, which serve as a useful benchmark when comparing suppliers or requesting custom variations.
| Property | Specification | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Reference Code | JT40018 | Used for reordering and quality traceability |
| Weight (GSM) | 167 g/m² | Determines drape, opacity, and suitable end-use (mid-weight, suitable for garments and panels) |
| Width | 160 cm | Affects cutting yield and pattern layout efficiency |
| Composition | 77% Polyester, 23% Spandex | Balances stretch recovery with structural stability |
| Series | Sportwear Series | Indicates optimization for movement, moisture handling, and repeated washing |
Note: Weight, width, and colorway can be adjusted for bulk or custom orders — see the "Customization" section below.
Grams per square meter (GSM) is the industry-standard measure of fabric density, typically tested according to methods such as ASTM D3776 or ISO 3801. A 167 GSM polyester horizontal fabric sits in the mid-weight category — heavier than typical lightweight mesh (under 120 GSM) but lighter than heavyweight upholstery-grade polyester (above 250 GSM). This makes it a practical middle ground for:
Fitted sportswear where breathability and shape retention both matter
Light structured garments such as jackets or panel inserts
Decorative textile applications like curtain accents or soft furnishings
The 23% spandex content is the key variable for stretch recovery. Spandex fibers can elongate several times their resting length and recover their original shape, so even a relatively small percentage meaningfully improves comfort and reduces bagging at stress points (elbows, knees, seams) compared to 100% polyester wovens.
Polyester horizontal fabric is one of several structural families manufactured under Wanjie Textile's product range. The table below positions it against related series for buyers evaluating multiple options.
| Fabric Series | Typical Stretch | Common Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Sportwear Series (incl. Polyester Horizontal) | Moderate–High | Activewear, fitted garments |
| Spandex Series | High | Compression wear, form-fitting apparel |
| Mesh Series | Low–Moderate | Ventilation panels, linings |
| Corduroy Series | Low | Outerwear, structured garments |
| Velvet Series | Low | Upholstery, decorative textiles |
While exact machine settings vary by mill, polyester horizontal fabric generally follows this production sequence:
Yarn preparation — Polyester filament and spandex core-yarn are prepared and, where required, pre-dyed or solution-dyed for colorfastness.
Knitting/weaving — Yarns are fed through circular or warp machinery with alternating tension settings to create the horizontal rib effect.
Heat-setting — The greige fabric is heat-set to stabilize dimensions and lock in the spandex recovery properties.
Dyeing and finishing — Fabric is dyed (if not pre-dyed), then finished with treatments such as anti-pilling or moisture-wicking coatings depending on end use.
Quality inspection — Rolls are inspected for weight consistency, width tolerance, and surface defects before shipment.
| Care Step | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Washing | Machine wash cold to warm; avoid high heat, which can degrade spandex elasticity over time |
| Drying | Line dry or tumble dry on low; high heat shortens spandex fiber lifespan |
| Ironing | Low heat only, or steam; polyester can glaze or melt under high direct heat |
| Storage | Store flat or loosely rolled to avoid permanent crease lines in stretch fabric |
Wanjie Textile notes that the weight, width, and colorway shown for this fabric are customizable, and the company can also work from a buyer's own fabric reference or develop a new product against a target specification. This flexibility is useful for brands that need a specific GSM-to-stretch ratio that doesn't match an off-the-shelf roll.
For bulk sourcing or custom development, buyers can review the full range on the Product page or reach the technical sales team directly via the Contact page.
Is polyester horizontal fabric breathable?
It offers moderate breathability, typically improved further with moisture-wicking finishing treatments common in sportswear-grade polyester.
Can this fabric be used outside apparel?
Yes. At 167 GSM, it has enough body for light home-textile uses such as decorative panels, in addition to its primary sportswear applications.
How does spandex percentage affect fabric lifespan?
Higher spandex content generally improves recovery but requires gentler care (lower heat) to preserve elasticity across repeated wash cycles.
Zhejiang Wanjie Textile New Material Co., Ltd. has operated in fabric development since 2007, producing across sportswear, corduroy, velvet, burnout, spandex, and mesh product lines. Technical documentation, patents, and certification details are outlined on the company's Patents & Certificates page, and ongoing product and industry updates are published under Company Updates and the Blog.
