---
type: "fabric"
name: "Rib Knit"
slug: "rib-knit"
fabric_family: "knit_weft"
construction: "weft_knit"
typical_fibers:
  - "Cotton"
  - "Blends"
weight_gsm: "150–300 g/m²"
price_tier: 2
url: "https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/rib-knit"
updated: "2025-09-08T02:23:59.087543+00:00"
---

# Rib Knit

Rib knit is a versatile and stretchy fabric characterized by its distinct vertical ribbing, commonly used in garments that require elasticity and comfort.

- **Fabric Family**: Knit Weft
- **Construction**: Weft Knit
- **Typical Fibers**: Cotton, Blends
- **Weight**: 150–300 g/m²
- **Thickness**: 0.8–1.5 mm
- **Typical Width**: 150 cm
- **Price Tier**: $$ (2 of 5)

## About Rib Knit

Rib knit is a type of weft knit fabric that features alternating raised and recessed lines, creating a ribbed texture. This construction allows for significant stretch in both the width and length, making it ideal for fitted garments. Rib knits are often made from cotton or cotton blends, providing a soft hand feel and breathability. They are commonly used in cuffs, collars, and body of garments such as t-shirts, sweaters, and activewear.

## Knit Properties

- **Wales per Inch**: 5
- **Courses per Inch**: 6
- **Knit Gauge**: 12G

## Stretch Properties

- **Warp Stretch**: 30%
- **Weft Stretch**: 50%

## Performance Properties

- **Air Permeability**: 5 CFM
- **Spray Rating**: 0
- **Evaporative Resistance (Ret)**: 0.5
- **Thermal Resistance (Rct)**: 0.1
- **UPF Rating**: 15

## Appearance & Hand

- **Luster**: Semi Matte
- **Opacity**: Opaque
- **Surface Texture**: ribbed
- **Hand & Drape**: Balanced

## Performance Features

- Moisture Wicking
- Stretch
- Wrinkle Resistance

## Common Finishes

- Pre Shrunk
- Softened
- Anti Pilling

## Common Applications

- T Shirts
- Sweaters
- Activewear
- Cuffs
- Collars

## Common Uses in Detail

### Cuffs & Collars

Its strong elastic recovery makes it ideal for neckbands, cuffs, and waistbands on sweatshirts and jackets. The ribbing grips the body snugly, maintaining its shape wash after wash while allowing easy movement and a neat, finished appearance.

### Activewear & Sportswear

The inherent two-way stretch and breathability of this construction make it well-suited for fitted athletic tops, leggings, and workout gear. It moves with the body during high-intensity activity, returns to its original form, and keeps the wearer comfortable throughout.

## Care Instructions

Machine wash cold with like colors, tumble dry low, iron on a low setting if needed.

- Machine Wash At 30°C
- Do Not Bleach
- Tumble Dry Low
- Iron Low Heat

## Additional Information

Rib knit fabrics are particularly popular in casual and athletic wear due to their comfort and ability to retain shape after stretching.

- **Sourcing Regions**: China, India, Turkey
- **Testing Standards**: Pilling, Colorfastness to wash, Seam slippage, Tear strength

## Fibers in This Fabric

- [Cotton](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/cotton.md)

## Similar Fabrics

- [Jersey](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/jersey.md) — Knit Weft
- [Pointelle](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/pointelle.md) — Knit Weft
- [Sweatshirt Fleece](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/sweatshirt-fleece.md) — Knit Weft
- [Cable Knit Fabric](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/cable-knit-fabric.md) — Knit Weft
- [Double Jersey](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/double-jersey.md) — Knit Weft

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*Source: [Fabric Atlas](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/rib-knit) — HTML version of this page.*