---
type: "fabric"
name: "Thermal Knit"
slug: "thermal-knit"
fabric_family: "knit_weft"
construction: "weft_knit"
typical_fibers:
  - "Cotton"
  - "Polyester"
weight_gsm: "180–300 g/m²"
price_tier: 3
url: "https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/thermal-knit"
updated: "2025-09-08T02:31:49.581119+00:00"
---

# Thermal Knit

Thermal knit is a versatile, insulating fabric made from a blend of cotton and polyester, designed to provide warmth while maintaining breathability.

- **Fabric Family**: Knit Weft
- **Construction**: Weft Knit
- **Typical Fibers**: Cotton, Polyester
- **Weight**: 180–300 g/m²
- **Thickness**: 0.8–1.5 mm
- **Typical Width**: 150 cm
- **Price Tier**: $$$ (3 of 5)

## About Thermal Knit

Thermal knit fabrics are constructed using a weft knit technique, which allows for a stretchy and comfortable material that traps air for insulation. The typical fibers used are cotton for softness and breathability, and polyester for durability and moisture-wicking properties. This fabric is commonly used in activewear, loungewear, and thermal undergarments due to its ability to retain heat while allowing moisture to escape.

## Knit Properties

- **Wales per Inch**: 6
- **Courses per Inch**: 8
- **Knit Gauge**: 12G

## Stretch Properties

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

## Performance Properties

- **Air Permeability**: 5 CFM
- **Hydrostatic Head**: 100 mm
- **Spray Rating**: 60
- **Evaporative Resistance (Ret)**: 0.5
- **Thermal Resistance (Rct)**: 0.15
- **UPF Rating**: 15

## Appearance & Hand

- **Luster**: Semi Matte
- **Opacity**: Opaque
- **Surface Texture**: smooth
- **Hand & Drape**: Fluid

## Performance Features

- Thermal Insulation
- Stretch
- Wrinkle Resistance

## Common Finishes

- Brushed
- Anti Pilling
- Moisture Wicking

## Common Applications

- Thermal Wear
- Activewear
- Loungewear
- Sleepwear

## Common Uses in Detail

### Thermal Base Layers

Its waffle-weave construction traps warm air close to the body, making it ideal for cold-weather base layers and long underwear. The [Cotton](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/cotton)-[Polyester](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/polyester) blend wicks moisture while retaining heat, keeping the wearer comfortable during outdoor activities or chilly winters.

### Loungewear & Sleepwear

The soft, stretchy texture makes it a popular choice for pajamas and lounge sets. Its breathable insulation regulates body temperature through the night, while the flexible knit structure moves freely with the body, ensuring relaxed, comfortable wear at home.

## Care Instructions

Machine wash cold with similar colors, tumble dry low, iron on low if needed.

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

## Additional Information

Thermal knits are particularly popular in colder climates and are often used in layering systems for outdoor activities.

- **Sourcing Regions**: China, India, Turkey
- **Testing Standards**: Pilling (ASTM D4970), Colorfastness to wash (AATCC 61), Seam slippage (ASTM D4034)

## Fibers in This Fabric

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

## Similar Fabrics

- [Jersey](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/jersey.md) — Knit Weft
- [Pointelle](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/pointelle.md) — Knit Weft
- [Rib Knit](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/rib-knit.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

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