Mesh and Piqué: Breathable Polyester Knits
How the open structure of polyester mesh and piqué manages airflow and sweat — and where each belongs in sportswear.
Mesh and piqué are two core performance structures in which polyester yarn is knitted into open, porous fabrics. Both create deliberate air gaps at the surface to boost breathability and sweat management, which is why they are staples in sportswear such as jerseys, training tees and linings.
The piqué structure
Piqué is built from a combination of knit and tuck stitches that raise small honeycomb-like textures across the face. This gentle relief keeps the fabric from clinging flat to the skin, leaving a thin layer of air between body and cloth for both tactile comfort and air circulation. The classic polo shirt owes its signature texture to piqué.
The mesh structure
Mesh is an open, holed structure created by deliberate miss and transfer movements in the knit. Hole size can be tuned from fine micro-porous nets to visibly large eyelets; the more open the hole, the higher the airflow and the lighter the fabric. Jersey back panels, underarm ventilation zones and inner linings are typical applications.
Why polyester?
Textured filament (DTY) polyester, with its low moisture regain and capillary channels, spreads sweat across the surface to support fast drying. The air gaps in mesh and piqué accelerate that drying further; moisture is not held at the surface but evaporates away. Polyester’s high tenacity lets open structures keep their tear resistance even at hole edges.
Design considerations
- More open / larger holes = higher airflow but lower coverage and strength.
- Piqué is less open than mesh; it favours comfort and textured looks while keeping coverage.
- Open structures are dimensionally livelier; heat-setting and correct weight selection are critical for stability.
- Performance rises markedly when paired with a moisture-wicking finish.
- Mixed-panel designs (mesh back + covered body) focus ventilation where it is needed.
Typical end uses
- Jerseys and training kit (back / side panels)
- Polos and performance tees (piqué body)
- Footwear and bag linings
- Underwear and ventilated outerwear linings