Waffle knit has moved from loungewear staple to a genuine spring/summer fabric. The raised grid gives a garment visual interest without print, and it photographs well on e-commerce — which is why so many womenswear brands now build a couple of styles around it each season.
1. Start with the weight, not the colour
For spring/summer, a waffle between 220 and 260 GSM is usually right: heavy enough to hold the 3D structure, light enough to wear in warm weather. Above 300 GSM the same fabric becomes autumn/winter territory — ideal for hoodies and outer layers, too warm for a summer top.
Ask your mill what the fabric weighs after washing, not just off the machine. A 240 GSM waffle that drops to 225 GSM after a relaxed wash will change how the finished garment feels.
2. Check how the texture is made
There are two ways to get a waffle effect, and they behave very differently:
- Knit-in structure — the grid is formed by the knitting machine. It survives washing, pressing and garment dyeing.
- Surface finish — a chemical or mechanical treatment that fakes the look. It tends to flatten after a few washes.
At Yepo every waffle is knitted in, on circular and jacquard machines, so the structure stays put through your garment wash.
3. Composition decides the hand-feel
- Polyester / spandex blends — the most stable grid, quick-drying, good for active and swim-adjacent styles.
- Rayon blends — softer, more fluid drape, better for dresses and blouses.
- Cotton-touch polyester — natural look with the durability of synthetic.
4. Confirm width and stretch before you cut
Yepo waffles are knitted at our standard 165 cm usable width, which keeps your marker planning consistent across the range. If stretch matters for the fit, ask for the same fabric in a plain jersey — the stretch direction of a waffle can differ from the base knit.
5. What to request
Ask for a swatch card in your target colour, with GSM, width and composition written on it, plus a hanger if you want to test drape. Then confirm: MOQ, lab dip lead time and bulk lead time. At Yepo that is one roll (~25–35 kg) from stock, lab dips in 3–5 days and bulk in 10–15 days at 500 kg per colour.
See our waffle and 3D textured knits
Our Waffle & 3D Textured Knits collection covers seven articles, from classic 3D waffle to sculpted thermal waffle.
Need samples or pricing?
Tell us the article number, target weight and quantity you need. We reply within 12 hours (Mon–Sat) with pricing, stock availability and free A4 swatch cards or hangers (international freight collect).
Request a quote → | Browse all 50 knit fabrics
Fabrics mentioned in this article
- #2209 Sculpted 3D Waffle Thermal Knit — 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex · 260 GSM · 165 cm
- #2201 Waffle-Rib Hybrid Texture Knit — 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex · 220 GSM · 165 cm
Need the full picture? See all 50 knit fabrics in our complete index, or request a quote — we reply within 12 hours (Mon–Sat). Free A4 swatch cards are available, international freight collect.
