Product Profile:
Composition: 95% Premium Cotton / 5% Lycra (or 92% / 8% for high-stretch)
Weight: 180 – 240 GSM (Medium to Heavyweight)
Weave: Single Jersey with Spandex Plating
Certifications: BCI (Better Cotton Initiative) & GRS (Global Recycled Standard)
1. Key Features & Benefits
Superior "Snap-Back" Recovery:
Unlike standard knits that bag out at the knees or elbows, the Lycra infusion ensures this fabric snaps back to its original shape immediately after stretching. This is critical for fitted export garments like leggings and bodycon dresses.
Premium Cotton Enrichment:
Sourced from long-staple cotton, the fabric undergoes a Bio-Wash (Enzyme Wash) process. This eliminates loose hairy fibers, resulting in a polished, pill-resistant surface that feels cool and silky against the skin.
Versatile GSM Range (180-240):
180-200 GSM: Ideal for premium fitted T-shirts, Henleys, and light tunic tops.
220-240 GSM: The "Bottom-Weight" sweet spot. It offers enough thickness to be opaque (squat-proof), making it perfect for leggings, cycling shorts, and structured dresses.
Export-Grade Stability:
Compacted and heat-set during finishing to ensure shrinkage is controlled (<5%) and spirality (twisting of side seams) is eliminated—a common quality check failure in cheaper knits.
2. Technical Specifications
Property
Value/Description
Composition
95% Cotton / 5% Lycra (Standard) or 92/8 (High Stretch)
GSM Range
180 – 240 g/m²
Stretch
4-Way Stretch (Excellent Elongation & Recovery)
Width
Open Width (typically 68-72") or Tubular (36-40")
Finish
Bio-Polished, Silicone Softener, Heat-Set
Opacity
High (especially in 220+ GSM range)
Sustainability
BCI Sourced Cotton + GRS Certified (Recycled Elastane option)
3. Recommended Applications
Athleisure & Yoga: High-waisted leggings, yoga tops, and cycling shorts (220-240 GSM).
Women’s Fashion: Bodycon dresses, pencil skirts, and crop tops that require a fitted silhouette.
Men’s Premium Casual: Muscle-fit T-shirts and high-quality underwear/boxers.
Kids Wear: Durable, stretchy playwear (leggings/tees) that withstands movement.
4. Sustainability & Compliance (The Export "Passport")
BCI (Better Cotton Initiative):
Guarantees that the cotton is sourced from a system ensuring better yields for farmers, reduced water usage, and fair working conditions. This is a baseline requirement for major retailers (e.g., H&M, Inditex, Target).
GRS (Global Recycled Standard):
Implementation: To achieve GRS certification for a Cotton/Lycra blend, the manufacturer typically uses Recycled Spandex (Elastane) or blends Recycled Cotton with the virgin premium cotton.
Benefit: The GRS tag proves the recycled content is verified and tracks the product through the supply chain, allowing brands to make legitimate "Eco-Friendly" claims on their hangtags.
5. Copywriting for Sales / Catalog
Headline: The Perfect Fit: High-Recovery Cotton Lycra Jersey.
Body Copy:
"Engineered for movement and designed for luxury, our 180-240 GSM Cotton Lycra Jersey sets the new standard for stretch fabrics. We have enriched this blend with Premium BCI Cotton for a breathable, buttery-soft handfeel, and integrated high-performance Lycra for 4-way stretch that never loses its shape.
Whether you are creating 'squat-proof' leggings at 240 GSM or muscle-fit tees at 180 GSM, this fabric delivers exceptional opacity and recovery. Fully certified with GRS and BCI standards, it offers your customers the comfort they crave with the sustainable credentials the modern world demands."