Sustainable Streetwear & Dark Art by eXodus Artisan: Support Disabled Artists. “Wear the Struggle”

Premium Streetwear Fabric Guide | My Dark Friend™

Black silky fabric.

Discover Our Premium Fabrics

At My Dark Friend™, fabric is the foundation of every design. We select performance-driven textiles engineered for structure, comfort, and precision print clarity — produced through responsible, made-to-order manufacturing to reduce waste.


Family & Disabled-Owned in the USA (Read about us)

Understanding Fabric Weight

We use GSM (Grams per Square Meter) as our primary measurement for fabric density. Here is how to choose the right feel for your lifestyle:

  • Under 150 GSM: Feather-light and airy. Best for high-intensity workouts where you need maximum airflow.
  • 150 – 230 GSM: The classic “premium” feel. Substantial enough to be durable, but light enough to wear all day.
  • 240 – 300+ GSM: The heavy hitters. These fabrics offer “squat-proof” thickness, structured silhouettes, and extra warmth for layering.
Print Technology & Production

We partner with manufacturers that use next-generation pigment, sublimation, and reactive printing technologies to achieve exceptional color accuracy, depth, and durability — while operating within a responsible made-to-order production model.

Fabric Availability & Usage

Each fabric is selected based on the structural and performance requirements of the specific garment. Not all fabrics are available across every product style.

Our selections are intentional — balancing comfort, print precision, durability, and long-term wear.

How to Choose the Right Fabric

Stack of colorful rolls of fabric in various shades including pink, blue, green, and orange.

Choosing the right fabric depends on how you plan to wear your garment:

  • For soft everyday comfort → Bounce Cotton Jersey
  • For athletic movement → Rox Sports Jersey
  • For structured tailoring → Ponte or Nero Ponte
  • For warmth → Polar Fleece
  • For sustainable performance → Recycled Poly Jersey

Our Core Fabric Collection

Each textile in our collection is selected for specific performance characteristics. Below you’ll find technical breakdowns of structure, composition, and recommended garment use.

Bounce Cotton Jersey – (180gsm / Approx. 5.01 oz – 5.3 oz)

Soft. Breathable. Everyday Essential.

Overview
Bounce Cotton Jersey is a cotton-elastane knit designed for comfort, flexibility, and everyday wear. Soft on both sides with excellent stretch and recovery, it maintains its shape while offering breathable, next-to-skin comfort. Ideal for garments that require movement without losing structure.

Best For

Composition
95% Cotton / 5% Elastane

Weight
Approx. 5.0 – 5.3 oz/yd² (180gsm)

Print Method
Pigment printing (OEKO-TEX certified inks)

Performance

  • Breathable & soft-hand feel
  • Excellent stretch & recovery
  • Wrinkle resistant
  • <2% shrinkage at 30°C
  • Martindale: 20,000+ rubs
  • Pilling Resistance: Grade 3/4
  • Tensile Strength: 600N+
  • Tear Strength: ≥30N

Care
Machine wash cold (30°C). Low tumble dry. Avoid bleach.

Lifestyle Recycled Poly Jersey – (4.72 oz / 160gsm)

Sustainable Performance. All-Season Comfort.

Overview
Lifestyle Recycled Poly Jersey blends post-consumer recycled polyester with elastane for a durable, breathable, and cotton-like feel. Designed for versatility, it resists stretching, shrinking, and creasing while providing a smooth matte surface ideal for detailed artwork.

Best For

Composition
96% Recycled Polyester / 4% Elastane

Weight
4.72 oz/yd²

Print Method
Dye-sublimation printing

Sustainability

  • Made from post-consumer recycled polyester
  • GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified

Performance

  • Highly breathable
  • Durable & shape-retaining
  • <2% shrinkage at 30°C
  • Martindale: 20,000–80,000 rubs
  • Pilling Resistance: Grade 3/4
  • Tensile Strength: 600N+

Care
Machine wash 30°C. Can tolerate weak (1%) bleach if needed.

Loopback Jersey – (270gsm / 7.4oz)

Structured Comfort for Everyday Layers.

Overview
Loopback Jersey is a midweight knit ideal for sweatshirts and casual layering pieces. Its smooth print surface captures bold color and crisp detail, while the structured body provides warmth without excessive bulk.

Best For

Composition
Typically 100% Polyester

Weight
Approx. 250–270gsm (7.4oz)

Print Method
Dye-sublimation printing

Performance

  • Medium to high wear durability
  • Martindale: 20,000–80,000 rubs
  • <2% shrinkage at 30°C
  • Pilling Resistance: Grade 3/4
  • Tear Strength: ≥30N

Care
Wash up to 40°C (delicate). Dry flat for best results.

Nero Ponte – (300gsm / 8.85oz)

Tailored Structure. Modern Edge.

Overview
Nero Ponte is a dense, structured knit suited for elevated garments. Its heavier weight provides form and stability, making it ideal for tailored silhouettes and athleisure crossover pieces.

Best For

  • Jackets
  • Structured dresses
  • Skirts
  • Elevated athleisure

Composition
65% Polyester / 30% Recycled Polyester / 5% Elastane

Weight
300gsm (8.85oz)

Print Method
Dye-sublimation printing

Performance

  • Structured drape
  • Slight stretch
  • Martindale: 20,000–80,000 rubs
  • Contains 30% recycled polyester

Care
Machine wash 30°C. Low tumble dry.

Polar Fleece 285gsm

Plush Warmth. Durable Performance.

Overview
This 285gsm Polar Fleece features a brushed surface on both sides for a soft, insulating feel. Durable and anti-pilling, it provides warmth while maintaining vibrant, permanent print color through sublimation.

Best For

  • Jackets & linings
  • Scarves & gloves
  • Loungewear
  • Cold-weather gear

Composition
100% Polyester

Weight
285gsm (Approx. 8.4oz)

Print Method
Dye-sublimation printing

Performance

  • Soft brushed finish
  • Anti-pilling
  • Water-repellent surface
  • Martindale: 20,000–80,000 rubs
  • <2% shrinkage
  • Tensile Strength: 600N+

Care
Wash 30°C. Low tumble dry. Do not wring.

Ponte Jersey 7.67oz

Structured Elegance with Comfort Stretch.

Overview
Ponte Jersey offers a smooth, dense knit that holds its shape beautifully while maintaining comfortable stretch. Ideal for tailored garments where structure and print clarity are essential.

Best For

  • Jackets
  • Skirts
  • Dresses
  • Tailored leggings

Weight
7.67oz

Print Method
Dye-sublimation printing

Performance

  • Excellent shape retention
  • Martindale: 20,000–80,000 rubs
  • <2% shrinkage
  • Pilling Resistance: Grade 3/4
  • Tear Strength: ≥30N
  • Tensile Strength: 600N+

Care
Machine wash 30°C. Hang dry recommended.

SilkSoft Jersey (Approx. 220gsm)

Smooth & Elegant Mid-Weight Jersey

Overview
SilkSoft Jersey is a smooth, medium-weight knitted jersey that balances softness with structure. At around 220gsm, this fabric offers a flattering drape and gentle stretch, making it suitable for elevated tops, dresses, and fashion pieces that require both comfort and refined appearance. 

Best For

  • Fashion tops & tees
  • Dresses with fluid drape
  • Comfortable casual wear
  • Pieces needing a smooth surface & vibrant prints

Composition
Polyester blend (standard smooth jersey construction) 

Weight
Approx. 220gsm / mid-weight jersey 

Print Method
Dye-sublimation printing for rich, detailed artwork 

Performance

  • Smooth touch with a soft hand feel
  • Moderate stretch and recovery
  • Excellent color depth on print
  • Great for garments that require a clean design surface 

Care
Machine wash 30°C. Low tumble dry. Hang to preserve shape.

Rox Sports Jersey 7.37oz

Performance Stretch. Crisp Detail.

Overview
Rox Sports Jersey is engineered for movement. With strong weft stretch and excellent recovery, it provides unrestricted motion while maintaining structure. The bright white base ensures sharp, vibrant artwork through sublimation printing.

Best For

  • Athletic wear
  • Performance tees
  • Leggings
  • Athleisure

Composition
96% Polyester / 4% Elastane

Weight
7.37oz

Print Method
Dye-sublimation printing

Performance

  • High stretch & recovery
  • Breathable & lightweight
  • Martindale: 20,000–80,000 rubs
  • <2% shrinkage
  • Pilling Resistance: Grade 3/4
  • Tensile Strength: 600N+

Care
Machine wash 30°C. Low tumble dry.

Sports Airflow Light (Approx. 145gsm)

Ultra-Breathable Mesh for Active Wear

Overview
Sports Airflow Light is a breathable, lightweight knit fabric featuring a pique or eyelet construction that allows air to pass through the textile, helping keep the wearer cool during movement. The mesh-like surface makes it ideal for performance-oriented garments that benefit from enhanced ventilation and airflow. 

Best For

Composition
100% Polyester (breathable knit) 

Weight
Approx. 145gsm / 4.28oz 

Print Method
Dye-sublimation printing (vibrant, detailed color on synthetic knit) 

Performance

  • Extremely breathable mesh with airflow holes
  • Lightweight and flexible for movement
  • Stretch on the weft for comfort
  • Bright print contrast on white base
  • Ideal for warm weather activewear 

Care
Machine wash 30°C. Low tumble dry. Do not bleach or wring.

FAQs

Category: Product FAQS
We have access to a wide range of fabrics sustainably resourced by our manufacturers. The full list of fabrics & information about them can be found here on our Fabrics & Materials page but they include high quality organics and synthetics. Our most popular items like our t-shirts are made to order from jersey fabrics, organic cottons, recycled poly, or blends.

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