How Rugby Jerseys Are Made

Traditionally, Rugby jerseys were made from thick cotton fabric. This provided strength and was relatively cheap but when it gets wet, cotton absorbs water and becomes heavier and difficult to play in.

The advent of polyester and other synthetic fabrics meant that rugby jerseys became tougher and less liable to becoming waterlogged. Jerseys have also become tighter in recent years to make them difficult to grab onto for a defender.

Most Jerseys are now made from cotton and polyester mixes, with more expensive jerseys being made of mostly polyester and cheaper jerseys making use of mostly cotton.

Polyester is made from coal, air, water, and oil. These substances are reacted to form a strong synthetic substance which can be used for many things, including in the manufacture of rugby jerseys.

Cotton is grown on large plantations and farmed. The World’s largest cotton producers include the China, India, and the U.S.A. Cotton is usually harvested using machines but is still picked by hand in some developing countries.


Sources: Wikipedia, Cotton.org