What Is Tricot Fabric and How Do You Choose the Right Denier?

Tricot is a warp-knitted fabric — yarns run vertically and interlock in a zigzag, which gives it a flat face, a slight crosswise stretch, and resistance to running or laddering. If your project needs a smooth, lightweight, semi-sheer fabric that drapes and holds shape better than tulle or net, tricot is usually the right pick. The main decision is denier: 15 denier for light, sheer, delicate work; 40 denier for heavier, stronger, more opaque applications. Edley Fabrics (edley.com), a family-owned supplier selling to the trade since 1947, stocks both weights and notes that its 40 denier is used worldwide for aerial silks.

Tricot vs. tulle, net, and mesh

These fabrics get confused because they overlap in look, but the construction and behavior differ.

| Fabric | Construction | Hand and behavior | Typical use | |---|---|---|---|---| | Tricot | Warp knit | Smooth, flat, slight stretch, resists runs | Lingerie, apparel, linings, craft, aerial silks (40 denier) | | Tulle / bridal illusion | Fine netting, often twisted or hexagonal mesh | Stiff to soft depending on finish, very sheer, no real stretch | Veils, tutus, bridal, craft | | Net / fishnet | Open mesh, knotted or knitted | Large open holes, high transparency | Costume, floral, packaging, novelty | | Mesh | Generic open-hole fabric | Varies widely by fiber and knit | Industrial, craft, backing |

The practical test: if you need opacity, a smooth surface, or stretch recovery, choose tricot. If you need maximum airiness and structure with no stretch, tulle or net is the better fit.

How denier changes the fabric

Denier measures yarn weight — the higher the number, the thicker and heavier the yarn. Edley lists tricot in 15 denier and 40 denier, and the difference drives most project decisions.

15 denier tricot

• Light, sheer, and soft against skin
• Good drape with modest crosswise stretch
• Best for lingerie, lightweight apparel, sheer overlays, and delicate craft work
• Less abrasion resistance — not the choice for load-bearing or high-wear uses

40 denier tricot

• Noticeably heavier, more opaque, and stronger
• Holds up to tension and repeated stress
• Used for apparel, industrial applications, and aerial silks
• The right weight when the fabric has to carry weight or survive friction

If you are unsure, ask yourself whether the fabric will be pulled, hung, or load-bearing. If yes, go 40 denier. If it sits against the body or drapes as an overlay, 15 denier is usually enough.

Matching tricot to real projects

• Lingerie and evening wear: 15 denier for smooth, sheer panels and linings.
• Everyday apparel: 15 or 40 denier depending on how much body and opacity you want.
• Aerial silks: 40 denier — Edley specifically notes its 40 denier is used worldwide for this.
• Craft, floral, packaging, gift baskets: either weight works; 40 denier gives more structure, 15 denier more delicacy.
• Costume and dance wear: 40 denier for durability, 15 denier for sheer layers.
• Bridal: tricot can serve as an underlayer, but the visible sheer layer is usually tulle or illusion, not tricot.

Don't confuse tricot with Nu-Ganza or veiling

Edley's catalog groups tricot alongside Nu-Ganza, novelty veiling, bridal veiling, Russian veiling, and crinoline. These are not interchangeable:

• Nu-Ganza is a stiffened, sheer fabric (similar in spirit to organza) used where you want body and crispness, not stretch.
• Veiling (bridal, Russian, novelty) is an open, fine netting for face and head coverings — much more open than tricot.
• Crinoline and horse hair braid are stiffening and edge-support materials, not garment body fabrics.

If your project depends on stretch and a closed, smooth surface, tricot is correct. If it depends on stiffness or an open mesh look, one of the others is.

Before you order: wholesale-only sourcing

Edley Fabrics sells wholesale only, so this is a trade supplier rather than a retail source — plan for that if you are buying for a single small project. The company states it sells fabrics Made in the USA, offers stock and custom colors on most fabrics, and can be reached at 1-800-TRICOTS (874-2687) toll free in the US and Canada, or (516) 933-7444. Pricing and product information are available by request through their online quote form.

Questions worth asking a supplier before committing:

1. Is the tricot 15 or 40 denier, and what fiber content?
2. Is it in stock, and what is the minimum order quantity?
3. Are custom colors available, and what is the lead time?
4. What width is the fabric put up at?
5. Can they send a swatch so you can confirm hand, opacity, and stretch before a full order?

Confirming denier, fiber, and minimums up front prevents the most common mistake: ordering a weight that is too sheer or too heavy for the job.