Rib knit is a knitted fabric with raised vertical ridges, made by alternating columns of knit and purl stitches. That structure makes rib knit noticeably stretchier across its width than along its length, and it springs back after stretching, which is why it's used for cuffs, collars and waistbands, and why ribbed pajamas and loungewear feel closer to the body and move with you. Here's how rib knit works, how it compares with other fabrics, and how Eberjey's ribbed fabrics differ.
How rib knit is made
- Knit, not woven. Knitting forms fabric from a continuous yarn looped into interlocking stitches, while weaving crosses two sets of threads. Knits generally stretch more than wovens.
- Knit plus purl. A rib alternates knit and purl stitches, so some columns stand forward and others sit back. That's what creates the lengthwise ridges you can see and feel.
- Different rib widths. The ridges can be narrow or wide depending on how many knit and purl stitches are grouped together.
Why ribbed fabric feels different
- Crosswise stretch. Rib knits are stretchier across their width than along their length, and generally stretch more crosswise than jersey.
- Recovery. Ribbing is designed to stretch crosswise and recover its original size and shape, which is why it's used for neckbands, cuffs, waistbands and hems.
- Texture. The ridges and valleys add visible texture you can see and feel.
- Added stretch. Most of Eberjey's ribbed pieces, all except Variegated Rib, include a small percentage of spandex (also called elastane), a synthetic fiber known for its elasticity.
Gisele Rib: our signature pajama in a wide rib
Gisele Rib uses the same fiber blend as our classic Gisele, 95% LENZING TENCEL™ Modal and 5% elastane, knit into what Eberjey describes as a wide ribbed fabric. It's verified by OEKO-TEX® Standard 100. Modal is a type of rayon, a manufactured fiber made from regenerated cellulose; read more in what is TENCEL™ Modal fabric.
- Gisele TENCEL™ Modal Rib Long PJ Set ($158, sizes XS–XL): button-down top with a notch collar and a mid-rise straight-leg pant with an elastic waistband and tortoise-colored buttons.
- Gisele TENCEL™ Modal Rib Relaxed Short PJ Set ($148, sizes XS–XL): a relaxed boyfriend fit, a longer relaxed short sleeve, notch collar and chest pocket, with a high-rise short and an elastic waistband.
- For him: the Henry TENCEL™ Modal Rib Short PJ Set ($158, sizes XS–XL) pairs a crew-neck short-sleeve tee with relaxed shorts, and the William TENCEL™ Modal Rib Long PJ Set ($178, sizes XS–XL) matches back to Gisele Rib for a his-and-hers look.
Shop Gisele Rib. Care is the same as classic Gisele: turn inside out, machine wash cold on a gentle cycle, non-chlorine bleach only when needed, tumble dry low, warm iron if necessary.
Dream Rib, Variegated Rib and the Essential Rib Tank
Dream Rib is a lounge rib labeled 96% Lenzing™ Modal, 4% Spandex. It's machine wash cold on a gentle cycle in a mesh wash bag, non-chlorine bleach only, dry flat and low iron if needed.
- Dream Rib V Neck Tank ($88, sizes XS–XL): relaxed fit, partial button placket with shell buttons.
- Dream Rib Long Sleeve Henley Tee ($118, sizes XS–XL): scoop neckline, partial button placket, relaxed set-in sleeves, easy fit.
- Dream Rib Relaxed Short ($98, sizes XS–XL) and Dream Rib Wide Leg Pant ($128, sizes XS–XL): mid-rise, a delicate flat waistband with a drawstring tie and a loose, relaxed fit.
Variegated Rib is a 50% rayon, 30% recycled polyester and 20% nylon blend. The Variegated Rib Long Sleeve Polo ($148, sizes XS–XL) has a relaxed, boxy fit and dropped shoulders, and the Variegated Rib Wide Leg Pant ($158, sizes XS–XL) has a high rise, wide leg and wide flat waistband. Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle, non-chlorine bleach only, lay flat to dry, cool iron if needed.
The Essential Rib Tank ($98, sizes XS–XL) blends TENCEL™ Modal, Peruvian Pima cotton and a touch of elastane, with a raised U neckline and scoop-back racer silhouette. Eberjey describes the rib as moving with you while holding its shape. Browse more in Dream Rib and Variegated Rib.
Eberjey rib knits compared
| Fabric | Fiber | Pieces and prices | Drying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gisele Rib | 95% LENZING TENCEL™ Modal, 5% elastane | Long PJ Set $158; Relaxed Short PJ Set $148 | Tumble dry low |
| Men's Rib (Henry, William) | 95% LENZING TENCEL™ Modal, 5% elastane | Short PJ Set $158; Long PJ Set $178 | Tumble dry low |
| Dream Rib | 96% Lenzing™ Modal, 4% Spandex | Tank $88; Short $98; Henley $118; Wide Leg Pant $128 | Dry flat, mesh wash bag |
| Variegated Rib | 50% rayon, 30% recycled polyester, 20% nylon | Polo $148; Wide Leg Pant $158 | Lay flat |
| Essential Rib Tank | TENCEL™ Modal, Pima cotton, elastane | Tank $98 | See care label |
Fit tips for ribbed pajamas and loungewear
- Expect some give. Because rib stretches crosswise and recovers, ribbed pieces move with you rather than holding a fixed shape.
- Choose by silhouette, not just size. For an easier fit, look for words like relaxed, boyfriend or wide leg in the product details.
- Dry as the label says. Tumble-dry styles are Gisele Rib and the men's rib sets; Dream Rib and Variegated Rib should be dried flat. "Dry flat" means laying the item out horizontally to dry.
For sizing in inches, see our pajama fit guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is rib knit fabric?
Rib knit is a knitted fabric with raised vertical ridges made by alternating columns of knit and purl stitches. It stretches more across its width than along its length and recovers its shape well.
Is rib knit stretchy?
Yes. Rib knits have a high degree of crosswise stretch and recover their original size and shape, which is why ribbing is used for cuffs, neckbands and waistbands.
What is the difference between rib knit and jersey?
Jersey is a plain, one-sided knit, while rib alternates knit and purl stitches to form ridges. Rib knits generally offer more stretch across their width than jersey.
What is Gisele Rib made of?
Gisele Rib is 95% LENZING TENCEL™ Modal and 5% elastane, the same blend as classic Gisele, knit into a wide rib and verified by OEKO-TEX® Standard 100.
How do you wash Dream Rib?
Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle in a mesh wash bag, use only non-chlorine bleach when needed, dry flat and low iron if needed.
Is elastane the same as spandex?
Yes. Spandex and elastane are names for the same synthetic fiber, which is known for its elasticity.
Sources
- Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, CAMEO, “Rib knit”
- Pratt Institute Textile Research Lab, “Knits”
- Federal Trade Commission, “Care Labeling of Textile Wearing Apparel and Certain Piece Goods”
- University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension, “Sewing with Knit Fabric”
- Oregon State University Extension Service, “Fashion Terms: Apparel Fabric Glossary” (EC 1390)
- Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, CAMEO, “Spandex fiber”
