In India, Tirupur (Tamil Nadu), and Ludhiana (Punjab) have emerged as the chief sources for knitwear products at an international level. India's export of knitted blouses has increased ever since the US and EU placed a ban on Chinese textiles. Major technological developments in the knitting industry have also contributed to the growth of production. Knit blouses may either refer to:

• Ladies shirts
• Blouses worn under ladies tops
• A part of clothing that accompanies South Asian attire (sari)

Knitted blouses serve different purposes such as providing warmth and comfort, or complementing the rest of the attire. They may or may not have sleeves/buttons. More often than not, knit blouses do not have pockets.

Materials Used
Knitted blouses are available in a variety of materials like:

• Cotton
• Wool
• Nylon
• Polyester
• Silk
• Spandex
• Rayon
• Satin

Design and Style
Knitted blouses are available in various lengths. Popular styles also include cocktail blouses, wrap-around blouses, peasant blouses, shawl collar blouses etc. They can be broadly classified according to the following.

Necklines
Necklines of knitted blouses may or may not have collars while they may be drawstring, crocheted, smocked, ruffled, or off the shoulder. Popular styles include:

• Halter neck
• Turtle neck
• Round neck
• V neck
• Square neck

Sleeves
Sleeves in knitted blouses have different lengths and styles. They may be sleeveless, or have spaghetti straps. They may also be elasticized or have tassels/drawstrings. Let's take a look at the most common types.
Sleeve lengths

• Half sleeves/short sleeves
• Three-quarter sleeves
• Long sleeves/full sleeves

Sleeve designs

• Puffed sleeves
• Pleated sleeves
• Split sleeves
• Flared sleeves

Trims
Knitted blouses have various trims like:

• Lace
• Picot
• Rib knit
• Ruffle knit
• Crochet
• Beads
• Fringes

Knitting Techniques
Knitting technique also makes a difference in the overall look and feel of the blouse. Knitted blouses may be hand knit or machine knit. Some of the knitting techniques used are:

• Jersey
• Interlocking
• Velour
• Pointelle
• Crochet

Knitted blouses may or may not have buttons/fasteners. The designs on them may be printed, embroidered, beaded, crocheted, sequined or frilled. Printed designs vary from bold geometric patterns to sober stripes, colorful checks, traditional motifs etc.

Buying Tips
Points to consider before making a bulk purchase of knitted garments.

Hang tags/Care labels
Care labels should be permanently attached to the garments, while hang tags should be removable. Information regarding the knitted garments are found on hang tags and care labels. Read the label to gather information about the garment. The label will cover aspects related to the garment like:

• Fiber content
• Brand identification
• Country of origin
• Care instructions
• Special features (shrink or crease resistance)

Workmanship

• Fabric should be evenly dyed, without faded patches
• Sleeves/collars should be set smoothly, without puckers or gathers.
• Thread used for stitching should match with garment fabric.
• Stitching should be smooth and even, without any broken stitches.
• Buttons should be firmly stitched onto the garment.
• Embroidery should not hang loose or cause holes in the garment.
• Care labels should be sewn in permanently.