Mesh shorts get their name from the weave, not just the look. Unlike a solid polyester short that relies on a moisture-wicking finish, mesh fabric is knit with small open gaps built into the material itself, so air moves through the fabric directly. That single difference explains almost everything about how a mesh short feels, prints, and holds up over time. This guide breaks down what mesh shorts are actually made of and how to talk about the fabric with confidence in your own shop.
Mesh is a knit or woven polyester fabric built with a visible open pattern of small holes across the surface. The holes are not perforated after the fact, they are part of how the yarn is knit, which is why mesh does not fray or tear the way a punched hole in solid fabric would. Compared to a solid polyester short with a wicking finish, mesh moves air directly through the fabric rather than pulling sweat to the surface to evaporate.
| Fabric | Breathability | Weight feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open-weave mesh | Highest, air passes through the weave | Light | Running, court sports, hot gym sessions |
| Solid performance polyester | Moderate, wicking finish only | Light to medium | Sharper print detail, cooler-weather training |
| Cotton | Low, holds moisture | Heavier when wet | Casual wear, not heavy sweat sessions |
GSM stands for grams per square meter, the standard way fabric weight is measured. A lighter mesh (around 90 to 120 gsm) breathes the most and feels the coolest, but it also shows more skin through the weave. A heavier or double-layer mesh (150 gsm and up) cuts down on see-through at the cost of some breathability. Neither weight is objectively better, it depends on the activity and the color the buyer wants.
Bear Grips Pro Shops: Custom Apparel for Your Team. No Minimums. Free Shipping.The tighter the weave, the less see-through a mesh short runs, and the less breathable it becomes. This is the same tradeoff behind every "how to make mesh shorts not see through" search. Two variables move the needle the most: a darker solid color hides the open weave far better than white or pastel, and a double layer or lining behind the mesh solves it completely at the cost of some airflow. Read the full breakdown in the mesh shorts liner guide.
An open weave prints differently than a solid fabric. Fine hairline details and very small text can lose crispness because the ink or thread has to bridge across the open gaps in the weave. Bold, simple logos and blocky wordmarks hold their shape far better on mesh. You do not need to manage separate print setups yourself, the shop at Bear Grips Pro Shops handles the print method for each blank, but designing with the fabric in mind up front saves a reprint. See mesh shorts design ideas for placement specifics.
Bear Grips Pro Shops prints the Sport-Tek Athletic 7 inch Mesh Shorts (No Pockets) at a $26.88 VIP base ($32.92 on the free plan), plus a matching Youth Athletic Mesh Shorts (No Pockets) at the same $26.88 VIP base. The closest womens performance-fabric match in the catalog is the Ladies 3 inch Fitness Short at $30.88 VIP base. See the full mesh shorts product lineup for specs on every option, including two heavier Bear Grips branded athletic shorts for vendors who want a non-mesh alternative.
Sport-Tek mesh short blanks from $26.88 VIP base, single piece printing, free US shipping, ships in about a week.
Start FreeMesh shorts are typically 100% polyester, knit with an open weave pattern that creates small gaps for airflow. Some blends exist, but polyester is the standard for athletic mesh.
No. See-through depends on gsm weight, weave tightness, and color. Darker solids and heavier or double-layer mesh cut down on it significantly.
Grams per square meter, the standard fabric weight measurement. Lighter gsm breathes more, heavier gsm covers more.
Dri-fit style solid polyester wicks moisture to the surface using a finish. Mesh moves air directly through open gaps in the weave itself. Many performance shorts combine both.
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