Drifit Milano vs Drifit Speedy: Different Fabric, Different Market
- Sales Intan Jaya Tekstil
- Aug 4
- 5 min read
These two names come up together whenever someone asks about drifit fabric — and they consistently cause confusion because there's almost no clear explanation anywhere.
Milano or Speedy?
Both are drifit. Both are polyester. Both are available in ready stock at most suppliers.
But their characteristics are different, their markets are different, and choosing the wrong one can produce a product that falls short of expectations — both from your perspective as the manufacturer and from the customer who wears it.
This article breaks down the differences concretely — so you can choose based on data, not which name sounds more familiar.
Context First: Trade Names, Not Industry Standards
Before getting into the differences, one important thing to understand: "Milano" and "Speedy" are not international standards or official technical codes from the textile industry.
These are trade names — terms used by local suppliers in Indonesia to differentiate character within the drifit jersey category. That means "Milano" from Supplier A isn't necessarily identical to "Milano" from Supplier B — there can be differences in GSM, knit construction, or finishing.
What's described here reflects the general characteristics consistently associated with both names in the Bandung and Jakarta fabric markets. But always — always — request samples and compare directly before committing to a large order from any supplier.
Drifit Milano — Character and Market
Construction and Feel
Milano has a tighter knit structure than Speedy. The fabric surface is smoother and visually "cleaner" — no strongly pronounced texture. Its weight is slightly higher than Speedy in the same category.
When handled, Milano feels more "substantial" — there's a solidity to it that can be felt without being thick. This is what leads many brands to use it for products that aim to feel premium while still sitting in the activewear category.
Performance
Milano's moisture-wicking performs well for light-to-moderate activity. The fabric is breathable enough for everyday wear, but isn't optimized to expel heat maximally under high-intensity conditions.
Milano's strength is in its post-production appearance: the fabric drapes cleanly, colors look sharp, and printing results — whether DTF, sublimation on light colors, or rubber printing — appear clean against its smooth surface.
Who Milano Is Right For
Brands entering the activewear segment with a more fashion-forward positioning
Casual jerseys worn outside sporting contexts — cafes, malls, or as lifestyle pieces
Sport polo shirts or activewear where appearance matters as much as function
Products sold heavily through photography — Milano is photogenic because of its clean surface and sharp color rendering
Drifit Speedy — Character and Market
Construction and Feel
Speedy has a more open knit structure than Milano. The fabric surface has more visible texture — the pores are more apparent when viewed closely. Its weight is lighter.
When handled, Speedy feels more "airy" — light and flexible. There's space between the fibers that allows for better air circulation.
Performance
This is where Speedy outperforms Milano. The more open construction produces higher breathability — body heat can escape more effectively, sweat can evaporate faster. This is exactly what's needed during intense physical activity.
In high-output sporting conditions — long-distance running, futsal, high-intensity indoor training — the difference between Speedy and Milano is felt directly by the wearer. Speedy feels more "absent" — less intrusive.
Who Speedy Is Right For
Competition jerseys for team sports: futsal, basketball, volleyball, badminton
Running apparel — especially for medium to long distances
Outdoor event uniforms worn in hot weather
Products where performance is assessed while being worn, not from a photo
Direct Comparison
Aspect | Drifit Milano | Drifit Speedy |
Knit structure | Tighter | More open |
Surface | Smooth, clean | Textured, porous |
Weight | Slightly heavier | Lighter |
Breathability | Good for light-moderate activity | Better for high-intensity activity |
Moisture-wicking | Good | Very good |
Visual appearance | More premium, photogenic | More functional |
Suitable for sublimation | Yes (light colors/white) | Yes (light colors/white) |
Product positioning | Fashion activewear, lifestyle | Performance sportswear |
Relative price | Slightly higher | Slightly lower |
Three Questions That Help You Choose
Before ordering, answer these:
What activity will your product be used for? If the activity is intense — running, team sports, gym — Speedy is more appropriate. If the activity is light, or the product is more of a lifestyle piece that happens to be made from drifit — Milano is more appropriate.
How is your product sold — through photos or direct wear experience? If your sales depend heavily on product photography on marketplaces or social media, Milano has a visual advantage. If customers can try the product and feel the difference while actively moving, Speedy can speak for itself.
Who is your target customer? Brands targeting active sports communities — runners, athletes, futsal players — will get more appreciation from Speedy because its performance is tangible. Brands targeting active urban lifestyle customers who prioritize appearance — Milano is the better fit.
A Scenario That Happens Often
Many garment manufacturers entering the jersey segment for the first time choose Milano because its appearance is more premium and the price difference is small.
The result: customers are satisfied visually when they receive the product, but after wearing it through several high-intensity sessions, feedback starts coming in — "it feels stuffy," "it sticks to my body."
Not because the fabric is bad — Milano simply wasn't designed for that condition. This is a case of the wrong fabric chosen for the wrong context.
Conversely, some brands choose Speedy for lifestyle jerseys because it's slightly more affordable — but in product photography, the fabric looks less premium than competitors using Milano. Online sales underperform not because the design is lacking,
but because the fabric chosen doesn't support the product's visual presentation.
Both fabrics are good. What determines the outcome is how precisely you match them to the right context.
The Bottom Line
Milano vs Speedy isn't about which is better — it's about which is more appropriate for the product you're making and the market you're targeting.
Milano for a more premium appearance, photo-based selling, and light-to-moderate activity. Speedy for real performance in intense activity, active sports communities, and products evaluated by how they feel when worn.
Choose based on that — not based on which name is more familiar or which price is slightly lower.
Want to compare Milano and Speedy samples before deciding? IJT carries both in ready stock — request samples before committing to a large order.
Contact our 24hr CS at WA 0812 9090 2360 or contact our store admin at office hours (Monday–Friday 09.00–17.00 and Saturday 09.00–17.00, Sunday off) at WA 0812 1234 2360
Related articles:
← Why IJT Doesn't Compete on Price — and What That Means for You as a Buyer
→ Case Study: A 500-Piece Production Run That Failed — Here's What Actually Happened
Comments