A 3-D finite element model based on the hyperfoam material model was developed in or der to predict the compression behaviour of knitted fabrics in a large deformation state. The degree of compressibility of the fabric is determined by the extent of its volume reduction under external pressure. The compression properties of nine produced knitted fabrics at eight pressure values (2.04, 5.10, 10.19, 20.39, 50.97, 101.94, 152.90, and 203.87 kPa) were measured using a fabric thickness tester and results were compared with finite ele ment results. The FEM results of fabric thickness changes (∆T) and fabric compressibility (EMC) showed good agreement with experimental results, with an average error of 5 and 4.9 percent, respectively. However, the results of fabric linearity of the compression (LC) and work of compression (WC) showed fair agreement, with an average error of 24.5 and 24 percent, respectively.