Abstract: A grip for a sports racquet, such as a tennis racquet, a squash racquet, a badminton racquet, or a racquetball racquet, comprises a thin layer of synthetic material and a porous backing material, e.g., felt. One or more longitudinal channels are formed in the thin synthetic layer to expose the backing material, thereby allowing moisture to pass directly to the backing material. The channel or series of channels run substantially coextensive with the grip, so that when the grip is wound onto a sports racquet handle, the channel or channels will be provided about the handle along its length. The exposed surface of the backing material may have a different color than the outer strip, to produce a pleasing decorative appearance. Also, in a preferred embodiment, a pair of parallel channels extend substantially the length of the strip, and a pair of parallel stitch lines, located between the channels, compress the outer surface of the strip to create a raised section.