French terry has its roots in the development of terry cloth, a fabric known for its absorbency and traditionally used to make towels and bathrobes. With the growing demand for comfortable and functional sportswear and casual wear. French terry became popular in the mid-20th century and was widely used for sportswear and casual wear, valued for its comfort, breathability, and versatility.

French terry casual wear is loved by many famous celebrities, including Gigi Hadid, Justin Bieber and many more. Kim Kardashian's clothing brand SKIMS has chosen French Terry for its hoodie and sweatshirt collections.

What is french terry fabric?

French terry is a soft, comfortable fabric that is usually made from 100 percent cotton but can also be made from polyester and sometimes spandex with loops on one side, while the other side is smooth and often has some stretch for flexibility and comfort.

Main Uses:

• Casual Wear: Sweatshirts, hoodies, and sweatpants for everyday comfort.
• Athletic Apparel: Perfect for activewear like gym outfits and sportswear.
• Loungewear: Ideal for cozy, relaxed items like joggers and pullovers.

What is cotton fabric

Cotton fabric is made from the fibres of the cotton plant and has been used for thousands of years. Its history can be traced back to ancient Egypt, and the cultivation and use of cotton is recorded in civilizations around the world. Pure cotton fabric is popular for its naturalness, softness and breathability. Pure cotton fabric is widely used in everyday wear, bedding and lightweight clothing. Especially in warm climates, pure cotton is the first choice due to its breathability and comfort.

Main uses:

• Everyday clothing: T-shirts, shirts, trousers, etc. Household items: bed linen, towels, etc.
• Light clothing: clothing suitable for mild climates.

What is fleece fabric?

Fleece fabric is a synthetic material developed in the late 20th century, primarily made from polyester. It has gained popularity for its warmth, comfort, and versatility, especially in sportswear and casual wear. Fleece is loved by people of all ages for its softness and warmth.

Main uses:

• Sportswear and leisurewear: especially suitable for wearing after exercise to stay comfortable and dry.
• Autumn and winter clothing: Perfect for the colder seasons, providing a sense of warmth.

French terry vs cotton vs fleece: What is the difference

Next, I will compare French terry cloth, cotton and fleece fabric in detail to help you better understand their advantages and different application scenarios.

Feature	French Terry Fabric	Cotton Fabric	Fleece Fabric
Breathability	High (looped structure helps wick moisture)	Moderate (breathable but poor at wicking moisture)	Low to Moderate (poor breathability, moisture difficult to wick)
Softness	Very soft (looped fabric adds extra softness)	Soft (generally smooth and lightweight)	Very soft (comfortable and great for cold weather)
Warmth	Moderate (lightweight, suitable for activewear)	Moderate (ideal for mild climates)	High (provides excellent warmth)
Durability	High (holds shape and texture after washes)	Moderate (may wear out after frequent washing)	Moderate (can pill with long-term use)
Moisture Wicking	Excellent (ideal for moisture absorption)	Low (absorbs moisture but doesn’t wick it away)	Moderate (absorbs moisture but has poor wicking properties)
Best Uses	Activewear, casual wear, daily clothing	Basic casual wear, light garments	Winter clothing, activewear, casual wear
Cost	Moderate to High (depending on quality)	Low to Moderate (relatively inexpensive)	Moderate (typically affordable, but made from synthetic material)

French terry fabric VS cotton

Pure cotton is very common in the market, but it is not the best choice for every occasion. French terry cloth has some significant advantages over pure cotton:

• Air permeability: Pure cotton is breathable, but French terry cloth can sweat more effectively and stay drier due to its loop structure.
• Softness: Pure cotton is soft, but French terry cloth is more soft and comfortable to wear.
• Durability: Cotton tends to wear out after many washes, while French terry cloth retains its shape and is more durable.
• Moisture absorption: Cotton absorbs moisture well, but French terry cloth can expel moisture more quickly, keeping the wearer dry.

French terry fabric vs fleece

Fleece is a synthetic fabric, mainly made from polyester, known for its warmth, softness and comfort. Although it has a great warmth factor, it has some shortcomings when compared to French Terry:

• Warmth: Fleece provides excellent warmth, especially in cold weather, but if you're looking for something that's also breathable and wicks away moisture for sports or everyday wear, French terry is the better option.
• Softness: Fleece is extremely soft and cosy, ideal for layering in cold weather, but French Terry offers more comfort with its lighter weight and breathable structure.
• Moisture wicking: Fleece absorbs moisture but doesn't wick it away efficiently, whereas French Terry excels at moisture transfer, keeping you dry during exercise.

Is french terry fabric hoodie worth to buy?

Is a French terry hoodie or sweatshirt worth buying? This is a question that many people ask when choosing clothes that are comfortable and functional. In fact, French terry cloth sweatshirts are not only loved for their comfort and breathability, but also for their versatility and durability, making them a popular choice.

• Comfort: French terry cloth offers a very comfortable wearing experience thanks to its unique fabric structure. Its looped yarn structure makes the clothing softer, while maintaining moderate breathability to prevent feeling stuffy during activity.
• Versatility: French terry cloth sweatshirts are perfect for a variety of occasions, and can be worn as sportswear, casual wear or everyday wear. Whether you're going out for a workout, running, or just relaxing, it offers a high level of comfort.
• Durability: French terry cloth is exceptionally durable compared to other materials, withstanding multiple washes and daily use while retaining its shape and texture.
• Fashion sense: French terry cloth is not only comfortable, but also fashionable, and can be paired with different styles of clothing to easily create a casual, sporty or everyday look.

How to maintain french terry apparel?

French terry appael clothing has become a staple in many people's wardrobes due to its comfort and durability. However, the correct maintenance method is essential to prolong the life of the clothing and maintain its appearance and texture. Here are some simple maintenance tips to help you extend the life of your French terry cloth clothing.

• Gentle washing French terry cloth clothing is best washed using a gentle washing method. Avoid using excessively high water temperatures as this may damage the fabric. It is recommended to wash with cold or lukewarm water and a mild washing detergent, which will help to preserve the softness of the fabric.
• Avoid excessive friction During the washing process, avoid washing with other coarse items (such as zippers, embroidered decorations, etc.), which can reduce friction on the fabric and avoid damage to the terry structure.
• Dry gently Avoid using high-temperature drying as much as possible, and it is best to let French terry cloth clothing dry naturally. Excessive heat can distort the fabric, affecting its comfort and durability. You can dry your terry cloth laundry flat or hung up in a cool place.
• Regular care Regular care of your terry cloth laundry will help it retain its shape. Store your terry cloth laundry in a dry, ventilated place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
• Avoid excessive washing Excessive washing can cause terry cloth to lose its softness, so try to avoid frequent washing. If the laundry is not visibly dirty, consider dry cleaning or just wiping it with a damp cloth.

Conclusion

French terry fabric is honestly a really great fabric, and if you haven't experienced it yet, you're really missing out. It has become a popular fabric for high-quality sweatshirts and hoodies in recent years, and there's really no reason not to love it. Not only is it soft and comfortable, it is also particularly breathable and has excellent moisture absorption and sweat wicking properties. It is simply ideal for custom embroidered sweatshirts or any casual wear. Compared to cotton and flannel, French terry cloth is more durable and definitely a better wearing experience. Investing in this fabric is definitely worthwhile.