Everything You Need to Know About French Terry Fabric
French Terry fabric is a popular knitted fabric for hoodies, sweatshirts, joggers and casual knitwear. It is soft and comfortable, but the main reason many brands choose it is not only the hand feel. Compared with regular jersey fabric, French Terry has more body and structure, so it helps hoodies and sweatshirts hold a cleaner shape instead of looking too soft or clingy.
Another key feature is the loopback construction. The reverse side of French Terry has small loops, giving the fabric a slightly raised texture. This makes the fabric feel more substantial while still keeping good breathability for everyday wear.
What Is French Terry Fabric?
French Terry is a type of weft knitted fabric. It usually has a smooth face side and a looped back side. The looped yarns stay on the reverse side of the fabric, creating the typical “loopback” texture that makes French Terry different from plain jersey.
French Terry can be made from 100% cotton, cotton-polyester blends, cotton-spandex blends, cotton-viscose blends, bamboo blends or other customised yarns. Different compositions will give the fabric different hand feel, stretch, shrinkage control and durability.
Features of French Terry Fabric
| Fabric Name | French Terry Fabric |
| Fabric Construction | Weft knitted fabric with a smooth face side and looped back side |
| Common Materials | Cotton, cotton polyester, cotton spandex, cotton viscose, bamboo blends |
| Hand Feel | Soft, comfortable and slightly structured |
| Main Texture | Smooth outer surface with textured loopback on the reverse side |
| Breathability | Good, usually more breathable than heavy brushed fleece |
| Moisture Absorption | Good, especially for cotton-rich qualities |
| Stretch | Moderate stretch, with better recovery when spandex is added |
| Common Uses | Hoodies, sweatshirts, joggers, tracksuits, loungewear and casual knitwear |
What Makes French Terry Different from Other Knits?
The biggest difference is the textured loopback. Regular jersey fabric is usually flatter and lighter, while French Terry has small loops on the back side. These loops give the fabric more depth, body and a more structured feel.
This is why French Terry is often used for hoodies and sweatshirts. It is not as thin as T-shirt jersey, and it does not stick too closely to the body. For brands that want a casual but clean silhouette, French Terry is often a better choice than lightweight jersey.
Best Uses of French Terry Fabric
French Terry fabric is widely used for casualwear and lifestyle garments. It offers a good balance of comfort, breathability and structure, making it suitable for both relaxed and premium casual styles.
| Hoodies and Sweatshirts | French Terry is one of the most common fabrics for hoodies and sweatshirts. Its loopback structure gives a soft touch inside, while the smooth face side keeps the garment looking clean. The fabric also has enough body to support the hoodie shape. |
| Joggers and Sweatpants | Medium-weight French Terry is suitable for joggers and sweatpants. It feels comfortable for daily wear and gives the garment a more structured look than regular jersey. For fitted joggers, stretch French Terry with spandex can provide better movement and recovery. |
| Tracksuits and Loungewear | French Terry works well for tracksuits and loungewear because it is soft, breathable and not too bulky. It is a practical option for matching tops and bottoms. |
| Casual Tops and Pullovers | Light to medium-weight French Terry can be used for relaxed pullovers, casual tops and everyday knitwear. It gives more body than jersey while keeping a comfortable hand feel. |
| Kidswear | Cotton-rich French Terry is also suitable for kidswear and casual children’s garments. For this use, softness, shrinkage control and colour fastness should be checked carefully. |
How to Choose French Terry Composition
| Cotton French Terry | Soft, natural and comfortable against the skin. Suitable for premium hoodies, sweatshirts and loungewear. Cotton-rich fabrics should pay attention to shrinkage control and washing care. |
| CVC French Terry | Combines cotton comfort with better durability from polyester. It is a good option for everyday hoodies, joggers and casualwear that need better shape retention and easier care. |
| Stretch French Terry | Contains spandex for better stretch and recovery. Suitable for fitted hoodies, joggers, active casualwear and styles that need more movement. |
| Viscose or Bamboo Blend French Terry | Softer and smoother hand feel. Suitable for comfort-focused loungewear, relaxed tops and premium casual collections. |
French Terry vs Fleece
French Terry and fleece may look similar from the face side, but the reverse side is very different. French Terry has a loopback construction, while fleece usually has a brushed back with a soft and fluffy surface.
| Back Side | French Terry has loopback texture. Fleece has a brushed or fluffy back side. |
| Hand Feel | French Terry feels more structured and breathable. Fleece feels warmer, softer and bulkier. |
| Warmth | French Terry gives light to medium warmth. Fleece is usually warmer and more suitable for cold weather. |
| Best Uses | French Terry is suitable for hoodies, sweatshirts, joggers and year-round casualwear. Fleece is better for winter hoodies, jackets and warm loungewear. |
What GSM Is Best for French Terry Hoodies and Sweatshirts?
The best GSM depends on the target garment, season and hand feel. Lower GSM French Terry is lighter and more breathable, while higher GSM gives more body, structure and warmth.
| 200–260gsm | Lightweight French Terry for spring sweatshirts, lightweight hoodies and casual tops. It feels soft, breathable and comfortable for mild weather. |
| 260–320gsm | Medium-weight French Terry with a good balance of comfort, structure and breathability. Suitable for regular hoodies, joggers, tracksuits and loungewear sets. |
| 320–450gsm | Heavyweight French Terry for premium hoodies, heavyweight sweatshirts and winter casualwear. It gives the garment a more solid and structured look. |
For most hoodie and sweatshirt programs, 280–360gsm is a practical range. It gives enough structure for the garment while keeping the fabric comfortable for daily wear.
How to Care for French Terry Fabric
To keep French Terry garments in good condition, we recommend washing with mild detergent and cool water, preferably below 30°C. Turn the garment inside out before washing to protect the loopback texture and printed surface.
Avoid strong rubbing, high heat tumble drying and long exposure to direct sunlight, as these may affect colour, shrinkage and fabric shape. If slight pilling appears after repeated wear, it can be gently removed with a fabric shaver.
Looking for French Terry Fabric for Your Collection?
If you are developing hoodies, sweatshirts, joggers, tracksuits or loungewear, choosing the right French Terry fabric is an important first step. The best option will depend on your target garment, GSM, composition, hand feel and order quantity.
At Towin Textile, we supply knitted fabrics for apparel brands, including French Terry, jersey, rib, pique, fleece, velour and other casualwear fabrics. If you need French Terry fabric for sampling or bulk production, we can help recommend suitable options based on your target weight, composition and garment application.