Register Login
support
shop
menu
close
  1. Home
  2. Knowledge hub
  3. Technical info
  4. French Terry vs Sweatshirt Fabric: What Is the Difference?
French Terry vs Sweatshirt Fabric: What Is the Difference?

French Terry vs Sweatshirt Fabric: What Is the Difference?

The main difference between French Terry and sweatshirt fabric is that French Terry is a specific knitted construction, while sweatshirt fabric is a broader category of fabrics used for sweatshirts, hoodies and casualwear. French Terry typically has a smooth outer surface and visible loops on the reverse. Sweatshirt fabrics can have a looped, brushed or otherwise textured inside.

Both fabric types are commonly used for comfortable clothing, but their warmth, thickness, stretch and surface characteristics can differ considerably. In practice, French Terry is often compared with brushed sweatshirt fabric, which has a soft, fluffy inner surface.

In short: choose French Terry for comfortable, flexible garments with moderate warmth and a looped interior. Choose brushed sweatshirt fabric when extra softness and insulation are important. Always compare the actual fabric construction, weight and composition before making a final decision.

Quick Guide to French Terry vs Sweatshirt Fabric

  • French Terry: Knitted fabric with a smooth front and visible loops on the reverse.
  • Sweatshirt fabric: A broad category of knitted fabrics, including French Terry and brushed sweat qualities.
  • Main difference: Classic French Terry has an unbrushed looped back, while brushed sweatshirt fabric has a raised, fluffy interior.
  • Warmth: Brushed sweatshirt fabrics generally provide more insulation at comparable thickness and construction.
  • Common applications: Hoodies, sweatshirts, jogging trousers, children's clothing and loungewear.
  • Fabric selection: Compare weight, composition, stretch, finishing and intended use.

What Is French Terry Fabric?

French Terry is a knitted fabric characterised by a relatively smooth front and small loops on the reverse side. These loops create additional volume and a comfortable feel without necessarily making the fabric excessively thick.

The construction allows French Terry to provide moderate warmth while maintaining flexibility. Cotton-rich qualities are often selected for their softness and moisture absorption, while the addition of elastane can improve stretch and recovery.

French Terry is widely used for hoodies, lightweight sweatshirts, jogging trousers, casual dresses and children's clothing.

Within the Nooteboom Textiles assortment, French Terry qualities are commonly found between approximately 200 and 280 g/m², although heavier constructions also exist.

For example, a French Terry quality containing 95% cotton and 5% elastane at 250 g/m² can be suitable for comfortable garments that require flexibility and moderate structure.

More information about its construction, properties and applications can be found in the French Terry Fabric Guide.

What Is Sweatshirt Fabric?

Sweatshirt fabric is a general term for knitted fabrics used to produce sweatshirts, hoodies, jogging trousers and other casual garments. It does not describe one fixed construction or fibre composition.

This category includes French Terry, brushed jogging fabrics and other knitted qualities designed for comfortable clothing.

One common type is brushed sweatshirt fabric, which has a relatively smooth outer surface and a soft, raised interior. During finishing, fibres on the reverse are brushed to create a fluffy surface that can trap insulating air.

Compared with classic unbrushed French Terry, brushed sweatshirt fabric often feels warmer and fuller. However, the actual level of insulation also depends on fabric weight, density, thickness and fibre composition.

Sweatshirt fabrics commonly contain cotton, polyester, elastane or combinations of these fibres.

Within the Nooteboom Textiles assortment, sweatshirt fabrics generally range from approximately 220 to 350 g/m², depending on the construction and finish.

The Sweatshirt Fabric Guide explains the different qualities available within this broader fabric category.

What Are the Main Differences Between French Terry and Brushed Sweatshirt Fabric?

The most recognisable difference is the surface on the inside of the fabric.

French Terry has visible loops on the reverse, while brushed sweatshirt fabric has a raised, fleece-like surface. This difference influences how the fabric feels, insulates and behaves during wear.

There are several important distinctions:

  • Surface structure: French Terry has a looped interior, while brushed sweatshirt fabric has a fluffy, raised interior.
  • Warmth: Brushed fabrics generally offer more insulation when comparable fabric constructions are used.
  • Thickness: French Terry is often less bulky, although heavyweight French Terry can be thicker than lightweight brushed sweat fabric.
  • Breathability: Unbrushed French Terry can offer a less insulating structure, but moisture and air permeability depend on the complete fabric construction.
  • Appearance: Both typically have a relatively smooth outer surface suitable for casual garments.
  • Surface wear: Brushed surfaces contain raised fibres that may be more exposed to friction and pilling, depending on yarn quality and finishing.

Neither fabric is automatically better quality. Their suitability depends on the requirements of the finished garment.

For example, a lightweight spring hoodie may benefit from French Terry, while a winter sweatshirt may require the additional warmth of a brushed fabric.

How Do Fabric Weight and Composition Affect Performance?

Fabric weight and fibre composition have a significant influence on the performance of both French Terry and sweatshirt fabrics.

Fabric weight is usually measured in grams per square metre (g/m²). A higher weight often indicates more material per square metre, but it does not automatically mean greater warmth, better durability or superior quality.

A 250 g/m² French Terry, for example, may feel more flexible and less bulky than a 280 g/m² brushed jogging fabric. However, two fabrics with similar weights can still behave differently because of their construction and finishing.

Fibre composition is equally important.

Cotton contributes softness and moisture absorption. Polyester can improve dimensional stability and influence drying behaviour, while elastane increases stretch and recovery.

For garment manufacturers, these differences affect pattern selection, fit, seam construction and the final appearance of the garment.

When selecting materials for production, it is important to compare actual fabric samples rather than relying on weight or fibre composition alone.

Which Fabric Is Better for Hoodies, Sweatshirts and Jogging Trousers?

The most suitable choice depends on the garment's intended use, season, fit and desired appearance.

French Terry is often a practical choice for spring and autumn collections, comfortable everyday clothing and garments intended for layering. Its looped construction provides body and flexibility without necessarily creating excessive bulk.

Brushed sweatshirt fabric is particularly relevant for warmer hoodies, winter sweatshirts and cosy loungewear. Its raised interior provides a soft feel and can increase insulation.

For jogging trousers, both fabrics can work well. French Terry may be preferred for lighter, more flexible designs, while brushed sweat fabric is suitable when extra warmth is required.

For manufacturers producing fitted garments, stretch recovery should also be considered. A fabric containing elastane may provide better recovery than an otherwise comparable quality without elastane.

Lighter Cotton Jersey can be an alternative for T-shirts and thin casualwear, but it generally provides less body than French Terry or sweatshirt fabrics.

How Should You Choose Between French Terry and Sweatshirt Fabric?

Choosing the right fabric requires balancing comfort, technical performance and production requirements.

Conclusion

French Terry and sweatshirt fabric are closely related, but the terms do not describe exactly the same thing. French Terry is a specific knitted fabric with visible loops on the reverse, while sweatshirt fabric includes several knitted constructions, including brushed and unbrushed qualities.

For fabric buyers and garment manufacturers, the most important factors are construction, weight, fibre composition, stretch and finishing. Comparing these properties and evaluating fabric samples helps ensure that the selected material provides the required comfort, appearance and performance.

FAQ

Is French Terry the same as sweatshirt fabric?
French Terry is one type of sweatshirt fabric, but not all sweatshirt fabrics are French Terry. The broader sweatshirt category also includes brushed and other knitted constructions used for casual clothing.
Is French Terry warmer than sweatshirt fabric?
French Terry is generally less insulating than a comparable brushed sweatshirt fabric because its interior loops are not raised into a fluffy surface. However, a heavy French Terry can be warmer than a lightweight brushed fabric, depending on its construction and thickness.
Is French Terry suitable for winter clothing?
Yes, heavier French Terry qualities can be used for winter garments, particularly when combined with additional layers. Brushed sweatshirt fabric is often preferred when a warmer, softer interior is required.
Does French Terry stretch more than sweatshirt fabric?
Not necessarily. Both are knitted fabrics, and their stretch depends on the construction, density and fibre composition. Qualities containing elastane generally provide more stretch and better recovery than comparable fabrics without elastane.
Which fabric is better for making hoodies?
Both French Terry and brushed sweatshirt fabric are suitable for hoodies. French Terry is often selected for lighter, flexible designs, while brushed sweatshirt fabric is useful for warmer garments with a soft interior.
Do French Terry and sweatshirt fabrics shrink after washing?
Both can shrink, particularly when they contain cotton and have not been adequately stabilised during production. The amount of shrinkage depends on fibre composition, construction, finishing and washing conditions, so testing before garment production is recommended.

Do you have a specific question about French Terry vs Sweatshirt Fabric: What Is the Difference? or an application?
Our AI assistant will help you immediately.

Ask a question

Back

Written by

Tim Zanoni Nooteboom Textiles

Posted on

Last updated on

Placed in

Added to cart

Welcome back

0
ART.NR.

You still have 0 articles in your cart

View cart Continue shopping