What Is French Terry Fabric?

French terry is a knitted fabric with a smooth face and a looped reverse. The loops are formed by an extra yarn laid in during knitting and are left uncut — that is the single detail that distinguishes it from brushed fleece, where those same loops are raised into a nap. It sits at 240-320 g/m² and is the standard fabric for sweatshirts, joggers and mid-season hoodies.

How does French terry differ from the fabrics it is confused with?

Why do the loops matter?

An uncut loop does two useful things. It creates air space, so the fabric insulates without bulk, and it presents a large surface area to moisture, so french terry absorbs sweat quickly instead of holding it against the skin. That combination is why it works in the transitional seasons where fleece is too warm and jersey is too thin.

What do two-thread and three-thread mean?

The count refers to how many yarns feed the knit. Two-thread is lighter with a shallow loop; three-thread adds a dedicated loop yarn, giving a fuller reverse and more weight. Three-thread french terry brushed on the reverse becomes what the market calls brushed fleece — same base construction, different finishing.

Which fibre options are available?

• 100% combed cotton — best hand and absorbency, most shrinkage risk if not compacted.
• Cotton-polyester (65/35 or 50/50) — more dimensional stability, lower cost, less absorbent.
• Cotton with 5% elastane — for fitted joggers and cuffed styles.
• Organic cotton — available under GOTS certification.

What should manufacturers know?

Ask for the compacting and shrinkage figures: a well-finished cotton french terry should stay within 3-5%. Print behaves well on the smooth face, and the loop face takes garment dyeing evenly. Minimum 50 kg per colour, stock colours in 2-5 working days, Pantone matching in 10-15.