What is French Terry fabric? Finding the perfect fabric for your apparel line can be a tough call—comfort, versatility, and durability all have to be just right. Choose the wrong material. You might have unhappy customers and a damaged brand.
Subpar fabrics not only hurt your product’s quality but can also drive up return rates and damage your market position. That’s where French Terry comes in—a fabric that strikes the ideal balance, offering softness, breathability, and resilience. No wonder it’s a favorite among hoodie manufacturers.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about what is French Terry fabric. From its unique characteristics to its applications across various apparel categories. You’ll gain the insights needed to make smarter fabric choices for your business.
Table of Contents
What is French Terry Fabric?
What is French Terry fabric? French Terry fabric is a type of knit fabric known for its soft, looped texture on one side and smooth surface on the other. This unique construction provides a comfortable, cozy feel while maintaining breathability and flexibility. Originally produced in France, French Terry has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. It was originally made of 100% cotton. Now, it is often blended with polyester, rayon, or spandex for more durability and stretch. The fabric’s versatility makes it popular for casual, active, and lounge wear. It offers both style and function.
The benefits of French Terry fabric extend beyond its comfort and versatility. Its moisture-wicking abilities help keep the wearer dry. Its heat retention provides warmth without overheating. Also, French Terry is less prone to pilling than other knits. It will make garments last longer. Today, China is the largest producer and exporter of French Terry fabric, followed by India and Pakistan. For businesses wanting high-quality, durable, stylish fabrics, French Terry is ideal. It offers a comfort-performance balance that suits various apparel markets.
| Property | Description |
| Fabric name | French Terry |
| Fabric composition | Typically 100% cotton, but can also be a blend of cotton with polyester, rayon, or spandex |
| Fabric breathability | High; allows air to circulate, keeping the wearer cool |
| Moisture-wicking abilities | Moderate; absorbs moisture well but may not dry as quickly as synthetic fabrics |
| Heat retention abilities | Moderate; provides warmth but not as insulating as fleece |
| Stretchability (give) | Low to moderate; depends on composition (higher with spandex blend) |
| Prone to pilling/bubbling | Low to moderate; depends on quality and care |
| Country where fabric was first produced | France |
| Biggest exporting/producing country today | China, followed by India and Pakistan |
How is French Terry Fabric Made?
Overview of the Knitting Process: French Terry fabric is produced through a specialized knitting process using circular knitting machines. These machines typically operate at speeds of 20-30 rounds per minute, creating up to 500 meters of fabric per day. The process uses a combination of 70% knit stitches and 30% purl stitches to form the fabric’s distinct structure. The yarn count used is usually between 20/1 and 30/1, resulting in a fabric weight of 200-350 grams per square meter.
Loops on One Side and Smooth Surface on the Other: The unique texture of French Terry comes from the loops created on one side of the fabric. These loops, typically 1-2 mm in length, enhance the fabric’s absorbency by up to 50% compared to flat knit fabrics. The looped side can absorb 20-25% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp. The smooth side has a thread count of 150-200 per square inch. It looks sleek and feels comfortable to wear.
Sustainable Production Methods: Eco-friendly French Terry production can reduce water usage by up to 70% compared to conventional methods. Organic cotton cultivation for French Terry uses 62% less energy and 88% less water compared to conventional cotton. Recycled polyester fibers, often blended, can cut energy use by 59% and CO2 emissions by 32% vs. virgin polyester. Energy-efficient circular knitting machines can decrease electricity consumption by 30-40%. Some manufacturers use closed-loop water systems. They recycle 95% of the water used in dyeing. This greatly reduces water waste.
Key Benefits of French Terry Fabric
- Comfort & Softness: French Terry fabric is renowned for its exceptional comfort and softness, making it perfect for loungewear and casual attire. The fabric’s looped texture on one side provides a plush feel, while the smooth surface on the other side ensures a comfortable fit against the skin. This combo makes it a favorite for sweatshirts and joggers. It offers coziness without sacrificing style.
- Breathability & Moisture Wicking: This fabric is highly breathable, allowing air to circulate freely and keeping the wearer cool. It wicks moisture moderately. So, it absorbs sweat. French Terry can absorb 20% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp. This keeps the wearer dry and comfortable during exercise. Makes it perfect for gym wear, yoga outfits, and other athletic apparel.
- Durability: French Terry is a long-lasting fabric that withstands regular wear and tear. Its strong build ensures that garments made from this fabric keep their quality and look over time. Provides great value for high-end products. The fabric resists pilling and fraying. It can endure frequent washing and wearing. So, it is a reliable choice for everyday clothes.
- Versatility: French Terry fabric is suitable for different climates and seasons. Its moderate heat retention makes it warm for cool weather. But, it’s breathable enough for warmer conditions. This versatility makes it a popular choice for a wide range of apparel, from hoodies to shorts, catering to various market needs. Its adaptability means it can be used in layering pieces for winter or as standalone items in spring and summer collections.
Expert Advice: Using French Terry fabric can boost your brand. It offers high-quality, comfortable, and versatile apparel that meets diverse demands.
Zhaoquan Ding, Chinese Sportswear industry expert
Types of French Terry Fabric
① 100% Cotton French Terry: This type of French Terry fabric is made entirely from natural cotton fibers, making it highly breathable and eco-friendly. It provides excellent comfort and softness, ideal for loungewear and casual attire. Its natural composition ensures that it is hypoallergenic and gentle on the skin, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Additionally, 100% cotton French Terry is biodegradable, aligning with eco-conscious values.
② Blended French Terry (Cotton-Polyester): Blended French Terry combines cotton with polyester, enhancing the fabric’s durability and stretch. Adding polyester makes the fabric shrink and wrinkle less. It’s now easier to care for and maintain. This blend also offers improved moisture-wicking properties, making it suitable for activewear. The polyester component adds stretch. It improves the fit and freedom of movement. This is ideal for sports and fitness apparel.
③ Organic French Terry: Organic French Terry is crafted from organically grown cotton, free from harmful pesticides and chemicals. This fabric is perfect for eco-friendly brands. It will help them reduce their environmental impact. Organic French Terry is as soft and comfy as regular cotton. But, it is better for the environment. It supports sustainable farming and a healthier ecosystem. This appeals to consumers who value eco-friendly products.
Common Applications of French Terry Fabric
▶ Activewear: French Terry fabric is widely used in activewear, including sweatshirts, joggers, and gym wear. Its breathability and moisture-wicking properties make it ideal for physical activities. They keep the wearer dry and comfortable. The fabric’s stretch and durability make it perfect for intense workouts and frequent washing. It’s a reliable choice for sports and fitness fans.
▶ Casual Wear: This fabric is perfect for casual wear such as hoodies, t-shirts, and dresses. Its soft texture and comfortable fit make it a favorite for everyday clothing. French Terry’s versatility allows it to be styled in various ways, from relaxed and laid-back looks to more polished and trendy outfits. Its ability to maintain shape and resist pilling ensures that casual wear items look good and last longer.
▶ Children’s Clothing: French Terry is an excellent choice for children’s clothing due to its softness and comfort. It is gentle on sensitive skin, making it suitable for babies and young children. The fabric is durable. It can handle the wear and tear of active play. Its breathability keeps children cool and comfortable all day.
▶ Luxury Loungewear: For high-end customers, French Terry fabric is used in premium collections of luxury loungewear. Its plush feel and high quality make it perfect for upscale items, like designer sweatpants, robes, and lounge sets. The fabric’s ability to provide warmth without being too heavy makes it perfect for relaxing at home in style and comfort.
Customizing French Terry for Your Brand
- Color Options and Dyeing Techniques
French Terry fabric offers a wide range of color options to suit your brand’s aesthetic. Advanced dyeing techniques, like reactive and pigment dyeing, ensure vibrant, long-lasting colors. Reactive dyeing bonds with the fabric at a molecular level. It provides excellent colorfastness and durability. Pigment dyeing, on the other hand, gives a more vintage, washed-out look, perfect for creating unique and trendy apparel.
- Printing and Embroidery Possibilities
French Terry is an excellent canvas for various printing and embroidery techniques. Screen printing, digital printing, and heat transfer printing can be used to add intricate designs and logos to the fabric. These methods ensure high-quality, detailed prints that withstand washing and wear. Embroidery adds a touch of sophistication and texture, allowing for raised designs that stand out. Both printing and embroidery can be customized. They can reflect your brand and boost your products’ appeal.
- Custom Cuts and Designs for Unique Branding
Customizing the cut and design of French Terry garments allows you to create unique pieces that align with your brand’s vision. Options include tailored fits, oversized styles, and trendy cuts. Unique features like asymmetrical hems, thumbholes, or contrasting panels can differentiate your products. Custom labels, tags, and packaging enhance the branding. They give your collection a cohesive, professional look.
Suggested Reading: What is Gore-Tex Fabric
Conclusion
We have learned what is French Terry fabric. Using French Terry in clothing is a smart move. It meets demand for high-quality, comfy, and durable apparel. Its adaptability to different climates makes it a reliable choice for diverse products.
Partnering with LeelineApparel for sourcing and custom manufacturing solutions. We are not just a hoodie manufacturer but also one of the best t-shirt manufacturers, swimwear manufacturers, and lingerie manufacturers. Help you enhance your product lines with this premium fabric.
Our expertise in fabric customization ensures that each piece. Aligns with your brand’s vision, providing a seamless and professional manufacturing experience. Don’t hesitate to contact us!
People Also Ask About What is French Terry Fabric
1. How does French Terry differ from regular terry cloth?
French Terry has loops on one side and a smooth surface on the other. It’s lighter and more breathable than regular terry cloth, which has loops on both sides and is thicker and more absorbent.
2. Is French Terry fabric eco-friendly?
French Terry can be eco-friendly, especially when made from organic cotton. Organic French Terry is produced without harmful chemicals, making it a sustainable choice.
3. Can French Terry be customized with prints and embroidery?
Yes, French Terry can be customized. You can use screen printing, digital printing, or embroidery to add unique designs and branding.
4. Is French Terry fabric suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes, French Terry, made from 100% organic cotton, is gentle on the skin. It is suitable for those with sensitive skin or allergies.