What Is French Terry And Why It's the Most Popular Fabric for Sweatshirts

By LogoSportswear | Updated on August 15, 2025

There's nothing like feeling warm and cozy in your favorite sweatshirt, whether you're relaxing at home or working out. Have you ever wondered why it feels so comfortable? Chances are, it's made of French terry fabric. This material is a staple in casual clothing, especially for sweatshirts, hoodies, and loungewear. Read on to know more about this popular fabric and the reasons why people prefer to slip in to through different seasons.

What is French terry?

French terry, also called "terry," is a knitted fabric with loops and soft yarn piles inside with a smooth surface on the outside. The looped side of the fabric makes it absorbent and cozy, and the smooth side gives it a sleek and polished look. Some French terry clothes are made of 100% cotton, while others have small amounts of polyester, spandex, or rayon. It's heavier than a regular T-shirt yet lighter than most sweatshirts. The fabric's midweight also makes it perfect for layering and is comfortable to wear even in the summer.

8 Reasons Why French Terry is a Popular Sweatshirt Fabric

1. Super Comfortable to Wear

French terry has soft piles of yarn inside, which feel extra soft and cozy against your skin. This makes French terry sweatshirts the best loungewear because they're comfortable to wear.

2. Keeps You Cool and Dry as You Exercise

Going for a morning run or heading to the gym for a workout? Athletic wear made of French terry fabric is breathable and allows air to circulate, keeping you cool and comfortable in any weather. It also features cotton threads that absorb up to 27 times their weight in water while keeping the lightweight feel of the fabric. This makes it suitable for sweatshirts, as its moisture-wicking properties can keep you dry and comfortable during workouts or on hot days.

3. Gives Extra Stretch and Flexibility

Whether you're a gym regular, yogi, runner, or dancer, the extra stretch your workout clothes provide makes a difference to your movement. French terry fabric has the perfect amount of flexibility for enhancing your movements when you perform cardio and strength-building activities. The added stretch is also helpful when you warm up and cool down or enjoy a well-deserved rest after an intense workout.

4. Easy to Clean and Maintain

French terry's natural stretch and textured back loops make it naturally wrinkle-resistant - no need to iron the apparel before you wear them! The fabric's also easy to clean with cold water and can be tumble-dried on low setting. It's also wash-and-wear and doesn't require dry cleaning.

5. Durable and Long-lasting

Even after repeated washing, French terry fabric can maintain its shape and softness, hold up well to wear and tear, and won't get easily damaged. It also features strong, dense fibers that prevent pilling and lint from forming on the surface. This kind of longevity makes it a great addition to your wardrobe because you can wear it for years to come.

6. Cost-effective

French terry may give off a luxurious feel because of how soft and plush it is, but it's actually affordable. It's a great investment, combining comfort, durability, and style without breaking the bank. This cost-effectiveness also makes it very accessible to various consumers.

7. Versatile and Perfect for Layering

French terry is also known for its moderate warmth, making it a versatile and practical choice for daily wear, regardless of the season. It's lightweight and relaxed enough for loungewear yet decent to be worn while running errands, working out, or as everyday uniforms. French terry is also perfect for layering because it's heavier than a T-shirt but lighter than winter wear - you'll surely have fun mixing and matching styles no matter the season.

8. Fully Customizable

One of the best things about French terry is that it's fully customizable. You can add your logo or artwork to add a personal touch and create a unique look or promote your brand to attract customers.

What makes French terry different from other fabrics?

If you need more convincing on what makes French terry a popular choice, here's how it compares to other types of fabric:

French Terry vs. Cotton

French terry has a looped texture on one side, while cotton is uniform in texture. French terry is also more absorbent and plusher, has better air circulation, and can withstand wear and tear better compared to cotton.

French Terry vs. Fleece

French terry and fleece are both knit fabrics with yarn loops. Their difference is that French terry's yarn loops remain intact, while fleece is cut up and shredded, making it fuzzier and softer. When it comes to breathability, French terry is lighter and can be used for various styles and seasons. On the other hand, fleece is warmer, denser, and more suited for cold weather. French terry also wicks moisture better and won't pill over time, unlike fleece.

French Terry vs. Terry Velour

French terry and terry velour are similar, having one smooth side and yarn loops on the other. What sets them apart is that terry velour's smooth side is shiny and has a velvet-like texture. Terry velour isn't also as absorbent as French terry.

French Terry vs. Other Fabrics

Here's how French terry stands out compared to other fabrics:

• Polyester – Polyester is well-known for being durable and moisture-wicking, but doesn't have the breathability, comfort, and luxurious feel of French terry.
• Spandex – Spandex is recognized for their stretch and are often used in activewear. While French ferry can have a blend of spandex for added flexibility, it still provides more comfort and breathability than spandex.
• Rayon – Rayon is soft but may not be as durable as French terry. French terry has the perfect balance of softness and durability and can maintain its shape better than rayon over time.
• Wool – Wool is well-suited for warmth during cold weather but can be itchy and needs special care. With French terry, it has the comfort without the itch and is easy to clean and maintain.

Customize French Terry Sweatshirts for Your Business

Want to expand your personalized apparel to French terry sweatshirts or update employee uniforms with functional athleisure? Check out the various styles from popular brands like New Era, Adidas, and Next Level. LogoSportswear offers unmatched comfort with our different sweats made of French terry fabric. Once you've selected the best sweatshirt for you, you can upload a design to the site or create it online with our easy-to-use Online Designer. Start exploring the possibilities with French terry apparel with us today!