French Terry
Knit fabric with loops on the inside and a smooth face on the outside. Lighter than standard fleece, it is the go-to fabric for sweatshirts, hoodies, and joggers.
Score Breakdown
How long the fabric lasts with regular use
Softness, feel against skin, wearability
Air flow and ventilation
Heat retention and insulation
Ability to pull sweat away from skin
Environmental impact of production and disposal
How easy it is to wash, dry, and maintain
Best For
Excellent comfort (80) and easy care (75) for daily wear
Good breathability (68) and moisture wicking (50) for light activity
Good warmth (60) for cold weather
Good durability (65) and comfort (80) for office wear
Good comfort (80) and breathability (68) for sleeping
Good durability (65) and breathability (68) for outdoor activities
Detailed Use Case Scores
Pros
- ✓ Soft looped interior is comfortable against skin
- ✓ Lighter and more breathable than standard fleece
- ✓ Versatile for year-round layering
- ✓ Easy to care for — machine washable
Cons
- ✗ Loops can snag on sharp objects
- ✗ Less warm than brushed fleece in cold conditions
- ✗ Can shrink noticeably if tumble dried on high heat
- ✗ Interior loops collect lint over time
Care Guide
Special Notes
• Wash inside out to protect loop side
• Avoid high heat to prevent shrinkage
Additional Care Tips
- • Machine wash cold to warm (30–40°C) inside out on normal cycle
- • Tumble dry on low heat — remove promptly to prevent wrinkles
- • Avoid bleach and fabric softener — softener clogs the loop structure
- • Iron on medium heat if needed — inside out to protect the face
- • Wash with similar textures to prevent snagging on zippers or hooks
- • Pre-wash before sewing or first wear to account for shrinkage
Cost
$$$$$
Budget-friendly
Shrinkage
May shrink 2-5% — wash cold
Eco Rating
Moderate impact — consider eco alternatives