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French terry vs fleece
Both are knit fabrics for hoodies and sweats. French terry has small loops on the inside, so it is lighter and breathes. Fleece is brushed on the inside, so it is softer and warmer. Pick French terry for most of the year, and fleece for cold weather. We make hoodies in both, usually from 25 pieces per style and color.
- Hoodies from 25 pieces per style and color
- Ask us for swatches
- A sample before bulk
How they compare
From the outside they look alike. Turn them inside out and the difference is clear.
| Compared | French terry | Fleece |
|---|---|---|
| Inside | Small loops of yarn | Loops brushed into a soft, fuzzy pile |
| Warmth | Light to medium. It breathes. | Warmer. The brushed pile traps heat. |
| Feel | Smooth outside, textured loops inside | Smooth outside, soft and plush inside |
| Over time | The loops hold up well in the wash | The brushed pile can pill |
| Also called | Loopback | Brushed fleece, or sweatshirt fleece |
| Best for | Hoodies, sweatpants and shorts for most of the year | Hoodies, sweatshirts and joggers for cold weather |
What GSM means
GSM means grams per square meter. It is the weight of the fabric, and both French terry and fleece come in many weights. The higher the number, the heavier and thicker the fabric.
The Irregular hoodie and sweatpants, a client order, are 100% cotton French terry at 500 GSM. That is a heavyweight fabric.
Tell us the weight you want, or send a hoodie you like. We will match the feel on your sample.
Pick by season and feel
- Choose French terry for hoodies, sweatpants and shorts worn most of the year.
- Choose fleece for cold months, and for a soft, plush feel inside.
- Mix them if your line needs both. A fleece hoodie can go with French terry shorts. Each piece counts as its own style for the minimum.
- Feel them first. Ask us for swatches before your sample.
Our own designs
NOVA and SOLAR are fleece sets we designed. GRIT is a heavyweight acid washed crewneck, and VELOUR is a velour tracksuit with a plush finish. Want one like these? Ask for a quote.
Black fleece set with a chenille starburst in orange to magenta, and crystal rails down each leg.
Make one like this
One color gradient from hood to ankle, dyed into the fabric. The print and piping light up under a flash.
Make one like this
Heavyweight crewneck, acid washed, with a discharge printed seal on the back.
Make one like this
Burgundy velour jacket and pants with contrast piping and an embroidered logo.
Make one like thisQuestions buyers ask
What is French terry?
A knit fabric that is smooth on the outside, with small loops of yarn on the inside. It is soft, it breathes, and it is used for hoodies, sweatpants and shorts. It is also called loopback.
Is French terry warmer than fleece?
No. At the same weight, fleece is warmer, because its brushed inside traps more heat. French terry is lighter and breathes better, so it suits more of the year.
Is French terry the same as fleece?
No. Both are knits with loops on the inside. French terry keeps the loops as they are. Fleece has them brushed, which makes it fuzzy, softer and warmer.
What is loopback fabric?
Another name for French terry. The loops on the back of the fabric are left as they are, not brushed.
Is hoodie fleece the same as polar fleece?
No. Hoodie fleece is a knit, often cotton or a cotton blend, brushed on the inside only. Polar fleece is a polyester fabric brushed on both sides, used for jackets and blankets.
What does GSM mean?
GSM means grams per square meter. It is the weight of the fabric: the higher the number, the heavier the fabric. The Irregular hoodie on this page is 500 GSM.
Which is better for a heavyweight hoodie?
Both can be heavy. The Irregular hoodie on this page is 100% cotton French terry at 500 GSM. Tell us the weight and the feel you want, and we will match them on your sample.
Does fleece pill?
It can. The brushed fibers inside can loosen and form small balls over time. French terry's loops hold up better in the wash.
What is the minimum order for custom hoodies?
Usually 25 pieces per style and color, in French terry or fleece. You can mix sizes within that number.
Can I feel the fabric before I order?
Yes. Ask us for swatches of French terry and fleece. Then we make one physical sample of your hoodie, for $150 to $500 depending on the design, plus shipping.
Your request is ready
Send it to us on WhatsApp, or copy it into an email to sharknitsmfg@gmail.com.
What happens next
- We reply with questions and a quote.
- We make one sample for you to check.
- You approve it, and we make your order.
sharknitsmfg@gmail.com · +1 647 501 5424
Sharknits is a custom clothing manufacturer for brands in the US, with a factory in Lahore and a U.S. corporate office near Chicago.