French terry vs fleece: the quick answer
Choose French terry when the brief calls for a cleaner loopback interior and a less fluffy hand. Choose brushed fleece when the brief calls for a softer, lofted interior and a warmer direction. Neither name defines fibre content, exact weight or quality, so buyers should approve the physical fabric and finished garment.
If 100% cotton is a fixed requirement for your Wincome Apparel project, start by reviewing our French terry options. If a brushed interior is essential, our brushed fleece options contain up to 80% cotton, so confirm whether a blend is acceptable. If both requirements are fixed, flag the conflict before sampling rather than assuming one fabric meets both. Send your target weight and preferred hand feel for a project-specific fabric review, and approve the actual composition and swatch.
Buyer comparison: French terry and brushed fleece
| Decision | French terry | Brushed fleece |
|---|---|---|
| Interior | Visible loops, less fluffy | Raised, soft pile |
| Seasonal direction | Often used for transitional or year-round layers | Often selected for colder-season warmth |
| Structure | Can feel clean and substantial without a fuzzy interior | Brushing adds loft; drape still depends on knit and composition |
| Key risk | Loop snagging or shrinkage | Shedding, pilling or uneven brushing |
| Decoration | Smooth face can support print and embroidery | Face can also support decoration; test stability and heat response |
What to put in the hoodie fabric specification
- Target GSM and tolerance
- Full fibre composition
- Usable width and knit structure
- Brushed or unbrushed reverse
- Shrinkage test method
- Colorfastness requirement
- Pilling or shedding requirement
- Approved hand-feel swatch
How to compare hoodie samples
Compare fabrics in the intended garment, not only as loose swatches. Record garment weight, drape, opacity, warmth, stretch recovery and dimensional change after laundering. Check the hood, pocket and rib because multiple fabric layers can feel much bulkier than the body panel.
Use the clothing GSM guide to define weight, then review custom hoodie manufacturing options before sending a sourcing brief.
Fabric structures and constructions to compare
Use the following verified products to compare how knit structure, lining and panel construction change the finished garment. Confirm fibre content, GSM and finish again during sampling.
- Warm and structured layers: 400GSM+ fleece-lined panelled hoodie
- Fleece zip option: 350GSM boxy fleece zip hoodie in 42% cotton / 58% polyester. Compare the brushed interior and boxy proportions on the physical sample before approving the fabric and fit.
- Textured or breathable surfaces: 325GSM waffle-knit cotton shorts and 245GSM honeycomb-mesh T-shirt
- Panel and yarn directions: cotton-blend color-block shorts and 305GSM yarn-dyed cotton T-shirt
If the sourcing brief includes environmental claims, review our sustainable manufacturing and claims policy before selecting materials or marketing language.