French Terry

A loop-knit fabric with a smooth exterior and soft, absorbent interior. Ideal for casualwear and loungewear, its lightweight structure and breathability make it perfect for sweatshirts and joggers.

What is French Terry?

French Terry is a type of knit fabric known for its soft texture and unique looped structure on the inside. It’s typically made from cotton or cotton-polyester blends and is widely recognized for its comfort and casual appeal.

French Terry fabric has loops on the inside and a smooth outer surface.
This fabric is slightly heavier than regular knits but still maintains a breathable quality.
Available in 100% cotton or a 60% cotton + 40% polyester blend, French Terry is versatile for many types of casual and activewear garments.
Unlike fleece, French Terry's loops are unbrushed, giving it a more lightweight, breathable feel.

A Closer Look at the Structure

Cotton Lycra knit fabric is a single-knit fabric with a smooth surface on one side and slightly textured loops on the reverse.

Looped Interior: The fabric’s inside features small, soft loops, which enhance moisture absorption and provide light insulation without excessive warmth.
Smooth Exterior: The outer surface of French Terry is smooth and flat, giving the fabric a polished look ideal for casual outerwear.
Moderate Thickness: French Terry fabric is thicker than single jersey but lighter than fleece, offering a balance between warmth and breathability.
Soft but Durable: The cotton or cotton-polyester blend makes the fabric soft against the skin while maintaining durability for frequent wear.

Benefits of Cotton Lycra knit fabric:

Exceptional Stretch and Recovery: Lycra ensures the fabric stretches and returns to its original shape without losing elasticity, perfect for form-fitting garments.
Breathable and Comfortable: Cotton's natural breathability and softness make the fabric ideal for everyday wear, even in warm weather.
Wrinkle-Resistant: The stretch properties help reduce wrinkling, so garments look neat even during active wear.
Moisture Absorption: Cotton fibers absorb moisture, keeping the wearer cool and comfortable.
Shape Retention: Lycra prevents garments from sagging or losing their shape, even after prolonged use or washing.
Durable and Long-Lasting: The cotton-Lycra combination results in a fabric that resists wear and tear while maintaining its quality over time.

Why French Terry is a Great Choice

Breathable Yet Insulating

French Terry provides mild insulation due to its looped interior, making it great for layering without causing overheating.

Moisture-Wicking

The loops on the inside help absorb moisture, which makes it suitable for activewear or loungewear.

Comfortable for All-Day Wear

Soft on the skin, French Terry provides comfort for both casual and athletic garments.

Lightweight Warmth

Offers warmth without being bulky, ideal for spring or autumn wear.

Flexible and Stretchy

French Terry offers good stretch, especially in cotton-polyester blends, allowing freedom of movement.

Durable and Easy to Care

The fabric holds up well after repeated washes, maintaining its softness and structure.

How French Terry Knit Fabric is Made

Feeding Yarn: Cotton or a cotton-polyester blend yarn is fed into the knitting machine.
Knitting Process: A circular knitting machine creates a looped structure on the fabric’s interior while keeping the outer surface smooth.
Loop Formation: During knitting, the inside yarns form unbrushed loops, which is what differentiates French Terry from fleece fabrics.
Finishing: After knitting, the fabric is processed for dyeing, pre-shrinking, and any other finishing treatments to enhance durability and comfort.

Popular Uses of French Terry

Sweatshirts and Hoodies: Its soft interior loops and smooth outer surface make French Terry perfect for cozy hoodies and sweatshirts.
Joggers and Pants: French Terry joggers provide comfort, flexibility, and light warmth, making them a staple for athleisure and casual wear.
Activewear: Ideal for workout tops or bottoms, as it absorbs moisture while keeping the body cool.
Loungewear: Comfortable and breathable, it’s often used for loungewear sets that combine style and comfort.

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