French Terry Fabric Guide 2025: GSM, Uses & Comparison

French terry remains one of the most relied-on fabrics in apparel development thanks to its looped interior, smooth exterior, and breathable midweight feel. From premium hoodies to joggers and year-round athleisure, French terry offers versatility that aligns with 2025 consumer preferences for comfort, durability, and responsible sourcing.

This full guide breaks down the construction, GSM ranges, sustainability options, finishing behavior, and comparisons with fleece and jersey—providing apparel brands and sourcing teams the clarity needed to select the right French terry for new collections.

Related materials overview: Materials & Fabrics for Clothing Production

What Is French Terry?

French terry is a knitted fabric featuring soft loops on the inside and a smooth jersey surface on the outside. Unlike fleece, the loops remain unbrushed, giving French terry its breathable, medium-weight comfort without excess heat retention.

Key Characteristics

• Highly breathable for year-round use
• Soft, moisture-absorbent interior loops
• Smooth face ideal for printing and embroidery
• Comfortable with less bulk than fleece
• Suitable from lightweight layers to heavier sweats

How French Terry Is Constructed

French terry is made on circular knitting machines that form two distinct surfaces simultaneously: a loop-back interior and a smooth jersey-facing exterior.

Interior: Loop-Back Structure

• Enhances air circulation and moisture absorption
• Retains warmth without overheating
• Soft against the skin

Exterior: Smooth Jersey Surface

• Clean, flat face suitable for screen printing, DTG, and embroidery
• More refined surface than fleece
• Resists snagging and maintains shape

Common Fiber Types in 2025

• 100% cotton for comfort and breathability
• Organic cotton for lower environmental impact
• Cotton/poly blends for durability and reduced shrinkage
• Modal or TENCEL™ blends for drape and softness
• Bamboo viscose blends for a silky hand feel
• Elastane-infused blends for added recovery
• Recycled polyester blends for sustainability goals

GSM Guide: Choosing the Right Weight

GSM (grams per square meter) determines structure, warmth, and garment performance. The following ranges guide selection for specific product types.

GSM Range	Weight Class	Ideal Uses	Notes
180–220 GSM	Lightweight	Layering tops, spring hoodies, warm-climate apparel	Highly breathable and great for summer
230–280 GSM	Midweight	Joggers, shorts, all-season loungewear	Most versatile commercial range
300–350 GSM	Heavyweight	Premium hoodies and structured sweats	More body without the bulk of fleece

For additional GSM comparisons, see: Heavyweight Cotton GSM Guide

Ideal Product Applications

Hoodies

French terry is ideal for lightweight and midweight hoodies, offering a breathable feel with clean printability.

Joggers & Sweatpants

Structured yet comfortable, French terry joggers in 260–320 GSM are durable and drape well.

Shorts

French terry shorts provide body and softness, making them ideal for warm-weather sets.

Athleisure Tops

The moisture-handling properties support gym-to-street versatility and movement comfort.

Loungewear Sets

Soft loop-back interiors create elevated lounge silhouettes with long-term comfort.

Children’s Apparel

French terry is gentle, absorbent, and durable—perfect for active kids’ basics.

French Terry vs Other Fabrics

French Terry vs Fleece

Feature	French Terry	Fleece
Interior	Unbrushed loops	Brushed pile
Warmth	Medium	High
Breathability	High	Medium
Bulk	Low	Higher
Ideal Use	Year-round basics	Winter insulation

French Terry vs Jersey

Feature	French Terry	Jersey
Structure	Loop-back	Flat knit
Weight	Medium	Light
Typical Use	Hoodies, sweats	T-shirts
Warmth	Moderate	Low

French Terry vs Ponte

Feature	French Terry	Ponte
Type	Terry knit	Double knit
Feel	Soft & casual	Firm & structured
Use	Athleisure	Tailored garments

Dyeing, Washing & Print Compatibility

French terry supports a wide variety of dyeing and finishing techniques and maintains stability during washing when properly pre-shrunk.

Dye Methods

• Reactive dye
• Pigment dye
• Garment dye
• Silicone wash
• Enzyme wash
• Acid wash

Print Methods

• Screen printing
• Plastisol
• Puff print
• DTG printing (cotton-rich blends)
• Embroidery

Additional details: Dyeing Techniques Printing Techniques

Sustainability Options for 2025

French terry now comes in multiple low-impact variations aligned with responsible sourcing initiatives.

• Organic cotton French terry
• Cotton + recycled polyester blends
• Modal and TENCEL™ blends
• OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified yarns
• Low-impact dyeing and washing processes

More sustainability references: Sustainability & Ethics

External Certification Bodies

• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
• Textile Exchange

How to Choose the Right French Terry

1. Define the product type: Hoodies → 280–330 GSM Joggers → 260–320 GSM Shorts → 240–300 GSM Lightweight tops → 180–240 GSM
2. Select the fiber blend: Cotton for softness; cotton/poly for durability; Modal/TENCEL for drape; organic or recycled blends for sustainability targets.
3. Evaluate knit density: Denser knits pill less and hold shape better.
4. Choose finishing: Pre-shrunk, enzyme-washed, or garment-dyed French terry improves long-term garment quality.

Care Instructions for Consumers

• Wash cold and gentle
• Turn inside out to preserve the surface
• Avoid harsh detergents or bleach
• Air dry or tumble dry low
• Avoid high heat to reduce shrinkage

Additional Internal Resources

• Clothing Basics
• Materials & Fabrics

FAQs: Certification & Standards

What certifications can French terry meet?
French terry can meet OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 or GOTS when produced under appropriate certified conditions.

Is recycled French terry strong enough for activewear?
Yes. Certified recycled blends maintain durability and stability when sourced through responsible textile programs.

Does French terry require special compliance checks?
Most commercial French terry meets global standards such as CPSIA and REACH when sourced from compliant suppliers.

FAQs: Sourcing & Production

What GSM is best for premium hoodies?
280–330 GSM provides a structured, substantial feel without excessive weight.

Can French terry be garment-dyed?
Absolutely. Cotton-rich French terry takes garment dyes exceptionally well.

Is French terry suitable for streetwear?
Yes—its structure and printability make it ideal for modern oversized streetwear silhouettes.

FAQs: Materials & Care

Does French terry pill?
Denser knits and high-quality fibers greatly reduce pilling, especially in blends with polyester.

Is French terry warm enough for winter?
It provides moderate warmth. For colder climates, fleece is still the heavier option.

How can consumers maintain French terry?
Cold wash, gentle detergent, and low drying temperatures help preserve fabric structure.

If your brand is planning a new apparel program using French terry or certified materials, you can reach out through the request form to discuss sourcing options, GSM recommendations, and production timelines.

Submit a request here