French Terry vs Fleece: What's the Difference?
Key Takeaways:
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French terry is lighter, more breathable, and better suited for transitional layering and everyday movement.
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Fleece is warmer, heavier, and ideal for colder conditions and comfort-focused loungewear.
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Choosing between French terry vs. fleece depends mostly on temperature, activity level, and how you want a piece to feel throughout the day.
Both of these low-maintenance materials are considered knit fabrics and offer comfort, softness, and style, and their casual vibe makes them best suited to running errands or heading to and from the gym.
Both French terry fabric and fleece are soft and don’t require extensive care, but there are also distinctive differences between the materials that impact their weight, moisture-wicking capabilities, breathability, and appearance. Although you’ll be comfortable no matter which material you choose for your clothing, what is the difference between them and how should you decide which is right for you?
What are knit fabrics?
Knit fabrics are different from woven fabrics in terms of both the technique for weaving the material together as well as the stretch offered by each fabric. Woven fabrics involve weaving straight threads of yarn together, creating a pattern that looks similar to a picnic basket or checkerboard; woven fabrics usually do not have much give or stretch.
By contrast, knit fabrics use interconnecting loops that reduce fraying and give the fabric additional ability to stretch. Knit fabrics are highly popular for use in clothing, as they enhance the wearer’s comfort by allowing the clothing to stretch and move with the wearer’s body. Each of the dozens of different types of knit fabrics has different qualities and a different amount of stretch, but two of the most popular types include French terry fabric and fleece.
French terry and fleece are single knit fabrics, which mean they consist of a single yarn that is knitted together with loops. Double knit fabrics utilize two layers of single knit fabric and weave them together to create an intermeshing pattern, while warp knits create a zigzag pattern using multiple loops of yarn that are knit together. These fabrics typically have more stretch than double knits or single knits.
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Riverwalk French Terry Sweatshirt 2.0 |
What is French terry fabric?
French terry fabric is a soft, comfortable fabric that is usually made mostly or entirely of cotton. French terry fabrics are frequently made of 100 percent cotton, but they can also be created by blending cotton fibers with a small amount of spandex, lycra, rayon, or polyester, as well as organic soy or cotton fibers.
French terry fabric first came into use beginning in the 1980s, and it has since become extremely popular, so it is likely that most people in the United States have at least one article of French terry clothing in their closet without even knowing it. As noted above, French terry fabric is a knit fabric; similar to jersey fabric, another popular knit, the material has loops of yarn on one side of the fabric and soft piles of yarn on the other.
French terry is commonly used in sweatpants and sweatshirts, where the soft piles of yarn are on the inside of the fabric where the material touches the body, and the smoother side of the fabric is on the outside of the garment. The comfortable, plush, soft texture perfectly suits loungewear basics like sweatpants and cozy sweatshirts.
As a midweight fabric, French terry has a heavier weight than the material used to make most t-shirts, but it is lighter than the fabrics that would be used to make sweatpants or joggers suitable for cold weather. The fabric is highly versatile and can keep you cool in warmer weather or warm in cooler weather.
Shop the tasc French Terry Collection
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Stadium French Terry Sweatshirt |
What is fleece fabric?
Fleece fabric, often called sweatshirt fleece, is another popular material used to make loungewear and casual clothing like sweatshirts and sweatpants. Like French terry fabric, yarn loops are created on the back side of the fabric when fleece is made, and this becomes the inside of the garment. However, the main difference between the two fabrics occurs during the manufacturing process.
When making fleece material, the yarn loops are shredded and cut up, which creates the soft, fuzzy feeling many people associate with sweatshirts and sweatpants. This makes the fabric warmer and less breathable than French terry fabric. Some people confuse the two because both fabrics are commonly used to make sweatshirts and sweatpants or joggers.
How Do French Terry and Fleece Compare?
At tasc Performance, fabric decisions usually start with one question: when will someone wear this most? That question is where the difference between French terry vs. fleece becomes clear.
French terry sits in the middle. It offers softness without bulk, warmth without overheating, and structure that works across more situations. It feels breathable, flexible, and easy to layer, which makes it a natural choice for movement, travel, and everyday wear.
Fleece leans toward insulation. It traps warmth, creates a plush interior, and delivers that classic cozy feeling people reach for in colder weather. The texture is softer in a fuzzy way, while French terry feels smoother and more breathable against the skin.
Neither fabric is better overall. They solve different comfort problems. French terry supports versatility. Fleece prioritizes warmth.
Sustainability
Sustainability conversations around French terry vs fleece often come down to fiber choice and manufacturing methods.
French terry is frequently made from natural fibers like cotton or blended with materials that support breathability and longevity. When produced thoughtfully, these fabrics can reduce overconsumption because they remain wearable across seasons and situations.
Fleece varies more. Traditional fleece is often synthetic, which can improve durability and insulation but raises environmental concerns about microfibers and long-term wear. That said, recycled fleece options continue to improve and play an important role in reducing material waste.
From our perspective at tasc, sustainability is less about the category and more about how the fabric is made. Blends that extend lifespan, reduce replacements, and support daily wear tend to have the most meaningful impact.
Moisture-Wicking
French terry and fleece fabrics are both extremely comfortable, but that doesn’t mean you’ll necessarily want to do an intense workout in either one. When comparing moisture-wicking capabilities, French terry fabric has the advantage.
Because of the way the fabric is made, leaving yarn loops on the inside of the fabric, French terry fabric is considered somewhat moisture-wicking and breathable, especially when compared to fleece. However, most people prefer to wear French terry fabrics as part of their loungewear, as the material is not as well suited to the sweat and intensity of workouts as other fabrics that are specifically designed as active wear, such as our bamboo performance fabrics.
Warmth
Both French terry and fleece will keep you warmer than the fabric used to create a t-shirt or workout clothes, but there are some distinct differences between the two fabrics. In general, French terry fabric is more of a midweight fabric and is lighter weight than fleece, which is generally considered a heavy weight fabric. Because of the way that sweatshirt fleece is manufactured, the material is not as breathable as French terry fabric and does not have moisture-wicking properties, which means it will likely keep you warmer.
French terry fabric is manufactured in a way that allows it to maintain breathability and moisture-wicking properties, so it keeps the wearer cooler. However, there is variation within each material, and it is possible to find heavier weight French terry items and lighter weight fleece.
As a rule of thumb, French terry is likely to keep you cooler than fleece, which will keep you warmer than French terry. However, which fabric to wear will depend on both the weather/environment and the person, as each person prefers to maintain a different temperature.
When temperatures are cool but not cold, the average person is more likely to be comfortable in French terry than sweatshirt fleece. On the other hand, people who are frequently chilly or feel colder than others are more likely to be comfortable in sweatshirt fleece in these temperatures.
By contrast, a person who usually feels warmer than others will want to opt for a lighter weight fabric like French terry which will keep you cool in warmer temperatures and warm in cooler temperatures.
Use Cases
French terry is a highly versatile fabric that can be worn in many different situations, while sweatshirt fleece is predominantly used to create loungewear like sweatpants or sweatshirts. French terry may be used in some activewear, particularly clothing that is worn to cover up gym clothes or stay warm after a workout, but it is also used in casual separates that are good for running errands or hanging out on the weekend.
French terry fabric is commonly used to make everything from sweatpants to pullovers, hoodies, and shorts, so most people are likely to find at least one piece of French terry in their closets. On the other hand, sweatshirt fleece is used entirely to make casual clothing and especially loungewear like sweatshirts and sweatpants.
The thick, heavy nature of the fabric, as well as its casual look, means that fleece is not suited to more tailored pieces that would be worn on a night out or business occasion. Both fabrics are mostly used in casual clothing and are best suited to casual purposes like running errands, relaxing, or on the way to and from the gym.
Durability
Both French terry and fleece perform well over time, but they age differently.
French terry tends to hold its structure longer because the looped interior remains intact. The fabric keeps its shape, maintains a clean exterior, and withstands repeated washing. This makes it especially reliable for pieces worn frequently across different settings.
Fleece prioritizes softness, which can change slightly with heavy wear. High-quality fleece maintains performance, but lower-weight versions may show pilling sooner due to the brushed surface.
In practical terms, French terry often feels more stable long-term, while fleece focuses on immediate comfort and warmth. The right choice depends on whether a garment will rotate through daily wear or serve as a colder-weather staple.
Wrinkle-Resistance
If you love fabrics that are easy to wash and wear, French terry and sweatshirt fleece certainly meet the mark. Both French terry and fleece are wrinkle resistant as a result of the inherent qualities of natural fabrics and their natural stretch. Although any fabric will wrinkle in the right situation, like if left to dry in a pile at the bottom of your closet, French terry and fleece are about as wrinkle resistant as they come and will stay wrinkle free with minimal effort. Wrinkles can usually be removed by placing the articles of clothing in the dryer for a few moments.
Maintenance
Both French terry and fleece fabrics are extremely low maintenance when it comes to cleaning. There’s no need to dry clean, hand wash, or follow special washing instructions for either fabric. Both types of fabric can be washed in the washing machine (ideally in cold water) and should be tumble dried on low for best results.
The Wrap-Up
French terry vs fleece is less about choosing a winner and more about choosing a feeling.
French terry supports movement, layering, and everyday flexibility. It works when temperatures shift, when plans change, and when comfort needs to move with you.
Fleece delivers warmth first. It creates that instant cozy experience people want in colder environments, slower routines, and comfort-focused moments.
At tasc Performance, both fabrics have a place because real wardrobes need range. Some days call for breathable structure. Others call for warmth you can feel immediately.
Understanding the difference makes it easier to build pieces you actually wear, not just pieces you own.
FAQs
What is french terry?
French terry is a knit fabric known for its smooth exterior and looped interior, creating a balance between softness, breathability, and lightweight warmth. It is commonly used in hoodies, joggers, pullovers, and transitional activewear designed for everyday comfort.
What is fleece?
Fleece is a knit fabric that is brushed on the inside to create a soft, fuzzy texture that traps heat. It is widely used for sweatshirts, outer layers, and cold-weather loungewear because it provides strong insulation and a cozy feel.
Is french terry or fleece better?
Neither is universally better. french terry is typically better for versatility, layering, and moderate temperatures, while fleece is better for colder weather when warmth is the priority. The best choice depends on climate, activity level, and personal comfort preference.
Discover the unmatched comfort of French terry
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