Французское махровое полотно или флис: выбор ткани для линейки худи

Ask a room of hoodie brands which fabric they use and you will get two answers: French terry and brushed fleece. They look similar from the outside, but they behave very differently on the body\u2014and the choice shapes your product's warmth, weight, season, and price point. Here is how buyers should think about it.

What Is French Terry?

French terry is a knitted fabric with loops on the back side and a smooth face. The loops create a soft, mid-weight fabric that breathes well.

Because the loops are unbrushed, French terry keeps a lighter hand and allows air to move. That is why premium streetwear and athleisure brands often choose it for year-round layering pieces.

What Is Brushed Fleece?

Brushed fleece starts as the same looped-back knit, but the loops are mechanically brushed open into a soft, fuzzy pile.

Brushing adds warmth and a luxurious interior feel, which is why heavyweight fleece hoodies dominate winter basics programs.

Head-to-Head: What Buyers Should Compare

Warmth and Season

Fleece wins for warmth. If your collection targets northern US winters, UK winters, or Canadian and Northern European markets, brushed fleece is the default. French terry suits transitional weather and indoor comfort.

Breathability and Comfort Range

French terry breathes better, so it works across a wider temperature range\u2014valuable for athleisure lines where customers wear hoodies to the gym and the office.

Drape and Silhouette

At equal GSM, French terry drapes a bit softer and more fluid. Heavyweight fleece holds a boxier, more structured shape\u2014the look most streetwear brands want for oversized fits.

Shrinkage and Care

Both fabrics shrink if not pre-shrunk. Always require shrinkage test reports (target under 5%) and check hand-feel after three washes\u2014cheap fleece can mat and lose its loft.

Printing and Decoration

Both print well on the face. For embroidery on the chest, heavyweight fleece gives a more premium result. For all-over prints, French terry's smoother surface accepts finer detail.

Cost

Fleece typically costs slightly more per kilogram and uses heavier weights, pushing unit cost up. Expect a 10\u201320% difference at the same quality tier.

Which One for Your Program?

Quality Checkpoints Before Bulk

Whichever you choose, verify these before committing:

Conclusion

French terry and fleece are not competitors\u2014they are seasonal siblings. Terry carries your transitional and athleisure story; fleece carries your winter and heavyweight story. Pick based on your market's climate, your silhouette, and your price architecture, and validate both with wash testing before bulk.

Key Takeaways for Buyers

Work with HONGTEX

HONGTEX is a vertically integrated knit textile manufacturer based in China, offering in-house knitting, dyeing, cutting, and finishing under one roof. From fabric development and sampling to bulk production and third-party quality inspection, we support brands, retailers, and trading companies across every step of the product journey. Contact our team today to discuss your project and receive a tailored quotation within 24 hours.