French Terry

French terry is a knit with a smooth jersey-like face and small uncut loops on the back, produced by knitting in an extra yarn that forms those loops rather than being cut into a pile the way terry cloth toweling is. That looped back is what gives French terry its softness and light insulation without the bulk of a fleece, and the smooth face means it presses and prints more like a jersey than a napped fabric. Garment-weight French terry runs about 220 to 350 g/m², heavier than a t-shirt jersey but lighter than a brushed fleece.

The loop structure gives French terry two-way stretch with decent recovery, especially in versions blended with elastane, and enough body to hold its shape in a hoodie or jogger without feeling stiff. It's more breathable than fleece since the loops aren't brushed into a dense nap, which makes it a common choice for warmer-weather sweats and loungewear. Like other knits it doesn't fray, but it can curl at raw edges and needs a stretch-friendly seam.

French terry is the standard fabric for sweatshirts, hoodies, joggers, and casual loungewear that want some structure without full fleece weight. It sews with a ballpoint or stretch needle and a knit stitch or serger the same way jersey does, and ribbing is the usual partner fabric for cuffs, hems, and waistbands. The looped back can catch on rough skin or jewelry, so a smooth-front construction is worth considering for close-fitting seams.