What Is Fleece Fabric? French Terry vs Fleece for Hoodies and Sweatshirts

Fleece clothing manufacturers make some of the most requested garments in knitwear, hoodies, sweatshirts, joggers, and zip jackets, yet many buyers are unsure what fleece actually is, or how it differs from French terry. This guide explains what fleece fabric is, how cotton fleece and polyester fleece differ, when French terry is the better choice, and where fleece is made best, based on more than 20 years of producing fleece and terry garments in Tirupur.

What Is Fleece Fabric?

The word fleece covers two quite different fabrics. Cotton fleece, the fabric in most hoodies and sweatshirts, is knitted with small loops on the back, which are then brushed until they open into a soft, warm pile. It is usually cotton or a cotton-polyester blend. Polar fleece, often used by fleece jacket manufacturers for outdoor jackets, is a 100% polyester fabric brushed and sheared on both sides, very warm and quick-drying but less breathable. When brands ask fleece hoodie manufacturers for “fleece”, they almost always mean cotton or cotton-blend fleece, and that is what Tirupur is known for. Many brands exporting fleece hoodies from India choose Tirupur for exactly this reason.

French Terry vs Fleece

The French terry vs fleece question is one we are asked constantly, and the answer starts at the knitting machine: French terry and fleece start as the same fabric. The difference is the finish. French terry is left with its loops intact on the back, and fleece has those loops brushed. That one step changes how the garment feels, how warm it is, and when it should be worn.

For French terry cotton hoodie manufacturers and fleece producers alike, the weight is the other big decision. Oversized and heavyweight hoodies usually run in heavy terry or fleece around 400 GSM, as our guide to the GSM weights used for hoodies explains, and for the heaviest cuts, see our list of oversized clothing manufacturers.

Is Fleece Good for Gym and Sports Wear?

Fleece is excellent for warming up, travelling to training, and cooling down, because it traps warmth and feels soft against the skin. It is less suited to hard exercise itself, because the brushed pile holds heat and moisture. For a full training range, most brands pair fleece hoodies and joggers with lighter jersey or moisture-wicking pieces for the workout. For gym ranges, see our workout clothes factory page, and for fleece joggers, our list of jogger manufacturers.

What Fleece Clothing Manufacturers Make

For fleece hoodie manufacturers, most cotton fleece goes into hoodies and sweatshirts, then joggers and track pants, zip-up jackets, and loungewear sets. As fleece jacket manufacturers, knit factories typically make zip-through hoodies and cotton fleece jackets rather than technical outdoor shells. Cotton hoodie manufacturers and jersey hoodie manufacturers also use lighter single jersey for summer hoodies, which drape more but are far less warm. Some brands go further with inside-out designs, where the brushed or looped side is worn outward for texture. French terry cotton hoodie manufacturers see this most, since the unbrushed loops make an attractive outer texture. It can be done, but the seams must be finished neatly, usually with flatlock or cover stitching, and that extra finishing adds some cost and time.

Pilling: The Fleece Quality Test

Because fleece is brushed, it can pill more than unbrushed fabric, and pilling is the first thing customers notice after a few washes. The yarn is the biggest factor: combed cotton pills less than carded cotton, which is one reason we do not recommend going below combed, as our guide to the yarn used for knitting explains. Brushing intensity and finishing also matter, so approve a washed sample, not only a new one, before bulk.

Which Country Is Best for Heavy Cotton Hoodies?

For heavy cotton and cotton-blend fleece, India, and Tirupur in particular, is among the strongest sources, with soft combed-cotton fleece and French terry and a wide range of weights. Pakistan is also known for cotton fleece at volume. For 100% polyester polar fleece and very large volumes of synthetic fleece, China remains the main source. So the answer depends on the fibre: cotton-rich fleece points to India, polyester fleece points to China. UK brands can see our hoodie production for the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is fleece fabric?

Cotton fleece is a looped-back knit whose loops are brushed into a soft, warm pile, used in most hoodies and sweatshirts. Polar fleece is a different fabric: 100% polyester, brushed on both sides, and used mainly for outdoor jackets.

What is the difference between French terry and fleece?

French terry and fleece start as the same looped-back knit. French terry keeps its loops unbrushed, making it lighter and more breathable. Fleece has the loops brushed, making it warmer and softer. In other words, fleece is brushed French terry.

Which is better for hoodies, French terry or fleece?

French terry is better for spring, autumn, and warmer climates, and for breathable loungewear. Fleece is better for winter hoodies and heavyweight styles where warmth and softness matter most.

Can hoodies be made with inside-out stitching?

Yes. Inside-out designs show the looped or brushed side on the outside, but the seams need a neat finish, usually flatlock or cover stitching, which adds some cost and production time.

Which country is best for manufacturing heavy cotton hoodies?

For heavy cotton and cotton-blend fleece and French terry, India, especially Tirupur, is among the strongest sources, with Pakistan also known for cotton fleece. For 100% polyester polar fleece, China is the main source.