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French Terry

What is French terry fabric?

French terry is a knitted fabric with a smooth front and a looped back. The loops on the inside give the fabric volume, softness and a comfortable feel without making it as warm or bulky as brushed sweat fabric. Because it is knitted, French terry usually has natural flexibility and moves well with the body.

French terry is often used for relaxed garments that need comfort, structure and moderate warmth. It works well for sweaters, hoodies, jogging trousers, dresses and children’s clothing.

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Specifications

  • Construction Knit fabric, loops on the inside and smooth on the outside
  • Composition 80–100% cotton, often blended with 20% polyester or 5% elastane
  • Fabric weight Within the Nooteboom Textiles range, we mainly see French Terry between 200-280 g/m²
  • Stretch Moderate widthwise stretch, 20–40%; more with elastane
  • Abbreviations CO = cotton, PES = polyester, EL = elastane
  • Appearance Casual, soft hand feel, slightly draped fall

What are the properties of French Terry?

French Terry is made as a knitted loopback construction, with a relatively smooth face and visible loops on the reverse. The loops create extra volume and hold some insulating air while keeping the fabric less bulky than strongly brushed fleece. Cotton provides softness and moisture absorption, while elastane can improve stretch and recovery. Some French Terry qualities are brushed on the reverse, producing a softer and warmer surface than classic loopback French Terry.

How does French Terry feel?

French Terry usually feels soft, flexible and moderately substantial without being excessively thick. The outer side is relatively smooth, while the looped reverse gives the fabric a more tactile and cushioned feel.

Brushed French Terry feels softer and warmer on the inside because the loops are raised during finishing. Cotton-rich qualities generally have a natural, comfortable hand feel, while elastane adds a more elastic response.

Applications

  • Hoodies and sweaters
  • Jogging bottoms and tracksuits
  • Children’s sweaters and rompers
  • Casual dresses and skirts
  • Sportswear, if it contains elastane

Wash instructions

Washable at 40°C. Wash inside out to reduce pilling. Can be tumble dried at low temperature. Ironing is not necessary.

Certifications

OEKO-TEX Standard 100 available. GOTS variants available with organic cotton.

Practical Tip

Use French Terry with elastane, such as 95% CO / 5% EL, for sporty, well-fitting garments. Pure cotton French Terry is ideal for loose-fitting, comfortable hoodies.

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Written by

Dave Van der Steen Nooteboom Textiles

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