When developing custom hoodies for private label brands, fabric selection plays a critical role in comfort, structure, and production consistency. Among the most commonly used hoodie fabrics, French terry and fleece serve different purposes in manufacturing and product positioning. Understanding their differences helps brands choose the right fabric for bulk production.
What Is French Terry Fabric?
French terry is a knit fabric characterized by a smooth outer surface and looped yarns on the inside. It offers a balanced weight and breathable structure, making it suitable for lightweight and midweight hoodies.
From a manufacturing perspective, French terry is often chosen for garments that require:
- Clean surface appearance
- Moderate structure without bulk
- Versatility across multiple seasons
French terry hoodies are commonly used in transitional collections and layered designs.
What Is Fleece Fabric?
Fleece fabric is created by brushing the inner surface of knit cotton or cotton-blend fabric, resulting in a soft, insulating interior. This process increases warmth and thickness, making fleece ideal for colder conditions.
In hoodie manufacturing, fleece is selected when brands prioritize:
- Thermal insulation
- Plush hand feel
- Heavier garment weight
Fleece hoodies are widely used in fall and winter collections, as well as long-term core products.
French Terry vs Fleece: Key Differences in Hoodie Manufacturing
Feature | French Terry | Fleece |
Inner surface | Loop-back | Brushed |
Warmth | Moderate | High |
Breathability | Higher | Lower |
Structure | Balanced | More padded |
Seasonal use | Transitional | Cold-weather |
These differences affect not only how the hoodie feels but also how it performs in large-scale production.
How Fabric Choice Affects Hoodie Fit and Structure
French terry allows for a more flexible drape and lighter silhouette, making it suitable for relaxed or oversized fits without excessive bulk. Fleece, on the other hand, adds volume and weight, contributing to a more structured and substantial hoodie profile.
For brands planning bulk production, fabric choice influences pattern adjustments, size grading, and final garment weight.
Printing and Branding Considerations
Both French terry and fleece support screen printing and embroidery, but the fabric surface plays an important role in branding outcomes.
French terry provides a smoother surface for detailed prints
Fleece works well for embroidery but may require adjusted print techniques
Understanding these differences helps brands maintain consistent logo quality across production runs.
Choosing the Right Fabric for Bulk Hoodie Production
When selecting between French terry and fleece, brands should consider:
- Target season and climate
- Desired garment weight
- Fit and silhouette preferences
- Branding and logo application methods
Aligning fabric choice with product goals early in development reduces rework and ensures smoother bulk manufacturing.
How Fabric Selection Supports Custom Hoodie Manufacturing
From a manufacturing standpoint, offering both French terry and fleece options allows brands to diversify hoodie collections while maintaining standardized production processes. Clear fabric selection improves quality control and helps achieve predictable results across different order sizes.
Understanding fabric differences is essential for building scalable private label hoodie programs.
Related Products
- French Terry Hoodies
- Fleece Hoodies
- Heavyweight Hoodies
