When it comes to comfortable clothing, two fabrics that often come to mind are French Terry and Fleece. Both are incredibly soft and cozy, making them great choices for loungewear or activewear. But what exactly is the difference between these two materials?
French Terry and Fleece may look and feel similar, but their construction and uses vary. Understanding the differences between these fabrics can help you make informed choices when it comes to your clothing selection. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of French Terry and Fleece, and the factors that set them apart.
A Brief History of French Terry and Fleece
French Terry and Fleece are two types of fabrics with distinct characteristics. Both of them are widely used in the fashion industry and have a long history of popularity. The term “terry” refers to the weaving process that creates a fabric with loops on one or both sides, while a fleece is a knitted fabric made of synthetic or natural fibers.
French Terry has a long history of usage in French men’s fashion, dating back to the early 19th century. Originally, it was used to make sportswear and later, it became a popular choice for casual and everyday wear. Fleece, on the other hand, was invented in the 1970s by a company called Malden Mills. They developed synthetic fabric for outdoor wear, which later became a popular choice for sweatshirts and jackets. Today, French Terry and fleece have made their way into all types of clothing, and there is no sign of their popularity slowing down.
Comparing the Materials: French Terry vs Fleece
French Terry and Fleece are two popular fabrics used in the apparel industry. While both have been loved for their comfort, insulation, and soft feel, they have notable differences that set them apart.
French Terry is a light-weight knit fabric that features looped threads on the underside and flat threads on the outer side. The loops, often unbrushed, create small breathable pockets that offer insulation in cold weather. French Terry is often used in activewear, outerwear, and lightweight garments. On the other hand, Fleece is a synthetic knitted fabric that is fluffy and soft. It encompasses a brushed finish that creates insulation by trapping air between the fibers. Additionally, fleece is renowned for its moisture wicking properties.
In short, while both French Terry and Fleece have a soft texture, they differ in their weight, texture, and insulation properties. French Terry is on the lighter side and ideal for warmer weather, while Fleece offers better insulation and is great as a mid-layer in cold weather.
Benefits and Drawbacks of French Terry and Fleece
French Terry and Fleece are both popular choices for clothing, but each comes with its own benefits and drawbacks. The primary benefit of French Terry is that it’s lighter and more breathable than fleece, making it a perfect choice for spring and fall weather. The fabric also has a unique texture that is soft to the touch. This texture also provides a more natural look, making it a popular choice for casual wear.
On the other hand, Fleece is a bit warmer than French Terry, making it a better option for winter clothing. The fabric is known for its insulating properties, which help to keep you warm even when it’s extremely cold outside. Fleece is also soft and plush, which makes it comfortable to wear for extended periods. However, one drawback of fleece is that it can easily pick up lint and pet hair, which can be difficult to remove. Additionally, fleece can pill over time, which can make it look worn out.
Fashion and Style: Which Material is Best?
When it comes to fashion and style, both French Terry and fleece have their unique selling points. French Terry is often preferred for its knit texture, which lends itself well to a more sophisticated and stylized appearance. This makes it a popular choice for dressier athleisure and streetwear styles. Its softness and drape make it comfortable for day-to-day wear, while its ability to retain shape and structure provide a more polished look.
On the other hand, fleece is better suited for a more relaxed and casual style. Its plush texture and insulating properties make it perfect for cold weather garments like hoodies and sweatpants. Fleece also has a more rugged, laid-back look, which lends itself well to a streetwear and hip-hop inspired aesthetic. Ultimately, the choice between French Terry and fleece comes down to personal preference and the desired look and feel of the garment.
Caring for Your French Terry and Fleece Garments
When it comes to caring for your French Terry and Fleece garments, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Firstly, it’s important to read the care label on each item of clothing to ensure you are washing and drying it correctly. For both fabrics, it’s best to wash them in cold water on a gentle cycle. Use a mild detergent and avoid using fabric softeners as they can damage the fibers of the fabric.
When drying your French Terry and Fleece garments, it’s best to air dry them or tumble dry them on a low or no heat setting. Avoid using high heat as it can cause the fabric to shrink, become stiff, or lose its softness. If you must use a dryer, remove the garments promptly to avoid excessive wrinkling. By caring for your French Terry and Fleece garments properly, you can extend their lifespan and keep them looking their best for years to come.
Where to Buy French Terry and Fleece Clothing
When it comes to buying French terry and fleece clothing, you have a plethora of options to choose from. Brick and mortar stores like Target, Walmart, Old Navy, and H&M are the most common places to find these fabrics. They offer a wide range of products for women, men, and children in different sizes, colors, and styles.
However, if you’re looking for a more specialized and high-quality selection, you can browse through online stores like Amazon, Nordstrom, Athleta, and Gap. These websites have a vast range of options, and you can quickly sort by your size, color, and style preferences. There are also many boutique shops that specialize in activewear and loungewear made from French terry and fleece fabrics, offering a unique and elevated shopping experience. Whether you’re shopping in-person or online, there are plenty of stores to choose from when looking for French terry and fleece clothing.
Other Types of Comfortable Fabric to Consider
If you’re looking for comfortable fabrics beyond French Terry and fleece, there are a few other options to consider. One of these is jersey fabric, which is a thin, lightweight material known for its softness and stretchiness. It is commonly used for t-shirts and other casual wear.
Another type of comfortable fabric is modal, which is made from beech tree pulp. It is known for its silky feel and draping qualities. Modal is often used in loungewear and underwear, but it is also suitable for shirts, dresses, and skirts. Both jersey and modal fabrics are breathable and easy to care for, making them perfect choices for those who want to be comfortable without sacrificing style.
The Conclusion
In conclusion, it can be said that French terry and fleece fabrics are both popular materials used in the fashion industry for their comfort and versatility. While both fabrics share the characteristic of being comfortable and warm, they have noticeable differences that set them apart. French terry is a lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric that is perfect for wear during warm conditions, whereas fleece is a heavyweight, plush fabric that provides superior warmth and insulation.
Furthermore, while French terry is used primarily for activewear and sports clothing, fleece is used in a variety of other garments as well, including jackets, hoodies, and blankets. Despite their differences, both fabrics are loved for their soft texture, breathability, and durability, making them an ideal choice for those seeking to stay comfortable and stylish in any weather condition.