If you're shopping fabric for hoodies, sweatpants, or anything cozy, you'll see "French terry" and "fleece" everywhere. They look similar from the outside. They feel different to wear and behave differently in production. Here's the breakdown.
French Terry
The inside has soft loops (not brushed). Outside is smooth jersey. Mid-weight, structured, drapes well.
Best for:
- Sweatshirts, hoodies, and joggers that need to look polished
- Spring/fall pieces (warm but not heavy)
- Anything where you want the print to sit clean (smooth outside)
Weight range: 280–450 gsm (we sell 450gsm — the sweet spot for premium streetwear)
What it feels like: like a really nice pullover. Not super fluffy, but soft enough that you'd grab it daily.
Fleece
Inside is brushed (not looped). Both sides can be brushed depending on the type. Lofty, fuzzy, traps a lot of warmth.
Best for:
- Winter hoodies, lounge wear, anything that needs to be WARM
- Cozy pieces where structure isn't the priority
- Outdoor stuff (great wicking)
Weight range: 280–500 gsm
What it feels like: blanket-soft. Bulkier silhouette than terry.
The honest difference
Pick French terry if you want a polished sweatshirt that holds shape.
Pick fleece if you want maximum warmth and don't care if it looks slouchy.
If you can't decide — French terry. It's the more versatile of the two and most premium streetwear brands use it for a reason. (Fear of God, Essentials, Acne — all heavy French terry shops.)
What we stock
We carry 450gsm French terry in 8+ colors (it's our top-seller). Plus brushed fleece, sherpa, and fleece-back jersey for warmer projects.
Got a specific project in mind? Email contact@kbmfabrics.store with what you're making and we'll point you to the right fabric.