French Terry vs Fleece Hoodies: Which Fabric Is Best for Your Streetwear Brand in 2026?

Choosing the right fabric is one of the most important decisions for any streetwear or private label brand. Two of the most common hoodie materials today are French Terry and Cotton Fleece, but both perform differently depending on season, style, and your audience.

This guide breaks down every difference so you can confidently choose the right fabric for your next drop.

What Is French Terry?

French Terry is a mid-weight knit fabric known for:

Loops on the inside

Smooth finish on the outside

Breathable and moisture-absorbing feel

Ideal for spring and summer hoodies

Recommended for lightweight streetwear, gym hoodies, and warm climates.

What Is Cotton Fleece?

Cotton fleece, commonly used in 280–450+ GSM hoodies, is known for:

Brushed interior (soft fleece)

Warm, thick structure

Extra insulation and premium feel

Perfect for fall/winter or heavyweight streetwear drops

It’s the fabric behind premium 450 GSM hoodies trending in 2026.

For more on heavyweight hoodie trends, read our article:

The Rise of Heavyweight Hoodies (400GSM+): Why Premium Brands Prefer Thicker Fleece

For readers who want to dive deeper into sewing techniques, fabric handling, and garment construction, Threads Magazine is one of the most trusted resources in the industry. Their expert tutorials and detailed guides make it easier to understand how different fabrics behave, how to achieve professional-quality stitching, and how to elevate overall craftsmanship. Exploring their articles can help both beginners and experienced creators refine their skills and stay updated with modern sewing practices.

French Terry vs Fleece Key Differences

1. Weight & Warmth

French Terry: 220–450 GSM (light–mid weight)

Fleece: 280–450+ GSM (heavyweight)

2. Streetwear Appeal

French Terry → Minimalist, relaxed, suitable for summer drops

Fleece → Oversized, warm, thick silhouettes, perfect for premium streetwear

3. Print Compatibility

French Terry: Great for screen printing & puff print

Fleece: Excellent for embroidery, chenille patches, and thick branding

See more on decoration methods here:

Screen Printing vs Embroidery: Best Decoration Techniques for Custom Hoodies in 2026

4. Cost & Production

French Terry is generally more affordable

Fleece costs more due to brushing and higher GSM

450 GSM fleece is premium-grade and highly demanded

Which Fabric Should Your Brand Choose?

Use French Terry if You Want:

Summer-friendly hoodies

Lightweight training or athleisure

Breathable, everyday wear

“French Terry is a versatile knit fabric often used in athleisure. According to MasterClass, French Terry offers excellent moisture absorption…”

Use Cotton Fleece if You Want:

Heavyweight premium streetwear

Oversized silhouettes

Maximum comfort and softness

High-end custom hoodies with embroidery

For up-to-date news, industry trends, and technical insights at the global scale, Textile World stands out as a highly respected resource. Their coverage of fiber innovation, production processes, and market developments helps readers understand not only fabrics themselves but how textile manufacturing impacts design, sustainability, and quality. Checking out their articles keeps you informed about what’s happening behind the scenes, valuable knowledge if you care about fabric sourcing, ethical production, or staying ahead in the apparel industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is French Terry good for hoodies?

Yes, it’s perfect for lightweight and breathable hoodies, especially for summer and activewear collections.

Is fleece warmer than French Terry?

Absolutely. Fleece is brushed and thicker, making it better for winter or premium heavyweight drops.

What GSM is best for French Terry hoodies?

220–320 GSM works best depending on whether you want lightweight or midweight.

What GSM is best for fleece hoodies?

350–450 GSM, with 450 GSM being the premium streetwear standard in 2026.

Final Verdict: Which Fabric Wins?

There’s no single winner,it depends on your brand style:

Streetwear (oversized / premium) → Choose fleece (350–450 GSM)

Athleisure, gym, summer drops → Choose French Terry (220–350 GSM)

Year-round essentials → Offer both

If you’re manufacturing or planning your next B2B collection, your choice should reflect your audience, climate, price point, and branding style.

CTA, Ready to Produce Your Custom French Terry or Fleece Hoodies?

At Brand Stuff, we manufacture:

Custom French Terry Hoodies

Heavyweight Fleece Hoodies (350–450+ GSM)

Oversized, boxy, cropped, and slim fits

Puff printing, embroidery, chenille, rubber patches

Private label + custom packaging

Low MOQs for startups

Bulk pricing for established brands

Get your custom quote today.

French Terry vs Fleece Hoodies: Which Fabric Is Best for Your Streetwear Brand in 2026