What is French Fabric?
French terry is a unique knit fabric designed with a special looped technique to make it comfortable and soft. It has a smooth side and a soft, looped texture on the other. This is what makes it unique from other fabrics. French terry fabric is often used in sweatshirts, hoodies, and casual wear because it makes the body feel comfortable without retaining heat. This fabric is made from a combination fabrics is made from a combination of natural cotton and polyester. If you are wearing 100% cotton French terry, it will be more breathable and attractive. Polyester mixed French terry fabric will be more durable and wrinkle-resistant.
Distinctive Features of French Terry Fabric:
French Terry is very popular in the fashion and sportswear industry due to its unique texture and features. Its inner surface is soft and looped. This feature not only makes this fabric comfortable but also gives the wearer a sense of comfort. It is neither too rough nor too heavy. Therefore, it can be used in daily wear. This fabric allows air to pass through its fibres easily, which allows sweat to dry quickly. Most French terry fabric is lightweight and feels comfortable to wear. 100% French terry absorbs moisture from the skin and transfers it to the outer surface, where it evaporates. The body feels dry and fresh. This is why it is also preferred in sportswear. This fabric is versatile in terms of every season because it is neither too hot nor too cold. It is suitable for all seasons. Due to the knit construction, this fabric naturally stretches and gives a comfortable fit. This fabric is better to machine wash, it does not wrinkle, and it’s easy to care for.
History of French terry:
French terry is a fabric that became popular worldwide due to its soft texture, comfortable feel, and breathability. The foundation of this fabric was laid in the mid-nineteenth century when French artisans introduced a new style of knitting. This knitting was unique in that small loops were made on the inside of the fabric, which not only made it soft but also maintained body heat in a better way. Although the first attempts to make this fabric were made by French artisans, the credit for commercially introducing it to be the world goes to some clothing factories in Britain and America, who started producing this fabric in large quantities in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. During the 20th century, especially between 1920 and 15950, French terry began to be used in sports clothing. This was the period when people started preferring comfortable clothes in their daily wear as well, and French terry firmly established its place.
Benefits of French Terry Compared to Other Fabrics:
If French terry is compared with other popular fabrics such as fleece, cotton, and polyester. It proves to be better in many ways, such as:
• More Moisture Wicking Compared to Cotton: Cotton absorbs sweat but does not dry it quickly. While French terry absorbs moisture and transfers it to the outer surface so that it evaporates into the air. Due to this, sweat dries quickly.
• Most Breathable Compared to Fleece: Fleece is made to retain heat. While French terry allows air to pass through its fibres easily. Therefore, the body feels more refreshed and comfortable.
• Most Natural Compared to Polyester: If French terry is made of 100% cotton, it is more absorbent. While polyester consists of a synthetic fiber, it can produce more sweat.
• Can be worn in Every Season: Some fabrics are suitable for specific seasons only. But French terry can be worn comfortably in both hot and cold seasons.
Disadvantages of French Terry Compared to Other Fabrics:
Although it is a versatile fabric. But it has some drawbacks. Which are important to know before buying:
• Potential for Shrinkage: 100% cotton French terry can shrink when washed in hot water. If you want to prevent the fabric from shrinking. It is better to wash in the normal or cold water.
• Absorbs more Water: Because this fabric has the ability to absorb moisture. Therefore, it becomes quite heavy when it absorbs more water. Then it also takes a lot of time to dry.
• Less Effective in very Hot Weather: Although this fabric is breathable, wearing it in high temperature makes you feel hot and people do not feel comfortable.
French Terry Care and Instructions:
Follow a few simple instructions to keep French terry durable and in good condition for a long time:
• Wash in normal or cold water.
• Avoid harsh chemical detergents so that the fabric does not get damaged.
• Machine washing can be used for washing.
• Do not bleach as it will spoil the color of the fabric and weaken the fabric fibers.
• Dry in shade or on low speed in the dryer.
• Use iron at low speed in the dryer.
What is GSM?
When we talk about checking the thickness, weight, and quality of a fabric, the first question that comes to mind is what is the GSM of this fabric? GSM means grams per square meter, i.e., the weight of one square meter of fabric in grams. This measurement tells us whether the fabric is light, medium, or thick.
• Lightweight French terry fabric is less than 200 GSM.
• Mid-weight French terry fabric is between 200 and 300 GSM.
• Heavyweight French terry fabric is between 300 and 465 GSM.
Importance of GSM:
GSM plays a very important role when we talk about a special fabric like French terry. This thing is very important in the following matters:
• Suitability of fabric for hot or cold weather
• Purpose of use (e.g., sports, fashion, daily wear)
• Identification of price and quality
• Choosing the right fabric according to customer needs. Example:
If someone wants to make a sweatshirt, sweatpants, trousers, or shorts for summer, then French terry with low GSM will be better. And if someone wants a warm and heavy sweatshirt or hoodie for winter, then French terry with high GSM will be the best choice.
Wide Range of Colors and Custom Dyeing:
We understand that colors add life to your clothes. That’s why we (Ascension International) always keep a stock of 15 to 18 different colors of French terry in our warehouse. Which includes traditional colors to modern and fashionable colors. You can choose any color according to your choice and need. If you do not find your favorite color in our current range, then don’t worry. We also provide the facility to custom-dye the fabric for you. We have an expert dyeing team, which will dye your desired color on the fabric with the best quality. We use high-quality dyes, which are durable and retain their shine even after washing.
5 Major Countries in the World that Produce French Terry:
• China: China produces French terry for all major brands worldwide.
• India: India is prominent in French terry production due to its high quality cotton.
• Pakistan: Pakistan holds an important position in the global market due to its quality textile products.
• Turkey: Turkey produces premium quality French terry for European countries.
• America: This country makes high-quality French terry especially for high fashion and sportswear.
FAQ's
Can you wear French terry in summer?
Yes. French terry can be worn in summer because it is a breathable and moisture-absorbing fabric. But lightweight French terry will be best in extremely hot and humid weather.
Does 100% cotton French terry shrink?
Yes, it can shrink if washed in very hot water. This problem can be reduced by washing it in cold water and drying it in natural air.
Is French terry fabric hot for summer?
No, it is not too hot. Since it allows air to pass through its fibers, it gives a comfortable feeling in normal temperatures.
Can French terry be prone to pilling?
If the fabric is of low quality, washed incorrectly, slept in this fabric, or this fabric is rubbed too much in one place. Then it can be prone to pilling, but good quality French terry lasts longer.
How should French terry be washed?
It should be machine washed in normal or slightly cold water. Use mild detergent and avoid drying in direct sun after washing.
Is French terry breathable?
Yes, it is a breathable fabric. 100% cotton French terry allows air to pass through its fibers.
Is French terry soft?
Yes, French terry is an extremely soft and comfortable fabric. Especially if it is made of 100% cotton.
Is French terry expensive?
It depends on the quality and brand of the fabric. Generally, it is available at a reasonable price, but some high-end brands of French terry can be more expensive.
Is French terry warm?
It provides moderate warmth, which makes it suitable for every season.
Is French terry polyester?
French terry is made from a combination of cotton and polyester. Completely 100% polyester French terry is not very attractive.
Is French terry useful for winter?
Although it is not as warm as fleece, it can be used as a sweatshirt, hoodies, and jackets in light winters.