Textile Dictionary: What is French Terry and why is it better than Fleece?
Have you ever bought a sweatshirt that looks amazing on the outside, but when you put it on it feels like you're wearing a plastic bag? It makes you sweat, it doesn't breathe, and after two hours it smells bad.
The culprit has a name: Polyester Fleece .
In the world of luxury streetwear, there's one standard that separates "fast fashion" brands from "premium" brands: the use of French terry . Today we'll explain why at CUOTTI we only use this fabric.
The Battle of the Interior: Loopback vs. Brushed
To know if a sweatshirt is good, don't look at the logo. Turn it inside out and look at the inside.
| Tissue | Inner Touch | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Fleece | "Fur" soft and brushed. | ❌ It clumps up with washing. ❌ Accumulates moisture (sweat). ❌ It makes balls quickly. |
| 🏆 French Terry | Yarn loops (Curl). | ✅ Breathable (Breathe). ✅ Rigid structure. ✅ It lasts for years intact. |
Why the French Terry 465 GSM is superior
French Terry is a weaving technique where the yarns form loops on the inner face. This structure creates a natural air chamber that regulates temperature.
At CUOTTI , we take this to the extreme using 465 GSM (Grams per Square Meter) .
This means our loops are denser and more compact. The result is a sweatshirt that:
- It has a "body": The hood stays up on its own.
- It doesn't feel oppressively hot: You can wear it on summer nights because the cotton is breathable.
- Absorbs moisture: Works almost like a luxury towel, keeping you dry.
💡 Expert Fact: Luxury brands like Balenciaga or Fear of God use French Terry for a reason: it's the only fabric that maintains the "Boxy" silhouette without sagging like a rag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: a sweatshirt with fleece or without fleece (French Terry)?
If you're looking for durability and breathability, French Terry is superior. Fleece is softer to the touch, but it ages much worse and loses its thermal properties after just a few washes.
What does GSM mean on a sweatshirt?
GSM stands for "Grams per Square Meter." The higher the number, the more fabric there is. A standard sweatshirt has 300 GSM. A CUOTTI Heavyweight sweatshirt has 465 GSM .
Feel the Difference
Stop sweating plastic. Switch to real cotton.
See GSM 465 Technology