French Terry vs Fleece

French terry and fleece are the two dominant sweatshirt/hoodie knits, and the difference comes down to the reverse face. French terry leaves the loop yarns on the back unbrushed, so it is lighter (commonly 220–380 GSM), more breathable, smoother, and better for spring/autumn and warmer climates. Fleece takes a similar loop-back knit and brushes and shears the reverse (sometimes both sides) into a soft, fluffy nap that traps more air, making it warmer, heavier (often 280–450 GSM for cotton, or lightweight polar fleece) and cosier but less breathable and more prone to pilling.

Choose French terry for transitional-weather layers, structured joggers, and pieces where you want a cleaner drape and more breathability. Choose fleece for maximum warmth, loungewear cosiness, and cold-weather mid-layers — with cotton fleece for softness or polyester polar fleece for lightweight, quick-drying warmth. Both take print and embroidery well; both benefit from ring-spun yarns or anti-pill finishes to resist pilling.