EnglishIt can sometimes be difficult to understand the difference between one fabric and another because many fabrics have similar textures, characteristics, and appearances. However, knowing the nuances between your material options can help you make informed choices when dressing for the occasion and planning.
One of those materials you might not know is french terry brushed. While the name may sound unfamiliar, chances are you've encountered or even worn it at one point or another, as it's a popular choice for loungewear and activewear. So let's dive into the many benefits of terry cloth that can convince you to wear this fabric when choosing your clothing today.
What should you know about French terry?
French terry is a single-ply knit material, so it is stretchy and soft. However, the fact that it has a single knit weave also means it is made of a combination of loops and plush, the loops have a flat look (they face outwards) and the plush has a more textured look and feel (they face inwards) skin). As a result, French terry is sometimes confused with similar materials such as jersey, wool, and terry velvet. Still, it has a few distinct characteristics that, when combined, make for an excellent fabric to wear.
What are the advantages of wearing French terry?
1. Good elasticity
French terry has a noticeable stretch, which is one of the main reasons it's often confused with sweatshirts. Knitwear is often stretchy because the loop and loop design allow the fibers to move without damaging the shape, which is true for terry cloth. However, when you need maximum flexibility -- like when you're moving your body in a flexible way during a yoga class or dance practice -- you really can't go wrong with French terry. Fold, twist, crumple or pull and the material moves with you.
2. Environmental protection
To be clear, regular cotton is not the most environmentally friendly material, mainly due to the pesticides used on the plant and its reputation for requiring a lot of water. However, a sustainable alternative to cotton solves these problems: organic cotton. It's made without pesticides, and ethical cotton manufacturers can learn (and have been learning) to grow cotton with a fraction of the water.
We say cotton is an eco-friendly fabric because organic cotton is a natural fiber that is more sustainable than alternative synthetic materials used in clothing. The harvesting process is not complicated. Because cotton is highly heat and drought-tolerant, it uses less water in harvesting and production than some competitors. Manufacturers who follow simple ethical practices can make them more sustainable.
Organic cotton is vegan, biodegradable and renewable. The material can be turned into fabric by hand or machine weaving. Just make sure your terry cloth is made of organic cotton, then you'll know you're wearing an eco-friendly material.
3. Lightweight
Mid-weight fabrics such as terry will keep you cool and warm in different temperatures. French terry is lighter than traditional loungewear (like wool) used to help bind your waist, so it's perfect for intermediate weather.
If you want a light cardigan for a mild day, French terry is perfect for keeping you minimally warm without overheating. If the weather is warm and breezy, terry cloth is also the perfect choice for a lightweight jumper or soft breathable pants to keep the heat in and protect you from the cold.
4. Suitable for light exercise
French terry is absorbent enough for light to moderate workouts. Cotton absorbs up to twenty-seven times its weight and gets stronger when wet, so you don't need to worry about sweating when you're exercising in a terry. Of course, you may want to choose a thinner and lighter fabric than a terry for an ultra-intensive HIIT workout, but for light to moderate workouts, you can rest easy so your terry clothes will absorb the moisture.
5: Low maintenance cost
French terry is just as low maintenance as fabric. Instead of dry cleaning it as a delicate fabric, you can wash it as usual. You also don't have to worry about fraying if the seams aren't sewn.
Also, it is hard to tear because it is very elastic. So whether you're doing high knees, lunges, and splits or advanced yoga twists, French terry will keep you wearing it all safely.
Concord is a professional custom novelty fabric company, if you are interested in our products, please contact us.
