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Writer's pictureShraddha Srivastava

Fleece vs. Terry Hoodies: Which Fabric is Right for Your Brand?


Fleece vs. Terry Hoodies: Which Fabric is Right for Your Brand?

If you’ve ever found yourself torn between two hoodie options, one fleece and one terry, wondering which fabric will best suit your brand, you're not alone. The world of hoodies is serious business—seriously cozy, that is. With a market worth over $1 billion and growing, it’s clear that people don’t just want any hoodie—they want the right hoodie. And the secret to that lies in the fabric.


Choosing between fleece and terry involves knowing which fabric matches your customers' needs. Do they crave warmth and softness to battle winter’s bite? Or do they want breathability and comfort after a workout? Well, sit tight (preferably in your coziest hoodie) because we're about to break down the fleece vs. terry debate so you can make the best decision for your brand.


Fleece vs. Terry: Feature Comparison


Now, let’s cut to the chase—here’s how fleece and terry stack up against each other in the great hoodie showdown:


- Warmth

Fleece: Imagine wrapping yourself in a warm hug from your favorite blanket—that’s the magic of fleece. Its dense, fluffy pile traps air like a pro, making it your go-to for cold weather. Whether your customers are braving the outdoors or just dealing with an overzealous office air conditioner, fleece has got them covered—literally.


Terry: Terry is like that friend who shows up with a jacket on a breezy day—not overly warm, but just enough to keep you comfortable. It offers moderate warmth, perfect for those in-between seasons when it’s chilly but not arctic.


- Breathability

Fleece: Sure, fleece is warm, but in the same way that an oven is warm—it retains heat like nobody’s business. While it wicks away some moisture, fleece can get a bit toasty if your customers are hitting the gym or jogging in the summer heat.


Terry: Terry fabric breathes easy, like that cool breeze on a spring day. Thanks to its looped texture, it allows air to flow freely, making it ideal for post-workout wear or active lifestyles. Your customers will appreciate how terry keeps them cool and dry, even when they’re working up a sweat.


- Texture

Fleece: Soft, plush, and oh-so-cozy. Fleece feels like wearing a cloud (assuming clouds are soft and not full of rain). It’s the perfect fabric for anyone who wants maximum comfort during long Netflix binges or cold mornings.


Terry: Terry has a softer side too, but it’s more like a gentle nudge compared to fleece’s bear hug. The looped texture on the inside provides comfort, while also making it super absorbent—ideal for those active moments when sweat is involved. Think of terry as your customers' personal towel disguised as a hoodie.



- Durability

Fleece: Fleece can take a beating. Whether it’s polyester or a blend, its tight weave and sturdy fibers make it resistant to abrasion and pilling, so it’s ready for the long haul.


Terry: Terry is a bit more delicate. Those loops that make it absorbent are also prone to pilling and wear over time. While it’ll serve your customers well, it may not last quite as long as its fleece counterpart.


- Environmental Impact

Fleece: Polyester fleece, being synthetic, is derived from petroleum, which isn’t exactly eco-friendly. But hey, it's durable, so fewer replacements might balance things out. Plus, there are recycled polyester options out there now! Cotton fleece, on the other hand, is natural and biodegradable—win-win!


Terry: Cotton terry is like nature’s gift to hoodie lovers. It’s breathable, biodegradable, and generally kinder to the planet. And if you want to go the extra eco mile, bamboo terry is a fantastic, sustainable option that combines softness with environmental responsibility.



The Versatility of Fleece and Terry: Bamboo and Blended Options


While fleece and terry are often associated with polyester and cotton, the world of fabrics has evolved, bringing some eco-friendlier and high-performance options into the mix. Bamboo-based fleece and terry, as well as blended fabrics, are gaining traction for their sustainability, softness, and unique qualities.


Bamboo Fleece and Terry: Bamboo fabrics are all the rage, and for a good reason. They’re not only eco-friendly but also incredibly soft and breathable. Bamboo fleece provides warmth similar to polyester fleece but with better breathability and a more sustainable profile. Bamboo terry, meanwhile, offers the same absorbency and softness as cotton terry but is hypoallergenic and naturally antibacterial. It’s a win-win for the environment and your customers’ comfort.


Blended Fabrics (Polyester-Cotton): For brands looking to balance the benefits of both polyester and cotton, blended fabrics are a great option. Fleece and terry blends often combine the warmth and durability of polyester with the breathability and softness of cotton, creating hoodies that are versatile, comfortable, and long-lasting.


Manufacturing Differences: Fleece vs. Terry


While the fabrics themselves have distinct features, the process of turning them into the perfect hoodie also varies slightly. Here’s a quick peek at how each fabric is crafted:


Fleece Manufacturing Process


  • Yarn Preparation: Fleece is usually made from polyester yarn, though cotton and bamboo are also options. The yarn is spun to the desired thickness and texture, ensuring it’s soft and insulating.

  • Weaving: The yarn is woven into fabric, typically using a plain or twill weave. After weaving, the fabric is brushed to raise the fibers and give fleece its signature softness and fluffy texture.

  • Finishing: Fleece may undergo treatments for water resistance or additional softening, depending on its intended use.

  • Cutting and Sewing: Once the fabric is ready, it's cut into patterns and sewn together to make hoodies.


Terry Manufacturing Process


  • Yarn Preparation: Terry fabric typically starts with cotton or a cotton-poly blend, though bamboo is becoming more popular. The yarn is spun to be soft and absorbent.

  • Weaving: Terry is usually woven in a pile weave, creating its signature loops that make the fabric so absorbent.

  • Finishing: The fabric may go through softening treatments to enhance comfort.

  • Cutting and Sewing: Similar to fleece, terry fabric is cut into patterns and sewn into the final hoodie form.



Which One Should You Choose for Your Brand?


At the end of the day, choosing between fleece and terry comes down to understanding your customers and their needs:


  • Go for Fleece if your customers are all about warmth, durability, and the feeling of a cozy, soft embrace. Fleece hoodies are perfect for winter collections or outdoor enthusiasts who need reliable insulation.

  • Opt for Terry if breathability, absorbency, and comfort are at the top of your customers’ priorities. Terry hoodies work great for activewear collections or post-workout gear, offering comfort in more moderate climates.

  • Consider offering a mix of both fabrics in your hoodie collection to cater to a broader audience—after all, variety is the spice of (fashion) life!


Hoodie Manufacturing in India: Why Choose NoName?


When it comes to turning your vision into reality, NoName is here to help. As a leading small-order and private-label clothing manufacturer in India, we specialize in crafting high-quality fleece and terry hoodies. Whether you're looking for cozy winter fleece hoodies or breathable terry options, we’ve got the expertise to ensure your garments meet the highest standards.


We offer flexibility in order sizes, personalized attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Our eco-friendly fabric options, including bamboo fleece and terry, allow you to keep up with the latest trends while promoting sustainability.


Hoodie manufacturer in India with fleece vs terry

Conclusion

Both fleece and terry fabrics bring something unique to the hoodie game. Whether you’re prioritizing warmth, breathability, or sustainability, understanding the nuances of each fabric can help you make informed choices that resonate with your customers.


Looking to elevate your hoodie collection? Partner with NoName for top-quality fabrics and expert manufacturing. Reach out today to start your next hoodie project, and let us help bring your brand’s vision to life—one cozy, stylish hoodie at a time.


WhatsApp: +91-9717 508 508

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