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

If you’ve ever been stuck deciding between a fleece and a terry hoodie, you’re not alone. The hoodie market is booming, worth over $1 billion and continuing to grow. People aren’t just looking for any hoodie; they want the perfect one. The secret? It all comes down to the fabric.

Choosing between fleece and terry requires understanding what your customers need. Do they want warmth and softness to fight off the cold? Or do they prefer breathability and comfort after a workout? Don’t worry—we’ll break down the fleece vs. terry debate so you can make the best choice for your brand.

Fleece vs. Terry: Feature Comparison

Here’s a simple comparison of fleece and terry fabrics in the hoodie world:

• Warmth Fleece: Imagine wrapping up in a cozy blanket—that’s fleece for you! Its fluffy texture traps air well, making it ideal for cold weather. Whether your customers are outside in winter or dealing with an overly chilly office, fleece has them covered. Terry: Terry is like that friend who brings a light jacket on a breezy day—not too warm, but just right. It offers moderate warmth, perfect for those cooler seasons when it’s not freezing but still a bit chilly.
• Breathability Fleece: While fleece keeps you warm, it can also trap heat like an oven. It does wick away some moisture, but it may get too hot for customers who are exercising in warmer weather. Terry: Terry breathes easily, letting air flow through thanks to its looped texture. This makes it great for post-workout wear or for people who are active. Your customers will appreciate how terry keeps them cool and dry, even when they're sweating.
• Texture Fleece: Soft, plush, and incredibly cozy, fleece feels like wearing a cloud. It’s the go-to fabric for anyone wanting maximum comfort for lounging or staying warm. Terry: Terry is soft too, but it’s gentler compared to fleece. Its looped inside offers comfort and absorbency, making it ideal for those active moments when sweat comes into play.
• Durability Fleece: Fleece is tough and durable. Whether made from polyester or a blend, its tight weave helps it resist wear and tear, ensuring it lasts a long time. Terry: Terry is more delicate. Its loops, which make it absorbent, can wear down and pill over time. While it’s great for comfort, it may not last as long as fleece.
• Environmental Impact Fleece: Polyester fleece is synthetic and comes from petroleum, which isn’t the best for the environment. However, it lasts longer, which could balance things out. Plus, recycled polyester options are available! Cotton fleece is natural and biodegradable, making it a better choice for eco-conscious brands. Terry: Cotton terry is a great option because it’s breathable and biodegradable. For an even more eco-friendly choice, bamboo terry is becoming popular for its softness and sustainability.

The Versatility of Fleece and Terry: Bamboo and Blended Options

Fleece and terry aren’t just about polyester and cotton anymore; there are more eco-friendly and high-performance options now available. Bamboo fleece and terry, as well as blended fabrics, are becoming popular for their sustainability and softness.

• Bamboo Fleece and Terry: Bamboo fabrics are trendy because they’re soft, breathable, and good for the environment. Bamboo fleece keeps you warm while being more breathable and sustainable than traditional polyester fleece. Bamboo terry is absorbent and hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for comfort and eco-friendliness.
• Blended Fabrics (Polyester-Cotton): Blended fabrics mix the benefits of polyester and cotton. Fleece and terry blends combine the warmth and durability of polyester with the softness and breathability of cotton, creating versatile hoodies that last.

Manufacturing Differences: Fleece vs. Terry

How fleece and terry hoodies are made differs slightly, too. Here’s a quick look:

Fleece Manufacturing Process

1. Yarn Preparation: Fleece typically starts with polyester yarn, but cotton and bamboo can also be used. The yarn is spun for the right softness and thickness.
2. Weaving: The yarn is woven into fabric, usually with a plain or twill weave. The fabric is brushed to create fleece's soft and fluffy texture.
3. Finishing: Fleece may get treatments for water resistance or extra softness, depending on its use.
4. Cutting and Sewing: Finally, the fabric is cut into patterns and sewn together to create the hoodies.

Terry Manufacturing Process

1. Yarn Preparation: Terry often starts with cotton or a cotton-poly blend, but bamboo is becoming more popular. The yarn is spun for softness and absorbency.
2. Weaving: Terry is woven in a pile weave, forming loops that make it absorbent.
3. Finishing: The fabric may go through treatments to enhance comfort.
4. Cutting and Sewing: Similar to fleece, terry is cut into patterns and sewn into hoodies.

Which One Should You Choose for Your Brand?

Choosing between fleece and terry comes down to knowing your customers:

• Go for Fleece if your customers prioritize warmth, durability, and that cozy feeling. Fleece hoodies are perfect for winter collections or outdoor enthusiasts needing reliable insulation.
• Opt for Terry if breathability, absorbency, and comfort are essential. Terry hoodies are great for activewear collections or post-workout gear, offering comfort in moderate climates.

You might also consider offering both fabrics in your hoodie line to appeal to a wider audience—variety is key in fashion!

Hoodie Manufacturing in India: Why Choose NoName?

When you want to bring your hoodie vision to life, NoName is here to help. As a leading sustainable clothing manufacturer in India, we specialize in creating high-quality fleece and terry hoodies. Whether you need cozy winter fleece or breathable terry options, we have the expertise to ensure your garments meet top standards.

We offer flexibility in order sizes, personalized attention, and a commitment to quality. Our eco-friendly fabrics, including bamboo fleece and terry, help you stay trendy while promoting sustainability.

Conclusion

Both fleece and terry fabrics offer unique benefits for hoodies. Understanding the differences can help you make choices that resonate with your customers.

Ready to enhance your hoodie collection? Partner with NoName for quality fabrics and expert manufacturing. Contact us today to start your hoodie project, and let us help bring your brand's vision to life—one cozy, stylish hoodie at a time!