What is French Terry? The Complete Guide on Sweatshirt Fabric
![](https://theclassictshirt.com/cdn/shop/articles/306A3932.jpg?v=1673548993&width=2400)
French terry was introduced in the 19th century, but the rise in high-end athleisure wear has brought this textile to the forefront of fashion since the millennium. Celebs like J.Lo have rocked French terry tracksuits in music videos, while Ariana Grande and Billie Eilish both love donning oversized hoodies in this material. Dressed up with knee-high boots, or dressed down with high-top sneakers, this is a truly versatile trend that embraces a laid-back spirit and looks effortlessly cool. What is French Terry? French terry comes from the French verb ‘tirer’, meaning ‘to pull’. Manufacturers developed a technique in the mid-1800s where they pulled long knots of silk through dense, woven pieces of cloth to become terrycloth. This evolved into French terry, which is looped on one side of the fabric, leaving a smooth and soft surface on the loopless end.
French terry was introduced in the 19th century, but the rise in high-end athleisure wear has brought this textile to the forefront of fashion since
![](https://theclassictshirt.com/cdn/shop/products/TCTC01_BLACK_2_691a236a-28b6-4a95-b4d7-b50822eee1d0.png?v=1660989624&width=1800)
A Global Movement to End the Global Water and Sanitation Crisis
![](https://gbny.com/cdn/shop/products/air-jordan-air-jordan-6-17-23-toddler-28456017068128_2000x.png?v=1642017650)
Boys' Jordan Shoes, 59% OFF
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0038/1111/5123/files/CLOSE_UP_CLASSIC_1.jpg?v=1704560926)
What is French Terry? The Complete Guide on Sweatshirt Fabric
![](https://theclassictshirt.com/cdn/shop/articles/robertoamadocattaneo_8.jpg?v=1673389840&width=2048)
Stories
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0038/1111/5123/files/HOg7FZXA_600x600.jpg?v=1644252009)
What is French Terry? The Complete Guide on Sweatshirt Fabric
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0038/1111/5123/files/The_Classic_Tshirt_French_Terry_Sweatsuit_600x600.jpg?v=1644251741)
What is French Terry? The Complete Guide on Sweatshirt Fabric
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0038/1111/5123/files/REGULAR_CLOSE_UP.jpg?v=1704560926)
What is French Terry? The Complete Guide on Sweatshirt Fabric
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0038/1111/5123/files/SLIM_OG.jpg?v=1704560926)
What is French Terry? The Complete Guide on Sweatshirt Fabric
![](https://neotrims.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/n10976-LoopBack-DSC_0338.jpg)
Sweatshirt Fabric LOOP BACK, British Made, Cotton Rich, French
![](https://theclassictshirt.com/cdn/shop/files/Classic-Tshirt-Co-full-logo-white-web_black.png?v=1613526307&width=500)
What is French Terry? The Complete Guide on Sweatshirt Fabric
![](https://theclassictshirt.com/cdn/shop/products/TCTC05-WHITE_2_999b9448-6d50-4b43-a90f-614daaa82c26.png?v=1698558811&width=1800)
What is French Terry? The Complete Guide on Sweatshirt Fabric
![](https://theclassictshirt.com/cdn/shop/articles/The_Classic_Tshirt_Style_Guide.jpg?v=1649081306&width=2400)
Stories
![](http://theclassictshirt.com/cdn/shop/articles/The_Classic_Tshirt_Water_Rwanda.jpg?v=1643815965&width=2048)
A Global Movement to End the Global Water and Sanitation Crisis
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0038/1111/5123/files/The_Classic_Tshirt_French_Terry_Men_Sweatsuit_600x600.jpg?v=1644251907)
What is French Terry? The Complete Guide on Sweatshirt Fabric
![](https://theclassictshirt.com/cdn/shop/articles/306A3932.jpg?v=1673548993&width=2400)
What is French Terry? The Complete Guide on Sweatshirt Fabric