Characteristics and Uses of French Terry Fabric

Yes, it is certainly not like what you think. Unlike several inventions, terry cloth does not take after its inventor's name. The origin of the name Terry is unknown, though several speculations surround it.

Two versions stating two words from which terry could have been derived:
Merriam-Webster dictionary states from the word terret meaning rings on the horse saddle or harness.
Another version states from the French word tirer, which means to pull or pull through.

The newer version is a credible explanation as terry cloth has little loops that look as if they are pulled through the fabric.

Over a period of time, fashion has undergone a lot of changes. The kind of clothes and fabrics that we wear and use today are totally different from those worn by people centuries ago.

Flipping through the pages of fashion magazines, you must have come across words like terry cloth or French Terry. This story has collated some information on terry cloth to help you understand its meaning and defined its types as well.

Terry cloth is a cotton fabric containing loops that absorb water and perspiration. France, the hub of fashion, was where the first terry cloth material was produced in the year 1841. At that time, it was made in silk.

However, in 1845, England saw John Bright making terry cloth from wool which is also called worsted terry cloth. In 1848, Samuel Holt made a purely cotton terry cloth fabric for the first time in England. In 1864, Holt migrated to New Jersey, USA, where he built a plant for terry cloth production.

French Terry fabric is one of the varieties of terry cloth. It is made up of two individual sets of warp threads or beams which are woven on a loom with one set having minimal tension. When the other set is woven and packed, the loose set of threads are pushed backwards forming loops.

Simply put, the loose warp set gives the texture, and the other set forms the base.

Here are some differences between the French Terry and the traditional terry cloth.

✱ It is lightweight, weighing between 100-350 GSM.

✱ One significant feature of the fabric is: one side has the loops and piles, while the other is plain.

✱ Stretch is one of the most important features of this fabric type, which makes it more comfortable to wear.

✱ It is heavier than the French Terry. Its weight averages between 400-600 GSM.

✱ Both sides of the fabric have looping and piling.

✱ It does not stretch much. It stretches minimally across the length of the fabric.

✱ Comfort: It exudes comfort, the soft loops of yarn on the inside of the fabric being the sole reason.

✱ Absorbs Perspiration: The fabric soaks up water and perspiration from your skin, keeping you cool and dry.

✱ Flexibility: The stretch in the fabric provides sufficient flexibility in it because of which one can wear this fabric while indulging in activities like yoga, workout, etc.

✱ Customization: It does not restrict one from adding one's own logo or design to it, thus, giving it an out-of-the-world appeal.

It keeps us warm in cool seasons. So, rummage your cupboard; you will find at least one of your sweatshirts made from French Terry.

✱ It is ideal for infant clothing and diapers, as one side of the fabric is soft.

There are two types of French Terry fabrics which are gaining rapid popularity these days―Bamboo French Terry and Hemp French Terry.

✱ Bamboo French Terry is made up of 70% bamboo viscose and 30% organic cotton. It is a better absorbent.

✱ Hemp French Terry is a combination of 55% hemp and 45% organic cotton. However, hemp fabric has higher life expectancy compared to bamboo fabric.

Both fabrics are very dense and stretchable. They are ideal for the manufacture of diapers, workout clothing, etc.

"Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels." ― Kate Moss. With its soft and luxurious feel, French Terry has made a comeback into the fashion world, especially for the ones who follow trends in casual and sporty clothing. Hope our information on this fabric will make you want to start wearing it. Try it, it's awesome.