White & Co Living
If you've ever picked up a pair of trackpants and wondered why some feel airy and others feel heavy, the answer usually comes down to the fabric. French terry is a knit fabric with a smooth face and soft, looped yarn on the inside. It sits between a lightweight jersey and a heavy fleece: soft against the skin, breathable, and substantial enough to feel good without being warm and bulky. It's the fabric behind the most comfortable lounge pants, jumpers and sweatshirts, and the one we chose for our new raw edge lounge pants.
What Is French Terry Exactly?
French terry is a type of knit fabric made with loops of yarn on one side (the inside) and a flat, smooth surface on the other (the outside). Those small loops are what give the fabric its soft, slightly textured feel against the skin.
The loops do a few useful things. They create tiny air pockets that help with breathability, they absorb moisture, and they give the fabric a little weight and cushioning without adding bulk. On the outside, the surface looks clean and flat, much like a classic jersey knit, which is why it works for pieces you'd happily wear outside the house.
French Terry vs Fleece vs Terry Cloth
These three fabrics are often confused. The difference is in the loops.
| Fabric | Inside | Outside | Feel |
| French Terry | Soft, unbrushed loops | Smooth, flat | Light to midweight, breathable |
| Fleece | Loops brushed into a fluffy pile | Smooth | Warm, plush, heavier |
| Terry cloth (towelling) | Loops | Loops | Very absorbent, bulky |
In short, fleece is essentially French terry with the loops brushed up for extra warmth, while terry cloth has loops on both sides, which is why it's used for towels. It's the lighter, more versatile option for everyday wear.
The Benefits of French Terry
Breathable and comfortable. The looped structure allows air to circulate, so it doesn't trap heat the way fleece can. It's comfortable across a wider range of temperatures.
Soft against the skin. The unbrushed loops sit smoothly against the body, making the fabric gentle and comfortable for all-day wear.
Moisture absorbing. The loops draw moisture away from the skin, which helps you stay comfortable whether you're on the couch, running errands or travelling.
Midweight with good drape. It has enough body to hold its shape and hang well, without feeling stiff or heavy. That's why it looks polished enough to wear out.
Versatile across seasons. It's light enough for mild days and warm enough, with a layer on top, for cooler ones. For a fabric that earns its place in your wardrobe, that flexibility counts for a lot.
Durable. A good quality cotton knit holds up to regular wear and washing, and tends to get softer with time.
Why 100% Cotton?
This fabric is made in a range of fibre blends, but 100% cotton is a favourite for a reason.
Cotton is a natural, breathable fibre that feels soft and comfortable against the skin. In this knit, it gives you a fabric that feels relaxed and natural, with a matte finish and a soft, lived-in hand.
The 100% cotton version has a more relaxed stretch than blends with elastane, so it's best suited to loose, easy silhouettes rather than fitted ones. That's exactly what makes it ideal for lounge pants.
Meet Our Raw Edge Lounge Pants
Our new raw edge lounge pants are made from 100% cotton French terry, and we've launched them in three colourways - Navy, Chocolate and Stone.
What does raw edge mean? A raw edge is an unfinished hem, where the fabric is left cut rather than folded and stitched. Because it's a knit, it doesn't fray the way a woven fabric does. Instead, the cut edge relaxes into a soft, slightly curled finish that gives the pants a laid-back, intentional look.
The result is a pair of lounge pants that feel as good as they look: soft, breathable, relaxed and easy to wear well beyond the couch.
How to Style Raw Edge Lounge Pants
Casual weekend: Pair with a simple tee and white sneakers or sandals for an easy, put-together look.
Errands and coffee runs: Add a knit top or throw on a denim shirt and a pair of slides or flats.
Travel: Team with a light jumper and a tote for a comfortable airport outfit.
Elevated lounge: Wear with a tailored blazer or crisp shirt for a relaxed take on smart casual.
How to Care for French Terry
To keep your cotton lounge pants soft and in shape:
- Wash cold with similar colours, and turn garments inside out to protect the surface.
- Avoid fabric softener, which can reduce absorbency over time.
- Dry flat or on a low heat setting, as high heat can cause cotton to shrink.
- Always follow the care label on your garment.
- Cooler days: Layer under a longline coat or over-sized cardigan with boots.
FAQS
What is French terry fabric? It's a knit fabric with a smooth outer face and soft loops of yarn on the inside. It's lighter and more breathable than fleece.
Is French terry warm? It's midweight, so it offers light warmth without overheating. It's comfortable in mild weather on its own and easy to layer when it's cooler.
Is French terry the same as sweatshirt fabric? Many sweatshirts and trackpants are made from this fabric, though some are made from fleece, which has a brushed inside for extra warmth.
Does French terry shrink? Cotton can shrink if exposed to high heat, so wash cold and dry on a low setting or flat to keep the fit true.
Is French terry good for lounge pants? Yes. It's soft, breathable and comfortable, and holds its shape better than lighter jerseys, which is why it's a go-to for lounge pants.
What does raw edge mean? A raw edge is an unhemmed, cut finish. On a knit, it doesn't fray and instead curls softly for a relaxed look.
The Takeaway
This fabric offers the best of both worlds: the softness and comfort of a classic knit with enough weight and structure to look good outside the house. In 100% cotton, it's breathable, relaxed and easy to live in.
