If you run a clothing brand today, fabric isn’t just part of the product — it is the product. It’s the first thing people touch, the first thing they react to, and usually the moment when they decide if your piece feels premium or forgettable.
Before price, before graphics, before branding, it’s the fabric that communicates quality. And in premium streetwear, two materials dominate every serious conversation about construction: jersey cotton and french terry cotton.
Understanding these two fabrics is one of those decisions that separates a brand that “sells clothes” from a brand that designs with intention.
So this guide breaks it all down — how each fabric is built, how they feel, how they drape, when to use each one, and why they form the backbone of premium tees and hoodies all around the world.
What Is Jersey Cotton?
Jersey cotton is the foundation of almost every t-shirt people own, but in premium streetwear, jersey goes far beyond the thin, basic tees you find in fast fashion.
When you step into heavyweight territory, jersey becomes something much more structured, confident and visually intentional. And that’s when brands start using it strategically.
Structure and Composition
Jersey is a single-knit fabric made from one continuous set of yarns forming interlocking loops. On the outside, the surface is smooth and clean — the classic t-shirt face everyone recognizes.
On the inside, the texture is slightly more open, showing a subtle horizontal grain that makes the jersey breathable without compromising structure.
Because of this knit style, jersey naturally stretches across the width even without elastane. That built-in elasticity is why the jersey feels so comfortable. But the real difference between light jersey and premium heavyweight jersey comes from GSM.
Cheap jersey uses as little cotton as possible; premium jersey does the opposite and packs more cotton into every square meter, which gives it weight, stability and that unmistakable “premium tee” presence.
This is where the 300gsm jersey becomes special. It’s thicker, richer, more structured, and it signals quality immediately — even before anyone tries the piece on.
How Jersey Cotton Feels on Body?
The most interesting thing about the heavyweight jersey is the way it drapes. It’s still soft and flexible, but it falls in a controlled, intentional way.
Lightweight jersey clings, twists and collapses. A heavy jersey doesn’t do that — it hangs clean. When you wear a 300gsm jersey tee, it balances softness with structure.
The tee follows the body, but it doesn’t stick to it. The sleeves hold their form without looking stiff. Instead of looking like a basic tee, it looks like a designed garment.
Heavy jersey has presence. When you pick it up, you feel real weight. When you put it on, you feel the difference instantly. And customers feel it too, even if they can’t explain why. That’s the power of a jersey when it’s done right.
Why Jersey Works So Well for 300gsm T-Shirts?
Premium streetwear relies heavily on t-shirts. They’re the most worn, most washed and most photographed pieces in any collection.
That means they need to hold their shape, respect your graphics, and age well. Jersey cotton ticks all those boxes.
The smooth surface gives screen printing, DTG, DTF and embroidery an ideal base. The stable drape keeps oversized silhouettes looking clean instead of sloppy.
The fabric softens over time without losing form. And most importantly, it gives your customer that “wow, this feels legit” moment the second they touch it.
That’s why heavyweight jersey is such a staple. It’s not just a fabric, it’s a message about the kind of brand you’re building.
What Is French Terry Cotton?
If jersey is the king of premium t-shirts, french terry is the backbone of every good hoodie. When people talk about hoodies that actually feel substantial — the ones that have weight, but not stiffness; structure, but not bulk — they’re usually describing a french terry construction.
Loopback Structure Explained
French terry is also a knit fabric, but instead of a simple single-knit like jersey, it uses a loopback structure.
On the outside, the fabric looks smooth and uniform. On the inside, you get small loops — tiny soft circles of fabric formed during knitting.
These loops are what make french terry unique. They add volume, absorbency and a cushioned feel without making the fabric rigid.
These loops also trap air inside the knit. That trapped air acts as natural insulation, giving french terry its characteristic warmth while still allowing heat to escape.
It’s a clever balance: heavier than a jersey, but breathable enough to wear everyday.
Why French Terry Adds Weight Without Bulk?
One of the biggest strengths of french terry is that it can handle serious GSM. A 480gsm french terry fabric feels premium the moment someone picks it up — there’s weight, density and structure — but it never becomes cardboard-stiff.
That’s because the weight comes from the loopback construction, not from stacking thick yarns on top of each other.
This is why luxury blanks and premium streetwear brands choose french terry for heavyweight hoodies.
You get that sculptural, firm look that high-end consumers love, but the piece remains wearable, breathable and comfortable.
Why is 480gsm ideal for French Terry Hoodies?
In modern streetwear, heavyweight hoodies are almost a category on their own. They’re statement pieces.
And 480gsm french terry delivers exactly what people expect from a premium hoodie: structure, density, clean silhouette and a feeling of quality that you cannot fake with blends or lightweight knits.
A 480gsm french terry hood doesn’t collapse. The sleeves stack with volume. The body keeps its shape instead of sagging.
When someone tries it on, it sits the way a premium hoodie should. And the inside loopback keeps airflow moving so the hoodie feels warm but never suffocating.
This combination (weight, structure and comfort) is why french terry is the go-to choice for serious hoodie construction.
Jersey Cotton and French Terry: Side-by-Side
Once you understand how each fabric behaves, everything about choosing one or another becomes obvious.
Drape and Movement
Jersey drapes downward with softness and fluidity. Even at 300gsm, it follows the body with ease. This makes it perfect for tees that need to move naturally and feel effortless.
French terry, especially at heavier GSM levels like 480gsm, has a more architectural presence. It doesn’t just fall, it shapes. A french terry hoodie builds structure into your silhouette. It’s clean, defined and visually premium.
Warmth and Breathability
Both fabrics breathe extremely well when they’re 100% cotton. But the jersey stays cooler and lighter, making it ideal for tops and base layers.
French terry delivers more warmth thanks to the loopback interior, making it perfect for hoodies, sweatshirts and sweatpants.
Use Cases in Modern Streetwear
In a full streetwear lineup, jersey and french terry play complementary roles. Jersey is your everyday essential, the core of your t-shirt line.
French terry is your elevated layer, the piece that carries visual identity and perceived value. Together, they form the backbone of premium cotton streetwear.
Why 100% Cotton Still Wins Over Blends?
With so many blends flooding the market, it’s worth reinforcing why jersey cotton and french terry cotton remain unmatched for premium pieces. Cotton breathes. It ages beautifully. It feels natural on skin. It signals quality. And it delivers comfort that synthetics can’t replicate.
Customers feel the difference immediately. They may not know the word “loopback” or “single-knit,” but they know when a hoodie feels like quality — and when a t-shirt feels substantial instead of cheap.
That instinctive reaction is exactly why 100% cotton remains the foundation of serious streetwear.
When you choose heavyweight jersey and heavyweight french terry, you’re not just choosing fabrics. You’re choosing the experience someone has the moment they put on your clothes.
FAQ
What makes French Terry a premium fabric for hoodies?
French terry is built with a loopback interior that adds natural volume, warmth and structure without making the hoodie stiff. When crafted at higher GSM levels — like the 480gsm French Terry used at René Bassett — the result is a hoodie that feels substantial, drapes cleanly, and holds its shape over time. This combination is what positions French Terry as a premium choice in streetwear.
Is French Terry better than brushed fleece?
It depends on your goal. Brushed fleece is softer and warmer, but it leans casual. French Terry cotton delivers a more structured, elevated look, which is why most high-end streetwear brands prefer it for premium hoodies. If you want comfort + polish, French Terry wins.
What is the difference between jersey cotton and French Terry cotton?
Jersey cotton is a single-knit fabric with a smooth face and natural stretch, ideal for premium t-shirts, especially 300gsm ones.
French Terry is a loopback knit with more body and warmth, making it perfect for hoodies and sweats.
Both could be 100% cotton, but they’re designed for completely different purposes in a streetwear lineup.
Why do premium t-shirts use heavyweight jersey (like 300gsm)?
Heavyweight jersey gives tees structure, cleaner drape and a more intentional silhouette. It feels premium as soon as someone picks it up. At René Bassett, our 300gsm jersey is chosen for brands that want tees that stand out in quality, not just in graphics.
Are French Terry hoodies good for all seasons?
Yes, especially when made from 100% cotton. The loopback interior adds warmth without overheating, making French Terry hoodies breathable enough for transitional weather and versatile for layering.
Does French Terry shrink?
All cotton fabrics can shrink slightly, but high-quality French Terry that’s properly pre-washed or pre-shrunk is designed to minimize shrinking and maintain its silhouette over time.
Is 100% cotton better than blends for premium streetwear?
For premium pieces, yes. Cotton offers breathability, durability and a natural hand-feel that synthetics can’t match. Blends can be cheaper, but 100% cotton signals quality, ages better, and delivers the “premium feel” customers expect from elevated tees and hoodies.
What GSM should I look for in a premium hoodie?
A great premium hoodie usually starts at 400gsm, but the highest-end options use 480gsm, delivering real weight, structure and an unmistakably elevated look.
Why do heavyweight hoodies look more expensive?
The weight and density of fabrics like 480gsm French Terry give the hoodie a cleaner silhouette, structured drape, and more sculpted fit. Customers can feel the quality instantly, which increases perceived value and makes the product easier to position at higher price points.
Are premium fabrics worth the investment for a new clothing brand?
Absolutely. Fabric is one of the first indicators of quality. When your tees and hoodies feel premium, customers remember the experience, trust your brand faster, and are more willing to pay higher margins. In other words: premium fabrics build brand loyalty, not just single sales.
Premium Streetwear Fabrics: Jersey Cotton and French Terry (A Complete 100% Cotton Guide)
If you run a clothing brand today, fabric isn’t just part of the product — it is the product. It’s the first thing people touch, the first thing they react to, and usually the moment when they decide if your piece feels premium or forgettable.
Before price, before graphics, before branding, it’s the fabric that communicates quality. And in premium streetwear, two materials dominate every serious conversation about construction: jersey cotton and french terry cotton.
Understanding these two fabrics is one of those decisions that separates a brand that “sells clothes” from a brand that designs with intention.
So this guide breaks it all down — how each fabric is built, how they feel, how they drape, when to use each one, and why they form the backbone of premium tees and hoodies all around the world.
What Is Jersey Cotton?
Jersey cotton is the foundation of almost every t-shirt people own, but in premium streetwear, jersey goes far beyond the thin, basic tees you find in fast fashion.
When you step into heavyweight territory, jersey becomes something much more structured, confident and visually intentional. And that’s when brands start using it strategically.
Structure and Composition
Jersey is a single-knit fabric made from one continuous set of yarns forming interlocking loops. On the outside, the surface is smooth and clean — the classic t-shirt face everyone recognizes.
On the inside, the texture is slightly more open, showing a subtle horizontal grain that makes the jersey breathable without compromising structure.
Because of this knit style, jersey naturally stretches across the width even without elastane. That built-in elasticity is why the jersey feels so comfortable. But the real difference between light jersey and premium heavyweight jersey comes from GSM.
Cheap jersey uses as little cotton as possible; premium jersey does the opposite and packs more cotton into every square meter, which gives it weight, stability and that unmistakable “premium tee” presence.
This is where the 300gsm jersey becomes special. It’s thicker, richer, more structured, and it signals quality immediately — even before anyone tries the piece on.
How Jersey Cotton Feels on Body?
The most interesting thing about the heavyweight jersey is the way it drapes. It’s still soft and flexible, but it falls in a controlled, intentional way.
Lightweight jersey clings, twists and collapses. A heavy jersey doesn’t do that — it hangs clean. When you wear a 300gsm jersey tee, it balances softness with structure.
The tee follows the body, but it doesn’t stick to it. The sleeves hold their form without looking stiff. Instead of looking like a basic tee, it looks like a designed garment.
Heavy jersey has presence. When you pick it up, you feel real weight. When you put it on, you feel the difference instantly. And customers feel it too, even if they can’t explain why. That’s the power of a jersey when it’s done right.
Why Jersey Works So Well for 300gsm T-Shirts?
Premium streetwear relies heavily on t-shirts. They’re the most worn, most washed and most photographed pieces in any collection.
That means they need to hold their shape, respect your graphics, and age well. Jersey cotton ticks all those boxes.
The smooth surface gives screen printing, DTG, DTF and embroidery an ideal base. The stable drape keeps oversized silhouettes looking clean instead of sloppy.
The fabric softens over time without losing form. And most importantly, it gives your customer that “wow, this feels legit” moment the second they touch it.
That’s why heavyweight jersey is such a staple. It’s not just a fabric, it’s a message about the kind of brand you’re building.
What Is French Terry Cotton?
If jersey is the king of premium t-shirts, french terry is the backbone of every good hoodie. When people talk about hoodies that actually feel substantial — the ones that have weight, but not stiffness; structure, but not bulk — they’re usually describing a french terry construction.
Loopback Structure Explained
French terry is also a knit fabric, but instead of a simple single-knit like jersey, it uses a loopback structure.
On the outside, the fabric looks smooth and uniform. On the inside, you get small loops — tiny soft circles of fabric formed during knitting.
These loops are what make french terry unique. They add volume, absorbency and a cushioned feel without making the fabric rigid.
These loops also trap air inside the knit. That trapped air acts as natural insulation, giving french terry its characteristic warmth while still allowing heat to escape.
It’s a clever balance: heavier than a jersey, but breathable enough to wear everyday.
Why French Terry Adds Weight Without Bulk?
One of the biggest strengths of french terry is that it can handle serious GSM. A 480gsm french terry fabric feels premium the moment someone picks it up — there’s weight, density and structure — but it never becomes cardboard-stiff.
That’s because the weight comes from the loopback construction, not from stacking thick yarns on top of each other.
This is why luxury blanks and premium streetwear brands choose french terry for heavyweight hoodies.
You get that sculptural, firm look that high-end consumers love, but the piece remains wearable, breathable and comfortable.
Why is 480gsm ideal for French Terry Hoodies?
In modern streetwear, heavyweight hoodies are almost a category on their own. They’re statement pieces.
And 480gsm french terry delivers exactly what people expect from a premium hoodie: structure, density, clean silhouette and a feeling of quality that you cannot fake with blends or lightweight knits.
A 480gsm french terry hood doesn’t collapse. The sleeves stack with volume. The body keeps its shape instead of sagging.
When someone tries it on, it sits the way a premium hoodie should. And the inside loopback keeps airflow moving so the hoodie feels warm but never suffocating.
This combination (weight, structure and comfort) is why french terry is the go-to choice for serious hoodie construction.
Jersey Cotton and French Terry: Side-by-Side
Once you understand how each fabric behaves, everything about choosing one or another becomes obvious.
Drape and Movement
Jersey drapes downward with softness and fluidity. Even at 300gsm, it follows the body with ease. This makes it perfect for tees that need to move naturally and feel effortless.
French terry, especially at heavier GSM levels like 480gsm, has a more architectural presence. It doesn’t just fall, it shapes. A french terry hoodie builds structure into your silhouette. It’s clean, defined and visually premium.
Warmth and Breathability
Both fabrics breathe extremely well when they’re 100% cotton. But the jersey stays cooler and lighter, making it ideal for tops and base layers.
French terry delivers more warmth thanks to the loopback interior, making it perfect for hoodies, sweatshirts and sweatpants.
Use Cases in Modern Streetwear
In a full streetwear lineup, jersey and french terry play complementary roles. Jersey is your everyday essential, the core of your t-shirt line.
French terry is your elevated layer, the piece that carries visual identity and perceived value. Together, they form the backbone of premium cotton streetwear.
Why 100% Cotton Still Wins Over Blends?
With so many blends flooding the market, it’s worth reinforcing why jersey cotton and french terry cotton remain unmatched for premium pieces. Cotton breathes. It ages beautifully. It feels natural on skin. It signals quality. And it delivers comfort that synthetics can’t replicate.
Customers feel the difference immediately. They may not know the word “loopback” or “single-knit,” but they know when a hoodie feels like quality — and when a t-shirt feels substantial instead of cheap.
That instinctive reaction is exactly why 100% cotton remains the foundation of serious streetwear.
When you choose heavyweight jersey and heavyweight french terry, you’re not just choosing fabrics. You’re choosing the experience someone has the moment they put on your clothes.
FAQ
What makes French Terry a premium fabric for hoodies?
French terry is built with a loopback interior that adds natural volume, warmth and structure without making the hoodie stiff. When crafted at higher GSM levels — like the 480gsm French Terry used at René Bassett — the result is a hoodie that feels substantial, drapes cleanly, and holds its shape over time. This combination is what positions French Terry as a premium choice in streetwear.
Is French Terry better than brushed fleece?
It depends on your goal. Brushed fleece is softer and warmer, but it leans casual. French Terry cotton delivers a more structured, elevated look, which is why most high-end streetwear brands prefer it for premium hoodies. If you want comfort + polish, French Terry wins.
What is the difference between jersey cotton and French Terry cotton?
Jersey cotton is a single-knit fabric with a smooth face and natural stretch, ideal for premium t-shirts, especially 300gsm ones.
French Terry is a loopback knit with more body and warmth, making it perfect for hoodies and sweats.
Both could be 100% cotton, but they’re designed for completely different purposes in a streetwear lineup.
Why do premium t-shirts use heavyweight jersey (like 300gsm)?
Heavyweight jersey gives tees structure, cleaner drape and a more intentional silhouette. It feels premium as soon as someone picks it up. At René Bassett, our 300gsm jersey is chosen for brands that want tees that stand out in quality, not just in graphics.
Are French Terry hoodies good for all seasons?
Yes, especially when made from 100% cotton. The loopback interior adds warmth without overheating, making French Terry hoodies breathable enough for transitional weather and versatile for layering.
Does French Terry shrink?
All cotton fabrics can shrink slightly, but high-quality French Terry that’s properly pre-washed or pre-shrunk is designed to minimize shrinking and maintain its silhouette over time.
Is 100% cotton better than blends for premium streetwear?
For premium pieces, yes. Cotton offers breathability, durability and a natural hand-feel that synthetics can’t match. Blends can be cheaper, but 100% cotton signals quality, ages better, and delivers the “premium feel” customers expect from elevated tees and hoodies.
What GSM should I look for in a premium hoodie?
A great premium hoodie usually starts at 400gsm, but the highest-end options use 480gsm, delivering real weight, structure and an unmistakably elevated look.
Why do heavyweight hoodies look more expensive?
The weight and density of fabrics like 480gsm French Terry give the hoodie a cleaner silhouette, structured drape, and more sculpted fit. Customers can feel the quality instantly, which increases perceived value and makes the product easier to position at higher price points.
Are premium fabrics worth the investment for a new clothing brand?
Absolutely. Fabric is one of the first indicators of quality. When your tees and hoodies feel premium, customers remember the experience, trust your brand faster, and are more willing to pay higher margins. In other words: premium fabrics build brand loyalty, not just single sales.