Brushed fleece is one of the most common fabrics used in hoodies, sweatshirts and casualwear, especially when warmth and softness are part of the product brief.
It is easy to recognise by the soft, fluffy surface on the inside of the garment, but that familiar feel can hide some important differences in composition, weight and performance.
For clothing brands, “fleece” is not a complete fabric specification. A 330 GSM cotton/poly brushed fleece hoodie can behave very differently from a heavyweight 100% cotton French Terry hoodie, even when both products are sold in the same category.
The right choice depends on how warm you want the garment to feel, how much structure you need, how the fabric should age and what kind of collection you are building.
If you are sourcing hoodies or sweatshirts, understanding what brushed fleece actually is makes it much easier to compare products properly.
What Is Brushed Fleece?
Brushed fleece is a knitted fabric that has been mechanically brushed on one or both sides to raise the fibres and create a soft, fuzzy surface.
In apparel, the brushing is usually most noticeable on the inside of the garment. The process pulls fibres away from the knitted structure, creating a layer that traps air and feels warmer against the skin.
That is the texture most people associate with a classic fleece hoodie or sweatshirt.
The outer surface can remain relatively smooth, making the fabric suitable for printing and embroidery, while the inside provides the softer hand feel.
Brushed fleece can be made from cotton, polyester or a blend of the two. This composition has a major effect on how the finished garment feels and performs.
How Is Brushed Fleece Made?
Brushed fleece begins as a knitted fabric. After knitting, the surface passes through machinery fitted with fine brushes or rollers that lift fibres from the yarn.
That mechanical finishing process creates the raised interior.
The amount of brushing can vary. Some fabrics have a light, subtle fleece surface, while others are heavily brushed and feel much fluffier.
This is why two suppliers can both describe a hoodie as “brushed fleece” while the garments feel completely different.
Fabric weight matters too. A lighter brushed fleece may feel soft but relatively thin, while a denser version can provide noticeably more warmth and body.
When sourcing, ask for both the composition and GSM rather than relying on “fleece” as the full specification.
Brushed Fleece vs French Terry
This is the comparison most clothing brands eventually need to make.
French Terry and brushed fleece are both knitted fabrics commonly used for hoodies, crewnecks and sweatpants, but the interior construction is different.
French Terry has visible loops on the inside. Those loops remain intact rather than being brushed into a fluffy surface.
Brushed fleece takes a knitted interior and raises the fibres, creating the softer layer.
The result is a different feel and different behaviour.
Brushed fleece generally feels warmer and softer immediately. French Terry usually feels denser, cleaner and more structured, especially at higher GSMs.
We also have a dedicated guide comparing French Terry vs brushed fleece if you are already deciding between the two for a hoodie collection.
Is Brushed Fleece Always Polyester?
No.
This is a common misconception because many mass-market fleece garments use a high percentage of polyester.
Brushed fleece can be made from cotton, polyester or a cotton/polyester blend.
Each route produces a different garment.
Cotton-heavy fleece can feel more natural and breathable. Polyester can improve dimensional stability, reduce shrinkage and help the garment retain its shape through repeated washing.
Blends sit somewhere between the two.
René Bassett’s current cotton/poly fleece hoodie uses 70% cotton and 30% polyester at 330 GSM, with a brushed fleece interior and oversized fit. It is designed as a softer, medium-weight alternative to our 480 GSM 100% cotton French Terry hoodies.
What Does Brushed Fleece Feel Like?
The main characteristic is softness.
When you run your hand over the inside of a brushed fleece garment, the fabric feels fuzzy rather than looped. That raised surface can make the hoodie feel comfortable immediately, even before the garment has been washed several times.
It also traps more air around the body, which increases warmth.
The trade-off is that a heavily brushed interior can feel bulkier and may produce a softer overall silhouette. If your brand wants a relaxed winter hoodie, that can work very well.
If your product direction depends on a dense, highly structured silhouette, French Terry may give you more of the shape you are looking for.
Is Brushed Fleece Warm?
Yes. Warmth is one of the main reasons brushed fleece is used in sweatshirts and hoodies.
The raised fibres trap small pockets of air, helping to insulate the wearer. This usually makes brushed fleece warmer than an equivalent unbrushed knit of similar weight.
However, GSM still matters. A 250 GSM fleece and a 400 GSM fleece will not provide the same level of warmth simply because they share the same finish.
Composition also influences the result. Polyester tends to hold less moisture than cotton and can dry faster, while cotton generally provides a more natural feel against the skin.
For brands sourcing winter products, the combination of composition, GSM and brushing level matters more than any one of those specifications alone.
What GSM Is Brushed Fleece?
Brushed fleece does not have one fixed GSM.
You can find lightweight fleece, midweight fleece and very heavy fleece.
For hoodies, midweight options often sit in the 280 to 350 GSM range, although heavier constructions are available.
René Bassett’s cotton/poly fleece hoodie is 330 GSM. By comparison, our core 100% cotton hoodies use 480 GSM French Terry.
That comparison is useful because it shows why GSM and fabric type should be read together.
A 480 GSM French Terry and a 480 GSM brushed fleece could still feel very different due to the finishing and composition.
If you are comparing fabric weights across your collection, our Fabric Weight by Product guide explains how GSM changes the feel and function of t-shirts, hoodies and sweatpants.
Does Brushed Fleece Have More Structure?
Usually less than a comparable heavy French Terry.
Brushing changes the interior surface and creates a softer feel, which can make the garment drape more rather than hold a sharp silhouette.
That does not mean every fleece hoodie is floppy or unstructured.
Pattern, GSM, ribbing and construction still matter.
A well-built 330 GSM fleece hoodie can maintain a strong oversized shape if the pattern and trims support it. René Bassett’s 330 GSM cotton/poly hoodie, for example, uses a double-lined hood, heavyweight ribbing and double-needle stitching to maintain structure while retaining the softer fleece interior.
For a brand, the important thing is to assess the full garment rather than judging the fabric in isolation.
Brushed Fleece for Hoodies
Hoodies are probably the most obvious use for brushed fleece.
The fabric works particularly well when comfort, warmth and everyday wearability are priorities.
A fleece hoodie can make sense for autumn and winter drops, casual essentials, uniforms, merchandise and collections where customers expect an immediately soft hand feel.
The main sourcing decision is how premium you want the product to feel.
Lower-weight polyester-heavy fleece can feel more commercial. A denser cotton-rich blend with strong ribbing, a substantial hood and better construction can produce a much more elevated garment.
Brushed Fleece for Crewnecks
The same fabric can work very well in crewneck sweatshirts.
Without the hood and kangaroo pocket, more of the product experience comes from the fabric itself. A brushed interior can make a crewneck feel particularly comfortable as an everyday layer.
If your brand is developing a coordinated tracksuit or fleece collection, using the same fabric across hoodie, crewneck and sweatpant can also create consistency.
René Bassett’s main wholesale crewneck range currently uses 480 GSM 100% cotton French Terry rather than brushed fleece, which produces a heavier and more structured result.
That is useful as a comparison point when deciding whether softness or structure is more important for your own product.
Brushed Fleece for Sweatpants
Brushed fleece is also common in sweatpants because the soft interior works well for garments worn directly against the legs.
For colder-weather collections, it can create a noticeably warmer product than lightweight loopback fabrics.
The trade-off is the same as with hoodies. Heavy brushing and synthetic content can alter the drape, breathability and hand feel.
For premium streetwear, the trousers need to work visually with the hoodie as well.
René Bassett’s 480 GSM sweatpants use the same heavyweight 100% cotton French Terry logic as the main hoodie and crewneck lines, which makes it possible to build coordinated sets around a consistent fabric weight.
Cotton Fleece vs Cotton/Poly Fleece
Composition changes the product in several ways.
A higher cotton content tends to produce a more natural hand feel, better breathability and a surface that works particularly well with garment dyeing.
Polyester can add stability and resilience. That can help reduce shrinkage and make the garment easier to maintain through repeated washing.
A cotton/poly blend can therefore be a sensible option for brands prioritising everyday use, commercial durability or more predictable dimensional stability.
We cover this composition question separately in our guide to cotton vs cotton/poly blend hoodies, because fabric finishing is only half of the decision. Fibre composition matters just as much.
Is Brushed Fleece Good for Streetwear?
It can be.
There is no rule saying premium streetwear has to use French Terry.
The decision depends on the product direction.
A softer, vintage-inspired winter hoodie may suit fleece perfectly. A collegiate collection, casual essentials range or relaxed tracksuit can also work well with a brushed interior.
For brands focused on very heavy, structured silhouettes, French Terry often becomes more attractive because it provides density without relying on a raised interior.
This is one reason René Bassett’s signature 480 GSM hoodie range uses French Terry, while the separate 330 GSM Cotton/Poly Hoodie exists for brands looking for a different balance of softness, warmth and weight.
The category does not decide which fabric is correct. The intended garment does.
Is Brushed Fleece Good for Printing?
Yes, provided the outer face of the fabric has been developed and finished properly.
The inside may be brushed, but printing happens on the exterior surface.
A stable outer face can perform well with screen printing, DTF and other common decoration methods.
Fabric preparation matters because loose fibres, excessive stretch or inconsistent finishing can affect the final print.
René Bassett’s 330 GSM cotton/poly fleece hoodie is developed for professional printing and embroidery, while the Print Service covers decoration options available directly through René Bassett.
As with any blank, test the exact garment and print method before bulk production.
Is Brushed Fleece Good for Embroidery?
It can be, especially when the garment itself has enough stability to support the stitches.
Embroidery puts physical tension into the fabric. A poorly structured lightweight fleece may pucker around a dense design, while a more stable garment can hold embroidery cleanly.
The design matters too.
Small flat embroidery generally places less demand on the fabric than a very large, dense graphic.
René Bassett offers both Flat Embroidery and 3D Puff Embroidery, with sampling required before bulk customised production.
That sampling stage is important with fleece because it lets you evaluate how the surface behaves around the stitching before committing to quantity.
Does Brushed Fleece Pill?
It can.
Pilling occurs when loose fibres become tangled into small balls on the surface of a fabric through friction.
Because brushed fleece intentionally raises fibres, it can be more susceptible to pilling than smoother fabric structures if the yarn and finishing are poor.
That does not mean every fleece hoodie will pill badly. Fibre quality, yarn construction, polyester content, brushing intensity and finishing all affect how the fabric ages.
This is another reason founders should wash and wear a sample rather than judging a fleece garment straight out of the packaging.
Check high-friction areas such as the sides, cuffs and inside of the sleeves. A sample should tell you how the fabric behaves after real use, not just how soft it feels on day one.
Does Brushed Fleece Shrink?
That depends heavily on composition and how the garment has been processed.
Cotton is more prone to shrinkage than polyester, which is one reason polyester is often introduced into fleece blends.
Pre-shrinking also makes a significant difference.
René Bassett’s 330 GSM Cotton/Poly Hoodie is pre-shrunk with a stated 0–3% shrinkage tolerance. The main French Terry collection is also pre-shrunk as part of the production process.
When comparing suppliers, ask for expected shrinkage in writing. Then wash the sample yourself.
Brushed Fleece vs Jersey
These fabrics belong to different product categories.
Jersey is the knitted fabric most commonly associated with t-shirts and lightweight tops. It usually has a smooth face and relatively little bulk.
Brushed fleece is thicker and warmer and is primarily used for sweatshirts, hoodies and sweatpants.
René Bassett’s main oversized t-shirts use heavyweight cotton jersey, while the sweat categories use either French Terry or, in the case of the cotton/poly hoodie, fleece.
For founders building a full collection, understanding these fabric families helps keep products consistent without trying to force one textile into every category.
When Brushed Fleece Makes Sense for Your Brand
Choose brushed fleece when warmth and softness are genuine product priorities.
It can be a good fit for cold-weather collections, everyday hoodies, comfortable essentials and products designed around an immediately soft interior.
A cotton/poly blend may also make sense when dimensional stability and frequent washing are important.
The key is to make the choice intentionally. If you want a dense, structured heavyweight hoodie with a clean loopback interior, French Terry may suit the product better.
If you want softer warmth at a lower weight, fleece may be the stronger option.
This is why fabric sourcing should start with the experience you want the customer to have rather than a rule about which fabric is “more premium.”
What to Ask a Brushed Fleece Supplier
Do not stop at “What GSM is it?”
Ask for the fibre composition and the exact blend percentage. Ask whether the interior is brushed on one side or both. Ask about expected shrinkage, pilling performance and whether the garment has been pre-shrunk.
Check the outside surface if you plan to print. Inspect rib recovery, hood construction and seams if you are sourcing a hoodie. Ask whether the same fabric and colour can be reordered later.
Consistency between batches matters particularly when the fabric becomes part of your core collection.
If you are evaluating several blank suppliers, the free guide How to Evaluate a Premium Blank Supplier gives you a full framework for checking fabric consistency, reorder matching and supplier reliability before committing.
Sample Brushed Fleece Before You Commit
Brushed fleece is a good example of why specifications only take you so far.
You need to touch it.
A product page can tell you that a hoodie is 330 GSM and 70% cotton, 30% polyester. It cannot tell you whether you personally like the hand feel or whether that softness suits your positioning.
Order the sample and compare it with other fabrics.
Try a 330 GSM cotton/poly fleece hoodie next to a 480 GSM 100% cotton French Terry hoodie. Wear both. Wash both. Pay attention to structure, warmth and drape.
If you are still choosing the first products for a new brand, the free guide How to Launch Your Clothing Brand from Scratch also covers how to evaluate fabric, fit and quality before spending money in the wrong order.
René Bassett's Starter Pack is another option if you want to handle several core product categories before deciding what belongs in the collection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brushed Fleece
What is brushed fleece?
Brushed fleece is a knitted fabric that has been mechanically brushed to raise the fibres and create a soft, fuzzy surface. In hoodies and sweatshirts, the brushed side is usually on the inside.
Is brushed fleece cotton or polyester?
It can be cotton, polyester or a blend of both. Always check the exact fabric composition rather than assuming fleece means polyester.
Is brushed fleece warmer than French Terry?
Usually yes, because the raised fibres trap more air and create additional insulation. French Terry tends to be more breathable and structured, although the result also depends on GSM and composition.
Is brushed fleece good for hoodies?
Yes. Brushed fleece is widely used in hoodies because it provides softness and warmth. It works particularly well for colder-weather and everyday casual products.
What GSM is good for a fleece hoodie?
There is no universal ideal GSM. A midweight fleece around 300–350 GSM can provide warmth without excessive bulk, while heavier fabrics create a more substantial product.
Does brushed fleece pill?
It can, particularly if the yarn or finishing is poor. Sampling and washing the garment before bulk production can help you evaluate pilling performance.
Does brushed fleece shrink?
Cotton-based fleece can shrink, while polyester reduces dimensional change. Pre-shrunk garments generally provide better size stability.
Is brushed fleece good for printing?
Yes, provided the outer surface is stable and properly finished. Screen printing, DTF and other techniques can work well on fleece garments.
Is brushed fleece good for embroidery?
Yes, if the fabric and garment have enough stability to support the stitching. Dense embroidery should always be sampled before bulk production.
What is the difference between fleece and French Terry?
French Terry has an unbrushed loopback interior. Brushed fleece raises the fibres on the inside to create a softer, warmer surface.
Does René Bassett sell brushed fleece hoodies?
Yes. René Bassett currently offers a 330 GSM Cotton/Poly Hoodie made from 70% cotton and 30% polyester fleece. The main heavyweight hoodie range uses 480 GSM 100% cotton French Terry instead.
Choose the Fabric for the Product, Not the Label
Brushed fleece is popular because it solves a very specific problem well: it makes sweat garments softer and warmer.
That can be exactly what your collection needs.
It can also be the wrong direction if the product depends on dense structure, a loopback interior or the hand feel of heavyweight 100% cotton French Terry.
Look at the composition, GSM, brushing, construction and shrinkage together. Then sample the garment and decide based on the product in your hands.
If you are choosing between suppliers rather than just fabrics, download How to Evaluate a Premium Blank Supplier before placing the order. It is built around the questions that become expensive when founders only think to ask them after the first bulk delivery.
What Is Brushed Fleece? A Fabric Guide for Clothing Brands
Brushed fleece is one of the most common fabrics used in hoodies, sweatshirts and casualwear, especially when warmth and softness are part of the product brief.
It is easy to recognise by the soft, fluffy surface on the inside of the garment, but that familiar feel can hide some important differences in composition, weight and performance.
For clothing brands, “fleece” is not a complete fabric specification. A 330 GSM cotton/poly brushed fleece hoodie can behave very differently from a heavyweight 100% cotton French Terry hoodie, even when both products are sold in the same category.
The right choice depends on how warm you want the garment to feel, how much structure you need, how the fabric should age and what kind of collection you are building.
If you are sourcing hoodies or sweatshirts, understanding what brushed fleece actually is makes it much easier to compare products properly.
What Is Brushed Fleece?
Brushed fleece is a knitted fabric that has been mechanically brushed on one or both sides to raise the fibres and create a soft, fuzzy surface.
In apparel, the brushing is usually most noticeable on the inside of the garment. The process pulls fibres away from the knitted structure, creating a layer that traps air and feels warmer against the skin.
That is the texture most people associate with a classic fleece hoodie or sweatshirt.
The outer surface can remain relatively smooth, making the fabric suitable for printing and embroidery, while the inside provides the softer hand feel.
Brushed fleece can be made from cotton, polyester or a blend of the two. This composition has a major effect on how the finished garment feels and performs.
How Is Brushed Fleece Made?
Brushed fleece begins as a knitted fabric. After knitting, the surface passes through machinery fitted with fine brushes or rollers that lift fibres from the yarn.
That mechanical finishing process creates the raised interior.
The amount of brushing can vary. Some fabrics have a light, subtle fleece surface, while others are heavily brushed and feel much fluffier.
This is why two suppliers can both describe a hoodie as “brushed fleece” while the garments feel completely different.
Fabric weight matters too. A lighter brushed fleece may feel soft but relatively thin, while a denser version can provide noticeably more warmth and body.
When sourcing, ask for both the composition and GSM rather than relying on “fleece” as the full specification.
Brushed Fleece vs French Terry
This is the comparison most clothing brands eventually need to make.
French Terry and brushed fleece are both knitted fabrics commonly used for hoodies, crewnecks and sweatpants, but the interior construction is different.
French Terry has visible loops on the inside. Those loops remain intact rather than being brushed into a fluffy surface.
Brushed fleece takes a knitted interior and raises the fibres, creating the softer layer.
The result is a different feel and different behaviour.
Brushed fleece generally feels warmer and softer immediately. French Terry usually feels denser, cleaner and more structured, especially at higher GSMs.
We also have a dedicated guide comparing French Terry vs brushed fleece if you are already deciding between the two for a hoodie collection.
Is Brushed Fleece Always Polyester?
No.
This is a common misconception because many mass-market fleece garments use a high percentage of polyester.
Brushed fleece can be made from cotton, polyester or a cotton/polyester blend.
Each route produces a different garment.
Cotton-heavy fleece can feel more natural and breathable. Polyester can improve dimensional stability, reduce shrinkage and help the garment retain its shape through repeated washing.
Blends sit somewhere between the two.
René Bassett’s current cotton/poly fleece hoodie uses 70% cotton and 30% polyester at 330 GSM, with a brushed fleece interior and oversized fit. It is designed as a softer, medium-weight alternative to our 480 GSM 100% cotton French Terry hoodies.
What Does Brushed Fleece Feel Like?
The main characteristic is softness.
When you run your hand over the inside of a brushed fleece garment, the fabric feels fuzzy rather than looped. That raised surface can make the hoodie feel comfortable immediately, even before the garment has been washed several times.
It also traps more air around the body, which increases warmth.
The trade-off is that a heavily brushed interior can feel bulkier and may produce a softer overall silhouette. If your brand wants a relaxed winter hoodie, that can work very well.
If your product direction depends on a dense, highly structured silhouette, French Terry may give you more of the shape you are looking for.
Is Brushed Fleece Warm?
Yes. Warmth is one of the main reasons brushed fleece is used in sweatshirts and hoodies.
The raised fibres trap small pockets of air, helping to insulate the wearer. This usually makes brushed fleece warmer than an equivalent unbrushed knit of similar weight.
However, GSM still matters. A 250 GSM fleece and a 400 GSM fleece will not provide the same level of warmth simply because they share the same finish.
Composition also influences the result. Polyester tends to hold less moisture than cotton and can dry faster, while cotton generally provides a more natural feel against the skin.
For brands sourcing winter products, the combination of composition, GSM and brushing level matters more than any one of those specifications alone.
What GSM Is Brushed Fleece?
Brushed fleece does not have one fixed GSM.
You can find lightweight fleece, midweight fleece and very heavy fleece.
For hoodies, midweight options often sit in the 280 to 350 GSM range, although heavier constructions are available.
René Bassett’s cotton/poly fleece hoodie is 330 GSM. By comparison, our core 100% cotton hoodies use 480 GSM French Terry.
That comparison is useful because it shows why GSM and fabric type should be read together.
A 480 GSM French Terry and a 480 GSM brushed fleece could still feel very different due to the finishing and composition.
If you are comparing fabric weights across your collection, our Fabric Weight by Product guide explains how GSM changes the feel and function of t-shirts, hoodies and sweatpants.
Does Brushed Fleece Have More Structure?
Usually less than a comparable heavy French Terry.
Brushing changes the interior surface and creates a softer feel, which can make the garment drape more rather than hold a sharp silhouette.
That does not mean every fleece hoodie is floppy or unstructured.
Pattern, GSM, ribbing and construction still matter.
A well-built 330 GSM fleece hoodie can maintain a strong oversized shape if the pattern and trims support it. René Bassett’s 330 GSM cotton/poly hoodie, for example, uses a double-lined hood, heavyweight ribbing and double-needle stitching to maintain structure while retaining the softer fleece interior.
For a brand, the important thing is to assess the full garment rather than judging the fabric in isolation.
Brushed Fleece for Hoodies
Hoodies are probably the most obvious use for brushed fleece.
The fabric works particularly well when comfort, warmth and everyday wearability are priorities.
A fleece hoodie can make sense for autumn and winter drops, casual essentials, uniforms, merchandise and collections where customers expect an immediately soft hand feel.
The main sourcing decision is how premium you want the product to feel.
Lower-weight polyester-heavy fleece can feel more commercial. A denser cotton-rich blend with strong ribbing, a substantial hood and better construction can produce a much more elevated garment.
Brushed Fleece for Crewnecks
The same fabric can work very well in crewneck sweatshirts.
Without the hood and kangaroo pocket, more of the product experience comes from the fabric itself. A brushed interior can make a crewneck feel particularly comfortable as an everyday layer.
If your brand is developing a coordinated tracksuit or fleece collection, using the same fabric across hoodie, crewneck and sweatpant can also create consistency.
René Bassett’s main wholesale crewneck range currently uses 480 GSM 100% cotton French Terry rather than brushed fleece, which produces a heavier and more structured result.
That is useful as a comparison point when deciding whether softness or structure is more important for your own product.
Brushed Fleece for Sweatpants
Brushed fleece is also common in sweatpants because the soft interior works well for garments worn directly against the legs.
For colder-weather collections, it can create a noticeably warmer product than lightweight loopback fabrics.
The trade-off is the same as with hoodies. Heavy brushing and synthetic content can alter the drape, breathability and hand feel.
For premium streetwear, the trousers need to work visually with the hoodie as well.
René Bassett’s 480 GSM sweatpants use the same heavyweight 100% cotton French Terry logic as the main hoodie and crewneck lines, which makes it possible to build coordinated sets around a consistent fabric weight.
Cotton Fleece vs Cotton/Poly Fleece
Composition changes the product in several ways.
A higher cotton content tends to produce a more natural hand feel, better breathability and a surface that works particularly well with garment dyeing.
Polyester can add stability and resilience. That can help reduce shrinkage and make the garment easier to maintain through repeated washing.
A cotton/poly blend can therefore be a sensible option for brands prioritising everyday use, commercial durability or more predictable dimensional stability.
We cover this composition question separately in our guide to cotton vs cotton/poly blend hoodies, because fabric finishing is only half of the decision. Fibre composition matters just as much.
Is Brushed Fleece Good for Streetwear?
It can be.
There is no rule saying premium streetwear has to use French Terry.
The decision depends on the product direction.
A softer, vintage-inspired winter hoodie may suit fleece perfectly. A collegiate collection, casual essentials range or relaxed tracksuit can also work well with a brushed interior.
For brands focused on very heavy, structured silhouettes, French Terry often becomes more attractive because it provides density without relying on a raised interior.
This is one reason René Bassett’s signature 480 GSM hoodie range uses French Terry, while the separate 330 GSM Cotton/Poly Hoodie exists for brands looking for a different balance of softness, warmth and weight.
The category does not decide which fabric is correct. The intended garment does.
Is Brushed Fleece Good for Printing?
Yes, provided the outer face of the fabric has been developed and finished properly.
The inside may be brushed, but printing happens on the exterior surface.
A stable outer face can perform well with screen printing, DTF and other common decoration methods.
Fabric preparation matters because loose fibres, excessive stretch or inconsistent finishing can affect the final print.
René Bassett’s 330 GSM cotton/poly fleece hoodie is developed for professional printing and embroidery, while the Print Service covers decoration options available directly through René Bassett.
As with any blank, test the exact garment and print method before bulk production.
Is Brushed Fleece Good for Embroidery?
It can be, especially when the garment itself has enough stability to support the stitches.
Embroidery puts physical tension into the fabric. A poorly structured lightweight fleece may pucker around a dense design, while a more stable garment can hold embroidery cleanly.
The design matters too.
Small flat embroidery generally places less demand on the fabric than a very large, dense graphic.
René Bassett offers both Flat Embroidery and 3D Puff Embroidery, with sampling required before bulk customised production.
That sampling stage is important with fleece because it lets you evaluate how the surface behaves around the stitching before committing to quantity.
Does Brushed Fleece Pill?
It can.
Pilling occurs when loose fibres become tangled into small balls on the surface of a fabric through friction.
Because brushed fleece intentionally raises fibres, it can be more susceptible to pilling than smoother fabric structures if the yarn and finishing are poor.
That does not mean every fleece hoodie will pill badly. Fibre quality, yarn construction, polyester content, brushing intensity and finishing all affect how the fabric ages.
This is another reason founders should wash and wear a sample rather than judging a fleece garment straight out of the packaging.
Check high-friction areas such as the sides, cuffs and inside of the sleeves. A sample should tell you how the fabric behaves after real use, not just how soft it feels on day one.
Does Brushed Fleece Shrink?
That depends heavily on composition and how the garment has been processed.
Cotton is more prone to shrinkage than polyester, which is one reason polyester is often introduced into fleece blends.
Pre-shrinking also makes a significant difference.
René Bassett’s 330 GSM Cotton/Poly Hoodie is pre-shrunk with a stated 0–3% shrinkage tolerance. The main French Terry collection is also pre-shrunk as part of the production process.
When comparing suppliers, ask for expected shrinkage in writing. Then wash the sample yourself.
Brushed Fleece vs Jersey
These fabrics belong to different product categories.
Jersey is the knitted fabric most commonly associated with t-shirts and lightweight tops. It usually has a smooth face and relatively little bulk.
Brushed fleece is thicker and warmer and is primarily used for sweatshirts, hoodies and sweatpants.
René Bassett’s main oversized t-shirts use heavyweight cotton jersey, while the sweat categories use either French Terry or, in the case of the cotton/poly hoodie, fleece.
For founders building a full collection, understanding these fabric families helps keep products consistent without trying to force one textile into every category.
When Brushed Fleece Makes Sense for Your Brand
Choose brushed fleece when warmth and softness are genuine product priorities.
It can be a good fit for cold-weather collections, everyday hoodies, comfortable essentials and products designed around an immediately soft interior.
A cotton/poly blend may also make sense when dimensional stability and frequent washing are important.
The key is to make the choice intentionally. If you want a dense, structured heavyweight hoodie with a clean loopback interior, French Terry may suit the product better.
If you want softer warmth at a lower weight, fleece may be the stronger option.
This is why fabric sourcing should start with the experience you want the customer to have rather than a rule about which fabric is “more premium.”
What to Ask a Brushed Fleece Supplier
Do not stop at “What GSM is it?”
Ask for the fibre composition and the exact blend percentage. Ask whether the interior is brushed on one side or both. Ask about expected shrinkage, pilling performance and whether the garment has been pre-shrunk.
Check the outside surface if you plan to print. Inspect rib recovery, hood construction and seams if you are sourcing a hoodie. Ask whether the same fabric and colour can be reordered later.
Consistency between batches matters particularly when the fabric becomes part of your core collection.
If you are evaluating several blank suppliers, the free guide How to Evaluate a Premium Blank Supplier gives you a full framework for checking fabric consistency, reorder matching and supplier reliability before committing.
Sample Brushed Fleece Before You Commit
Brushed fleece is a good example of why specifications only take you so far.
You need to touch it.
A product page can tell you that a hoodie is 330 GSM and 70% cotton, 30% polyester. It cannot tell you whether you personally like the hand feel or whether that softness suits your positioning.
Order the sample and compare it with other fabrics.
Try a 330 GSM cotton/poly fleece hoodie next to a 480 GSM 100% cotton French Terry hoodie. Wear both. Wash both. Pay attention to structure, warmth and drape.
If you are still choosing the first products for a new brand, the free guide How to Launch Your Clothing Brand from Scratch also covers how to evaluate fabric, fit and quality before spending money in the wrong order.
René Bassett's Starter Pack is another option if you want to handle several core product categories before deciding what belongs in the collection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brushed Fleece
What is brushed fleece?
Brushed fleece is a knitted fabric that has been mechanically brushed to raise the fibres and create a soft, fuzzy surface. In hoodies and sweatshirts, the brushed side is usually on the inside.
Is brushed fleece cotton or polyester?
It can be cotton, polyester or a blend of both. Always check the exact fabric composition rather than assuming fleece means polyester.
Is brushed fleece warmer than French Terry?
Usually yes, because the raised fibres trap more air and create additional insulation. French Terry tends to be more breathable and structured, although the result also depends on GSM and composition.
Is brushed fleece good for hoodies?
Yes. Brushed fleece is widely used in hoodies because it provides softness and warmth. It works particularly well for colder-weather and everyday casual products.
What GSM is good for a fleece hoodie?
There is no universal ideal GSM. A midweight fleece around 300–350 GSM can provide warmth without excessive bulk, while heavier fabrics create a more substantial product.
Does brushed fleece pill?
It can, particularly if the yarn or finishing is poor. Sampling and washing the garment before bulk production can help you evaluate pilling performance.
Does brushed fleece shrink?
Cotton-based fleece can shrink, while polyester reduces dimensional change. Pre-shrunk garments generally provide better size stability.
Is brushed fleece good for printing?
Yes, provided the outer surface is stable and properly finished. Screen printing, DTF and other techniques can work well on fleece garments.
Is brushed fleece good for embroidery?
Yes, if the fabric and garment have enough stability to support the stitching. Dense embroidery should always be sampled before bulk production.
What is the difference between fleece and French Terry?
French Terry has an unbrushed loopback interior. Brushed fleece raises the fibres on the inside to create a softer, warmer surface.
Does René Bassett sell brushed fleece hoodies?
Yes. René Bassett currently offers a 330 GSM Cotton/Poly Hoodie made from 70% cotton and 30% polyester fleece. The main heavyweight hoodie range uses 480 GSM 100% cotton French Terry instead.
Choose the Fabric for the Product, Not the Label
Brushed fleece is popular because it solves a very specific problem well: it makes sweat garments softer and warmer.
That can be exactly what your collection needs.
It can also be the wrong direction if the product depends on dense structure, a loopback interior or the hand feel of heavyweight 100% cotton French Terry.
Look at the composition, GSM, brushing, construction and shrinkage together. Then sample the garment and decide based on the product in your hands.
If you are choosing between suppliers rather than just fabrics, download How to Evaluate a Premium Blank Supplier before placing the order. It is built around the questions that become expensive when founders only think to ask them after the first bulk delivery.
Written by
Ricardo Vieira
Ricardo Vieira is the founder of René Bassett and has worked in the Portuguese textile industry for over 10 years. He grew up close to garment production — his family's company operated in the sector — and developed a technical understanding of fabrics, fabric weights and customisation processes that shapes every product René Bassett brings to market. He writes about everything a clothing brand founder needs to understand about blanks, fabrics and production before launching — or scaling — a brand.