Introducing Supima cotton and French terry, two distinct fabrics with unique qualities. Supima cotton, derived from the fibers of the Supima cotton plant, offers exceptional softness, strength, and breathability.
Its luxurious feel and durability make it ideal for winterwear and year-round comfort. On the other hand, French terry, a knit fabric with a looped back and a flat front, provides versatility, moisture-wicking properties, and stretch.
It is commonly used for comfortable and casual clothing, particularly in warmer weather and activewear. Understanding the differences between these fabrics allows for informed choices when selecting materials for various garments and seasons.
Key Differences Between Supima Cotton Vs. French Terry
Fabric Type
- Fabric Type: Supima Cotton: Supima cotton is a woven fabric, meaning interlacing threads create it in a crisscross pattern. The weaving technique gives Supima cotton a smooth and refined appearance.
- French Terry: French terry, on the other hand, is a knit fabric. It is made by interlocking loops of yarn, resulting in a fabric with a distinct texture. The looped back and flat front of French terry create a terry-like appearance.
Fiber Origin
- Supima Cotton: Supima cotton is primarily grown in the United States. It is derived from the fibers of the Supima cotton plant, known for its extra-long staple (ELS) length. The extended length of the fibers contributes to the fabric’s superior quality and performance.
- French Terry: French terry can be made from cotton or cotton-blend fabric. The cotton used in French terry can come from various sources, depending on the manufacturer and the desired fabric properties.
Softness
- Supima Cotton: Supima Cotton is renowned for its exceptional softness. The long staple length of Pima cotton fibers contributes to a smooth and luxurious feel against the skin. It is highly prized for its softness and is often considered one of the softest types of cotton available.
- French Terry: French Terry, a knit fabric, can vary in softness depending on the fiber blend and finishing processes. While French Terry can be soft and comfortable, it generally has a slightly coarser texture than Supima Cotton.
Strength
- Supima Cotton: Supima Cotton is known for its inherent strength. The long fibers of Pima cotton make the fabric more robust and durable than regular cotton. Its higher tensile strength makes it less likely to tear or break under stress.
- French Terry: As a knitted fabric, French Terry may not possess the same inherent strength as Supima Cotton. However, its strength can vary depending on the fiber blend and knitting technique. French Terry, made from high-quality fibers and a tight-knit construction, can still exhibit strength.
Durability
- Supima Cotton: Supima Cotton is highly durable and resistant to wear and tear. Its long fibers and inherent strength make it more resistant to pilling, fraying, and weakening. Garments made from Supima Cotton are known for their longevity and ability to withstand repeated use and washing without significant damage.
- French Terry: French Terry can be durable, but its longevity depends on various factors such as fiber quality, knit construction, and proper care. While French Terry garments can endure regular wear, washing, and stretching, they may be more prone to pilling and surface wear than Supima Cotton.
Breathability
- Supima Cotton: Supima cotton is naturally breathable, allowing air to circulate through the fabric. It helps regulate body temperature by allowing heat and moisture to escape, keeping you comfortable in various weather conditions.
- French Terry: French terry is also breathable, but it may vary depending on the specific blend of fibers used. It allows some air circulation but may not offer the same level of breathability as Supima cotton.
Thermal Insulation
- Supima Cotton: Supima Cotton, like most cotton fabrics, has limited inherent thermal insulation properties. It is a breathable fabric that allows air to circulate, which can help in regulating body temperature. However, it does not provide significant insulation in cold weather or retain warmth as effectively as other materials.
- French Terry: French Terry, due to its looped construction, offers better thermal insulation than Supima Cotton. The loops on the fabric’s surface trap air, creating a layer of insulation that helps to retain body heat. It can provide moderate warmth, making it suitable for cool weather or layering garments.
Moisture-wicking
- Supima Cotton: Supima cotton does not have inherent moisture-wicking properties. While it is breathable and evaporates moisture, it may not actively pull moisture away from the body.
- French Terry: French terry excels in moisture-wicking properties. The looped back of the fabric helps absorb moisture from the skin and quickly wick it away, allowing it to evaporate and keeping you dry during physical activities or in warmer weather.
Stretchiness
- Supima Cotton: Supima Cotton, being a natural fiber, typically has limited stretchiness. It has inherent flexibility but lacks elasticity in synthetic fibers or fabrics blended with elastane or spandex. While Supima Cotton can offer slight stretch, it is generally not considered a highly stretchy fabric.
- French Terry: French Terry, depending on the specific fiber blend and construction, can exhibit stretchiness. It is often blended with elastane or spandex fibers to enhance its stretch and flexibility. Adding these synthetic fibers gives French Terry more excellent stretch and recovery than Supima Cotton.
Appearance
- Supima Cotton: Supima Cotton is known for its premium and luxurious appearance. It has a smooth and lustrous finish that enhances the overall aesthetic of garments. The long fibers of Pima cotton contribute to a clean and refined look, making Supima Cotton suitable for high-quality and elegant apparel.
- French Terry: French Terry has a distinct appearance characterized by a looped texture on one side and a flat surface on the other. The loops give it a casual and sporty look, often associated with sweatshirts and athleisure wear. While it may not have the same polished appearance as Supima Cotton, French Terry has a unique and fashionable appeal.
Usage
- Supima Cotton: Supima cotton is versatile and suitable for various garments. It can be used for multiple types of clothing, including shirts, dresses, pants, bedding, and more. It is trendy for luxurious and high-quality items.
- French Terry: French terry is commonly used for casual and sporty garments. It is often used to make sweatshirts, hoodies, joggers, loungewear, and athleisure wear. Its comfortable and relaxed nature lends itself well to these types of clothing.
Climate Suitability
- Supima Cotton: Supima Cotton is a breathable fabric with good air circulation, making it suitable for various climates. It provides comfort in warmer weather by allowing moisture to evaporate from the skin. However, it may not provide significant insulation in colder climates.
- French Terry: French Terry is a versatile fabric for transitional weather and cooler temperatures. Its looped texture provides thermal insulation, making it comfortable to wear in moderate to cooler climates. It is often used for lightweight sweatshirts and layering pieces.
Weight
- Supima Cotton: The weight of Supima Cotton can vary depending on the specific fabric construction, but it is generally considered a medium-weight fabric. It balances breathability and coverage well, making it suitable for various garments.
- French Terry: French Terry can have weights, from lightweight to heavier options. Lighter French Terry is suitable for spring or summer wear, while heavier variants provide more warmth and are suitable for cooler seasons or colder climates.
Pilling
- Supima Cotton: Supima Cotton has a lower tendency to pill than other cotton fabrics. The long fibers and strong yarns in Supima Cotton help minimize the formation of small fiber balls (pills) on the fabric’s surface, resulting in a smoother and more durable appearance.
- French Terry: French Terry, due to its looped construction, can be more prone to pilling than Supima Cotton. The loops on the fabric’s surface can catch on other surfaces or fabrics, forming pills over time. However, pilling can be minimized with proper care and maintenance, such as using a fabric shaver or avoiding friction.
Production Availability
- Supima Cotton: Supima Cotton is a specific type of cotton made from the fibers of Pima cotton plants. While it is considered a premium cotton variety, it is relatively widely available in the textile market. Supima Cotton is grown primarily in the United States, where it is carefully regulated and certified to ensure its authenticity and quality.
- French Terry: French Terry is a fabric construction technique rather than a specific type of material. It can be made from various fibers, including cotton or cotton blends. French Terry is widely produced and available in the textile industry, with different manufacturers offering their fabric versions using different fiber compositions.
Price Range
- Supima Cotton: Supima cotton is known for its high quality and superior characteristics, often reflected in its price. It is generally more expensive than regular cotton fabrics due to its softness, strength, and durability.
- French Terry: French terry is generally more affordable compared to Supima cotton. It is widely available and commonly used, making it a cost-effective option for casual and sporty garments.
Longevity
- Supima Cotton: Supima cotton is highly durable and maintains its quality over time. With proper care, it can last for a long time without losing its softness or shape. It is known for its longevity and ability to withstand regular wear and washing.
- French Terry: French terry is a durable fabric that lasts long with proper care. However, it may show signs of wear and tear with extended use, especially in areas of friction. The fabric’s longevity can vary depending on the specific blend of fibers used.
Sewing Difficulty
- Supima Cotton: Sewing with Supima cotton requires specific sewing techniques for the best results. It is a woven fabric, and proper handling and attention to detail are necessary to ensure clean seams and a professional finish.
- French Terry: French terry is relatively easy to sew. Its knit construction allows for some forgiveness in sewing, making it suitable for beginner and intermediate sewers. However, care should still be taken to handle the fabric properly to prevent stretching or distortion.
Eco-friendliness
- Supima Cotton: Supima cotton is not inherently eco-friendly, but its production can vary depending on farming practices and manufacturing processes. Sustainable and organic options are available, which prioritize environmentally friendly practices such as reduced pesticide use and water conservation.
- French Terry: French terry, like any cotton fabric, has an environmental impact due to cotton cultivation. However, some manufacturers offer eco-friendly versions made from organic cotton or recycled materials, which can reduce the fabric’s overall ecological footprint.
Color and Dye Retention
- Supima Cotton: Supima cotton has excellent color retention and can hold dyes well. It retains its color vibrancy even after multiple washes, allowing garments made from Supima cotton to maintain their visual appeal for a long time.
- French Terry: French terry also retains color well but may fade over time with repeated washes and exposure to sunlight. Proper care, such as washing in cold water and avoiding harsh detergents, can help maintain the color and prolong the fabric’s appearance.
Supima Cotton Vs French Terry: Comparison Table
| Criteria | Supima Cotton | French Terry |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric Type | Woven fabric | Knit fabric |
| Fiber Origin | Grown primarily in the United States | Typically made from cotton or cotton-blend fabric |
| Softness | Exceptionally soft | Soft and comfortable |
| Strength | High strength and durability | Moderate strength |
| Durability | Long-lasting fabric | Durable, but may pill over time |
| Breathability | It does not have inherent moisture-wicking properties | Breathable, helps wick moisture away from the body |
| Thermal Insulation | Suitable for winterwear | Naturally breathable, it regulates body temperature |
| Moisture-Wicking | Ideal for warmer weather and activewear | Excellent moisture-wicking properties |
| Stretchiness | Limited stretchability | Good natural stretch |
| Appearance | Smooth and luxurious | Textured with a looped back and flat front |
| Usage | Versatile, suitable for various types of garments | It depends on the farming practices and production methods |
| Climate Suitability | Suitable for year-round use | Famous for sweatshirts, hoodies, and athleisure wear |
| Weight | Varies depending on the specific fabric weight | Lightweight |
| Pilling | Less prone to pilling | May pill over time |
| Production Availability | Produced in limited quantities, primarily in the US | Widely available |
| Price Range | Higher cost compared to regular cotton fabrics | Generally more affordable than Supima cotton |
| Longevity | Retains its quality and softness over time | May show signs of wear and tear with extended use |
| Sewing Difficulty | Requires specific sewing techniques for best results | Relatively easy to sew |
| Eco-Friendliness | Depends on the farming practices and production methods | Cotton production can have environmental impacts |
| Color and Dye Retention | Retains color well | Retains color, but may fade over time |
This table provides a general overview of the key differences between Supima cotton and French terry. Still, individual fabric variations and specific manufacturing processes can vary within each category.
Frequently Asked Questions
Supima cotton: Yes, Supima cotton is known for its softness and is generally well-tolerated by sensitive skin.
French terry: French terry, depending on the specific fabric composition, can be suitable for sensitive skin. It is recommended to check for any potential allergens or sensitivities before use.
Supima cotton: Supima cotton fabric may shrink slightly after washing, especially if exposed to high heat or improper washing techniques. It is advisable to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.
French terry: French terry may also shrink somewhat, mainly if it contains natural fibers like cotton. Care instructions should be followed to minimize shrinkage.
Supima cotton: Supima cotton typically requires gentle care. It is recommended to wash it using mild detergents on a delicate cycle and avoid excessive heat or agitation.
French terry: French terry can be machine-washed and dried, but care should be taken to prevent pilling and stretching. Washing in cold water and using a gentle cycle is recommended.
Supima cotton: Supima cotton can be blended with other fibers such as polyester or elastane to enhance specific properties like stretch or durability.
French terry: French terry can also be blended with various fibers, including polyester or spandex, to improve performance characteristics such as stretch and moisture-wicking abilities.
Supima cotton: Supima cotton is less prone to wrinkling compared to some other fabrics. It has good natural resiliency and tends to hold its shape well.
French terry: French terry, a knit fabric, is generally more prone to wrinkling than woven fabrics. However, proper folding or hanging after laundering can help minimize wrinkles.
To Recap
Supima cotton and French terry offer distinct features and benefits that cater to different needs and preferences. Supima cotton stands out with its exceptional softness, strength, and durability, making it an excellent choice for luxurious and long-lasting garments.
With its moisture-wicking properties, stretch, and casual appearance, French terry is well-suited for comfortable and sporty attire. Understanding the variations in fabric type, fiber origin, usage, climate suitability, and other factors allows for informed decision-making when selecting the ideal fabric for specific garments.
Whether seeking warmth, elegance, versatility, and functionality, both Supima cotton and French terry offer valuable textile options.
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