Specify both sides
A smooth outer face helps a graphic read clearly, while the brushed reverse sets the next-to-skin feel. Request a swatch that shows both; the photograph of the face cannot establish the brushing quality.
Fabric 02 / 12 · Knit essentials
Brushed Cotton Fleece
For a hoodie or sweat set that feels warm and substantial. The brushed inside matters, but so do the face, rib recovery and the weight of the finished garment.
Hoodies · Warm handle
Custom apparel · OEM, ODM and private label
01 — In short
What is brushed cotton fleece?
Brushed cotton fleece is a sweatshirt knit whose back is raised to create a soft, fleecy surface. The cotton content may be pure cotton or part of a blend. It suits hoodies, sweatshirts and joggers, with the exact feel and warmth determined by the yarn, construction, weight and brushing.
02 — Garment applications
Start with what you are making.
These are starting points for fabric selection. The chosen quality is approved for the specific garment.
Hoodies and sweatshirts
Select the body, hood lining and rib together for a balanced garment.
Joggers and cargo pants
Use a suitable sweatshirt fleece for the sweatpant styles in this range.
Co-ord sets
Approve tops and bottoms in the same shade and compatible fabric lots.
03 — Fabric specification
Agree the details before cutting.
GSM is fabric mass per square metre. It helps compare weight, but does not alone establish quality, coverage or performance.
- Construction
- Sweatshirt knit with a raised or brushed reverse.
- Fibre composition
- Cotton or cotton-rich blend; confirm face and backing yarn content.
- Hand and drape
- Fuller and warmer in feel than a comparable unbrushed loopback.
- Weight / GSM
- Select against the garment and reference hand; confirm the approved GSM and tolerance.
- Stretch and recovery
- Knit give; body fabric and rib trims need separate recovery checks.
- Sample checks
- Pilling, loose fibre, size change, face smoothness and rib matching.
- Colour and finish
- Approve a physical shade reference, finish and any required performance evidence.
- Minimum and supply
- Confirmed in your quote as part of the garment order; fabric colours shown are references.
04 — Sample decisions
Three things to approve.
Balance the body and the rib
A heavy body with weak rib can produce stretched cuffs and a loose hem. Review cuff depth, waistband tension and colour matching on a complete hoodie or jogger sample.
Check wear appearance
Inspect the surface after the agreed wash and wear assessment. Discuss pilling and fibre shedding expectations before bulk, especially for dark garments worn over light T-shirts.
05 — Branding and construction
Your mark, on the right base.
Artwork and fabric should be approved together. Explore our decoration services for the wider process.
Graphic printing
Confirm the outer face and cure conditions suit the selected ink. Check whether the print changes the drape.
Embroidery
A sweatshirt body can carry a stitched logo, but backing and density still need approval around pockets and seams.
Labels and trims
Match neck labels, cords and rib to the weight and intended care of the garment.
06 — Care and maintenance
Care starts with the finished garment.
Follow the finished hoodie or jogger label, including its drying instructions. Turn decorated garments inside out where directed and avoid washing them with rough fastenings that may abrade the surface.
For sampling, check loose fibres, pilling and size changes after the same care process the buyer expects to use. Approve the brushed hand again after washing rather than only on an unwashed swatch.
07 — Compare fabrics
When another fabric may fit better.
08 — Questions, answered
10 questions about Brushed Cotton Fleece.
Practical answers for choosing, decorating and caring for the fabric in your garment range.
What is the difference between fleece and French terry?
The reverse is the key difference: fleece is brushed or raised, while French terry keeps its unbrushed loops. Compare the two in a similar weight to judge the warmth and hand you want.
Is brushed cotton fleece suitable for oversized hoodies?
Yes, a suitable weight and structure can support that silhouette. Check shoulder shape, hood volume and the way the hem sits; a heavy fabric is not automatically the right oversized fit.
Is cotton fleece always 100% cotton?
No. Fleece can be made with different fibres and blends. If you need a specific cotton percentage or a cotton face for printing, put that requirement on the fabric specification.
Will brushed fleece pill?
It can. The yarn, surface finishing, friction and care affect pilling. Agree an appearance standard and any required test before the fabric is approved for bulk garments.
Why does a new fleece hoodie leave lint?
The brushed reverse can release loose fibres. Ask to review the inside and the sample after washing, particularly if the hoodie will be worn over a contrasting light or dark layer.
Can brushed fleece be screen printed?
The outer face can be suitable when the chosen ink and finishing process are compatible. Approve the printed area for coverage, handle and wash durability on the actual sweatshirt fabric.
Does fleece shrink in the dryer?
It may, depending on the blend, finishing and dryer treatment. Follow the garment label and verify size changes on a sample; a fabric name alone cannot establish a safe drying programme.
How do I keep a fleece sweatshirt soft?
Use the labelled wash process and avoid unnecessary heat or harsh abrasion. Do not assume a fabric softener is suitable for every finish. Review both inside hand and outer appearance after sample laundering.
Should the cuffs use the same fabric as the hoodie body?
Usually cuffs need a separate rib construction with suitable recovery. Ask for a matched body-and-rib sample so the stretch, shade and thickness work together.
What should I approve for a private label fleece set?
Approve the body composition and weight, brushing, rib, fit, colours, artwork and washed measurements. Confirm top-and-bottom shade matching, labels and packing with the apparel order.
09 — From swatch to order
Approve the fabric in a garment.
Send the design, intended fit, colours, artwork, size range and quantity. If you have a reference garment, use it to communicate the hand and finish you want. We discuss the fabric, make the sample and record the approved construction before bulk production.
Review dimensions, shade, decoration and the care result together. Keep the signed-off sample and written specification as the reference for the order.
See how sampling worksMade to your mark · Sialkot, Pakistan
Choose the fabric. Then make it yours.
Tell us the garment, fit, colour, artwork and quantity. We will discuss the fabric as part of your custom apparel order, with the selected specification, sample and minimum confirmed in writing.