We’ve looked into the differences between a loopback sweatshirt and a fleece lined sweatshirt so you can make the right choice when it comes to retail quality materials.
Two of the most common types of sweatshirt are Loopback and Fleece lined.
A Lookback sweatshirt is also known as a French Terry sweatshirt and is a knit fabric with a smooth outer face and a looped inner surface (hence the term ‘loopback’). The making of this sweatshirt is often referred to as ‘loop lining’ and there is no brushing on the inner surface, all loops are left intact.
Key Characteristics of a Loopback sweatshirt:
- Midweight, breathable, and structured.
- 100% cotton lining
- Common in minimalist, premium loungewear and streetwear
- Lighter to wear and softer
- Less fluff left behind when using
- More durable
Brands that use loopback lining:
- Sunspel
- Arket
- Barbour
- Loopwheeler
A Fleece lined sweatshirt also starts as a knit with loops on the inside but then the inner loops are brushed to create a soft, fluffy texture. The fleece interior traps body heat and offers excellent insulation while providing a plush and comfortable feel against the skin.
Key Characteristics of a Fleece-lined sweatshirt:
- Feels cosy and warm.
- Traps heat — great for colder seasons.
- Often includes a higher % of polyester or synthetics.
- Found in more mass-market garments.
Common uses:
- Fast fashion sweatshirts and hoodies.
- Sportswear and casual loungewear.
Loopback sweatshirts cost more to produce than fleece lined sweatshirts as they are more complex to knit and maintain loop structure. They’re often made with high quality cotton and are used in elevated fashion forward pieces. These sweatshirts don’t rely on brushing to feel comfortable, they rely on the quality of yarn and knit instead.
A loopback sweatshirt would be the right choice for you if you’re creating a retail ready sweatshirt and if you’re looking to create a structured, breathable garment that will last. If your students or team members value craftsmanship and quality over cosiness, this is the type of sweatshirt for you.
Fleece lined sweatshirts are the right choice if you’re aiming for maximum comfort and warmth. They’re also a great option if you want to keep production costs low as they’re ideal for bulk promotional garments or mass casualwear production.
Loopback vs. Fleece-Lined: A Comparison
| Feature | Loopback (French Terry) | Fleece-Lined |
| Inner Finish | Unbrushed loops | Brushed, fluffy texture |
| Breathability | High | Lower |
| Weight | Midweight | Can feel heavier |
| Seasonality | All-year, great for layering | Best in cold seasons |
| Handfeel | Textured, structured | Soft, cosy |
| Cost | High cost | Low cost |
| Common Fibres | Cotton or premium blends | Often synthetic blends |
| Retail Positioning | Premium / Designer Basics | Mass-market / Casual |
To summarise, if you’re aiming for mass-market warmth at a low price, fleece lined sweatshirts will work perfectly for you. If you’re building a premium product with elevated appeal, Lookback sweatshirts will be your clear winner.
