Terry cloth is best known as the soft, absorbent fabric used for towels, but its uses go far beyond the bathroom. From baby products and bathrobes to casual clothing and accessories, terry cloth is valued for its comfort, absorbency, and distinctive looped texture. In this guide, we'll explain how terry cloth is made, the different types available, and how to choose the right terry fabric for your project.
What Is Terry Cloth Fabric?
Terry cloth is a fabric characterized by small loops of yarn covering one or both sides of the material. These loops increase the fabric's surface area, allowing it to absorb moisture effectively. This is why terry cloth is commonly used for towels, bathrobes, washcloths, and other products designed to absorb water. However, modern fashion terry cloth has also become increasingly popular in athleisure and casualwear, appearing in everything from matching sets and shorts to polo shirts, dresses, and relaxed summer pieces.
Credit: Ralph Lauren Terry Cloth Set
Terry cloth can be made from cotton, bamboo, polyester, and fiber blends, although cotton is one of the most popular choices.
What Makes Terry Cloth Different?
The defining feature of terry cloth is its looped surface.
Rather than creating a completely flat fabric, additional yarn forms loops that rise above the base construction. These loops give terry its recognizable soft, textured surface while helping it absorb moisture.
The size and density of the loops can vary considerably, which affects the fabric's softness, weight, absorbency, and overall feel.
What Is Terry Cloth Fabric Used For?
T-Shirts & Tops - Lightweight terry adds texture to everyday T-shirts, tank tops, polo shirts, and cropped tops while keeping them soft and comfortable.
Shorts - Terry cloth is a popular choice for relaxed shorts and athleisure styles, offering a soft feel with a casual, textured finish.
Matching Sets - Coordinated terry shirts, tops, and shorts have become especially popular for resortwear, loungewear, and casual summer collections.
Dresses - Lightweight terry works well for relaxed mini dresses, polo dresses, T-shirt dresses, and beach-inspired styles.
Sweatshirts & Joggers - Medium-weight terry can be used for sweatshirts, hoodies, joggers, and other comfortable everyday garments.
Accessories - Terry is also useful for headbands, reusable makeup pads, spa accessories, and other products where softness and absorbency are beneficial.
Credit from SOL the Label
Why Is Terry Cloth Good for Baby Products?
Terry cloth is a great choice for baby clothing because it combines softness, breathability, and absorbency. 100% cotton terry cloth fabric is particularly suitable for baby rompers, shorts, tops, dresses, and matching sets, offering a soft and comfortable feel against delicate skin. Lightweight terry is especially useful for everyday babywear, providing texture and comfort without feeling too heavy.
100% Cotton Terry Cloth Fabric
100% cotton terry cloth fabric is one of the most versatile terry options for clothing.
Cotton is naturally breathable and absorbent, while the looped construction gives the fabric its distinctive soft, textured feel. It also becomes softer with repeated washing, making it comfortable for everyday wear.
For clothing, cotton terry works particularly well for T-shirts, polo shirts, shorts, dresses, matching sets, babywear, and relaxed athleisure styles.
Terry Cloth vs French Terry
Although their names are similar, terry cloth and French terry are generally used for very different purposes.
| Feature | Terry Cloth | French Terry |
| Surface | Soft, textured loops, often visible on the outside | Smooth outer face with loops on the inside |
| Feel | Plush and textured | Smooth, soft, and sweatshirt-like |
| Weight | Lightweight to medium | Lightweight to heavyweight |
| Stretch | Low to moderate, depending on construction | Usually more flexible and stretchy |
| Drape | More structured and textured | Softer, more relaxed drape |
| Best Uses | T-shirts, polos, shorts, dresses, matching sets, babywear | Sweatshirts, hoodies, joggers, shorts, casualwear |
| Style | Resortwear, summer clothing, modern athleisure | Loungewear, sportswear, everyday casualwear |
| Best Season | Spring and summer for lightweight qualities | Year-round, especially fall and winter |
If you're making towels or absorbent products, traditional terry cloth is usually the better choice. For sweatshirts and everyday knitwear, French terry is generally more suitable.
Is Terry Cloth Easy to Sew?
Terry cloth is relatively easy to sew, but the loops and thickness can make it bulkier than standard woven fabrics.
Use a suitable needle for the fabric's weight and consider clips instead of excessive pinning. Terry cloth can also shed and fray along cut edges, so finishing the seams with an overlock stitch, serger, or binding will create a cleaner result.
Pre-washing cotton terry before sewing is also recommended because natural cotton fabrics may shrink.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Highly absorbent
- Soft and comfortable
- Available in different weights
- Excellent for towels and baby products
- 100% cotton options available
- Durable for frequently washed products
- Suitable for both household and apparel projects
Cons
- Can be bulky to sew
- Cut edges may shed
- Cotton versions can shrink
- Loops can snag
- Heavy terry takes longer to dry
How to Choose the Right Terry Cloth Fabric
The best terry cloth depends on the type of garment you're making.
For T-shirts, polos, dresses, and summer sets, choose a lightweight terry with a softer drape. For shorts, sweatshirts, and more structured athleisure styles, a medium-weight terry provides more body. Stretch terry is a good choice for fitted garments or styles that require greater freedom of movement.
Fiber content is also important. Cotton terry offers excellent softness and breathability, while blends can provide additional stretch, durability, or shape retention.
Where to Buy Terry Cloth Fabric
At Yardblox, we offer terry cloth fabric for sale in different weights, compositions, and constructions for towels, baby products, clothing, accessories, and other sewing projects.
You can shop terry cloth fabric by the yard for sampling and smaller projects, while terry cloth fabric wholesale options are available for designers and businesses requiring larger quantities.
Common Questions About Terry Cloth Fabric
Is Terry Cloth Always 100% Cotton?
No. While 100% cotton terry cloth fabric is very common, terry can also be made from bamboo, polyester, and blended fibers.
Is Terry Cloth Good for Babies?
Terry cloth is a great choice for baby clothing because it combines softness, breathability, and absorbency. 100% cotton terry cloth fabric is particularly suitable for baby rompers, shorts, tops, dresses, and matching sets
Does Terry Cloth Shrink?
Cotton terry can shrink when washed, particularly during the first few washes. Pre-washing before sewing helps account for potential shrinkage.
Is Terry Cloth the Same as French Terry?
No. Traditional terry cloth has a more towel-like, absorbent construction, while French terry typically has a smooth outer face and loops on the inside and is mainly used for clothing.
Where Can I Buy Terry Cloth Fabric by the Yard?
Yardblox offers terry cloth fabric by the yard for sampling and smaller sewing projects, with a variety of weights and fiber compositions available.
Can I Buy Terry Cloth Fabric Wholesale?
Yes. Yardblox offers terry cloth fabric wholesale for designers, clothing brands, and businesses that require larger quantities
