What a Brushed Inside Means in Sweatshirts
Short answer: A brushed inside means the inner side of the sweatshirt has been raised soft and airy, so it holds a little more warmth next to the body. It feels soft but also makes the fabric thicker. Here is what that means when you wear and wash one.
What a brushed inside actually is
When a sweatshirt has a brushed inside, the yarn on the inner side has been raised, which gives a soft and slightly airy surface. That is the layer you feel against your skin or against the shirt underneath. The term is used for many sweatshirts, and it is good to know when you compare them and decide what suits your needs.
Warm without being heavy
The soft inside traps a little air next to the body, so a brushed sweatshirt often feels warmer than a smooth one. That does not make it heavy, but it is usually a bit thicker and takes more room in the wardrobe. On cold days that is an advantage, while in milder weather you may prefer something lighter.
How it feels against the skin
Many people find a brushed inside soft and pleasant, especially when the sweatshirt is worn straight on the body. If your skin is sensitive, check that the surface feels comfortable before wearing it for a whole day. To compare options, take a look at a bamboo sweatshirt for men and see what appeals to you.
Brushed or smooth inside
A smooth inside is thinner and lies close, so it works well under a jacket or a shirt. A brushed inside adds volume and softness, but can take up more space under slim clothing. Think about where you will wear the sweatshirt, and choose according to whether you want warmth or a thinner layer.
Fit and layering
Because a brushed sweatshirt is slightly thicker, it often sits more loosely than a smooth one. Do not size down just to make it fit closer, because it may then feel tight across the shoulders and arms. If in doubt, check the measurements and leave room for a T-shirt underneath, such as a bamboo T-shirts for men.
How to wash a brushed inside
The inside stays soft longest if you follow the care label, wash at a moderate temperature and turn the sweatshirt inside out. Avoid a hard spin and high heat in the tumble dryer, because that can make the surface clump or lose its airiness. Dry it flat when you have the chance.
Lint and small pills
It is perfectly normal for a brushed inside to shed a little lint in the first washes. This comes from the loose fibres that were raised. Over time small pills can also form where the fabric rubs, such as under the arms, and you can remove them with a lint brush or a fabric shaver.
When it works best
A brushed sweatshirt is a good choice for autumn and winter, for days at home and for wearing over a thin T-shirt. For training or in warm rooms the smooth version can be better, because it holds less heat. For time at home, a bamboo jogging suit for men can be a good match.
Frequently asked questions
Is a brushed inside the same as fleece?
No, but they look alike. A brushed inside is a raised layer on the sweat fabric itself, while fleece is normally a separate and airier fabric, so they feel different in use.
Is a brushed sweatshirt warmer than a smooth one?
Often yes, because the soft inside traps some air next to the body. How warm it gets also depends on thickness and cut, so treat it as a guide and not a promise.
Can I wash a brushed sweatshirt as normal?
Yes, follow the care label. Turn the sweatshirt inside out, avoid high heat and preferably dry it flat, so the inside keeps its soft surface for as long as possible.
