Sweat with a brushed back, how it is made

Short answer: A brushed back means the inside of the sweat fabric has been lightly raised, creating a soft, airy surface against the skin. It makes the sweater warm and soft, but it needs a little care in the wash, so the surface lasts.

What a brushed back means

If you look inside a sweatshirt, you often see a soft, slightly airy surface. It is made by brushing the inside of the fabric, so the small fibres stand up. The result feels warm and soft against the skin, and that is why many people like it.

How the fabric gets brushed

The fabric is first knitted with loops on the back, and then the fibres are loosened so they stand up. The principle is simple, but the differences between makers can be large. How hard the brushing is decides how thick and soft the surface feels and how warm the sweater gets.

Why it feels warm

Air is trapped between the small fibres and insulates, so the body holds on to its warmth. It is the same idea as in a soft pillow. Someone who feels the cold easily often notices the difference, while you, if you run warm, may prefer a thinner fabric.

Pros and cons

A brushed back is soft and warm, but it can also get too warm indoors, and the fibres can clump with time. That is normal and not a flaw. Think about where you will use the garment, and choose accordingly. A sweat for the sofa can be thicker than one for the office.

Fit and layers

Brushed sweat takes up a little more room, so choose a fit you can move in. Try it with a T-shirt underneath, and see whether the sleeves and body sit comfortably. If it is too tight, you lose some of the airy effect, which is the whole point of the back.

Washing and care of the brushed surface

Wash the sweatshirt inside out by the care label and at a low temperature, so the brushed surface wears less. Avoid fabric softener and a hot tumble dryer if the label advises against them. Let it dry fully, and shake it lightly before you put it on, so the fibres stand up.

If the fibres clump

After a while you may see small pills, especially where sleeves and sides rub. That is perfectly normal and can be removed gently with a lint brush or a fabric shaver. Do it in small strokes without pressing, so you do not damage the fabric underneath.

Where you meet brushed sweat

A brushed back is found in many kinds of sweat, for example hoodies, sweatshirts and jogging sets. If you want to see what is out there, look at the bamboo jogging sets and bamboo sweat for men and women. Remember the bottom layer too, for example socks for men and women, so your feet are comfortable as well.

Frequently asked questions

Is a brushed back the same as fleece?

Not quite, but the similarity is large. Both have a soft, warm inside, and the differences lie in how the fibres are made and how hard they are brushed.

Does sweat with a brushed back get too warm?

It can, especially indoors. It is warm and suits cooler days best, so choose a thinner fabric if you heat up quickly.

How do I remove pills from brushed sweat?

Use a lint brush or a fabric shaver in small, light strokes. Do not press hard, and do it when the sweater is dry and lying flat.

You can find the full range at Copenhagen Bamboo.