How to Care for Farm Brand French Terry Joggers to Prevent Pilling and Fading

French terry joggers need gentle care to stay soft and prevent pilling, and washing them cold, inside-out, and avoiding the dryer makes all the difference.

Updated 12 Sep 2026 5 min read 7 sections

French terry joggers$50.00Image from the merchant

French terry joggers need gentle care to stay soft and prevent pilling, and washing them cold, inside-out, and avoiding the dryer makes all the difference. Whether you’ve grabbed a pair of french terry joggers or premium mens joggers from Farm Brand, proper maintenance keeps them looking new and extends their lifespan.

How to Wash French Terry Joggers Without Damaging Them

The foundation of care starts with how you wash. French terry is a brushed cotton blend that sheds microfibers and pills when agitated too much, so gentle handling is key.

Zip hoodie$48.00Image from the merchant

Wash in cold water only. Hot water breaks down fibers and sets stains permanently.
Turn your french terry joggers inside out before washing. This protects the nap (the fuzzy surface) from friction with other garments.
Use a delicate or hand-wash cycle on your machine, or hand wash if you have the time. Standard cycles are too aggressive for french terry.
Wash with similar colors to prevent dye bleeding. Darks should stay with darks.
Use a mild detergent and avoid bleach or harsh chemicals. We recommend a quarter of the recommended amount for your load size.
Wash separately or with soft items like t-shirts and underwear, never with rough denim or structured pieces like zip hoodie shells.

Overwashing accelerates pilling too, so spot-clean stains when possible and wash only when truly needed. Many people find french terry joggers stay fresher longer with one wash per week or every other week depending on wear.

Why Your French Terry Joggers Pill and How to Prevent It

Pilling happens when short fibers on the surface get agitated, ball up, and remain stuck to the fabric. It’s normal wear, not a defect, but you can minimize it significantly.

Sherpa blanket$45.00Image from the merchant

Friction is the main culprit. Sitting, walking, and movement cause pilling over time. It’s unavoidable but manageable.
Washing and drying are where most damage occurs. Rough cycles and high heat speed up pilling dramatically.
Lower-quality blends pill faster because the fibers are shorter and weaker. Farm Brand french terry joggers resist pilling better than budget options because of tighter knit construction.
Once pilling starts, a fabric shaver or pill remover on the lowest setting can restore the surface. Use it gently and sparingly so you don’t damage the base fabric.
Wearing a sherpa blanket or soft layer underneath can reduce direct friction if you’re sitting for long periods.

The best prevention is gentle washing, cold water, inside-out positioning, and air drying every single time. This is where most people skip steps and regret it after a few washes.

Drying Methods That Keep Color and Texture Intact

The dryer is the enemy of french terry joggers. Heat causes fading, shrinkage, and accelerates pilling by creating micro-friction inside the machine.

Air dry flat or on a hanger instead. Lay them flat on a clean towel or drape them over a rack away from direct sunlight.
Never use high heat, medium heat, or even low heat in the dryer. The combination of tumbling and any heat damages the fabric.
If you must use a dryer, run it on air-dry only with no heat, remove the joggers while still slightly damp, and lay them flat to finish drying.
Sunlight fades french terry over time, so dry in shade or indoors when possible.
Drying takes 4 to 8 hours depending on humidity, but it’s worth the wait. The result is softer, better-preserved fabric.

Air-dried joggers stay true to color, maintain their nap, and resist pilling far longer.

Storage Tips to Avoid Creases and Odor

How you store french terry joggers between wears affects how long they stay fresh.

Fold them loosely or hang them on a wide hanger to prevent permanent creases that weaken the fabric.
Store in a cool, dry closet away from direct sunlight. Heat and humidity can promote mildew and odors.
Avoid plastic storage bags; use breathable cloth bags or open shelves instead.
If you notice odor building up between wears, place them in a well-ventilated area for 24 hours or spray lightly with fabric refresher instead of washing.
Keep them away from rough edges or hooks that can snag the soft surface.

Joggers pants$55.00Image from the merchant

Proper storage means your joggers pants and other french terry pieces stay fresh longer, reduce the need for frequent washing, and maintain their shape.

French Terry Joggers for Men’s and Women’s Styles

French terry joggers come in different cuts and weights depending on fit and season. Knowing which style you own helps tailor care.

Men’s french terry joggers tend to have roomier fits and heavier-weight fabric, which means they’re slightly more durable but still need gentle care.
Women’s styles often feature tapered ankles and lighter weight, making them more prone to pilling if washed roughly.
French terry joggers from Farm Brand work well for both everyday comfort and light athletic use.
Heavier-weight french terry joggers need less frequent washing but benefit from the same cold, gentle methods.
Lighter-weight pairs are more susceptible to damage, so treat them with extra care and avoid high-friction activities.

Check the care label on your specific pair, as weight and blend vary. Blend matters too: 100% cotton pills more easily than a cotton-poly blend, but breathes better and feels softer.

When to Replace vs. Restore

Eventually, even well-cared-for french terry joggers show age. Knowing when to restore versus retire helps you get maximum wear.

Light pilling and fading are cosmetic and normal. A fabric shaver restores the nap and your joggers look fresh again.
Thinning fabric, holes, or seam splits are signs of heavy wear and a sign to retire the pair.
If the elastic waistband or cuffs lose stretch, they can sometimes be tightened by tailors, but it’s often not worth the cost.
Significant color loss or staining that won’t come out typically means the end of life, unless you love the faded look.

When you’re ready for a fresh pair, grab the code for 20% off all Farm Brand orders, and consider trying a different style like mens joggers or joggers pants to rotate your rotation.

Everyday Fabrics That Pair Well with French Terry Joggers

Beyond the joggers themselves, what you wear with them affects their longevity.

Freedom tee$35.00Image from the merchant

Layer them with softer pieces like freedom t shirts or all star shirt to minimize friction.
Avoid pairing them directly with rough fabrics like corduroy, canvas, or raw denim.
Structured jackets like the headphone jacket work great as a layer and won’t damage the joggers underneath.
If you layer a zip hoodie over the top, that adds bulk but protects the joggers from external friction.

The best outfit strategy is soft-on-soft layering. This keeps your french terry joggers in excellent condition while staying comfortable all day.

For the latest pricing and to apply our discount code, check the latest price at Farm Brand.

Questions

Can I put my french terry joggers in the dryer?

No. Heat causes fading, shrinkage, and pilling in french terry joggers. Always air dry flat or on a hanger to preserve color, texture, and fit.

Why are my french terry joggers pilling after just a few wears?

Pilling is normal wear on soft fabrics, but heavy pilling early on usually means aggressive washing or drying. Washing cold inside-out on a gentle cycle and air drying dramatically reduces it.

How often should I wash french terry joggers?

Wash only when needed, typically every one to two weeks depending on wear. Overwashing speeds up fading and pilling, so spot-clean stains and let them air out between wears instead.

What's the best way to remove pilling from french terry joggers?

Use a fabric shaver or pill remover on the lowest setting, moving gently across the surface. This restores the nap without damaging the base fabric.

Are men's french terry joggers easier to care for than women's styles?

Heavier-weight men's joggers are slightly more durable, but all french terry fabrics benefit from the same gentle care: cold water, inside-out washing, and air drying.

Can I use bleach on my french terry joggers to remove stains?

No. Bleach damages french terry fibers and causes permanent discoloration. Treat stains with mild detergent and cold water instead, or spot-clean with a gentle fabric stain remover.