Ultimate Guide to Best Hoodie Materials and Fabric

When running an online business that offers custom hoodies, it’s crucial to understand that great design alone isn’t enough to make your products stand out. 

The material of your hoodies plays a pivotal role in defining their quality, comfort, and overall appeal. 

A well-chosen fabric can elevate your brand and create a memorable product that resonates with customers. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best hoodie materials available, comparing their advantages, disadvantages, and specific qualities, as well as discussing customization methods to help you make informed decisions.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Hoodie Material

Selecting the ideal hoodie material involves considering several key factors:

1. Warmth

For winter hoodies, warmth is a key consideration. Fabrics with higher GSM (grams per square meter) are thicker and provide better insulation. Winter hoodies typically require a GSM of 350-400, while spring and autumn hoodies need 250-300 GSM.

Fleece is celebrated for its exceptional insulating properties. It provides a dense, cozy layer that traps heat efficiently, making it an excellent choice for winter hoodies. Fleece fabrics are designed to keep you warm in cold temperatures by retaining body heat.

Types of Fleece

• Microfleece: Lightweight and soft, microfleece offers moderate warmth and is ideal for layering. It’s often used in hoodies intended for transitional weather or light outdoor activities.
• Sherpa Fleece: Known for its high-pile, plush texture, Sherpa fleece provides excellent warmth and comfort. It’s ideal for extremely cold conditions and is often used in high-performance winter gear.
• Brushed Fleece: This fabric has a brushed surface that enhances softness and insulation. The brushed side faces the body, creating a warm, comfortable feel.

However, fleece can be quite heavy, which may not be suitable for all uses. For instance, if you’re designing hoodies for activewear or outdoor activities where mobility is crucial, you might need lighter and more flexible materials.

2. Durability

One of the most crucial aspects to consider is the durability of the hoodie fabric as hoodies often rank as some of the most frequently worn items in a wardrobe. 

To ensure your hoodie withstands regular use, selecting a material with high durability is crucial. Additionally, the longevity of your hoodie is influenced by the quality of its manufacturing process.

The material must be robust enough to withstand frequent wear and multiple wash cycles without degrading in quality. When it comes to durability, synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon are often superior. 

Unlike natural fibers such as cotton, which can wear thin over time, synthetic fabrics are designed to withstand abrasion and maintain their appearance through frequent use.

Durability Insights:

• Polyester: Known for its resistance to stretching, shrinking, and wrinkling. Polyester fabrics also retain color well and are resistant to fading, making them ideal for long-lasting hoodies.
• Nylon: Renowned for its strength and resistance to tears and abrasions. Nylon is often used in combination with other fabrics to enhance durability.

For hoodies that need to endure frequent wear and laundering, selecting durable materials is crucial. Synthetic fabrics generally offer better resistance to everyday wear and tear compared to natural fibers. 

3. Comfort

Comfort is non-negotiable for any clothing item. Choose materials that are soft, non-irritating, and provide a good balance between warmth and flexibility to ensure freedom of movement.

Breathability is a key aspect of comfort. A breathable fabric ensures that the wearer remains comfortable by allowing air circulation and moisture evaporation. Fabrics like cotton, which are naturally breathable, help balance warmth and ventilation.

Comfort Factors:

• Cotton: Soft and breathable, cotton provides a comfortable wearing experience. It’s especially suitable for casual wear and hoodies intended for light activity.
• Blends: Cotton-polyester blends offer a mix of softness and moisture-wicking properties, enhancing overall comfort and making them suitable for various uses.

Choosing a fabric that maintains comfort across different conditions is essential, especially if your hoodies are intended for a range of activities from lounging to exercise.

4. Styles and Personal Preferences

Different hoodie styles require different fabric considerations. Understanding your audience’s preferences and the intended use of the hoodies can guide your material choice:

• Casual Wear Hoodies: For casual wear, comfort and aesthetics are paramount. Fabrics like soft fleece or jersey knit with a relaxed fit are ideal for lounging or everyday wear. Cotton or cotton blends provide breathability, while wool offers added warmth.
• Activewear Hoodies: Functionality is key for activewear. Breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics such as polyester blends or lightweight jerseys help regulate body temperature during exercise. Look for materials with added stretch, like spandex, to allow for freedom of movement.

By aligning the material with the hoodie’s intended use, you can ensure that the final product meets customer expectations and serves its purpose effectively.

Hoodie Fabric Weight

The weight of a fabric, measured in grams per square meter (GSM) or ounces per square yard (OSY), greatly affects its suitability for different weather conditions. Understanding fabric weight helps in selecting the right hoodie for specific needs:

Lightweight (200 GSM to 250 GSM)

Ideal for summer hoodies, lightweight fabrics provide breathability and comfort in mild weather. These are great for hoodies intended for warmer seasons or indoor wear.

Mid-weight (250 GSM to 300 GSM)

A versatile option that works well year-round. Mid-weight fabrics offer a balance between warmth and breathability, making them suitable for transitional weather and everyday wear.

Heavyweight (350 GSM to 400 GSM)

Best for cold weather, heavyweight fabrics offer substantial warmth and insulation. These hoodies are designed to provide maximum comfort in freezing temperatures.

Extra Heavyweight (over 400 GSM)

The warmest option available, suitable for extremely cold climates or for those who prioritize maximum coziness. Extra heavyweight fabrics are often used in high-performance gear designed for harsh conditions.

Types of Hoodie Materials

Different materials offer unique features, which in turn influence the type and function of the hoodies.

1. Cotton

Cotton is a natural fiber known for its skin-friendly properties and excellent moisture absorption. It keeps the body dry during intense activities and is soft and comfortable. However, cotton can shrink and deform after washing, so it is often blended with other fibers like polyester to enhance durability.

2. Polyester

Polyester is a widely-used synthetic material known for its strength, resilience, and resistance to fading and wrinkling. However, it does not absorb water well, can produce static electricity, and lacks breathability. Polyester is often blended with other materials to mitigate these drawbacks.

3. Nylon

Nylon is another synthetic fabric with excellent strength, resistance, and wind-proofing qualities, making it ideal for winter hoodies. It is glossy and drapes well but has low breathability and can produce static electricity.

4. Spandex

Spandex is a highly flexible synthetic fabric known for its stretch. It is usually blended with other fibers to enhance their elasticity without altering their appearance. This makes hoodies more comfortable and wrinkle-resistant.

5. Wool

Wool is a natural fiber known for its warmth, durability, and breathability. Wool is a natural fiber derived from animal hair, known for its excellent moisture-wicking and insulating properties. Wool hoodies provide warmth and breathability.

However, it can cause allergies in some people, so hypoallergenic alternatives like Alpaca wool are sometimes used. 

Wool is more expensive than cotton and can shrink if not properly cared for.

Features of Wool

• Moisture-Wicking: Keeps the wearer dry by drawing moisture away from the body.
• Insulation: Provides warmth while remaining breathable.

Wool hoodies are a premium choice that offers comfort and environmental benefits but may require careful maintenance to avoid shrinkage.

6. Rayon

Rayon is an artificial fabric made from natural plant fibers, designed to mimic the feel of materials like silk, wool, cotton, and linen. It is soft, smooth, and easy to dye but lacks resilience, durability, and wrinkle resistance.

Additional Hoodie Fabrics

Hoodies can also be made from various processed fabrics, each offering distinct features.

1. Jersey

Jersey is a stretchy knit fabric made from cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers. It is soft, durable, breathable, and comes in single and double-knit varieties. Jersey is ideal for sportswear and casual hoodies due to its flexibility and comfort.

Jersey knit fabric can be made from cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers like polyester. It comes in two main types:

• Single-Knit Jersey: Lightweight and stretchy, making it suitable for activewear and casual garments.
• Double-Knit Jersey: Heavier and less stretchy, providing more warmth and structure.

Single-knit jerseys are often preferred for their comfort and flexibility, while double-knit jerseys offer added warmth.

2. French Terry

French terry, also known as terry cloth, is a soft, breathable fabric usually made from cotton. It is thick, warm, and has excellent water absorption properties, making it suitable for winter and sports hoodies.

3. Fleece

Fleece is a popular fabric for winter hoodies, known for its durability and warmth. It is typically made from polyester and has tiny air pockets that trap body heat. Fleece hoodies are stable and resistant to fading but can be more expensive due to their complex manufacturing process.

Brushed Fleece

Brushed fleece is known for its softness, warmth, and coziness. It typically consists of cotton, polyester, or a blend, and features a brushed surface for enhanced comfort.

Features of Brushed Fleece:

• Softness: The napped finish creates a raised surface that feels gentle against the skin.
• Double-Faced: One side is flat, while the other side is soft and napped, adding warmth.

Brushed fleece is a popular choice for casual wear and lounging due to its comfortable and insulating properties.

Sherpa Fleece

Sherpa fleece is a plush, high-pile fabric that provides exceptional warmth and comfort. It’s often used in winter gear and casual hoodies designed for cold conditions.

Features of Sherpa Fleece:

• High-Pile Texture: Offers superior insulation and a luxurious feel.
• Versatility: Suitable for both outdoor activities and relaxed lounging.

Sherpa fleece hoodies are great for keeping warm during winter months or in colder climates.

Minky Fleece

Minky fleece is a plush fabric known for its incredibly soft touch and velvety feel. It’s a synthetic fleece typically made from 100% polyester.

Features of Minky Fleece:

• Luxurious Softness: Provides a velvety texture that feels gentle against the skin.
• Durability: Offers long-lasting comfort and warmth.

Minky fleece hoodies are perfect for a luxurious and cozy experience.

4. Corduroy

Corduroy is a durable fabric with a distinctive ribbed texture. Typically made from cotton, corduroy is durable and cozy, making it a stylish choice for hoodies. It is soft, thick, and breathable, making it ideal for leisure and winter hoodies. However, corduroy can be prone to tearing.

Features of Corduroy:

• Raised Texture: The raised ribs provide a unique visual appeal and texture.
• Durability: Cotton corduroy is strong and long-lasting.

Corduroy hoodies offer a classic and fashionable look, suitable for cooler weather.

5. Scuba Fabric (95% Polyester, 5% Spandex)

Scuba fabric is a synthetic knit material commonly used in activewear and fashion garments. It combines polyester and spandex to create a durable, stretchy fabric.

Features of Scuba Fabric:

• Durability: Polyester makes the fabric resistant to abrasion and wear.
• Stretch and Recovery: Spandex adds stretch, allowing the fabric to move with the body and retain its shape.

Scuba fabric is suitable for hoodies that require both durability and flexibility.

Hoodie Fabric Composition

The composition of hoodie fabrics influences their characteristics and performance:

100% Cotton

Cotton, a natural and hypoallergenic material, makes it an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin. 

Its exceptional sweat-absorbing capabilities mean that 100% cotton hoodies are ideal for staying dry during physical activities.

However, they're not the best option for rainy weather or exercising in colder conditions since wet cotton can quickly make you feel cold.

Key Characteristics of 100% Cotton Hoodies:

• Soft and Comfortable: Naturally soft and breathable, providing a pleasant wearing experience.
• Hypoallergenic: Gentle on sensitive skin, reducing the risk of irritation.
• Good Absorbency: Absorbs moisture effectively, ideal for light activity.
• Easy Care: Machine washable and generally easy to maintain.
• Great for Customization: Cotton holds dyes and embroidery well, allowing for vibrant designs.

Cotton hoodies are suitable for casual wear and light activity. They offer comfort and a classic look but may not provide the durability or moisture-wicking properties required for more demanding uses.

Cotton-Polyester Blends

Cotton-polyester blends combine the best attributes of both fibers. Cotton provides softness and breathability, while polyester adds durability and wrinkle resistance.

Types of Cotton-Polyester Blends:

• 50/50 Cotton-Polyester Blend:
  This blend strikes a balance between comfort and durability, producing a hoodie that's soft, breathable, and retains its color well. The polyester component makes these hoodies low-maintenance, requiring minimal ironing and easy care.
• 65/35 Cotton-Polyester Blend:
  With a higher cotton content, this blend offers a softer feel while still benefiting from polyester's durability and resilience.
• 80/20 Cotton-Polyester Blend:
  Leaning more towards cotton, this blend is ideal for warmer weather, providing a lightweight yet cozy hoodie fabric.
• 85/15 Cotton-Polyester Blend:
  This blend is perfect for those who enjoy the softness of cotton but also want some of the moisture-wicking properties of polyester.

Tri-Blends

Tri-blends typically include a mix of cotton, polyester, and rayon. The common ratio is 50% cotton, 25% polyester, and 25% rayon, though variations exist depending on the manufacturer.

Benefits of Tri-Blends:

• Cotton: Provides natural softness and breathability.
• Polyester: Adds durability and flexibility.
• Rayon: Offers a silky feel and enhances the fabric's drape.

Tri-blends are known for their superior comfort and durability. They maintain their shape and fit well even after multiple washes, offering a premium feel and appearance.

Types of Cotton-Polyester Tri-Blends:

• 50/25/25 Cotton-Polyester-Rayon Blend:This blend combines cotton, polyester, and rayon to create an exceptionally soft and comfortable fabric, ideal for lightweight hoodies. Rayon, also known as viscose, is a semi-synthetic material derived from wood cellulose. Depending on its production process, it can mimic the feel of cotton, polyester, linen, or even silk. Hoodies made from this 50/25/25 blend are perfect for sports activities or as a base layer beneath heavier garments.
• 70/27/3 Polyester-Cotton-Elastane Blend: Elastane, also referred to as spandex or Lycra, is a synthetic fiber celebrated for its elasticity. While synthetic materials are not the most eco-friendly, incorporating a small percentage of elastane into garments provides stretchability, making the fabric more resistant to movement and less likely to tear. Hoodies made from this 70/27/3 blend are ideal for all-over prints or sublimation printing, making them perfect for showcasing bold patterns and designs.

100% Polyester

100% polyester is a synthetic fabric that excels in lightweight and moisture-wicking properties. It’s an excellent choice for activewear and performance hoodies.

Key Characteristics of 100% Polyester Hoodies:

• Lightweight: Suitable for layering or warmer conditions.
• Moisture-Wicking: Helps manage sweat and keeps the wearer cool and dry.
• Durability: Resistant to stretching, shrinking, and wrinkling, and maintains color well.

Polyester hoodies are ideal for high-performance gear and situations where moisture management is crucial.

How to decide which Cotton-Poly Blend is Best for Hoodies?

The ideal blend ultimately depends on personal preference, but here are some factors to consider when choosing the right hoodie fabric:

• Comfort and Softness:
  The greater the cotton content, the softer the fabric will be. Comfort also depends on fabric weight, climate, and intended use. Cotton is excellent for absorbing sweat and keeping you cool in warm weather, while polyester excels at moisture-wicking and insulation, making it ideal for activewear. Cotton-polyester fleece hoodies offer extra comfort and softness.
• Breathability:
  Natural fibers like cotton are unmatched in breathability. The more cotton in the blend, the more breathable the fabric. Additionally, fleece fabrics are typically more breathable, so that’s a feature to keep in mind.
• Longevity:
  Both high-quality cotton and polyester are durable, and when combined, they create a long-lasting fabric. Consider the knit type, fabric weight (heavier fabrics tend to be more durable), and the manufacturing process. For instance, ring-spun or pre-shrunk cotton is more durable than regular cotton.
• Customization Options:
  Poly-cotton blends are well-suited for DTG printing and embroidery. Hoodies with higher cotton content produce more vibrant, detailed, and accurate prints. On the other hand, a higher polyester content increases the print’s resistance to fading. Thicker fabrics are ideal for embroidery, as they prevent the hoodie from bunching up around the embroidered area.

How to decide which Cotton-Poly Tri-Blend is Better for Hoodies?

There are two major types of Tri-blends: 50/25/25 Cotton-Polyester-Rayon Blend, and the 70/27/3 Polyester-Cotton-Elastane Blend. Let's break down these two tri-blends in more detail to understand which one would suit your needs.

• Comfort and Softness: 

Both blends offer exceptional softness, but the 50/25/25 cotton-polyester-rayon mix is ideal for summer wear, while the 70/27/3 polyester-cotton-elastane blend is better suited for winter.

• Breathability: 

Higher cotton content generally means better breathability. For instance, a 50/25/25 cotton-polyester-rayon hoodie offers similar breathability to a 50/50 cotton-polyester hoodie.

• Longevity: 

The durability of the fabric increases with higher polyester content. Compared to the 50/25/25 cotton-polyester-rayon blend, the 70/27/3 polyester-cotton-elastane blend is more likely to withstand wear and maintain its quality over time.

• Customization Options: 

The 50/25/25 blend is compatible with DTG printing or smaller embroidery designs, whereas the 70/27/3 blend is specifically designed for sublimation printing.

Polyester vs. Cotton Hoodies

Polyester and cotton are among the most commonly used fabrics for hoodies, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s see their comparison below:

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best hoodie material involves understanding the characteristics of different fabrics and their suitability for various purposes. Whether you’re looking for warmth, durability, comfort, or style, each material offers unique benefits and potential drawbacks.

By considering fabric weight, composition, and texture, you can select the right material for your hoodies. Testing samples and evaluating print quality are crucial steps to ensure that your hoodies meet customer expectations and perform well in real-world conditions.

With careful attention to fabric choices and customization options, you can create hoodies that are not only visually appealing but also offer exceptional comfort and performance.