Not all hoodies are created equally. The secret to a comfortable, durable, and stylish hoodie lies in its fabric. If you’re a fashion startup designing your first hoodie collection, a streetwear brand looking for premium quality, or simply a consumer curious about what hoodie should be made of, understanding hoodie fabrics is essential.
The global hoodies & sweatshirts market was valued at approximately USD $199.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach about USD $370.4 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.4% This rapid growth reflects how increasingly, U.S. consumers are choosing comfortable, versatile apparel, making the choice of fabric more critical than ever. The right fabric impacts comfort, breathability, warmth, durability, and even long-term value.
At Argus Apparel, we work closely with fashion brands, startups, and private labels across the USA to help them select the best hoodie materials and manufacture hoodies that balance comfort, performance, and style. In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular hoodie fabrics, compare their pros and cons, and explain how to choose the perfect textile for your collection.
Common Hoodie Fabrics & Materials Used in Manufacturing
Hoodies are one of the most versatile apparel items, and the fabrics used to make them play a major role in how they feel, look, and perform. Some hoodie fabrics are designed to be lightweight and breathable, making them ideal for warm climates or layering. Others are thick, plush, and insulating, perfect for keeping warm in colder U.S. states.
Here are the most common hoodie material options used in today’s American apparel market:
Cotton
Cotton is the most widely used material for hoodies, thanks to its soft, breathable, and natural comfort. It’s gentle on the skin and offers a premium look. Many U.S. brands prefer cotton because it works for everyday wear and casual fashion. However, pure cotton can shrink if not pre-treated and may not be as warm as fleece.
Best for: everyday hoodies, lightweight hoodie material, breathable hoodie fabric.
Fleece
Fleece hoodies are all about warmth and comfort. Typically made from cotton, polyester, or a cotton-poly blend, fleece has a brushed interior that feels plush and cozy. This fabric is especially popular in colder U.S. regions and is considered one of the best hoodie materials for winter collections.
Best for: durable hoodie fabric for cold weather, lifestyle, and casual winter hoodies.
French Terry
French terry is a mid-weight fabric with a smooth surface on the outside and soft loops on the inside. Unlike fleece, it isn’t brushed, which makes it more breathable and versatile for all-season wear. French terry is a favorite among athletic and loungewear brands in the USA because it balances comfort with a polished look.
Best for: all-season wear, breathable hoodie fabric, athletic and casual collections.
Jersey Knit
Jersey knit is lightweight, stretchy, and soft, making it an excellent choice for summer hoodies or layering pieces. It’s less insulating than fleece or French terry but offers comfort and flexibility. Many startups and streetwear brands use jersey knit to create stylish yet lightweight hoodie material options.
Best for: summer hoodies, layering pieces, lightweight hoodie fabric.
Polyester & Blends
Polyester is a durable hoodie fabric that resists shrinking and wrinkling. On its own, it’s strong and moisture-resistant, but when blended with cotton, it combines softness with resilience. Polyester blends are commonly used for moisture-wicking hoodie material, making them perfect for athletic or performance hoodies in the USA market.
Best for: performance wear, sports hoodies, wrinkle-resistant, and long-lasting options.
Wool & Specialty Fabrics
Wool hoodies offer superior insulation and a premium feel, making them ideal for luxury collections. They’re less common in mass-market production but are popular in high-end or specialty lines. Today, U.S. brands are also experimenting with organic cotton, recycled polyester, and bamboo fabrics to cater to eco-conscious consumers. These sustainable options are becoming part of the best hoodie fabrics list for modern apparel brands.
Best for: premium fashion hoodies, sustainable apparel lines, and winter wear.
Each of these hoodie material options serves a different purpose. The right choice depends on your target audience, the season, and your brand’s positioning. Whether you’re aiming for breathable summer hoodies or heavy-duty fleece for winter, selecting the right fabric can define the success of your hoodie collection.
Explore more in our blog: Ultimate Guide to Fleece Hoodies
Comparing Hoodie Fabrics: Pros & Cons
Every fabric has unique strengths and trade-offs. Here’s a detailed look at the best hoodie fabrics and their best use cases.
Cotton Hoodies
Cotton is one of the most popular choices because it’s breathable, natural, and soft on the skin. It’s ideal for casual everyday hoodies. However, pure cotton may shrink if not pre-treated and is less insulating than fleece.
Best for: lightweight hoodie material, breathable hoodie fabric, casual wear.
Fleece Hoodies
Fleece is warm, plush, and cozy—perfect for colder climates. It’s often made from cotton, polyester, or a blend. While fleece holds heat well, it can sometimes feel too heavy in warmer conditions.
Best for: durable hoodie fabric for winter, comfort-focused wear.
French Terry vs Jersey Knit
- French Terry: Known for its soft loops on the inside and smooth surface outside, French terry is versatile and breathable. It works great for athletic and casual hoodies.
- Jersey Knit: A lightweight hoodie material that’s stretchy and comfortable. Perfect for summer or layering.
Best for: athletic hoodies, year-round wear, breathable hoodie fabric.
Polyester Hoodie Fabric
Polyester is durable, wrinkle-resistant, and commonly used in blends. Its key strength is being a moisture-wicking hoodie material, which makes it ideal for sports and outdoor activities.
Best for: performance hoodies, long-lasting wear, activewear collections.
Wool and Specialty Fabrics
Wool hoodies provide premium insulation and unique textures. They’re more expensive but offer excellent warmth and a luxury feel. Some brands also experiment with bamboo, recycled polyester, and organic cotton for sustainable hoodie lines.
Best for: high-end, sustainable, and cold-weather hoodies.
Quick Comparison Table: Hoodie Fabric Options
| Fabric | Pros | Cons | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Soft, breathable, natural | Shrinks, less warm | Everyday wear |
| Fleece | Warm, cozy, durable | Heavy for warm weather | Winter hoodies |
| French Terry | Breathable, soft, versatile | Less insulating than fleece | Athletic + casual |
| Jersey Knit | Lightweight, stretchy | Less durable over time | Summer hoodies |
| Polyester/Blends | Moisture-wicking, wrinkle-free | Less breathable | Sports hoodies |
| Wool/Specialty | Luxurious, insulating | Expensive, higher care | Premium lines |
Hoodie Trims, Lining & Accessories: What Materials to Use
Beyond the main fabric, trims and accessories also affect hoodie quality.
- Lining: Cotton jersey or polyester mesh for breathability; fleece for warmth.
- Drawstrings: Cotton cord for casual styles, polyester, or nylon for athletic looks.
- Labels: Woven cotton or satin labels for comfort and branding.
- Zippers: Metal for durability, plastic for lightweight performance.
The right combination of trims ensures your hoodie not only looks good but performs well.
Choosing the Right Fabric: What to Think About
When selecting the best hoodie material, consider these key factors:
- Climate: Fleece for cold weather; cotton or jersey knit for warm regions.
- Purpose: Performance hoodies need moisture-wicking hoodie material; lifestyle hoodies need breathable fabrics.
- Durability: Blends with polyester increase lifespan.
- Weight (GSM): Lightweight fabrics for summer; heavier GSM (280–350) for winter.
- Cost & Sustainability: Organic cotton or recycled polyester appeal to eco-conscious buyers.
Think of your target customer and how they’ll wear the hoodie before choosing the fabric.
At Argus Apparel, we typically recommend mid-weight French terry (280–300 GSM) for U.S. streetwear brands because it balances breathability and durability, while fleece (320–350 GSM) remains our go-to for winter collections.
How to Care for Your Hoodie to Keep It Looking Good
Even the best hoodie fabrics need proper care. Here are quick tips:
- Wash in cold water to preserve color and prevent shrinking.
- Turn hoodies inside out before washing to reduce pilling.
- Avoid high heat drying; air-dry for best results.
- Use gentle detergents to maintain softness and stretch.
Proper care extends fabric life and keeps hoodies looking brand new.
Why Pick Argus Apparel for Your Hoodie Fabric & Manufacturing
At Argus Apparel, as a private label manufacturer, we don’t just manufacture hoodies, we help brands choose the right hoodie fabrics for their market. With years of expertise in material sourcing and custom manufacturing for USA-based clients, we ensure every hoodie meets high standards of quality and durability.
- Fabric Sourcing: Organic cotton, recycled polyester, and performance blends.
- Quality Control: Testing for shrinkage, color fastness, and durability.
- Customization: Full private label hoodie manufacturing with trims, labels, and packaging.
- Global + Local Advantage: Reliable sourcing for USA brands with both imported and domestic fabric options.
Your vision, paired with our expertise, results in hoodies that stand out in comfort and style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between fleece and French terry?
A: Fleece is thicker and warmer, while French terry is lighter and more breathable.
Q: Does fleece shrink?
A: Cotton fleece may shrink slightly if not pre-shrunk, but polyester fleece is shrink-resistant.
Q: What fabric is best for athletic hoodies?
A: Polyester or blends with moisture-wicking properties work best for sports hoodies.
Q: How heavy should the hoodie fabric be?
A: For winter hoodies, aim for 300–350 GSM; for lightweight summer hoodies, 180–250 GSM.
Q: Can I mix fabrics?
A: Yes, blends like cotton-polyester combine softness with durability.
Ready to Pick Your Hoodie Fabric?
Choosing the right fabric is the foundation of making a great hoodie. Whether you need breathable hoodie fabric, durable hoodie fabric, or lightweight hoodie material for your next collection, Argus Apparel is here to help.
Contact us today for fabric swatches, custom hoodie manufacturing, or a free quote.
