Fleece hoodies have become a wardrobe essential, loved for their warmth, comfort, and versatile styling options. As demand continues to rise, the global hoodies and sweatshirt market is projected to grow significantly, from USD 199.2 billion in 2024 to an estimated USD 370.4 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 6.4%. This growth reflects not just consumer preference but also the increasing opportunities for brands to tap into this expanding segment.
If you’re launching a new streetwear label, building a private collection, or preparing for your next merch drop, understanding fleece hoodies is crucial.
In This Guide, We Will Cover
- A breakdown of what fleece hoodies are and how they differ from other fabrics.
- An overview of the various types of fleeces used in hoodie manufacturing.
- Insights into how different brands are using fleece hoodies.
- Common mistakes to avoid when selecting fleece hoodies.
- Why Argus Apparel is a trusted partner in fleece hoodie manufacturing.
Let’s dive into the world of fleece and explore how to make it work for your brand.
What Are Fleece Hoodies?
Fleece hoodies are a staple in modern apparel, offering a combination of comfort, warmth, and versatility. Fleece refers to a soft, insulating fabric typically made by brushing one or both sides of a knit material. This process creates a plush texture that traps warmth, making it ideal for hoodies.
Fleece vs. Other Hoodie Fabrics
Compared to jersey or French terry, fleece stands out for its insulation. Jersey is lightweight and smooth, often used in t-shirts and lightweight hoodies, while French terry has loops on one side and a smooth surface on the other, offering moderate warmth. Fleece, with its brushed interior, delivers superior coziness, especially in colder climates.
Types of Fleeces Used in Hoodie Manufacturing
Different types of fleeces bring unique characteristics to the table. Here’s a breakdown of commonly used fleece varieties in hoodie production:
Cotton Fleece
Made from 100% cotton, this fleece is breathable and soft against the skin. It’s ideal for high-end brands prioritizing natural fibers and comfort.
Polyester Fleece
Known for its durability and moisture-wicking properties, polyester fleece is lightweight yet warm, making it great for activewear and outerwear.
Cotton-Poly Blends
Combining the best of both worlds, cotton-poly blends offer softness and structure with improved resilience and lower shrinkage. They’re popular among streetwear and merch brands.
Sherpa Fleece
With a wool-like texture, Sherpa fleece provides excellent warmth and a cozy aesthetic. It’s perfect for winter collections and outdoor apparel.
Microfleece
Thinner and lighter than other types, microfleece is used in layering pieces or lightweight hoodies. It’s soft, breathable, and great for transitional weather.
Recycled or Sustainable Fleece Options
Eco-conscious brands are turning into fleece made from recycled PET bottles or organic materials. These sustainable options reduce environmental impact without compromising on quality.
Interested in launching your own business? You can read our detailed guide: Everything You Need to Know About How to Start a Hoodie Business
Key Features That Make Fleece Hoodies Popular
The unique combination of warmth, softness, durability, and customizability makes fleece hoodies a smart investment for clothing brands of all kinds. These key features also make fleece highly adaptable across seasons and collections. From casual essentials to statement pieces, fleece hoodies give you the flexibility to build products that align with your brand’s aesthetic and purpose.
Now that you understand the benefits fleece offers, let’s explore how different brands are using fleece hoodies across various niches in the fashion industry.
Warmth-to-Weight Ratio
One of the biggest reasons fleece hoodies are so loved is that they keep you warm without feeling heavy. The fabric traps body heat efficiently, so even lighter fleece can offer great insulation. This makes fleece ideal for layering or wearing alone during chilly weather.
Soft Feel
Fleece has a brushed interior that feels incredibly soft and gentle against the skin. It’s this plush, cozy texture that makes fleece hoodies so comfortable to wear, whether you’re lounging at home or heading out on a cool day.
Stretchability
Fleece often has a bit of stretch, which adds to its comfort and flexibility. This stretch helps the hoodie move with the body, making it a great choice for active wear or everyday use. It also helps the garment keep its shape over time.
Breathability & Moisture Control
Even though fleece is warm, it doesn’t trap heat or sweat. It allows air to flow through and can wick moisture away from the skin. This means you stay dry and comfortable, whether you’re indoors or active outside.
Durability
Fleece is designed to be tough. Whether it’s made from polyester, cotton blends, or recycled fibers, fleece holds up well to regular washing and wear. It resists shrinking, fraying, and pilling, which is important for clothing brands that want their products to last.
Ideal for Printing and Embroidery
Fleece hoodies are easy to customize. The surface is smooth enough for screen printing and thick enough to support embroidery without distorting the fabric. This makes them a great option for branding, logos, artwork, or promotional merch that pops.
You can also check out: Premium Custom Embroidery Services by Argus Apparel
Use Cases for Fleece Hoodies in the Fashion Industry
Fleece hoodies aren’t just for keeping warm; they’ve become a style essential for people from all walks of life. Their versatility is what makes them favorite among designers, brands, and everyday wearers alike.
Streetwear & Luxury Loungewear
Fleece hoodies are a must-have in today’s streetwear and high-end loungewear lines. Designers use them to create oversized, bold, or minimalistic styles that people love to wear casually or as part of trendy outfits. Their softness and warmth make them perfect for relaxed yet stylish looks.
Branded Team Apparel or Merchandise
These hoodies are widely used for fanwear, college teams, or corporate merch. They’re easy to customize with logos, names, or slogans, making them an ideal product for building brand identity or team spirit, whether for sports clubs, influencers, or events.
Fitness and Athleisure Brands
Fleece hoodies are perfect for activewear collections. They offer warmth without restricting movement, making them great for wearing before and after workouts, or for light training in cooler weather. They also pair well with leggings, joggers, or shorts, making them a versatile athleisure choice.
Seasonal Collections (Fall/Winter Drops)
Fleece is a go-to fabric during the colder months. Whether you’re launching a new winter line or updating your seasonal range, fleece hoodies help bring warmth and style together. They’re perfect for layering and give customers a cozy, on-trend option during fall and winter.
How to Customize Fleece Hoodies for Your Brand
Customizing fleece hoodies isn’t just about slapping on a logo; it’s about creating something your audience will want to wear over and over again. If you’re looking to build a lifestyle brand, launch team apparel, or create exclusive merch, fleece hoodies offer a perfect blank canvas.
Think about the little details:
- Do you want a bold chest to print or a subtle sleeve logo?
- Will it have a woven necklace or a tear-away tag?
- Do your customers prefer a classic pullover or a zip-up style?
The right choices reflect your brand’s identity and create a hoodie that feels thoughtfully made. And because fleece is so versatile, it works well with different print techniques, embroidery, patches, and even custom packaging. It’s your chance to design something that people connect with and keep coming back for.
Printing and Embroidery Techniques
- Screen Printing: Delivers bold, lasting graphics.
- Embroidery: Adds a premium, textured look.
- Puff Prints: Provide a raised effect, often used in streetwear for eye-catching designs.
Dying and Color Options
Choose from pre-dyed fabrics or garment-dyed hoodies for richer, more unique hues. Color selection plays a major role in brand identity.
Custom Components
- Zippers, Drawstrings, Trims: These small details contribute significantly to your brand’s visual signature.
- Neck Labels and Tags: Add professionalism and identity with woven or printed labels.
Fit Types
- Oversized: Popular in streetwear for a relaxed aesthetic.
- Cropped: Trendy among youth and female-focused brands.
- Drop Shoulder: Adds style and comfort.
- Classic Cut: Timeless and versatile.
MOQ Flexibility
Even if you’re ordering 50 or 5,000 pieces, working with a manufacturer that offers flexible minimums helps brands of all sizes bring their vision to life.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Fleece Hoodies
Buying fleece hoodies might seem simple, but it’s easy to overlook a few key details, especially when you’re focused on style alone. From picking the wrong weight to ignoring fabric quality, these common slip-ups can affect the final product more than you’d think. Let’s break them down so you know what to watch out for.
Overlooking GSM (Fabric Weight)
GSM stands for grams per square meter and tells you how thick and warm the fabric is. If you choose a GSM that’s too light or too heavy for your product, it might not perform the way your customers expect, whether it’s too warm, not warm enough, or feels bulky.
Ignoring Shrinkage or Pilling
Some fleece fabrics can shrink or form little fabric balls (pilling) after washing. This makes the product look old or cheap quickly. Always ask for fabric samples and test them through washing before making a large order.
Choosing Low-Quality Blends
Not all fleece is the same. Cheaper blends might feel rough, wear out faster, or lose shape. Make sure the manufacturer lists what’s in the fabric and offers physical swatches so you can check the quality before production.
Not Matching Fleece Type to Your Brand or Product Use
Every type of fleece has a purpose. For example, microfleece is thin and best for layering, while Sherpa is thick and warm for outdoor wear. Choosing the wrong type can confuse customers or hurt your brand image. Pick a fleece that fits both the function and style of your collection.
Why Work with Argus Apparel for Fleece Hoodie Manufacturing
Argus Apparel specializes in custom hoodie manufacturing for clothing brands worldwide. Our team helps you turn a design concept into reality with:
- Complete Customization: From fabric choice and fit, embroidery, and labels
- Tech Pack Development: Ensuring production-ready documentation.
- Integrated Print & Embroidery: Everything handled in-house for quality control.
- Scalable Production: Low MOQs for startups and high-volume capability for scaling.
- Global Fulfilment: Timely delivery and consistent quality across all orders.
Discover how Argus supports startups and established brands alike with unmatched manufacturing expertise and flexibility.
Final Thoughts
Fleece hoodies strike the perfect balance between fashion and function. Whether you’re launching a streetwear line, creating custom merch, or expanding your seasonal collection, fleece hoodies offer durability, warmth, and endless customization.
Ready to create your own? Request a quote or sample from Argus Apparel.
