Have you ever seen how a good hoodie is everybody’s favorite? Cosy, snug, and not too tight, that is what people always pick. Hoodies belong to daily style among individuals heading to the gym, working at home, or creating memories by sharing them with their loved ones. Actually, the market of hoodies and sweatshirts is estimated to exceed more than 227 billion (2024) and will reach 381 billion in the year 2032. It implies that demand is skyrocketing, and brands that select the right cloth are remembered by the customers.
Are you interested in a trusted hoodie manufacturer who really knows how to work with clothes and their design? You can rely on this guide by Innovate Apparel. In this blog, you’ll learn about the top 10 fabric choices for premium custom hoodies, how each one feels, looks, and performs, so you can choose what’s best for your brand. And the fabric that will turn your next hoodie into the favorite of everybody.
Why Hoodie Material Matters?
Choosing the right fabric is the first step any smart hoodie manufacturer will tell you about. Fabric affects comfort, warmth, weight, stretch, and how the hoodie looks after washing. For customers, a hoodie should feel soft on the skin. For brands, the fabric must hold prints and logos well.
Think about yourself as the customer.
- Do you want a light hoodie for spring or a heavy one for winter?
- Do you prefer soft touch or sporty feel?
When the brand heeds the responses to those questions and uses fabrics such as cotton to make it soft or polyester to make it durable, then you are surely the most suitable person to call them the best hoodie brand. The right material leaves the customers happy, minimizes returns, enhances the reviews, and assists the brand in acquiring the attention it deserves.
When you consider starting your own hoodie company, it is crucial to collaborate with a hoodie manufacturer who will balance the price, feel, and performance. Innovate Apparel takes the process of testing fabrics very seriously so that the quality is consistent each and every time, so that you have the opportunity to make your hoodies shine in the market.
A Quick Look at the Most Popular Hoodie Fabrics
As you all know, each fabric has its own feel and use. To explain to you better, Innovate Apparel has briefly described how each fabric feels and where it works best.
Cotton
Cotton has been a popular choice of hoodie fabrics, and rightfully so. Being a natural fabric, it is soft, breathable, and tender to the skin, hence making it ideal to wear every day. This softness is increased with high-quality cotton such as combed or ringspun cotton, which eliminates impurities and short fibers to give a soft, luxurious feel.
It is breathable and thus keeps you comfortable, and is hypoallergenic and hence safe against sensitive skin. The dyes, prints, and embroidery are also taken in by cotton hoodies, making the custom design shine, which is a major strength of the hoodie manufacturer.
Cotton is not completely blameless: it cannot wick moisture out, thus absorbs it, can shrink without predrying, wrinkles, and is slightly less durable compared to blends. Nevertheless, as a casual, cozy, and bedtime garment, it is one of the best in terms of softness, breathability, and printability. A hoodie manufacturer that deals with daily wear hoodies and relaxed comfort of easy-going clothes uses cotton as the fabric of choice.
Why Should You Choose Cotton for Your Next Hoodie?
- Naturally soft and comfortable for everyday wear.
- Allows air circulation, keeping you cool and comfy.
- Safe for sensitive skin, minimizing irritation.
- Holds dyes and prints well, making for vibrant designs.
- Machine washable and practical for daily use.
- Biodegradable and sustainable when sourced responsibly.
- Adds warmth without bulk, great for layering.
Polyester
Polyester is a man-made fiber that is highly valued because of its durability, performance, and easy care. It is lightweight, powerful, and does not shrink or stretch, which makes hoodies maintain their shape over time. It is hydrophobic, which means that it sheds off water and, hence, sweat or light rain will not weigh you down; therefore, it is perfect in athletic, outdoor, or hyperactive hoodies.
Polyester is also fast drying, wrinkle free and colorful, and enables custom designs to be made and look their best. That is why the best hoodie manufacturer will only create performance wear using polyester.
It has trade-offs: polyester is not as soft or breathable as natural fibers, and some people consider it not as snug against bare skin. It is also able to hold smells and even oily or hard substances like cotton. Nevertheless, polyester is a solid option to use when it comes to activity-oriented and long-lasting hoodies.
Why Should You Choose Polyester for Your Next Hoodie?
- Highly durable and resistant to shrinking and stretching.
- Dries quickly, making it ideal for activewear.
- Offers excellent moisture-wicking properties to keep you dry.
- Easy to care for and holds shapes well, machine washable & wrinkle-resistant.
- Lightweight, making it comfortable for various activities.
- Cost-effective compared to natural fibers.
- Retains color and resists fading over time.
Cotton-Polyester Blends
Cotton-polyester blends offer the softness and breathability of cotton with the durability and performance of polyester, which makes them one of the best sellers of custom hoodies. Combining 50/50, 65/35, or 80/20, softness and strength are balanced differently. The 50/50 blend produces a durable and mid-weight hoodie, which does not shrink and wrinkle easily, and an increase in the proportion of cotton makes it softer without compromising on durability.
Blended hoodies are easy to shape, retain bright colors, and can be printed, embroidered, and adapted to fit any custom design. It provides a flexible alternative in the team apparel, promotional, and everyday wear of the hoodie manufacturer.
Why Should You Choose Cotton-Polyester for Your Next Hoodie?
- Combines the softness of cotton with the durability of polyester.
- Offers breathability and moisture-wicking properties for comfort.
- Resistant to shrinking and wrinkling, maintaining a neat appearance.
- Enhanced durability makes it suitable for everyday wear.
- Easy to care for and retains shape well, machine washable and quick-drying.
- Balances comfort and performance for versatile use.
- Economical choice compared to pure cotton or polyester fabrics.
Fleece
Fleece is a warm and comfortable brushed type of fabric, mostly consisting of polyester or polyester-cotton. Its fuzzy inside keeps warm and is lightweight, and provides a warm, blanket-like feeling to wear. Fleece hoodies can be worn for lounging, outdoor, or layering in winter, and they dry fast, do not shrink, and do not lose their softness even after many washings.
The difference between cotton fleece and polyester fleece, microfleece, or sponge fleece will enable a good hoodie manufacturer to focus on breathability, coziness, or additional softness. Fleece assists every hoodie manufacturer specializing in warm, convenient, and easy-to-wear winter wear.
Why Should You Choose Fleece for Your Next Hoodie?
- Exceptionally soft and cozy, perfect for warmth and comfort.
- Provides excellent insulation, making it ideal for colder temperatures.
- Lightweight and breathable, ensuring comfort without bulk.
- Quick-drying and moisture-wicking, suitable for various activities.
- Easy to care for, usually machine washable and low-maintenance.
- Durable and resistant to fraying, tearing, and fading.
- Hypoallergenic, making it safe for sensitive skin.
French Terry
French terry is an outer-looped inner layer fabric that is generally made of cotton or cotton blends and has a smooth outer surface. It is soft, breathable, and moderately warm, and it is perfect to wear all year round as custom hoodies. The looped inside absorbs moisture and keeps the wearer comfortable during light exercises or daily exercises, and the lightweight structure permits airflow to avoid overheating.
It has a smooth surface that makes hoodies sleek and polished, and its material does not lose its form and feel throughout its life. These are some of the key attributes that any hoodie manufacturer would consider in their design.
Why Should You Choose French Terry for Your Next Hoodie?
- Soft and comfortable, offering a cozy feel against the skin.
- Features a looped back, providing breathability and lightweight warmth.
- Excellent for layering, making it versatile for various styles.
- Offers some stretch, ensuring a flexible fit for active wear.
- Absorbs moisture well, keeping you dry during workouts.
- Easy to care for, machine washable, and resistant to wrinkling.
- Great for both casual and athleisure wear, ideal for lounging or exercise.
Spandex (Elastane) blends
Elastane, also known as spandex, is subsequently added in minute quantities (usually 2-5 per cent) to cotton, polyester, or mixed fabrics to give them stretch. Spandex blended hoodies fit like body suits and retain their forms without falling at the cuffs, waistlines, and elbows. This makes them perfect in active wear, athletic hoodies, slim fits, or any other design that needs to be flexible.
Hooded garments, even casual clothing, will enjoy the added benefits of comfort and ease of movement and retain their sleek, fitted look despite many uses and launderings. To a good hoodie manufacturer, spandex blends would provide durable, elastic, and stylish hoodies that are comfortable to put on as they are comfortable to wear.
Why Should You Choose Spandex (Elastane) Blends for Your Next Hoodie?
- Provides exceptional stretch and flexibility for maximum comfort.
- Enhances fit by allowing fabrics to hug the body without restraint.
- Improves durability, helping garments resist wear and tear.
- Lightweight and breathable, making it suitable for activewear.
- Wicks moisture away, keeping you dry during workouts.
- Retains elasticity over time, ensuring long-lasting wear.
- Ideal for form-fitting apparel like leggings, swimwear, and sports bras.
Jersey
Jersey is a lightweight, knit fabric with a smooth surface and natural stretch, often made from cotton, polyester, or blends. It is very soft, breathable, and flexible, and therefore is used as a casual custom hoodie piece and sweatshirt, among others. Jersey is easy to wear, has an easy-chic appearance, and gives the freedom to move, and the material is light, which enables it not to add weight even when layered.
Its velvet texture also makes printing, embroidery, and other customizations look sharp, and it is perfect for the hoodie manufacturer producing daily, branded, or personalised apparel.
Why Should You Choose Jersey for Your Next Hoodie?
- Soft and stretchy, providing comfort for everyday wear.
- Breathable and moisture-wicking, ideal for activewear.
- Smooth surface on one side, often with a textured back.
- Excellent drape, allowing for flattering fits in garments.
- Easy to care for, usually machine washable and resistant to wrinkling.
- Lightweight yet providing enough thickness for modesty.
- Holds color well, making it perfect for vibrant prints and designs.
Rayon
Rayon, also called viscose, is a semi-synthetic fiber made from plant cellulose, prized for its silky texture, lightweight feel, and excellent drape. Rayon hoodies feel soft and luxurious against the skin while remaining breathable and flowy, giving a relaxed fit that moves naturally with the wearer. Often blended with cotton or polyester for durability and easy care, rayon keeps its premium hand-feel while standing up to regular wear.
For hoodie manufacturers focused on premium designs, rayon provides a soft, stylish, and comfortable option that elevates everyday hoodies into luxury apparel.
Why Should You Choose Rayon for Your Next Hoodie?
- Soft and smooth, providing a luxurious feel against the skin.
- Highly breathable, making it comfortable in warm weather.
- Absorbs moisture well, keeping you cool and dry.
- Takes dyes effectively, resulting in vibrant colors and patterns.
- Lightweight and versatile, suitable for various styles and occasions.
- Can mimic the feel of silk, wool, or cotton depending on the blend.
- Requires careful washing and handling to maintain its shape and appearance.
Wool
Wool is a natural fiber, and it has the qualities that make it warm, soft, and breathable. Fine merino wool provides great insulation and, at the same time, is lightweight. Wool sweat jackets are ideal in milder temperatures or high-end customized sweatshirts since the fibers inherently hold in warmth to keep the wearers warm without adding any bulk and absorb moisture to keep them comfortable even during exercise.
Quality wool feels soft to the touch on the skin, and wool mixed with cotton or synthetic mixes offers additional life and ease of care. Among the best hoodie manufacturers who are aiming at creating winter or high-end lines, wool provides a luxurious warmth, the ability to resist natural odor, and a high-end feel that a buyer will value.
Why Should You Choose Wool for Your Next Hoodie?
- Naturally insulating, providing warmth in cold conditions.
- Breathable, allowing moisture to evaporate and keeping you comfortable.
- Elastic and durable, maintaining shape over time.
- Naturally water-resistant, offering some protection against light rain.
- Naturally flame-resistant, adding safety qualities to garments.
- Can wick moisture away, keeping you dry and comfortable.
- Requires specific care, typically needing hand washing or dry cleaning.
Nylon
Nylon is a powerful, synthetic fiber that is useful in terms of strength, resistance to water, and light performance. Nylon hoodies are soft, durable, and do not lose their shape after washing and being used many times. The fabric is also quick to dry and offers a degree of wind and waterproof effects, and is therefore suitable for outdoor or sports hoodies.
Nylon can be used together with cotton, polyester, or spandex to provide softness, stretch, or moisture control without compromising strength. When the target of the hoodie manufacturer is performance, active wear, or outdoor clothing, the use of nylon provides durable, lightweight, and high-performance properties, resistant to adverse conditions.
Why Should You Choose Nylon for Your Next Hoodie?
- Extremely durable, making it resistant to wear and tear.
- Lightweight and strong, ideal for a variety of applications.
- Quick-drying, making it suitable for activewear and outdoor use.
- Holds color well, offering vibrant hues and patterns.
- Flexible and stretchy, enhancing comfort and fit in garments.
- Breathable in lightweight forms, promoting airflow during activities.
- Resistant to mold and mildew, making it easy to maintain.
Natural vs Synthetic Hoodie Materials
The fabrics are broadly divided into two categories such as natural fibers and synthetic fibers. All of them possess their own strengths and trade-offs, and knowing about these distinctions is the difference between you and your custom hoodies.
Natural Fibers
There is a preference towards natural materials such as cotton and wool due to their comfortable, breathable, and soft nature. Cotton is hypoallergenic, gentle to the skin, and lightweight, thus suitable to wear on a daily basis. Wool is, on the contrary, very insulating, warmer for the wearers who are in colder climates. Natural fibers are familiar and comfortable, so many individuals choose to wear them when having a casual or lifestyle hoodie.
Then there are flaws of natural fibers. Unless pre-treated, cotton and wool can and do shrink and are more likely to need a lighter form of washing to retain their shape and softness. Cotton is not wicked; it collects the moisture, hence, when wet, it might feel heavy, and wool can be itchy in some cases unless blended or processed well – a nightmare for a good hoodie manufacturer.
Synthetic Fibers
Syntheses such as nylon and polyester are performance-based. They are long-lasting, fast drying, and do not shrink, fade, or stretch. Polyester blends that do not lose their shape despite frequent washing are suitable for activewear hoodies. Nylon is stronger and abrasion-resistant, hence it is suitable for an outdoor or performance-oriented hoodie.
The primary disadvantage of the synthetics is the fact that they may not be as soft and breathable as natural fibers are. Certain synthetic fabrics can become heat trappers or make sweat stick around, which is why hoodie manufacturer apply blends and performance finishes to balance between comfort and durability.
Blends: The Best of Both Worlds
Many hoodie brands choose blended fabrics, combining natural and synthetic fibers. For example, a cotton-polyester blend retains cotton’s softness while benefiting from polyester’s durability and quick-drying properties. Blends offer a practical balance of comfort, performance, and longevity, making them a popular choice for both casual wear and active hoodies.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Hoodie Fabric
Not all fabrics are created equal, and the best choice depends on your goals, environment, and intended use. Here are the five key factors to guide your decision:
- Purpose & Usage: Consider how the hoodie will be worn. Matching the fabric to the hoodie’s primary use balances comfort with performance.
- Comfort & Feel: The feel of a hoodie is crucial. Fabrics are soft and cozy for casual wear. For stretch and flexibility, look for spandex or elastane blends, which maintain shape, ease movement, and prevent sagging.
- Warmth & Weight: Consider climate and layering. Lightweight fabrics are breathable for moderate temperatures or indoor use. Heavier fabrics provide insulation for colder weather, keeping the hoodie warm.
- Durability & Care: Hoodies should hold up to frequent wear and washing. Synthetics resist shrinking, fading, and pilling. Natural fibers require gentler care but offer lasting comfort. Consider usage and maintenance needs when choosing a fabric.
- Printability & Customization: Fabric affects how well designs hold up. Cotton and cotton blends work well for screen printing. Polyester excels for sublimation printing. Factor in texture and stretch to ensure your artwork looks professional and lasts.
How You Can Design Your Perfect Custom Hoodie
The customization of a hoodie is mainly done when one wants to design a product that appears phenomenal and creative; the other aspect, i.e., feel and performance, is left at the discretion of the hoodie manufacturer. The right hoodie manufacturer, such as Innovate Apparel, will take you through each process until you are content with the hoodie.
The initial one is the choice of the fabric. This option influences all other options in your hoodie design. After picking the fabric, take into consideration such details as cut, pockets, zippers, seams, and ribbing. Various types of clothes are compatible with various types of threads, seam finishes, and rib knit styles.
The fabric is also important to print and customize: cotton is the best fabric to use with screen printing and embroidery, and polyester is brilliant with sublimation printing to create bright and full-color patterns. Combinations can provide a solution, with softness, durability, and quality of print.
Innovate Apparel aligns the design requirements with the cloth and manufacturing processes such that the completed hoodie is comfortable, has a nice appearance, and is more durable. People would love to repurchase our hoodies.
Closing Thoughts
The key to a successful custom hoodie is thoughtful design paired with the right fabric, along with a trustworthy hoodie manufacturer. All decisions influence comfort, warmth, stretch, and style. When collaborating with a good hoodie manufacturer, you must be able to check the equilibrium among the quality, design, and cost.
A professional hoodie manufacturer makes it reliable by testing the best fabric for hoodie, suggesting finishes, and matching designs to production techniques. Through proper planning, your personal hoodies will not only appear beautiful, feel wonderful, and work wonderfully, but they will also be a product that people will love to wear.
FAQs
What fabric are hoodies made of most often?
Which types of hoodie material are best for printing?
Are polyester fabric hoodies warm?
Can I get samples from any hoodie manufacturer?
Last note: If you want help building a sample order or need fabric swatches, Innovate Apparel’s hoodie manufacturer team can assist. We guide you from fabric selection to finished custom sweatshirts so your brand looks and feels great.