Reliable China Custom Hoodie & Sweatshirt Factory

The abbreviation GSM stands for Grams per Square Meter (g/m2). The fabric is weighted by calculating the grams of one meter by one-meter square and the weight of the material: the higher gsm, the thicker fabric. Generally speaking, the gsm of a hoodie starts from 250gsm to 500gsm.

250-270gsm fabric is normally considered a lightweight fabric for jumpers. Suitable for sport and fitness hoodies.

280-320gsm fabric is a mid-weight fabric most frequently used for hoodies and sweatshirts.

350-380gsm fabric, we will consider it as a heavyweight fabric which some streetwear brands commonly use.

400-500gsm fabrics are super thick. Only suitable to wear in cold weather.

Singles, or S, refers to the yarn count. It determines the softness of the fabric. The higher the number, the finer the thread and thus, a more delicate, softer fabric is created.

For example, the 32S cotton fabric is softer than the 21S cotton fabric.

10S-16S cotton fabric feels rough and stiff. It used to be considered a fabric for cheap jumpers. But now, as the vintage craze intensifies, low-count fabrics are also in demand. The unique rugged texture of 16S fabric brings your hoodie a stylish and vintage look.

21S-32S cotton fabrics are the most frequently used. I will say 90%of the jumpers you see in the market are 21S, 26S or 32S. It is soft and moderate.

40S-50S cotton fabrics are considered high-quality fabrics. Usually, only some high-end brands use high-count fabrics to make jumpers. For jumpers made of this kind of fabric, the price is generally not less than $150 or even higher.

60S or higher S cotton fabric can be said to be the “Hermes” in fabrics. It is unparalleled soft and has a smooth, non-marking finish. Wearing it is like lying on a cloud.

The following fabrics are generally used for hoodies and sweatshirts:

• French terry
• Fleece
• Brushed french terry
• Polar fleece
• Jersey
• Ponte de Roma
• Ribbing

French terry is similar to Jersey in that they are both knit fabrics. French terry has soft piles of yarn on one side and loops on the other side. It is a midweight fabric, so it is suitable to wear all year round. This fabric is absorbent and cozy and keeps you cool when you wear it.

French terry is often used in casual clothing. You’ll find it in pullovers, sweatpants, shorts, and hoodies. Apparel made with french terry is comfortable and great to wear over your workout clothes or simply when hanging out with friends.

The unique terry texture of french terry makes it so popular in streetwear brands. It comes with a vintage and stylish features.

French terry is excellent because it rarely wrinkles, and it doesn’t need dry cleaning. In short, it is a low-maintenance fabric. This fabric can be washed, and if it is made of 100% cotton, when you take it out of the drier it won’t smell contrary to the synthetic ones.

Fleece is a soft fabric, and it is known to keep you warm! On the surface, fleece looks very similar to french terry and even has tiny furs and similar linings to the fleece fabric. The similarity between the fleece and french terry comes down to the gsm as they have the same gsm. However, fleece does feel thicker than french terry. The name of this fabric is derived from “fleece” from a sheep’s coat. It is important to note that this fabric is not made from sheep’s wool but by weaving wonderful fibers into a light fabric that gets brushed to become the fluffy, thick fabric known as fleece. Modern fleece is sometimes made from polyester or natural fibers mainly cotton as these are better for the environment. However, there is a difference between cotton fleece and french terry fleece; french terry fleece is more warm and breathable than cotton fleece.

Fleece is usually made from synthetic fibers and polyester. It has a dense fabric construction and fuzzy touch, making it suitable for cold weather and during the winter months. Fleece fabric is often used to make jumpers, winter loungewear, and leggings.

Brushed french terry is french terry, but its loops have been brushed to give it a fuzzy feel.

Polar fleece has a two-sided pile, is very durable, and doesn’t pill even with heavy wearing. Polar fleece is often made of polyester and sometimes blended with spandex to increase its stretchiness.

This fabric is very warm and varies in thickness. However, the thicker this fabric is, the stiffer it gets. Polar fleece repels water but dries quickly when wet. Because of this, polar fleece is one of the most well-known linings for sports jumpers, especially mountaineering hoodies.

In the last couple of years, many lifestyles – and street brands have incorporated polar fleece into their clothing lines because of its fluffiness and softness. Jumpers made of polar fleece have received positive feedback.

Jersey is made from cotton or synthetic fibers like polyester. It is a stretchy, knit fabric usually used for t-shirts but is often also used for hoodies because of its stretchy, soft, and lightweight features.

A jersey hoodie made of polyester is an excellent choice for physical activities. Because this hoodie is so stretchy and flexible, you’ll be able to hike or run in it without feeling sticky.

Due to the cotton knit fabric blend, clothing made with this fabric is highly breathable and airy while still keeping the wearer warm. This material also dries fast.

Cotton jersey or polyester jersey, which one to choose? It all depends on what scene you’re wearing the hoodie in. Whether polyester or cotton jersey, they are the lightest hoodie, as easy and convenient as wearing a T-shirt.

This is a double-knit fabric, which means that it looks the same on both sides. This type of knitting is also known as a stable knit and as a result, the fabric doesn’t stretch much. Ponte is best suitable for a loose-fitting hoodie to provide comfort and style.

The double knit has a stable structure which provides the hoodie with a relaxed drape. This fabric isn’t baggy but instead, it makes your body shape more visible.

It is lightweight fabric but thicker than single jersey.

Rib-knit fabric is distinguished by the visible perpendicular ribs it has on its front and back. Simply put rib knits are a double-faced type of fabric.

Normally, ribbing is not used extensively as the main fabric of a jumper.

Usually, a rib-knit is used for bands on hems, jumpers, neckbands, cuffs, turtlenecks, etc.

Different types of ribbing:

1*1 ribbing: it is lightweight to medium-weight and often used as cuffs and bottom for lightweight or medium-weight hoodies.

2*2 ribbing: it is medium-weight to heavy-weight and typically suits medium-weight or thick hoodies.