How to Choose Hoodies and Sweatshirts: Fleece, GSM, Construction and Supplier

Brushed back fleece has a soft, napped inside and is the warmest. French terry has loops on the inside, is lighter and suits spring and autumn. Weight runs from about 240 to 280 GSM for light hoodies, 300 to 350 GSM for standard, and 380 to 450 GSM for heavyweight winter hoodies.

The blend changes cost and performance. 100% cotton fleece is soft and breathable but shrinks and takes longer to dry. 80% cotton and 20% polyester is the most common, with reduced shrinkage. 50% cotton and 50% polyester is the most durable and pills least on the surface when well finished, though less breathable.

Look at the hood: a double-layer hood holds its shape; a single layer flops. The kangaroo pocket should be bar-tacked at the corners, because pocket corners tear first. Cuffs and hem should be a firm rib with elastane for recovery, so they do not stretch out. Flat-lock stitching on the seams gives comfort against the skin and strength under load. Zip hoodies should use a metal or heavy-duty zip, with the zip tested for smooth action.

• Double-layer hood with eyelets for the drawcord.
• Bar-tacked pocket corners and shoulder seams taped for strength.
• Ribbed cuffs and hem with elastane.
• Care label with fibre content and wash instructions.

Pilling is tested to ISO 12945-2; ask for a rating of 3 to 4 or better after the test cycle. Shrinkage is tested to ISO 6330 or AATCC 135 and a limit of about 5% is usual for fleece. Colour fastness to washing and rubbing should be tested to the ISO 105 series, with dark and bright colours the main risk.

Drawcords at the neck of children's clothing are restricted in the EU (EN 14682) and in the United States (CPSC rules). If you sell children's hoodies, choose cord-free designs or compliant fastenings, and say so in the order.

Inspect at AQL 2.5 for major and 4.0 for minor under ISO 2859-1. Check the fleece for thin spots, the rib recovery, the print or embroidery quality, the measurements against the chart and the packing assortment. Hoodies are bulky, so compressed polybags can be used to reduce container volume.

Hurain Garments Exporter is a trading and export company: our hoodies & sweatshirts are made by partner factories and we handle sampling, inspection, packing, documents and shipping. Because we buy in volume from those factories, prices are competitive and below the average wholesale price.

For hoodies we agree the fleece type, GSM, blend, colours and print or embroidery on a pre-production sample, and confirm drawcord compliance for children's styles.

Hoodies are folded, polybagged and, if requested, compressed to save container space, then packed in export cartons by size ratio.

• Minimum order: Typically 800–1,500 pieces per style, up to three colours. A half container or a full container is also possible, as per your requirement.
• Lead time: 40–55 days.
• Samples: a pre-production sample is approved before bulk; sample and courier costs are normally adjusted against the first order.
• Payment: 50% advance to confirm the order and 50% before dispatch; L/C can be discussed on request.
• Terms and documents: EXW, FOB, CFR or CIF, with commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin and bill of lading, plus inspection and test reports on request.
• Different garments can be combined in one consolidated FCL or LCL shipment.