In India, hoodie manufacturers use a variety of fabrics depending on climate, target audience, price point, and intended use—ranging from budget-friendly bulk orders to high-GSM premium fashion. Selecting the right fabric impacts everything from production cost and lead time to print compatibility and customer satisfaction. As a fabric buyer, merchandiser, or D2C brand owner, knowing the strengths and drawbacks of popular hoodie fabrics like cotton fleece, poly blends, and terry knits can help you make more informed sourcing decisions.
Whether it's heavyweight cotton fleece for that oversized fit or lightweight French terry for all-season style, here’s a breakdown of the top hoodie fabrics ruling the Indian market.
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| Type | GSM Range | Texture | Common Uses | Key Properties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton Fleece (Brushed) | 280–400 GSM | Soft inside, knit face | Winter hoodies, college merch | Warm, breathable, great for print & embroidery |
| French Terry (Loop Knit) | 240–300 GSM | Flat face, looped back | Lightweight hoodies, gym wear | Absorbent, lighter than fleece, ideal for Southern India |
| Poly-Cotton Fleece | 280–350 GSM | Soft + durable blend | Budget hoodies, mass merch | Cost-effective, wrinkle-resistant |
| 100% Polyester Fleece | 260–340 GSM | Fluffy, soft touch | Sportswear hoodies | Lightweight, quick-dry, colorfast |
| Heavyweight Cotton (Combed/Compact) | 350–450 GSM | Premium flat knit | Streetwear hoodies, high-end brands | Premium look, structured feel, durable |
| Lycra Cotton Blends | 300–360 GSM | Stretchy & smooth | Athleisure hoodies | Flexible, retains shape, comfortable fit |
| Interlock Knit | 240–300 GSM | Double knit, smooth both sides | Kids’ hoodies, slim fits | Softer, stretchier, and holds prints well |
| Loopback Fleece with Spandex | 260–320 GSM | Light fleece with stretch | Women's fashion hoodies | Stylish, flexible, comfortable |
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How to Choose the Right Fabric for Hoodies
| Use Case | Best Fabric |
|---|---|
| Winterwear for North India | 350 GSM brushed cotton fleece |
| College/School Merchandise | 300 GSM PC fleece or cotton fleece |
| Streetwear or Oversized Look | 400 GSM compact cotton fleece |
| Gym/Activewear | 280 GSM French terry or poly-spandex blend |
| Budget/Bulk Orders | 280 GSM poly-cotton fleece |
| Premium Fashion Label | 350–420 GSM heavyweight combed cotton |
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India’s hoodie market is as diverse as its climate and fashion preferences. From cotton fleece hoodies for winter warmth to lightweight French terry styles for everyday comfort, each fabric serves a unique purpose for brands, retailers, and bulk buyers. Whether you're launching a college merch line, building a streetwear collection, or sourcing custom hoodies in bulk, understanding these fabric options is key to offering both style and performance.
As hoodie demand continues to grow across cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune, investing in the right fabric ensures higher customer satisfaction, better durability, and greater brand value.
Looking for reliable hoodie fabric suppliers or custom hoodie manufacturing in India? Apparel Factory India is your go-to solution to get fabric swatches, MOQ details, and the best bulk rates tailored to your business needs.