From cotton fleece to French terry, learn what hoodies are made of and how Canadian fashion brands source quality hoodie fabric directly from manufacturers.
When you're building a clothing brand or placing a bulk order for hoodies in Canada, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right material. The fabric you choose affects comfort, durability, price, and how your customers perceive your brand.
This guide covers the most common hoodie materials, how they compare, and how Canadian brands source quality hoodie fabric from manufacturers in China and beyond.
What Are Hoodies Made Of?
Hoodies are most commonly made from the following fabrics:
1. Cotton Fleece
Cotton fleece is the most popular hoodie material. It's soft, breathable, and comfortable in a range of temperatures. Standard cotton fleece hoodies are made from 100% cotton, though blended versions with polyester are very common.
Weight: Typically 280–360 GSM (grams per square metre)
Feel: Soft, warm, and natural
Best for: Casual everyday wear, streetwear, promotional hoodies
Sourcing note: 100% cotton fleece is more expensive than blended options
2. Cotton-Polyester Blend (CVC or PC Fleece)
A blend of 60–80% cotton and 20–40% polyester is the most commonly used hoodie material for branded apparel and private label clothing. The polyester adds durability, shape retention, and reduces shrinkage.
Common ratios: 80/20, 60/40, 52/48
Weight: 280–350 GSM
Feel: Slightly less soft than 100% cotton but more durable
Best for: Branded merchandise, bulk orders, corporate apparel
Sourcing note: Most affordable and widely available option from Chinese factories
3. French Terry
French terry is a looped-back fabric (without the brushed nap of traditional fleece). It's lighter than fleece but still comfortable and breathable, making it ideal for warmer climates or active wear.
Weight: 200–280 GSM
Feel: Lighter and more breathable than fleece
Best for: Spring/summer hoodies, athleisure, lighter casual wear
Sourcing note: Often used for premium or yoga-style hoodies
4. Sherpa and Fleece-Lined Hoodies
Some hoodies feature a sherpa (synthetic wool-like) lining or a polar fleece lining for extra warmth. The outer shell can be cotton or polyester while the inside is lined with sherpa or polar fleece.
Best for: Winter hoodies, outdoor wear, Canadian weather
Sourcing note: Higher MOQs for lined hoodies; typically sourced from factories specialising in outerwear
5. Performance/Moisture-Wicking Polyester
100% polyester hoodies are used in athletic and performance wear. They're lightweight, quick-drying, and moisture-wicking — ideal for sports teams and gym wear.
Weight: 180–250 GSM
Feel: Slick, lightweight
Best for: Sports teams, gym wear, activewear brands
Sourcing note: Very competitive pricing from Chinese manufacturers
6. Sustainable Materials: Organic Cotton, Recycled Polyester, and Bamboo
Eco-conscious Canadian brands increasingly source hoodies made from:
- Organic cotton (GOTS certified)
- Recycled polyester (rPET, made from plastic bottles)
- Bamboo-cotton blends
These fabrics command a premium price but align with growing consumer demand for sustainable fashion.
Hoodie Fabric Weight: What GSM Means
GSM stands for grams per square metre — a measurement of fabric density or weight.
- 200–250 GSM: Lightweight (French terry, athletic)
- 280–320 GSM: Mid-weight (most everyday hoodies)
- 350–400 GSM: Heavyweight (premium, cold weather)
For most Canadian brands, 300–320 GSM cotton-polyester blend is the sweet spot for everyday hoodies that feel substantial without being too heavy.
Hoodie Construction Types
Beyond fabric, the construction of a hoodie affects its quality:
Pullover vs Zip-Up: Pullover hoodies are simpler to manufacture and typically cheaper. Zip-up hoodies require additional hardware (zippers, zipper garage) and are slightly more expensive.
Pocket Styles: Kangaroo pocket (single front pocket), side seam pockets, or no pockets each affect cost and utility.
Hood Construction: Lined hoods (double-layer fabric) add warmth and a premium feel. Most standard hoodies have a single-layer hood with a drawstring.
Seam Type: Flatlock seams are premium and reduce skin irritation. Standard overlocked seams are used in most budget options.
How to Source Hoodie Materials from China for Canadian Brands
Chinese manufacturers supply the majority of the world's hoodie fabric and finished hoodies. For Canadian clothing brands, here's how to source them effectively:
Step 1: Define Your Spec Sheet
Before approaching factories, know your:
- Fabric composition (e.g., 80% cotton, 20% polyester)
- GSM weight
- Pantone colours
- Hoodie style (pullover, zip-up, fitted, oversized)
- Care label requirements (bilingual French/English for Canada)
- Size range and grading
Step 2: Find the Right Factory
Search Alibaba or 1688.com for "hoodie manufacturer," "custom fleece hoodie OEM," or "blank hoodies wholesale." For Canadian buyers, working with a sourcing agent can streamline this process significantly.
Step 3: Order Samples
Always order a sample before placing a bulk order. Check:
- Weight (use a GSM cutter)
- Hand feel and softness
- Colour accuracy against Pantone
- Stitching quality and seam durability
- Wash test for shrinkage and colour retention
Step 4: MOQ and Lead Time
Most Chinese hoodie factories have MOQs of 200–500 pieces per style/colour. Custom embroidered or printed hoodies may have lower MOQs (100–200 pieces). Lead times are typically 45–60 days for bulk production.
Importing Hoodies to Canada: Key Considerations
HS Code: Hoodies typically fall under HS 6110.20 (cotton jerseys/pullovers) or HS 6110.30 (man-made fibre). Duty rates vary; check the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) tariff schedule.
Labelling Requirements: Canadian law requires garment labels to include:
- Fibre content (e.g., 80% Cotton, 20% Polyester)
- Country of origin ("Made in China")
- Care instructions
- Bilingual text (English and French)
Consumer Product Safety: Hoodies with drawstrings for children must comply with Canada's Consumer Product Safety Act regulations on drawstring length and attachment.
Private Label and Custom Branding
Most Chinese hoodie factories offer:
- Custom woven labels with your brand name
- Embroidery or screen printing logos
- Hang tags and retail packaging
- Custom colours and fits (with minimum quantities)
Private label MOQs typically start at 200–500 pieces per colourway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best material for hoodies?
For everyday wear, a 280–320 GSM cotton-polyester blend (80/20 or 60/40) offers the best balance of comfort, durability, and affordability. For premium feel, 300–350 GSM 100% cotton fleece is preferred.
What GSM is a good quality hoodie?
A quality everyday hoodie is typically 280–320 GSM. Heavyweight hoodies intended for cold Canadian winters should be 350–400 GSM.
Can I source custom hoodies from China for my Canadian brand?
Yes. Chinese manufacturers produce custom hoodies for brands globally. MOQs typically start at 200–500 pieces. Working with a sourcing agent can help you navigate factory selection, quality control, and Canadian import requirements.
How do I find reliable hoodie manufacturers in China?
Use Alibaba to search verified manufacturers, or work with a sourcing agent like Epic Sourcing Canada who can vet factories and manage the entire process on your behalf.
Ready to Source Custom Hoodies for Your Canadian Brand?
Epic Sourcing Canada helps clothing brands, retailers, and promotional product companies source quality custom hoodies and apparel directly from verified Chinese manufacturers. We handle factory selection, sampling, quality control, and Canadian import logistics.
Contact Epic Sourcing Canada for a free consultation today.
