How to Choose the Best Material for Hoodies: A Complete Hoodie Fabric Guide

How to Choose the Best Material for Hoodies? Pros and Cons

Hoodies are a comfy, casual type of sweater that has a hood attached. People of all ages wear them. When buying a hoodie, one of the most important things to consider is what is the best material for hoodies that are made from.

The fabric affects how the hoodie feels, how warm it keeps you, and how well it lasts after washing.

In this Guide, we will discuss the best hoodie material and the material for sweatshirts, and we will go over the different types of fabrics used to make hoodies and recommend the best material for high-quality hoodies.

Things to Consider for Best Hoodie Material

When choosing a hoodie fabric, here are some things to think about:

• Comfort: You want a soft, flexible fabric that feels good against your skin.
• Warmth: Some fabrics, like cotton, allow airflow and are more relaxed. Others, like fleece, trap heat and are very warm.
• Durability: You want a fabric that is strong and won't pill or fade quickly when washed.
• Breathability: Fabrics like cotton and wool allow your skin to breathe, preventing overheating. Plastics like polyester need to be more breathable.
• Weight: Lightweight fabrics are suitable for layering. Heavyweight fabrics provide more warmth.

Types of Fabric for Hoodie Materials

There are tons of options out there when it comes to materials. Everything from cotton and fleece to polyester blends. It can be overwhelming trying to decide what works best.

Here are the ten best materials for hoodies that we discussed.

Cotton - The best material for Sweatshirts

Cotton hoodies are very common. Pure cotton is breathable, soft, and comfortable. It provides some warmth but is also suitable for cool weather. Cotton is machine washable but can shrink if dried with high heat.

Pros:

Breathable: Cotton is a very breathable fabric, which makes it comfortable to wear even during warm weather. It absorbs sweat and keeps the body cool.

Soft: Cotton has a very quiet and smooth texture. It makes cotton hoodies feel gentle against the skin.

Durable: High-quality cotton can withstand many washes over time. Well-made cotton hoodies will last for years with proper care.

Wrinkle resistant: Cotton is less prone to wrinkling compared to other materials like polyester. This keeps hoodies looking fresh.

Affordable: Pure cotton hoodies are often cheaper than blends containing other fibers like polyester.

Cons:

• Not very warm: Cotton alone doesn't insulate body heat very well. It's best for cooler weather but not super cold temperatures.
• Can shrink: Cotton is susceptible to shrinking, especially if dried at high heat in the dryer. Shrinking can ruin the fit.
• Absorbs odor: Cotton absorbs odors like sweat quickly if not washed properly. This can make hoodies smell unpleasant over time.
• Needs ironing: Cotton wrinkles more than some other fabrics. Hoodies may need light ironing between wears to maintain a neat look.
• Less water resistant: Cotton gets heavier when wet and takes longer to dry than synthetic blends.

Polyester - Best Fabric for Hoodie:

Polyester hoodies are wrinkle-resistant, durable, and stretchy. Polyester is a synthetic fabric that dries quickly but doesn't breathe like natural fabrics.

It is usually mixed with other materials like cotton. A polyester blend will be lightweight and inexpensive.

Pros:

• Wrinkle-resistant
• Durable and long-lasting
• Dries quickly
• Lightweight
• Inexpensive when blended

Cons:

• Not very breathable
• It can feel plastic-like or artificial
• Prone to static build-up
• It doesn't absorb sweat well
• Susceptible to pilling over time

Nylon

Nylon makes hoodies that are stretchy, lightweight, quick-drying, and weather-resistant. Nylon is often blended with other fabrics like spandex. But 100% nylon hoodies can sometimes feel scratchy against the skin.

Pros:

• Stretchy and flexible
• Very lightweight
• Fast drying
• Durable and weather-resistant

Cons:

• It can feel scratchy against the skin (if 100% nylon)
• Less breathable than cotton or wool
• Susceptible to color fading over time in sunlight
• Prone to pilling with repeated wear/washing
• Higher cost compared to other materials

Spandex

Spandex (also called elastane) has stretch and flexibility. It is usually blended with cotton or polyester to create stretchy activewear hoodies that allow movement. Spandex blends are often used for athletic and performance hoodies.

Pros:

• Highly stretchy and flexible
• Allows full range of motion
• Form-fitting for athletic activities
• Breathable and quick-drying

Cons:

• Less breathable than cotton or wool alone
• It may not provide as much warmth as other fabrics
• More expensive than standard blends
• Prone to losing shape over time with wear/washing
• It may feel constricting for casual/loungewear

Wool

Wool hoodies provide excellent warmth and are also moisture-wicking. Wool is a natural fabric that still insulates when wet.

Wool hoodies tend to be more expensive but are very durable and have the best hoodie material that can make them more comfy. Merino wool is a popular choice as it is relatively lightweight and not itchy.

Pros:

• Excellently warm even when wet
• Moisture-wicking and breathable
• Naturally odor-resistant
• Thermal regulating
• Durable and long-lasting
• Softer types like merino wool are lightweight

Cons:

• Higher priced than synthetic or cotton blends
• It may feel warm in hot climates
• Some types can feel itchy against the skin
• Needs special care like Turning inside out for washing
• Prone to pilling or losing strands with friction over time

Rayon

Rayon is a semi-synthetic fabric made from tree pulp. It drapes well and feels similar to cotton. Rayon often requires delicate washing. It is frequently mixed with cotton or spandex to create soft, inexpensive hoodies.

Pros:

• The soft and drapey fabric
• Can mimic the feel of cotton
• Inexpensive when blended
• Breathable and lightweight
• More sustainable than petroleum-based synthetics

Cons:

• Low resistance to abrasion
• Can lose shape or shrink if washed incorrectly
• Rayon alone does not provide much insulation
• More environmentally impactful than natural fibers
• Prone to elasticity loss with rough wearing/washing
• Costs more than basic cotton or polyester blends

Jersey

Jersey is a knit fabric that has a soft, t-shirt-like texture. It is a mix of cotton, wool, or polyester. Jersey material is comfortable against the skin of hoodies.

It stretches slightly but keeps its shape well.

Pros:

• Soft and comfortable against the skin
• Lightweight and breathable
• Stretchy yet good at retaining shape
• Inexpensive to produce
• Machine washable for easy care

Cons:

• Less durable than woven fabrics
• Can shrink or lump if tumble-dried
• Less insulating than thicker materials
• Shows pilling/lint more easily than woven fabrics
• Cotton/wool blends may shrink or pill more than synthetics

French Terry

French terry has a soft looped inside lining. This makes it very warm and absorbent. French terry cotton is ideal for thicker, heavier-weight hoodies in cold weather climates.

Pros:

• Incredibly soft against skin due to looped fleece lining
• Hot and insulating fabric
• Excellent at absorbing sweat and moisture
• Hides wrinkles and lint well
• Durable and hardwearing

Cons:

• Heavy and thick fabric - warmer than needed for mild weather
• It takes longer to dry than smooth fabrics
• It may shrink more than woven cotton in a dryer
• Higher price point than a primary jersey or fleece
• It can feel constricting for activity-based wear

Fleece

Fleece hoodies are known for being incredibly soft, warm, and lightweight. They are comfortable to wear and don't weigh you down.

Fleece is also breathable and dries quickly if it gets wet. It works well as a versatile mid-layer hoodie.

Pros:

• Incredibly soft and cozy fabric
• Very warm yet remarkably lightweight
• Highly breathable and quickly dries
• Comfortable to wear for long periods
• Compact and packable for travel
• Affordable cost compared to down or wool

Cons:

• Not as durable as some other fabrics
• Can pill or wear down with frequent use/washing
• Less environmentally friendly than natural fabrics
• Static electricity can be an issue
• It offers less moisture wicking than wool or some synthetics
• It may not retain shape as well as denser fabrics

Corduroy

Corduroy fabric has lengthwise ridges or cords that give it texture. Cotton corduroy is durable, soft, and provides warmth. Corduroy hoodies are a famous fall or winter style choice.

Pros:

• Durable and long-lasting fabric
• Breathable cotton composition
• OffersIt offers insulation for warmth
• Distinctive textured appearance
• Soft against the skin and comfortable
• Wrinkle-resistant compared to some fabrics

Cons:

• Can pill or deteriorate on high-wear areas more quickly smooth fabrics
• Not asIt is not eatable or quick-drying as some other options
• Can shIt can be more than woven cotton if tumble-dried
• Needs gentle machine washing/drying care
• Ridges can snag or collect lint more than flat fabrics
• Requires more fabric to cut, raising cost compared to jersey/fleece

Recommendation: Best Material for Hoodies

For a high-quality hoodie that is both comfortable and long-lasting, a midweight cotton or cotton blend is an excellent choice. 100% cotton hoodies have a nice feel and breathability.

Cotton combined with 5-10% polyester will add durability and shape retention, with good stretch and warmth.

Jersey cotton hoodies are also very soft and versatile for cooler weather. Fleece is incredibly lightweight but less breathable.

Here is our recommendation, where you can buy a collection of the best hoodies of all types that suit you according to your comfort.

Conclusion

When choosing the best material for hoodies, it is important to consider the fabric for the hoodie and what activities it will be used for.

Cotton, cotton blends, and jerseys are often the best hoodie material for everyday wear as they are breathable and comfortable. However, if looking for additional warmth, fleece and wool materials may be a better option.

Polyester blends add stretch and are also suitable for sweatshirts. No matter the material—whether it be best for warmth, physical activity, or everyday use—making sure it is machine washable and avoiding high heat drying will help the material last.

Selecting the right material, such as those mentioned, will ensure you choose a hoodie that performs well during intended use for years to come.

FAQs

What is the best quality hoodie?

A mid-weight premium cotton or cotton blend hoodie typically offers the best quality in terms of comfort, durability, and versatility.

What makes a hoodie high quality?

High-quality hoodies are made with dense, durable fabrics that hold their shape well. They have solid seams and hardware that don't deteriorate after washing. A premium hoodie will also have a soft brushed or looped interior for comfort and warmth.

Is a 100% polyester hoodie excellent or bad?

100% polyester hoodies are durable and retain their shape. However, polyester does not breathe well, absorb moisture, or regulate temperature, as well as natural fabrics. A polyester blend with 5-15% cotton or rayon will improve the feel and breathability.

What is the best material for hoodies?

For an all-purpose, high-quality hoodie, a mid-weight cotton or a cotton blend is an excellent fabric choice. Cotton offers great comfort and everyday versatility. Adding 5-10% polyester will increase the hoodie's durability and ability to retain its shape over time.