Views: 433 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-11-28 Origin: Site
Sweatshirts are everywhere — from streetwear and luxury fashion to team uniforms and loungewear. But despite how common they are, many people don’t actually know what a sweatshirt is made of or why certain materials are chosen over others. For clothing brands, this knowledge is essential. The fabric you choose affects comfort, durability, warmth, cost, and even your brand positioning.
In this guide, we break down every major component of a sweatshirt: from raw materials to inner finishes, fabric weight, and construction details. Whether you're a fashion entrepreneur or a curious shopper, this article explains everything you need to know about sweatshirt materials—and how to choose the right one.
A sweatshirt is a long-sleeved, cozy garment designed for warmth and comfort. Unlike T-shirts, sweatshirts use heavier knit fabrics, often featuring a brushed or looped interior for extra softness. They’re versatile, timeless, and used across casualwear, athleisure, and premium streetwear.
Understanding sweatshirt materials is crucial because:
The fabric determines how warm or breathable the garment is.
The construction affects durability and shape retention.
The GSM determines thickness and price.
The fiber type affects comfort and wash performance.
If you’ve read our article on how to make a hoodie, you’ll notice that sweatshirts follow a similar production process but use slightly different materials and finishing techniques. That’s what makes them unique.
Most sweatshirts are made from:
Cotton
Polyester
Cotton-polyester blends
Fleece
French terry
These materials offer different levels of warmth, softness, durability, stretch, and affordability.
In premium or eco-friendly brands, you may also find:
Organic cotton
Bamboo blends
Recycled polyester (RPET)
The best sweatshirt material depends on your brand style, target price, and performance needs.
Cotton is the most common material used in sweatshirts because it is:
Soft and breathable
Skin-friendly
Comfortable for everyday wear
Natural and non-synthetic
Cotton sweatshirts are ideal for lifestyle and premium brands that prioritize comfort. They’re also popular in colder climates because cotton retains warmth while allowing breathability.
Very soft and comfortable
Hypoallergenic
Strong consumer trust
Excellent for printing and embroidery
Great for premium and luxury brands
Shrinks if not pre-washed
Takes longer to dry
Can lose shape without added fibers
If your brand produces T-shirts (see our guide on how to print on T-shirts), you’ll find cotton sweatshirts follow similar construction principles—just with heavier fabric.
Polyester is a synthetic fiber known for durability and moisture control.
Extremely durable
Less likely to shrink
Dries faster than cotton
More resistant to wrinkles and stretching
Affordable production cost
Athletic and performance brands often prefer polyester sweatshirts for their durability and sweat-wicking properties.
Long-lasting
Holds color very well
Lightweight performance
Less breathable
May feel less natural than cotton
If your brand focuses on sportswear or activewear, polyester sweatshirts provide excellent performance value.
Most commercial sweatshirts today are made from cotton-poly blends, typically:
80% cotton / 20% polyester
70% cotton / 30% polyester
60% cotton / 40% polyester
This blend combines the softness of cotton with the durability of polyester.
More stable and less likely to shrink
Great for printing, embroidery, and branding
Balanced price and performance
Long-lasting and easy to wash
Mid-range and large-scale fashion brands usually choose blends for their versatility.
These two fabrics define the “feel” of a sweatshirt.
Soft fuzzy interior
Warmest option
Thick and plush
Ideal for cold weather and winter collections
If you’ve ever wondered what makes a sweatshirt cozy, the brushed fleece interior is why.
Loop-knit interior
Breathable and lighter
Perfect for spring/summer sweatshirts
Popular in athletic and premium streetwear
French terry is commonly used in custom hoodies and joggers. See our internal guide on how to make a hoodie for more details.
High-end brands often use alternative or upgraded materials:
Eco-friendly, chemical-free, and soft. Popular among sustainable clothing brands.
Made from recycled plastic bottles—great for eco-conscious collections.
Naturally antibacterial and incredibly soft.
Used by luxury streetwear labels.
These specialty materials elevate both quality and brand positioning.
GSM (grams per square meter) measures fabric weight.
The higher the GSM, the thicker the sweatshirt.
220–300gsm — Lightweight (spring/summer)
300–380gsm — Standard midweight
400–450gsm — Heavyweight premium
500–550gsm — Luxury, oversized streetwear
GSM affects not only warmth but also drape, fit, and production cost.
A sweatshirt’s interior finish dramatically impacts comfort.
Soft, warm, fuzzy interior
Most common in winter sweatshirts
Loopback interior
Great breathability
Ideal for activewear
Retro athletic vibe
Premium streetwear brands love it
Finishing matters because it determines whether the sweatshirt feels cozy, athletic, or premium.
A sweatshirt isn't just fabric—it includes multiple construction components:
Ribbed cuffs
Ribbed hem
Ribbed neckline
Coverstitch seams
Topstitching
Reinforced shoulders
Custom tags, labels & trims
High-quality sewing makes a sweatshirt hold its shape longer and survive repeated washing.
When selecting materials, consider:
Athletes? Choose polyester or French terry.
Streetwear buyers? Choose heavyweight brushed fleece.
Eco-conscious consumers? Choose organic cotton or RPET.
Warm climates → French terry
Cold climates → brushed fleece
All-season → 80/20 blends
Premium? Go for organic cotton or heavyweight fleece.
Entry-level? Cotton-poly blends.
Material speaks for your brand. Make sure it aligns with your message.
Sustainability is becoming essential in modern fashion. More consumers prefer:
Organic cotton
Recycled polyester
Low-impact dyeing
Ethical manufacturing processes
Eco-friendly sweatshirts not only reduce environmental impact but also help brands build long-term trust.
| Material | Softness | Warmth | Durability | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Medium | Premium lifestyle brands |
| Polyester | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | Low | Sportswear & teamwear |
| Cotton-Poly Blend | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | Medium | Most fashion brands |
| Fleece | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | Medium | Winter collections |
| French Terry | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | Medium | Athletic & streetwear |
There is no single “best” sweatshirt material — only the best fit for your goals. Cotton offers unmatched comfort, polyester provides durability, blends deliver balance, fleece offers warmth, and French terry offers breathability. For brands, selecting the right material is a strategic decision that shapes your product quality and customer satisfaction.
Whether you're launching a new clothing line or upgrading your current products, understanding sweatshirt materials ensures you build garments your customers will love—and keep buying.
Some are, but many use blends to improve durability and reduce shrinkage.
Brushed fleece.
Heavyweight fleece (400–500gsm).
Yes — it’s durable, affordable, and great for sportswear.
400gsm and above.
