While shopping for hoodies, have you ever picked up a hoodie and wondered why it felt heavier or lighter than another? Knowing the weight of a hoodie is an important and practical question that we must ask ourselves, whether you are a regular customer, a small brand owner, dropshipper or even just someone estimating the freight and shipping costs.
At Bulk Wear USA, one of the leading manufacturers of 100 percent cotton hoodies wholesale, this is a frequently asked question. Here is everything you should know about hoodie weight: what affects it and which one is the right one for your brand.
GSM is a basic measure of the thickness and density of a hoodie. The higher the value of GSM, the thicker and heavier the hoodie will be. This is the main and most important number that one should look at to determine which hoodie to select.
The material used for a hoodie has a great impact on its density. For example, 100% cotton hoodies are breathable and light in feel, but are slightly heavier in weight. Cotton-poly blends make for wrinkle free and affordable hoodies and are a lighter alternative. Fleece hoodies vary in weight as it depends largely on the thickness of the fleece used.
Sizing is a factor that can be easily overlooked when measuring the weight. However it is important to understand that the larger the size, the more fabric is used. And the more fabric is in the hoodie, the more weight it adds! So, next time, don’t just ask your vendor, “How much does a hoodie weigh?” get the actionable & researched answers so that no one can fool you!
Every hoodie is made unique by design elements like prints, embroidery or extra add ons such as zippers. These elements add to the overall weight of the hoodie, especially in the case of zip-ups where the metal zippers can add a significant amount to the overall weight.
Tip: if you are interested in customizing the weight of your hoodie, we offer flexible GSM options starting from 250-400+ GSM! At bulk wear USA, we are all about custom stitching & designs for wholesale apparel!
Here is a quick reference chart with rough estimates for how much does a cotton hoodie weighs.
(Please note that this does not account for prints, embroidery, stitching style, etc. These are estimates for the average, basic hoodie)
| GSM Range | Size |
Approx. Weight (g) |
Approx Weight (Ibs) |
| 250-280 | M | 600-800 | 1.3-1.75 |
| 300-350 | L-XL | 900-1100 | 2-2.4 |
| 350-400 | XL-2XL | 1100-1300 | 2.4-2.9 |
There is a common misconception that the heavier the hoodie is, the better its quality will be, but this is not always the case. The reality is, that quality depends on multiple factors such as the fabric type, and the stitching techniques used. These factors are better indicators of quality as they suggest the strength and durability of the hoodie. At Bulk Wear USA, we’re very transparent with our stitching processes & quality; so while ordering your wholesale apparel wear from us, you won’t be deceived!
Lightweight hoodies are perfect for warmer climates or for daily use such as streetwear or athleisure. Heavyweight hoodies, which have a higher GSM are better for luxury collections and for cooler climates, where the main function of the hoodie is to provide warmth!
Choosing the right weight becomes crucial, and it boils down to finding the right balance for your target consumers.
Here are a few quick tips for how you can choose the correct weight for your brand based on your brand’s needs:
For casual, streetwear brands and promotional giveaways, you should opt for breathable hoodies that are easy to layer. A lightweight hoodie of 250-280 GSM is perfect for that.
For year round basic hoodies, that are warm but not too heavy feeling, go for midweight hoodies that are around 300-330 GSM.
Finally, for luxurious feeling premium collections and warm winter wear, opt for heavyweight hoodies of about 350-400+ GSM.
Need help deciding? Get in touch with our hoodie specialists to get the perfect weight and fabric choice for your customers. At Bulk Wear USA, we offer customization to fulfill your brand’s exact needs. From fabric weight to color, design and even fit, contact us for a quote!
