Have you wondered why different hoodies weigh differently even when they are the same size? This is where GSM plays the part. GSM stands for grams of fabric per square meter. GSM offers the secret that impacts the quality of the hoodie. The quantity of fabric in a hoodie shows the quality of the textile making it, the hoodie’s durability, and makes it more comfortable.
High GSM Hoodies are softer and warmer to wear. The Hoodie GSM not only reflects its comfort, but also the way it is marketed and shipped. What GSM for a hoodie you would require would depend on a number of factors that may involve your weather, intended use, or the type of fabric you want.
Here is an in-depth guide that defines the significance of high quality GSM for hoodies. It’s not just about cost but also getting for yourself what actually matters. The right hoodie will give you the perfect balance between comfort and durability.
Ideal GSM Range for High-Quality Hoodies
An ideal GSM of a hoodie depends on the comfort and the purpose of the garment. Understanding their needs, buyers can make the best GSM choice for their hoodie. In cold weather and for a warmer feel, go for a 350-450 GSM hoodie. This hoodie keeps you warm and comfortable. Also, they are fine and offer long-lasting durability.
On the other hand, living in a location where the climate is mild or you would want a hoodie for all seasons, then a 240-350 GSM hoodie is the best. It is often thought of as the most ideal hoodie and has been the choice of 75% of consumers in the USA over the years.
For extreme cold choose a hoodie with GSM above 450, it will be much warmer, providing a great sport in the cold season. Keeping this in mind, the type of fabric will also affect the quality of the hoodie and ease of maintenance. Here is a quick insight into finding the right GSM of a hoodie for yourself.
| GSM Range | Application | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 250 GSM | Summerwear Activewear | Ideal for Layering Thin Breathable Soft |
| 250-350 GSM | Casual Wear For Every Season | Moderate Weight Versatile Balanced Warmth Durable |
| 350-450 GSM | Winter Wear Ideal for Layering | Heavyweight Hoodies Retains Warm Well Highly Durable |
| 450+ GSM | For Extreme Cold Weather Oversized Hoodies For Professional Use | Extra Heavyweight Maximum Insulation High Warmth |
Why GSM Matters for Hoodies?
GSM directly impacts a hoodie’s durability, comfort, and warmth. A higher GSM means more fabric per square meter, which translates to better insulation and a cozier feel. Plus, thicker material lasts longer, making high-GSM hoodies a great investment for cold weather.
Moreover, choosing the right GSM ensures that it is being used for the intended purpose. A low GSM hoodie will be thinner, lightweight, and can be used year-round. Therefore, it is essential to know the GSM value to choose the right hoodie for your needs.
How to Choose the Right GSM for Your Hoodie
Not sure what GSM is right for you? It all depends on how and where you’ll wear your hoodie.
GSM By Season
If you live in a location with a cold climate, then 350 + GSM will be the most suitable choice. This hoodie will be significantly more durable and will be able to insulate against high temperatures, making it a more suitable option for cold regions. However, a 200 – 350 GSM hoodie is good for everyday use, making it a good choice for places with moderate climates.
GSM by Style
While thinking of what GSM is essential for hoodie, you may also look for style. A low GSM for a hoodie could make it a slim fit. It will be a great choice for people who want the hoodie to show off their natural body shape, giving a sleek and attractive appearance. A well-fitted outfit will give you the perfect stylish layering. A high GSM value hoodie would be great for styling too. As it will be thick, well structured, and will be able to maintain its shape. It will hardly go through any wear and tear, offering great quality for consumers.
GSM by Intended Use
A low GSM hoodie is lightweight, it is more versatile, and can be used the whole year and for every weather condition. You can use it for sportswear, summer wear, travel wear, and streetwear. A heavyweight hoodie with high GSM value would be best for workwear, streetwear fashion, winterwear, hiking, camping, and more.
GSM and Fabric Types: What You Should Know
GSM is not the only thing that plays a part in the quality of the hoodie, but the type of material used also plays a crucial role. While the GSM only tells weight, it doesn’t essentially detail how the material feels or performs. Even a hoodie with good material quality can outplay a hoodie of high GSM but poor fabric. Here’s a list of the 5 most commonly used material types for hoodies and how they go hand in hand with the GSM value.
- Cotton(200-400 GSM):
Cotton is one of the most popular fabrics to be used for hoodies. It is soft, comfortable and breathable. The GSM for cotton ranges from about 200-400. A lighter-weight cotton hoodie is ideal for the summer and spring seasons, while a heavier weight is good for cold weather. Low GSM cotton provides an airy and relaxed feel, while high GSM cotton is well-structured and highly warming.
- Fleece(250-400 GSM):
Fleece hoodies are known for being soft, rich, luxurious and one of the best hoodie material for winter. It has the best insulation against cold temperatures, making it best for winter wear. The fleece fabric can be used to make hoodies with a GSM of 250-400, depending on pile thickness. High-weight GSM fabric is thicker and offers greater warmth and flexibility than the light-weight one.
- French Terry(200-300 GSM):
French Terry is a smooth and looped fabric that is used for making moderate-weight hoodies. It usually ranges from 200-300GSM. It is thick enough for mild warmth and fine layering. High-weight French terry hoodie brings more coziness and comfort. While the lightweight French terry hoodie can be used for different seasonal wear.
- Hemp(200-450 GSM):
Hemp fabric is more durable and breathable. This fabric is naturally resistant to UV rays, making it best for top-quality hoodies. The typical GSM size for a Hemp hoodie ranges from 200 – 450. Lightweight hemp hoodie is best for casual wear, however, a heavyweight hemp hoodie brings a more rugged feel.
- Wool(300-600 GSM):
Even though wool is a less common material for hoodies. This material is best for extreme cold climates. The GSM for wool hoodies ranges from 300 to 600 GSM. Heavyweight wool hoodies are extremely thick and perfect for extremely cold winters, while light wear is also available for casual wear.
How High GSM Affect Price and Quality?
The higher the GSM (grams per square meter), the higher will be the price tag of the hoodie. A higher GSM hoodie means that it has a significantly higher number of cloth in making, which enhances the quality itself. High GSM hoodies aren’t just warmer—they hold their shape better, feel more premium, and last longer. While they cost more than low GSM hoodies, their durability and comfort make them a worthwhile choice.
- Higher GSM = More fabric → Higher price
- Lower GSM = Less fabric → Lower price
Premium brands often use 350+ GSM hoodies for their streetwear collections, ensuring a well-structured and long-lasting product. Budget-friendly hoodies (200-300 GSM) are ideal for casual wear but may wear out faster.
Seasonal GSM Recommendations for Hoodie Selection
When discussing how much GSM is essential for hoodie, seasonal demand can’t be ignored. The seasonal temperature defines the best GSM for hoodies. For the summer season or indoor setting, up to 250 GSM for a hoodie is best to go with a thin jersey or a t-shirt. In the autumn and spring seasons, you can find a hoodie at 250 – 350 GSM, because it offers the perfect blend between warmth and comfort.
In winter seasons or for cold outdoor activities, a hoodie with a GSM of 450+ is ideal. It will be highly warming and bring the perfect amount of comfort that you desire.
| Season | Recommended GSM | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Summer / Indoor | Up to 250 GSM | Lightweight, breathable, ideal for layering |
| Autumn / Spring | 250 – 350 GSM | Moderate warmth, comfortable, versatile |
| Winter / Cold Outdoors | 450+ GSM | Maximum insulation, thick, highly warm |
Care and Maintenance of High GSM Hoodies
Getting a hoodie is one of the best options, due to the style and comfort it offers. How would you feel if your good quality hoodie, maybe distorted, lost its color, or its fabric was damaged, just due to less or wrong maintenance methods? Yeah! That’s worse. Here’s how you can maintain your high-quality hoodie without causing any damage to it.
Wash It Correctly
Washing your hoodie the right way is the best way to prevent any loss of quality or material damage. Before washing your hoodie, always turn it upside down to prevent any wear and tear. Use cold water when washing your hoodie. If your water is warm, it can cause the hoodie to shrink and fade away its good colors.
For washing use a mild detergent and avoid harsh chemicals like bleach that can damage your hoodie. Finally, wash your hoodie with an adequate number of similar items. This will ensure that your hoodie is washed properly and is cleaned without being stretched.
Don’t Use a Dryer
Make sure to not use a dryer to dry your hoodie, as it ruins its quality over time. Moreover, drying in the sun is also not preferred because it fades away its color over time. Put your hoodie on a drying rack. Dry your hoodie in a shaded area to prevent color fading or stretching.
Store it Effectively
Don’t hang your hoodies. Hanging a heavyweight hoodie can cause stretches in the hoodie over time. Also, keep your hoodie in a clean place. Store it in a dry and clean place to prevent dust, stains, or odors.
Clean Stains Quickly
If you ever have a stain over your hoodie, don’t go straight to washing. If you want to maintain it for a long time, you should use a damp cloth and rub gently on the hoodie to remove it right after it has been spilled. Apply a stain remover gently before giving it a wash. Don’t use chemicals that can damage the hoodie. After this, wash it to get rid of the stain permanently.
Stop Overwashing Your Quality Hoodie
No need to wash your hoodie every week. You only need to wash it when it is dirty or smells bad. Overwashing can also damage your hoodie greatly.
Start Your Private Label Hoodie Brand with Us!
Looking for high-quality hoodies in bulk? We specialize in private label hoodie manufacturing with premium GSM options tailored to your brand.
Hoodie GSM in Popular Brands
Understanding GSM is easier when you see how top brands use it in their hoodies. Here are some well-known brands and their GSM choices:
| Brand | Hoodie Model | GSM | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carhartt | Heavyweight Rain Defender | 450+ GSM | Workwear, extreme cold |
| Nike | Club Fleece Hoodie | 300 GSM | Casual, everyday wear |
| Champion | Reverse Weave Hoodie | 400 GSM | Streetwear, durable layering |
| Adidas | Essential Fleece Hoodie | 280 GSM | Lightweight, all-season use |
| H&M | Basic Cotton Hoodie | 250 GSM | Budget-friendly, layering |
Why This Matters?
- Carhartt hoodies (450+ GSM) are thick and built for tough outdoor conditions. If you need warmth and durability, this is ideal.
- Nike’s 300 GSM fleece hoodies strike a balance between comfort and breathability, making them great for everyday wear.
Champion’s 400 GSM hoodies have a heavy build that’s perfect for streetwear and maintaining structure over time.
Conclusion
A hoodie’s quality greatly depends on the GSM value. A higher Gram per square meter of fabric in a hoodie makes it heavier, warmer, and long-lasting. On the other hand, the low GSM of a hoodie means it is thinner, flexible, and can be used for casual wear. Moreover, the type of the material plays a much more effective role in determining the quality of the hoodie than just its GSM value. A high quality GSM for hoodies will offer a better style and will cost more than a low GSM hoodie.
Faqs
Which GSM is best for hoodies?
The best GSM for a hoodie depends on your intended purpose and seasonal needs. In cold temperatures, a hoodie with GSM 340-450 or even more is ideal. The Hoodie of this GSM offers high warmth, durability, and long-lasting. On the other hand, in mild summer or casual wear hoodies with GSM value from 200-350 is a good option.
How many GSM is a normal hoodie?
A normal hoodie is 250 to 350 GSM. This hoodie brings a balance between warmth and breathability. People can wear it on any day because it’s lightweight, cozy, and comfortable in mild cold weather too.
Why does GSM in a hoodie Matter?
GSM of a hoodie defines its quality, durability, flexibility, and use. A high GSM hoodie has more cloth, is warmer, durable, long lasting, and is best for cold climates. On the other hand, low GSM value means the hoodie is thin, breathable, cozy, lightweight, and can be wore all year round.
How does GSM affect the price of the hoodie?
GSM of the hoodie influences its price. A high GSM hoodie has a higher quantity of cloth per square meter, and thus making the hoodie thicker, warmer, and often expensive. While lower GSM hoodies are light and use less fabric, making them of lower price.
