What Is The Best Fabric For Making Hoodies?

There is no doubt that most people probably have a collection of hoodies in their wardrobe for different occasions or weather conditions. For these specific reasons, hoodies are made with different fabrics, and although this might be the case, a question still remains…

What is the best fabric for making hoodies?

Cotton is the best fabric for making hoodies. This fabric is considered more comfortable than most other fabrics and is suitable to wear in all weather conditions. Cotton also ages well over time, keeping its matte look. The more you wash a hoodie made with Cotton, the softer it becomes.  

There are many different fabrics you can use to make hoodies; however, some are better than others. If you are wondering how to choose the best fabric for making a hoodie and what are some of the most popular fabrics to use, then look no further!

How To Choose The Best Fabric For Making Hoodies

Choosing the best fabric for making hoodies can be quite tricky, and there are a few factors you’ll want to consider before you head to the fabric store…

The Stretch Of The Fabric 

Hoodies are mostly used for either casual wear or sportswear. Therefore the fabric you choose should provide some stretch to offer flexibility. Fabrics that do not stretch will make you feel restricted when you move and will even be uncomfortable to wear.  

If you are making a hoodie to use mostly as sportswear, choose a highly stretchable fabric.

The Weight Of The Fabric

The weight of the fabric is also an important factor to consider. If you want to make a hoodie that is suited for winter days, you should choose a heavier fabric that will be able to provide warmth but not be too bulky.

When you use heavier fabrics, you should ensure that there is still a balance between flexibility and warmth. 

If you are making a hoodie that is better suited for warmer days, sportswear, or casual wear, you should use a fabric that is light in weight. 

Drape Style

You also need to consider the drape of the fabric. Hoodies are meant to be comfy and stylish. Therefore you should use a fabric that will be able to shape your body.

To ensure that the hoodie you are making holds its shape, you need to consider the fabric’s quality and ensure that it does not wither after one wash. 

Durability

People wear their hoodies a lot – it’s a classic type of comfort-wear. Hoodies are meant to be soft and comfortable and should stay that way, hence the importance of making sure the fabric you choose is durable. 

The fabric should still retain its shape and keep its color and not fade after many washes in the washing machine. It must be able to withstand hot temperatures from being tumble dried and be able to get washed with other clothing. 

Breathability

You’ll also need to consider the fabric’s breathability. However, this factor depends on how you will use the hoodie. 

If the hoodie is mostly used for gym or jogging, you need to choose a highly breathable fabric as it will have to absorb sweat and cool down those wearing them for these activities. 

Winter hoodies also need breathability, but not as much. Choose a fabric that can regulate body temperature to prevent those wearing a hoodie made with this fabric from getting too hot.  

Best Fabrics For Making Hoodies 

Below are 5 fabrics that we’d recommend as the best for making hoodies.

1. Cotton

Cotton is made from natural fiber and is the most popular choice of hoodie fabric – just as it is for many other types of clothing, including shirts. Cotton is a very important material as it is often blended with other fibers to create different fabrics, such as polyester. 

Hoodies made from cotton are ideal for either casual wear or sportswear. It is also considered the best fabric for children’s hoodies, especially for babies.

Babies are not able to regulate their body temperature, and cotton has the ability to do this for them as it can keep you cool and warm. 

Pros	Cons
Cotton is highly absorbent.	Cotton tends to fade from sunlight.
It is super soft.	It wrinkles easily.
Cotton is breathable, unlike most other fabrics.
Cotton can keep you cool on hotter days and warm on cooler days.
It is extremely flexible.
Cotton is made with natural fibers that will not irritate the skin.

2. Polyester 

Polyester is the best fabric for making hoodies to wear outdoors as this synthetic fabric is quick-drying. 

It is also one of the most popular fabrics used in the fashion industry because it is resistant to stretching, wrinkling, and abrasions. Hoodies made with polyester are also great for people who enjoy working out or jogging. 

Pros	Cons
Polyester is extremely durable.	It has to be combined with other fabrics to allow flexibility.
The fibers in this fabric are strong yet lightweight.	This fabric is not suitable for people with sensitive skin.
It is easy to wash and look after – 100% polyester is very difficult to shrink!	It is highly flammable.
It is cheaper than Cotton.	It can get uncomfortable after a while.

3. Fleece

Fleece is a modern alternative to wool. Fleece is made of polyester fibers and is a great fabric for making hoodies as it is available in different weights. Heavier fleece is ideal for making hoodies that you can wear in the winter, while the lighter fleece is more appropriate for warmer days. 

Furthermore, fleece is a knit fabric which means air can escape through the holes of the fabric, making it more breathable than synthetic materials. 

Pros	Cons
Fleece is highly breathable.	It is highly flammable.
It is durable.	Fleece is unable to withstand high temperatures, so you cannot tumble dry or iron it.
Fleece is a soft and plush fabric.	Fleece attracts lint and dust.
It is extremely flexible, lightweight, and comfortable.	This fabric has a high amount of static electricity.

4. Jersey Knit Fabric

Jersey knit can be made from cotton fiber or a blend between Cotton and spandex. This fabric is another great choice as it provides extra stretch, which means instead of feeling restricted, it will move with you. This is great for those who enjoy hiking or jogging.

Jersey knit can also be combined with polyester, which is more stable and less likely to stretch out.

Pros	Cons
It is durable.	This fabric is difficult to sew.
It does not wrinkle.	Jersey knit fabric is prone to prilling if not combined with synthetic fibers.
It has great stretch allowing more flexibility.
This fabric is extremely soft.
Jersey knit fabric keeps its shape and color for a long time.

5. Wool

Although fleece is now the new wool, wool is still a great fabric to use for your hoodies. Wool is often blended with other fibers to counteract the downsides of this fabric, such as shrinking and stretching.

A popular blend is wool and rayon, which seems to create a durable and lightweight hoodie. 

Pros	Cons
Wool is incredibly durable.	Sometimes wool can be scratchy and uncomfortable.
It is a natural material.	Wool is very expensive.
It is highly breathable.	Wool stains easily.
Wool does not create static electricity.
It does not wrinkle.

What Fabric Is The Best For Making Hoodies?

For many reasons, cotton is hands down the best fabric to use for making hoodies – just as it for making so many other types of clothes.

Firstly, cotton is made with natural fibers, which means it is hypoallergenic, so people with sensitive skin can wear cotton hoodies without worrying about the fabric irritating their skin. 

People wear hoodies because they are soft and comfortable, and cotton provides just that. In fact, it just gets softer as you wash it. Cotton is also easy to wash and able to withstand hot temperatures, so popping it into the tumble dryer is no problem at all.

This fabric is strong and durable, which means it is less likely to wither after being washed several times. 

Furthermore, cotton can be used to make different types of hoodies suited to specific weather conditions, occasions, or activities. Whether it is for sportswear or casual wear, warm days or cold days, cotton hoodies provide both flexibility and breathability.