10 Types of hoodie fabric to make your next design shine

February 5, 2025

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

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The 10 best hoodie fabrics

Cotton

Cotton is beloved for its softness, breathability and overall comfort. Whether you’re kicking back at home or braving a chilly morning, a cotton hoodie is a classic choice.

Comfort factor: Cotton feels great against the skin and tends to get even softer with repeated washes.
Print perfection: Screen printing or direct-to-garment (DTG) printing shows up crisp and colorful on cotton.
Drawbacks: It can shrink if not washed properly. Cotton also doesn’t wick moisture as well as synthetic options, which might be a downside for athletic wear.

Still, if your brand is focused on everyday style and comfort, you can’t go wrong with cotton.

Polyester

Polyester has come a long way from its reputation as a stiff, plasticky fabric. Today’s polyester hoodies are surprisingly soft and loaded with performance benefits.

Moisture-wicking: If you’re designing sporty or gym apparel, polyester is a winner. It dries quickly and helps pull sweat away from the skin.
Durability: Polyester resists wrinkles and generally holds up well to repeated washes.
Print methods: Sublimation printing bonds beautifully with polyester, producing vibrant, long-lasting designs. For screen printing, use the right inks to avoid smudging or bleeding.

Choose polyester for hoodies aimed at active lifestyles or outdoor activities.

Source: Woman holding hoodies by LanaStock via Depositphotos.

Nylon

While less common for hoodies, nylon often appears in lightweight jackets or sporty layers. If you want a hoodie that can handle a bit of wind or rain, nylon could fit the bill.

Light and strong: Nylon is tough without feeling heavy, making it suitable for anorak-style hoodies or windbreakers.
Water resistance: Pure nylon has a naturally slick texture that repels light rain.
Print challenges: Nylon’s smooth finish can be tricky for standard inks, so specialized techniques or additives may be needed.

Nylon hoodies are perfect if you want a modern, athletic look with some weather resistance.

Fleece

Fleece is often thought of as the coziest fabric on the block, just what you need for cold days or outdoor events.

Warmth without weight: Fleece is usually made from polyester fibers that are brushed to create a plush texture, trapping heat while staying lightweight.
Quick-drying: As a synthetic, fleece dries faster than cotton, making it popular for cooler climates or hiking gear.
Pilling potential: Over time, fleece can develop small fuzzballs (pilling). Proper washing (inside out, gentle cycle) helps prolong its lifespan.

For plush comfort and warmth, fleece is hard to beat.

Heads up: Printing on fleece may not work out well. Try using an embroidered hoodie design. Check out VistaPrint’s custom embroidered hoodies.

French terry

If you love the idea of a hoodie that’s cozy yet not too heavy, French terry might be your new favorite.

Loops & smooth: One side of French terry has small loops, and the other is smooth. This gives it a breathable, lightweight feel.
Versatile style: Because it’s not overly thick, French terry hoodies transition well between casual office settings and light workouts.
Printing ease: Generally made from cotton or cotton blends, French terry is typically print-friendly (screen printing, DTG and embroidery included).

French terry hoodies strike a nice balance between style and comfort.

Rayon

Rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber made from wood pulp, offering a unique combination of softness and drape.

Soft and flowing: Many people compare rayon’s feel to silk as it’s smooth, lightweight and breathable.
Good for prints: Most printing methods work, but you might need to be extra gentle during washing due to rayon’s delicate nature.
Careful care: Rayon can shrink or wrinkle easily, so if you choose this material, label your merch with detailed washing instructions.

If your brand skews toward a luxe, fashion-forward vibe, rayon (or rayon blends) can up the elegance factor.

Source: Hoodies by LanaStock via Depositphotos.

Wool

Wool hoodies aren’t your typical everyday sweatshirts, but they’re growing in popularity, especially if you want a natural, high-performance material.

Thermal regulation: Wool keeps you warm while still allowing airflow, so you won’t overheat.
Moisture control: Wool can absorb moisture (like sweat) yet remain relatively dry to the touch, which also helps resist odors.
Price & care: Wool is pricier and requires gentle washing or dry cleaning. But if you’re after premium quality, it’s a worthwhile investment.

For an upscale or outdoors-focused line, wool hoodies deliver both style and function.

Denim

Denim hoodies offer a rugged, streetwear-inspired twist. Picture a comfy sweatshirt and a classic jean jacket rolled into one.

Unique aesthetic: Denim stands out from the typical hoodie crowd and can be lined with cotton, fleece, or other fabrics for added warmth.
Durability: Denim is built to last and looks even better with a bit of wear and tear.
Printing limits: While embroidery and patches shine on denim, screen printing might be trickier due to its heavier texture.

If you want to break away from ordinary styles, a denim hoodie can become a statement piece in your merch lineup.

Spandex (elastane)

You probably won’t find a hoodie made solely of spandex, but even small amounts of this stretchy fiber can have a big impact.

Stretch & recovery: Spandex gives hoodies a snug fit that’s ideal for athletic wear or form-fitting designs.
Printing considerations: Screen printing on stretchy fabrics requires inks with stretch additives to prevent cracking when the material expands.
Comfort level: Spandex-blended hoodies move with you without feeling restrictive, making them great for active customers.

Look for cotton or polyester hoodies with a little spandex if you want a flexible fit.

Bamboo

Bamboo is often touted as a greener alternative to conventional fibers, though responsible production is key. When done right, bamboo can be ultra-soft and breathable.

Eco appeal: Bamboo grows quickly with fewer resources than cotton, giving it a sustainable edge (as long as processing is handled ethically).
Silky feel: Bamboo-based fabrics are smooth and sometimes described as cooler to the touch.
Odor resistance: Some bamboo fabrics claim mild antimicrobial properties, which can help reduce odor.

For an eco-friendly, premium look and feel, bamboo stands out in the hoodie crowd.

Printing your logo on hoodies? There’s more options! Read our article on small business promotional items.

Source: VistaPrint

Fabric blends

Many types of hoodie material you’ll find are actually blends of two or more fibers. Why? Because blends can balance out each material’s strengths and weaknesses.

Popular combinations

Cotton-polyester: A 50/50 or 80/20 split, for example, can make a hoodie that’s softer than pure polyester but dries faster and shrinks less than pure cotton.
Tri-blends (Cotton-poly-rayon): These tend to be extra soft, lightweight and stylish.

Pros & cons

The good: You can get the breathability of cotton, the durability of polyester and the luxurious drape of rayon in one garment.
The bad: Some blends can be less breathable if heavy on synthetic fibers. Also, tri-blends can be pricier.

Recycled materials

If sustainability is part of your brand identity, look into recycled polyester or other reclaimed fibers. They often perform just as well as virgin materials while reducing waste.

In short, blends can be a sweet spot, just make sure you test how they work with your chosen printing methods and check care instructions.

Source: Logo design by LanaStock via Depositphotos.

Tip

Branded hoodies are a great option for event giveaways, employees always appreciate company swag.

Considerations when designing hoodies

Choosing the right fabric is easier when you know exactly what you want your hoodies to do and how they’ll be worn. Here are five factors to keep front and center:

Warmth

Heavier cotton, wool and fleece are ideal for cooler climates. If your hoodies are more about style than chilly-weather function, lighter fabrics like French terry or tri-blends might be plenty.

Wicking capability

Creating hoodies for fitness enthusiasts? Look for polyester or spandex blends that move sweat away from the skin. Wool can also manage moisture but offers a more natural aesthetic.

Stretch

Hoodies meant for yoga, dance or active lifestyles often benefit from spandex content. If your target audience is more laid-back, standard cotton or cotton-poly might be enough.

Breathability

Natural fibers like cotton and bamboo breathe well, but might not manage sweat as effectively as synthetics. For in-between solutions, try cotton-poly blends.

Printing method

The method you choose to print your design also affects your fabric choice:

Screen printing & DTG: Cotton or high-cotton blends usually yield vibrant, detailed prints.
Sublimation: Best on polyester or high-poly blends.
Embroidery or patches: Works well on most fabrics, though thick materials like denim may need extra backing.

By matching your material choice to your brand’s goals and your customers’ preferences, you’ll set yourself up for merch success.

Have a design that could work on more than just hoodies? Check out our guide to creating different types of merch.

Source: Hoodie design by Irisha_design via 99designs by Vista

Go forth and hoodie

Picking the best hoodie fabric isn’t just about style, it’s about creating a garment that meets your audience’s real-life needs. If you want comfy, everyday hoodies with bright printed designs, cotton or cotton blends often steal the show. If you’re making fitness gear, polyester or spandex blends might be best. For those aiming at a premium, natural feel, wool or bamboo can set your brand apart.

Whether you’re looking to stay warm, stand out with an edgy denim style or show off your brand’s eco-credentials, there’s a fabric that can make your vision come to life. Happy designing!

Ready to start printing?

Explore our custom hoodie options at VistaPrint and bring your brand vision to life.

Design your hoodie

FAQ

What is the best fabric material for a hoodie?

If you’re looking for everyday comfort and easy printing, cotton or cotton-poly blends are popular choices. For athletic wear or moisture-wicking needs, polyester or spandex blends may be ideal. Ultimately, factors like budget, target audience and brand aesthetic will help you determine which type of hoodie material fits best.

What is the warmest material for a hoodie?

Fabrics like fleece and wool are generally the warmest options for hoodies. Fleece (often made from polyester) is lightweight yet highly insulating, while wool provides excellent natural warmth and breathability.

How do I print a logo on a hoodie?

Common printing methods for hoodies include screen printing, direct-to-garment (DTG) and sublimation. Cotton and cotton-rich blends typically work well for screen printing and DTG, as they absorb ink effectively. For sublimation, high-polyester hoodies are the top choice.

Are hoodie fabric blends a good choice?

Yes. Blends combine the benefits of multiple fabrics, such as the softness of cotton, the quick-dry strength of polyester and the stretch of spandex. These versatile types of hoodie material often reduce issues like shrinkage or wrinkling, giving you a balanced fabric that caters to different customer needs.

Which hoodie is more eco-friendly?

Bamboo grows quickly and requires fewer resources, while organic cotton avoids harmful pesticides. Recycled polyester repurposes plastic bottles or other waste, reducing environmental impact. If sustainability is part of your brand’s identity, these fabrics can help showcase your commitment to eco-friendly practices.

Table of contents

The 10 best hoodie fabrics
Fabric blends
Considerations when designing hoodies
FAQ