Hoodie & Sweatshirt Fabrics
The fabric decides how warm, heavy and soft a sweat feels. This hub explains the main hoodie and sweatshirt fabrics across our range, so a product name tells you the weight and feel before you touch it. Browse men's hoodies and sweatshirts (/collections/mens-sweatshirts-jumpers-hoodies).
Cotton sweat fabrics
Loopback Cotton
A breathable sweat knit with looped inner face.
What defines it
Loopback cotton leaves the inner loops uncut, giving a lighter, breathable jersey-backed sweat that works across the seasons.
Who it suits
It suits year-round wear and warmer months. Browse men's hoodies and sweatshirts (/collections/mens-sweatshirts-jumpers-hoodies).
French Terry
A soft, mid-weight looped sweat fabric.
What defines it
French terry is a loopback knit with a smooth face and looped back, mid-weight and soft, the go-to for premium sweats.
Who it suits
It suits soft, smart-casual sweats and layering.
Brushed-Back Fleece
A warm sweat with a soft, brushed inner.
What defines it
Brushed-back fleece takes a loopback knit and brushes the inner face into a soft, warm nap, the classic cosy hoodie feel.
Who it suits
It suits cold days and warm, casual wear.
Cotton Jersey
A lighter knit for softer, thinner sweats.
What defines it
Cotton jersey is a plain single knit, lighter than terry, used for thinner overhead sweats and warmer-weather layers.
Who it suits
It suits lighter layering and milder days.
Blends and performance
Cotton-Poly Blend
A durable blend that resists shrinking and pilling.
What defines it
A cotton-poly blend adds polyester to cotton for extra durability, shape retention and quicker drying, common in everyday sweats.
Who it suits
It suits hard-wearing, easy-care casual sweats.
Organic Cotton
Cotton grown to lower-impact standards.
What defines it
Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides to certified standards, offering the same soft hand with a lower footprint.
Who it suits
It suits buyers who value sustainable materials. Browse women's hoodies and sweatshirts (/collections/womens-sweatshirts-hoodies).
Stretch Blend
A sweat fabric with elastane for movement.
What defines it
A stretch blend adds a small amount of elastane so the sweat moves with you and holds its shape, used in slimmer and technical styles.
Who it suits
It suits active wear and closer-fitting sweats.
Weight and finish
Heavyweight Sweat
A dense, structured fabric above 350gsm.
What defines it
A heavyweight sweat uses a dense knit, usually 350gsm and up, giving a boxy, substantial hoodie that holds its shape.
Who it suits
It suits a premium, structured streetwear look.
Lightweight Sweat
A thinner fabric under 300gsm for mild days.
What defines it
A lightweight sweat uses a thinner knit, usually under 300gsm, for a softer drape and easy layering in milder weather.
Who it suits
It suits spring, autumn and indoor layering.
Frequently asked questions
What fabric are hoodies made from?
Most hoodies and sweatshirts are made from cotton sweat fabrics: loopback, French terry or brushed-back fleece. Loopback is lighter and breathable, terry is soft and mid-weight, and brushed fleece is the warm, cosy version with a napped inner. Many everyday sweats add polyester for durability and shape retention, and some active styles add a little elastane for stretch.
What is French terry?
French terry is a loopback knit with a smooth outer face and small loops on the inside. It sits at a comfortable mid-weight, feels soft, and drapes well, which is why premium sweats often use it. Unlike brushed fleece, the inner loops are left uncut, so it is a touch lighter and works across more of the year.
What weight of hoodie should I buy?
Weight is measured in gsm. Around 280 to 320gsm is a versatile all-year weight. Under 300gsm is lighter for milder days and layering, while 350gsm and above gives a heavy, structured hoodie that holds a boxy shape and feels premium. Heavier is warmer but less packable, so match the weight to how you will wear it.