Custom Hoodies for Streetwear Brands: Cotton vs Polyester vs Fleece
Most private label hoodie orders fail on one decision made too early: picking the fabric before knowing what the hoodie is actually for. A gym-brand pullover and a streetwear heavyweight hoodie need different GSM, different blends, and different finishing, even though they look similar on a spec sheet.
Cotton, polyester, and fleece compared
Cotton fleece is the standard choice for streetwear brands, since it has a soft hand-feel and takes screen printing and embroidery well. Most streetwear hoodies run 280 to 320 GSM, heavy enough to hold structure without feeling stiff.
Polyester fleece is lighter and dries faster, which suits activewear and gym brands more than fashion labels. It typically runs 220 to 260 GSM and takes sublimation printing, which cotton cannot.
Cotton-poly blends split the difference: a common ratio is 80% cotton and 20% polyester, which keeps most of cotton’s feel while reducing shrinkage and improving durability through repeated washing.
- Cotton fleece: 280 to 320 GSM, best for embroidery and screen print, premium hand-feel
- Polyester fleece: 220 to 260 GSM, best for sublimation, faster drying, lower cost
- Cotton-poly blend: 260 to 300 GSM, balances feel and durability
- Acid-washed and garment-dyed finishes are available on cotton fleece for a worn-in streetwear look
Branding and finishing options
Private label orders usually need more than just a printed logo. Woven neck labels, hang tags, and custom drawstrings are common additions that make a hoodie feel like a real brand product rather than a blank with a logo added. All of these can go into the same production run if you confirm them before cutting starts.
Fit and construction details to confirm
- Weight of the drawstring and whether it is flat or round
- Pocket style: kangaroo pocket, split pocket, or none
- Hood lining: same fabric as the body, or a contrast lining
- Cuff and hem ribbing weight, since a thin rib stretches out faster
Ordering process and lead time
Minimum order is 20 units per design and color. Standard bulk production is 15 to 25 working days after sample approval and deposit. First-time private label orders should budget extra time for a fit sample round, since hoodie fit varies more between manufacturers than a simple t-shirt does.
Browse our custom cotton hoodies or the full hoodies category, including the polyester hoodie range if you need a lighter activewear option. Building a full loungewear set? Our tracksuit guide covers matching bottoms.
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Common questions about custom hoodies
What is the minimum order for private label hoodies?
20 units per design and colorway. Mixed sizes within that 20 are fine.
Can you add woven labels and hang tags?
Yes, both can be produced and attached during the same production run if you confirm the design before cutting starts.
Which fabric is better for a heavyweight streetwear hoodie?
Cotton fleece at 280 to 320 GSM. Polyester fleece is lighter and better suited to activewear rather than a heavyweight streetwear look.
Do you do garment dye or acid wash finishes?
Yes, both are available on cotton fleece hoodies. Confirm the finish at the quote stage since it affects fabric sourcing and production time.
Asons Impex manufactures private label hoodies from our factory in Sialkot, Pakistan, with a 20-unit minimum and 15 to 25 day production time. Send your fabric preference and branding requirements to info@asonsimpex.com for a quote.