Sweatshirts have been around for more than a century, yet they remain one of the most reliable categories in casualwear.

The reason is simple:

A sweatshirt can be comfortable, easy to layer, easy to decorate and suitable for many different price points.

But not every sweatshirt is built the same.

The final product depends heavily on:

• Fabric construction
• GSM
• Fiber composition
• Fit
• Ribbing
• Printing or embroidery
• Intended season

For clothing brands developing a sweatshirt collection, these production details matter much more than simply choosing a colour and adding a logo.

This guide explains why sweatshirts were created, how they differ from sweaters and hoodies, which fabrics work best, and how to choose the right construction for your collection.

Why Were Sweatshirts Created?

Sweatshirts originally developed as a more comfortable alternative to traditional wool athletic garments.

Early athletic clothing could feel:

• Heavy
• Rough
• Hot
• Restrictive

Cotton sweatshirt fabric provided a softer option that could absorb moisture while allowing easier movement.

Over time, sweatshirts moved far beyond sport.

They became part of:

• College clothing
• Workwear
• Casualwear
• Hip-hop culture
• Streetwear
• Athleisure
• Premium fashion

Today, the sweatshirt works across everything from basic uniforms to high-end streetwear collections.

Sweatshirt vs Sweater vs Hoodie

These three terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they describe different garments.

The most important distinction is construction.

Sweatshirt

A sweatshirt is normally made from knitted fabric supplied in rolls.

The fabric is:

1. Knitted
2. Finished
3. Cut into pattern pieces
4. Sewn into the final garment

Common fabrics include:

• Fleece
• French terry
• Cotton/poly blends

Hoodie

A hoodie usually starts from the same type of fabric as a sweatshirt.

The difference is mainly the added construction.

A hoodie normally includes:

• Hood
• Drawstring or hood opening
• Kangaroo or side pockets

So fabric-wise, a hoodie and sweatshirt can be almost identical.

Sweater

A sweater is different.

Instead of cutting fabric from a roll, sweaters are normally knitted directly from yarn.

Common sweater materials include:

• Cotton yarn
• Wool
• Merino wool
• Cashmere
• Acrylic blends

That is why sweater knit and sweatshirt fabric should not be treated as the same category.

What Fabric Is Used for Sweatshirts?

The two most common sweatshirt fabrics are:

1. Fleece
2. French terry

They may look similar from the outside, but the inside construction is different.

1. Fleece

Sweatshirt fleece usually has:

• Smooth outer surface
• Brushed interior
• Soft hand feel
• Warm construction

The inside loops are brushed during finishing, creating the fluffy surface associated with traditional sweatshirts.

Typical GSM

Approximately 280–450 GSM depending on the product.

Heavier fleece can provide:

• More structure
• More warmth
• Premium hand feel
• Better support for embroidery
• More substantial silhouette

2. French Terry

French terry has an unbrushed looped interior.

It normally feels:

• Lighter
• More breathable
• Less bulky
• Better suited to transitional weather

Typical GSM

Approximately 220–320 GSM.

French terry works particularly well for:

• Spring
• Fall
• Warmer climates
• Lightweight sweat sets
• Casual layering

Sweatshirt GSM Guide

GSM means grams per square meter.

It is one of the most useful specifications when discussing sweatshirt fabric with a manufacturer.

A higher GSM does not automatically mean better quality.

The correct weight depends on the product.

Lightweight Sweatshirts

Around 250–300 GSM can work well for:

• Transitional seasons
• Indoor layering
• Warmer markets
• Casual sets

These garments are easier to layer under jackets.

Heavyweight Sweatshirts

Around 380–450 GSM creates a much more substantial garment.

Heavyweight fabric can provide:

• Better structure
• Stronger silhouette
• Warmer feel
• More premium positioning

It also works particularly well with oversized streetwear fits.

Fiber Content Matters Too

GSM is only one part of the fabric specification.

Fiber composition also affects:

• Softness
• Shape retention
• Shrinkage
• Pilling
• Durability

100% Cotton

Advantages include:

• Natural hand feel
• Breathability
• Softness
• Premium cotton positioning

However, cotton can be more sensitive to:

• Shrinkage
• Stretching
• Shape change

Finishing and pre-shrink treatment therefore matter.

Cotton / Polyester Blends

Common blends include:

• 80% cotton / 20% polyester
• 60% cotton / 40% polyester

Polyester can improve:

• Shape retention
• Durability
• Dimensional stability
• Resistance to repeated washing

This is one reason cotton/poly blends are widely used in commercial sweatshirt production.

Why Sweatshirts Remain Popular

The sweatshirt has stayed relevant because it solves several problems at once.

Comfort

The soft knitted construction makes sweatshirts easy to wear for long periods.

Easy Layering

A crewneck sweatshirt can be worn:

• Over a T-shirt
• Under a jacket
• Under a coat
• With casual pants
• With jeans
• As part of a matching sweat set

Few garments work across as many casual outfits.

Streetwear and Athleisure

Sweatshirts remain foundational products in both categories.

Brands can change the product significantly through:

• Oversized fit
• Cropped fit
• Heavyweight fabric
• Washing
• Embroidery
• Printing
• Rib construction

Large Decoration Area

The front and back provide large, relatively flat surfaces.

This makes sweatshirts suitable for:

• Screen printing
• Puff printing
• DTG
• DTF
• Embroidery
• Appliqué
• Silicone printing

Year-Round Potential

Fabric weight can be adjusted according to season.

For example:

Spring / Fall

French terry or lighter fleece.

Winter

Heavy brushed fleece.

This allows brands to keep sweatshirt products in their collections throughout much of the year.

Choosing the Right Decoration Method

The decoration method should match the fabric.

Screen Printing

Screen printing works well for:

• Logos
• Typography
• Large graphics
• Solid colours
• Higher quantities

It can be used on both fleece and French terry.

For larger production runs with relatively simple artwork, screen printing is often an efficient option.

Embroidery

Embroidery works particularly well on heavier fabrics.

Heavy fleece provides a stable base for stitches.

This makes it suitable for:

• Small chest logos
• Sleeve embroidery
• Large back embroidery
• Flat embroidery
• 3D embroidery
• Chenille patches

Fabric Matters

Lightweight or stretchy fabric may require:

• Different backing
• Lower stitch density
• Additional stabilizer

Embroidery should always be developed around the actual garment fabric.

DTF

DTF works well for:

• Detailed graphics
• Multiple colours
• Gradients
• Smaller quantities

It can work across a broad range of sweatshirt fabrics.

Puff Print

Puff printing adds a raised three-dimensional effect.

It works especially well for:

• Typography
• Logos
• Streetwear graphics

Heavyweight fleece can create a strong base for this type of printing.

Fabric and Decoration Should Be Developed Together

One common mistake is choosing the artwork first and fabric later.

The two should be considered together.

For example:

Dense Embroidery

Works better on:

• Heavy fleece
• Stable fabrics

Large Screen Print

Needs:

• Smooth enough surface
• Stable fabric
• Correct ink system

Puff Print

Works best when:

• The fabric can tolerate curing temperature
• The surface is relatively stable
• Artwork is suitable for expansion

Detailed Digital Print

May require:

• Smooth surface
• Suitable fiber composition
• Correct pretreatment or transfer process

Sampling should confirm the actual combination before bulk production.

Sweatshirt Construction Details That Affect Quality

Fabric is important, but construction also changes the finished product.

Important areas include:

• Neck rib
• Cuffs
• Waist rib
• Shoulder seams
• Sleeve construction
• Hem stitching
• Neck tape
• Seams

Ribbing

Good ribbing should recover after stretching.

Brands should confirm:

• Rib composition
• Rib weight
• Elastane content
• Rib density
• Recovery

Weak ribbing can quickly make an otherwise good sweatshirt look old.

Neck Construction

The neckline receives repeated stress when putting the sweatshirt on and taking it off.

Good construction may include:

• Stable rib
• Reinforced seam
• Neck tape
• Clean topstitching

Cuffs and Hem

Cuffs and waist rib affect the silhouette.

A tighter rib creates a more gathered shape.

A looser rib creates a straighter, more relaxed silhouette.

These details should be confirmed during sampling.

Sweatshirt Fit Options

The same fabric can create very different products depending on the pattern.

Common fits include:

Regular Fit

Balanced everyday silhouette.

Oversized Fit

Usually includes:

• Wider chest
• Dropped shoulder
• Wider sleeve
• More relaxed body

Cropped Fit

Shorter body length, often used in women's collections.

Boxy Fit

Wide body with controlled length.

Particularly suitable for modern streetwear.

Sustainability Options

Brands that want sustainability claims should confirm supporting documentation during sourcing.

Possible options include:

• Organic cotton
• Recycled polyester
• GRS-certified recycled materials
• Certified cotton options

The certification should match the actual fabric being used.

A vague sustainability claim is less useful than documented material sourcing.

How Brad Apparel Supports Custom Sweatshirt Production

Brad Apparel helps brands develop custom sweatshirts from fabric sourcing through sampling and bulk production.

Fabric Development

Through our Fabric & Accessory Sourcing service, brands can develop:

• Fleece
• French terry
• Cotton blends
• Custom GSM
• Custom colours
• Ribbing
• Labels
• Packaging

The fabric should be selected according to:

• Climate
• Fit
• Decoration
• Retail positioning

Custom Sweat Sets

Our Custom Sweat Set Production service can support:

• Crewneck sweatshirts
• Sweatpants
• Hoodies
• Matching sets
• Oversized streetwear
• Heavyweight fleece products

The sweatshirt and bottoms can be developed in the same fabric to improve colour and hand-feel consistency.

Printing

Brad Apparel supports Custom Printing Techniques, including:

• Screen printing
• Puff printing
• DTG
• DTF
• Silicone printing
• Heat transfer

Embroidery

Our Custom Embroidery options include:

• Flat embroidery
• 3D embroidery
• Chenille
• Patches
• Logo embroidery

The embroidery method should be selected according to fabric structure and artwork complexity.

FAQ

What GSM Is Best for a Sweatshirt?

For lighter sweatshirts, approximately 250–300 GSM can work well.

For heavier premium sweatshirts, approximately 380–450 GSM provides more warmth and structure.

The best GSM depends on season, fit and target price.

What's the Difference Between a Sweatshirt and a Hoodie?

The fabric may be exactly the same.

A hoodie normally adds:

• Hood
• Pocket
• Drawstring or hood opening details

A crewneck sweatshirt does not have a hood.

What's the Difference Between a Sweatshirt and a Sweater?

A sweatshirt is normally cut and sewn from fleece or French terry fabric.

A sweater is knitted directly from yarn.

They use fundamentally different manufacturing methods.

Is Fleece or French Terry Better?

Neither is automatically better.

Choose fleece when you want:

• Warmth
• Soft brushed interior
• Heavyweight structure

Choose French terry when you want:

• Breathability
• Lighter weight
• Transitional-season comfort

Is 100% Cotton Better Than a Cotton/Poly Blend?

It depends on the product.

100% cotton provides a natural hand feel.

Cotton/poly blends generally provide better dimensional stability and resistance to repeated washing.

What Decoration Method Is Best for Sweatshirts?

For simple graphics at volume:

Screen printing

For premium logo branding:

Embroidery

For detailed multicolour artwork:

DTF

For raised streetwear graphics:

Puff print

The final choice should depend on the artwork and fabric.

What MOQ Should I Expect for Custom Sweatshirts?

MOQ depends on:

• Fabric
• GSM
• Custom colour
• Printing
• Embroidery
• Washing
• Labels
• Packaging

For an accurate production plan, quantity should always be evaluated together with the full garment specification.

Final Thoughts

The point of a sweatshirt is not complicated.

It is a comfortable, adaptable garment that works across sport, casualwear, streetwear and premium fashion.

But the difference between a basic sweatshirt and a product customers want to reorder comes down to details.

The most important are:

• Fabric construction
• GSM
• Fiber content
• Fit
• Ribbing
• Decoration
• Wash performance

A lightweight French terry crewneck and a 450 GSM oversized fleece sweatshirt may belong to the same category, but they are very different products.

For brands developing sweatshirts, the goal should not simply be to choose the heaviest fabric or the most complicated decoration.

The goal is to make the fabric, fit and construction work together for the intended customer.