How Much Does a Hoodie Weigh? – Role in Custom Printing

How Much Does an Average Hoodie Weigh?

Hoodies come in a wide range of weights, making it essential to categorise them into three broad types: lightweight, medium-weight, and heavyweight. Each serves a unique purpose, whether for comfort, warmth, or durability.

• Lightweight hoodies (up to 280 GSM) are breathable and great for layering, ideal for mild weather and activewear.
• Mid-weight hoodies (280–350 GSM) offer a balance of warmth and flexibility, making them perfect for casual wear and branding.
• Heavyweight hoodies (350+ GSM) provide maximum insulation, structure, and durability, making them the top choice for workwear and colder climates.

But how do these numbers translate into real-world hoodie weight? Let’s break it down.

What is Hoodie Weight? – Grams, Ounces & GSM

When listing hoodie weight in your online store or catalogue, it’s best to include both grams (g) and ounces (oz) to cater to all Australian customers. 1 gram = 0.035274 ounces

The average customisable hoodie weighs between 340 and 450 grams (12 to 16 ounces), though custom designs can weigh more depending on fabric and features like zippers or embroidery.

Hoodie weight is primarily determined by GSM (grams per square meter)—a key measurement of fabric density. The higher the GSM, the thicker and warmer the hoodie. However, another unit, oz/yd² (ounces per square yard), is commonly used in regions like Australia. The general weight conversion looks like this:

• Lightweight hoodies: Up to 8.3 oz/yd²
• Medium-weight hoodies: Between 8.3 and 10.3 oz/yd²
• Heavyweight hoodies: Above 10.3 oz/yd²

What Are the Different Hoodie Categories?

When choosing the right hoodie for your business—whether for retail, branding, or promotional use—weight plays a crucial role. The fabric thickness and composition impact comfort, durability, and decoration options like printing and embroidery.

Hoodies fall into three main categories based on weight:

• Lightweight hoodies – Soft, breathable, and ideal for layering or activewear.
• Medium-weight hoodies – The most versatile and widely used for printing.
• Heavyweight hoodies – Durable, insulated, and perfect for colder climates.

Let’s break down each category.

1. Lightweight Hoodies: Best for Comfort & Activewear

Lightweight hoodies are designed for breathability and ease of movement, making them the perfect choice for activewear brands, spring/summer collections, and athleisure wear. Their soft and lightweight feel is achieved by blending cotton with polyester or fleece.

These hoodies typically range up to 280 GSM, keeping them light without compromising on comfort. Because of their thin fabric, they are not ideal for embroidery but work best with direct-to-garment (DTG) printing or screen printing for vivid, long-lasting designs.

2. Medium-Weight Hoodies: The All-Rounder

Most hoodies on the market fall into the medium-weight category. These offer a balance between comfort, affordability, and durability, making them the most popular choice for all sorts of brands.

Medium-weight hoodies typically range between 280–350 GSM and are commonly made from cotton or cotton-poly blends. This weight class is ideal for both printing and embroidery, as the fabric is thick enough to hold stitching while remaining flexible for screen printing.

3. Heavyweight Hoodies: The Ultimate in Durability & Warmth

Heavyweight hoodies are all about insulation, durability, and premium quality. Made from thicker fabrics like heavyweight cotton, fleece, or wool blends, these hoodies provide superior warmth and structure, making them ideal for workwear, winter apparel, and premium fashion brands.

With a weight of 350 GSM and above, heavyweight hoodies are the best choice for high-end branding, corporate uniforms, and embroidered logos. Due to their thickness, screen printing and embroidery work exceptionally well, while DTG printing is not ideal, as ink absorption can be inconsistent.

Heavyweight hoodies often include fleece-lined or oversized designs, making them the best investment for long-term wear. They are commonly used for corporate merch, outdoor workwear, and premium fashion lines.

What Factors Influence the Weight of a Hoodie?

When choosing a hoodie—whether for personal wear or bulk customisation—fabric weight plays a crucial role in comfort, durability, and usability. The heaviness of a hoodie isn’t just about fabric type; several factors contribute, including fabric density, style, add-ons, and even size.

Let’s break down the key elements that determine the weight of a hoodie.

1. How Does Fabric Type Affect Hoodie Weight?

The material a hoodie is made from has the biggest impact on its overall weight. Some fabrics are naturally lighter and breathable, while others are thicker and designed for warmth and durability.

The choice of fabric also affects custom printing and embroidery, as lightweight fabrics work best for screen printing, while heavyweight hoodies provide a sturdy base for detailed embroidery.

Here is how fabric composition affects the weight of the hoodie:

Cotton

Known for its softness and comfort, cotton hoodies come in different thicknesses. Thin cotton makes lightweight hoodies, while thicker cotton produces heavier, structured hoodies.

Polyester

Polyester adds stretch and wrinkle resistance. Polyester blends are usually lighter than 100% cotton hoodies.

Cotton-Polyester Blends

Cotton-polyester blends can vary in weight, depending on the fabric composition and GSM. They don’t fit strictly into one category but can be lightweight, midweight, or heavyweight based on the cotton-to-polyester ratio.

Fleece

With its warm, fuzzy texture, fleece makes hoodies extra insulating and heavier, making them ideal for winter wear.

Sherpa

Similar to fleece but even softer and woollier, sherpa-lined hoodies are super warm but noticeably heavier due to the extra material.

How Does GSM Determine Hoodie Thickness?

A hoodie’s GSM (grams per square meter) indicates fabric thickness and weight. The higher the GSM, the thicker and heavier the fabric.

• Lightweight Hoodies (Up to 280 GSM) – Thin, breathable, and great for layering. Best for warmer climates or activewear.
• Medium-Weight Hoodies (280–350 GSM) – Most common weight, providing a balance of comfort and warmth. Ideal for everyday wear, branding, and bulk orders.
• Heavyweight Hoodies (350+ GSM) – Thick, structured, and built for warmth and durability. Best suited for winter wear, workwear, and premium brands.

3. How Do Hoodie Features & Add-Ons Affect Weight?

Beyond fabric type, the design and features or elements of a hoodie can significantly impact how heavy it feels.

• Zippers – Full-zip hoodies weigh more than pullovers because of the extra material and hardware. Metal zippers are heavier than plastic ones.
• Front Pockets & Kangaroo Pouches – Additional fabric layers increase weight.
• Drawstrings and Toggles – While small, these features add minor bulk to the hoodie.
• Graphics and Embellishments – Screenprints, patches, embroidery, and vinyl designs contribute extra weight.

4. How Do Layers & Linings Affect the Weight of the Hoodies?

Some hoodies incorporate extra layers for added insulation, which increases their weight. For businesses or brands considering custom hoodies, it’s important to balance warmth and weight based on your audience.

• Double-layered hoods – Provide extra warmth but add more bulk.
• Sherpa or fleece lining – Doubles the warmth but can also nearly double the weight.

5. How Does Size and Fit Impact Hoodie Weight?

It’s simple—bigger hoodies require more fabric, meaning a men’s XL will always weigh more than a women’s medium, even in the same style. Additionally, fit style impacts weight:

• Oversized hoodies:  Heavier due to extra fabric.
• Slim-fit hoodies: Lighter, as they use less material.

Which Custom Printing & Decoration Method is Best for Different Hoodie Weights?

When choosing a hoodie for custom printing or embroidery, weight plays a critical role in the quality, durability, and overall look of the design. The thickness and fabric composition of a hoodie directly impact how well different printing methods work.

1. Lightweight Hoodies (Up to 280 GSM) – Best for DTG and Screen Printing

Lightweight hoodies have thin, breathable fabric, making them ideal for direct-to-garment (DTG) and screen printing. Their smooth surface allows ink to bond well, producing sharp, vibrant designs.

Lighter hoodies absorb less ink, so colours may appear slightly less saturated than on thicker fabrics.

Best Printing Methods:

• DTG Printing – Works best for detailed, multi-colour designs.
• Screen Printing – Ideal for bold, single or multi-colour graphics.

Decoration Method to Avoid

• Embroidery – Not recommended, as the thin fabric may pucker or distort.

2. Medium-Weight Hoodies (280–350 GSM) – Best for All Decorations

Medium-weight hoodies strike a perfect balance between thickness and flexibility, making them the best choice for most printing and embroidery methods. Their fabric is thick enough to support embroidery without distortion while still offering a smooth surface for screen and DTG printing.

Medium-weight hoodies are the most commonly used for business branding, retail, and corporate apparel.

Best Printing Methods:

• Screen Printing – Provides long-lasting, vibrant results.
• DTG Printing – Works well for complex designs with multiple colours.
• Embroidery – Can support stitched logos and designs without fabric puckering.

3. Heavyweight Hoodies (350+ GSM) – Best for Embroidery and Screen Printing

Heavyweight hoodies feature thick, durable fabric, making them ideal for embroidery and bold screen-printed designs. However, DTG printing is not recommended, as the fabric absorbs too much ink, leading to less vibrant prints.

Raised embroidery and puff prints work especially well on heavyweight hoodies, adding texture and depth to designs.

Best Printing Methods:

• Embroidery – The thick fabric holds stitches well, making embroidered logos and patches stand out.
• Screen Printing – Works best for bold, high-contrast designs that don’t require extreme detail.

Decoration Method to Avoid

• DTG Printing – The fabric is too thick, leading to ink absorption issues and muted prints.

Which Hoodie Material is Best for Personalised Printing?

Certain fabrics work better with specific printing or decoration methods. When selecting a hoodie for custom printing or embroidery, consider GSM and fabric type to ensure the best print results and long-lasting quality.

• 100% Cotton – Best for screen printing and embroidery, but can shrink slightly.
• Cotton-Polyester Blends – Great for all printing methods, providing durability and comfort.
• Fleece and Sherpa – Ideal for embroidery but not ideal for detailed screen printing due to texture.