Hoodie & Sweatshirt Fleece GSM Guide: 240 / 320 / 400

When you order custom hoodies or sweatshirts wholesale, fabric weight is the first decision that shapes the look, the feel and the price of your garment. In the apparel industry, weight is measured in GSM — grams per square meter. The higher the GSM, the thicker, denser and heavier the fleece. Here is a quick guide to the three most common ranges for custom hoodies and sweatshirts.

240 GSM — Lightweight Fleece

240 GSM is a lightweight brushed fleece or tech fleece. It is soft, breathable and drapes closer to the body, which makes it a good choice for layering, mild-weather seasons and more budget-friendly wholesale programs. It is also an easy surface for screen printing and embroidery. If your market sells all-year or entry-level hoodies, 240 GSM is a safe start.

320 GSM — The Balanced Everyday Weight

320 GSM is the balanced everyday heavyweight. The fabric has real structure but stays soft on the inside thanks to a brushed back, so the hoodie keeps its silhouette without feeling stiff. This is the most popular range for streetwear blanks and team uniforms, and it works well for both printed and plain styles.

400 GSM+ — Premium Heavyweight Fleece

400 GSM and above is premium heavyweight fleece. The fabric is thick, dense and holds its shape — it stands away from the body, which is exactly the look that oversized and drop-shoulder streetwear designs need. A 400 GSM+ hoodie feels substantial, is fully non-transparent and gives buyers a clear sense of quality, which is why it is the standard for luxury blank hoodies and high-end brand programs.

How To Choose The Right GSM

How do you choose? Consider your market and season first: US and European buyers usually prefer 320–430 GSM hoodies for a better silhouette, while hotter climates lean toward 240 GSM. Next, consider decoration — heavier fleece gives screen printing, puff print and embroidery a more stable surface. Finally, consider your price point: heavier fabric means a higher unit cost, so match the weight to your target retail price.

Custom Hoodies And Sweatshirts From 240 To 430 GSM

As a vertically integrated garment manufacturer, Kaihong produces custom hoodies and sweatshirts from 240 GSM to 430 GSM — brushed fleece or tech fleece, regular or oversized fit, with custom colors, printing and embroidery. We work with low MOQs, and our sampling team can provide a pre-production sample before bulk. Send us your design or target price and we will recommend the right fabric weight for your market.