When you're shopping for the perfect custom hoodie, the design is just part of the story. At Arc Diverse, we know that comfort, fit, and fabric quality matter just as much as the look. That’s why we take the time to choose materials that match your lifestyle and expectations.
In this ultimate hoodie fabric guide, we’ll walk you through the most popular hoodie materials we use—and explain how each one feels, wears, and holds up over time. Whether you're after something soft and cozy or more structured and performance-ready, we’ve got options that work for you.
Our hoodies are usually made from carefully selected blends—most often cotton and polyester—to balance durability, appearance, and feel. These blends make sure your hoodie stays comfortable, looks great, and lasts.
But before we dive into the fabric types, let’s talk about something just as important: fabric weight. Understanding hoodie weight will help you pick the right style—whether you want a lightweight layer or a thicker, warmer piece.
Hoodie fabric weight
At Arc Diverse, one of the first things we recommend checking when picking out a hoodie is the fabric weight—you’ll find this listed in the product description for each piece in our catalog. It’s a simple detail that makes a big difference.
Looking for a light, breathable hoodie for summer nights? Or maybe something heavier to keep you warm when it gets chilly? Fabric weight will help guide your choice.
We measure hoodie fabric weight in oz/yd² (OSY) or g/m² (GSM), and here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you decide what fits your needs best:
- Light summer hoodies: 5.9 oz/yd² (200 g/m²) to 7.38 oz/yd² (250 g/m²)
- All-year-round hoodies: 7.38 oz/yd² (250 g/m²) to 8.85 oz/yd² (300 g/m²)
- Cozy winter hoodies: 8.85 oz/yd² (300 g/m²) to 11.8 oz/yd² (400 g/m²)
Once you know the weight that works for you, it’s time to explore the fabrics themselves. Up next: the most popular materials we use to make Arc Diverse hoodies feel just right.
Which Blend is Right for You?
Not all cotton-poly blends are the same. Different ratios offer different feels and functions. Here are two of the most popular options we offer at Arc Diverse:
🔸 50/50 Cotton-Polyester Blend
This classic blend gives you the perfect balance of softness, breathability, and durability. It's lightweight, holds its color well, and is super low-maintenance—no need for constant ironing.
Popular styles with this blend:
- Heavy Blend Hoodie – A fan favorite for its comfort and easy-care design.
- Heavy Blend Zip Hoodie – Made with ring-spun cotton and a brushed fleece interior, this hoodie is ideal for staying warm during workouts or everyday activities.
- Crewneck Sweatshirt – Not a hoodie, but a versatile staple for any casual wardrobe. Same great feel, timeless fit.
🔸 65/35 Cotton-Polyester Blend
Want something a little softer with even better print quality? This ratio leans into the comfort of cotton while still offering the strength of polyester. It’s perfect if you love that soft, lived-in feel right out of the box.
Top picks in this category:
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Premium Hoodie – Cotton Heritage
Made with ring-spun cotton and a 100% cotton face—great for vibrant, high-quality prints. -
Premium Sweatshirt – Cotton Heritage
Crafted with tightly knit 3-end fleece for next-level softness and warmth.
🔸 80/20 Cotton-Polyester Blend
Prefer a hoodie that leans more toward natural softness? The 80/20 cotton-poly blend is a great choice—especially for milder climates or layering in warmer weather. With more cotton in the mix, these hoodies feel softer and more breathable while still benefiting from polyester’s durability.
At Arc Diverse, we’ve chosen this blend for styles where comfort and quality prints matter most.
Featured styles with this blend:
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Oversized Hoodie
Laid-back, oversized, and effortlessly cool. Made from ultra-soft premium fabric with a relaxed fit that’s perfect for layering and all-day comfort. -
Organic Sweatshirt
Clean, cozy, and conscious. Made from organic and recycled materials with a soft French terry feel, plus set-in sleeves and 2×2 ribbed detailing for a classic finish. -
Kids Eco Hoodie
Soft, snug, and built for everyday adventures. Made from organic cotton and recycled polyester, it’s an eco-friendly essential with a front pouch pocket, ribbed cuffs, and a lined hood for extra warmth.
Which Cotton-Poly Blend Is Best for You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it really depends on what matters most to you. At Arc Diverse, we offer a range of blends so you can find the hoodie that checks all your boxes. Here's what to consider when choosing the right fabric for your lifestyle:
Comfort & Softness
The more cotton, the softer the feel. But softness isn’t everything—fabric weight, climate, and how you wear your hoodie all come into play. Cotton absorbs moisture and keeps you cool, while polyester is great for insulation and active wear. For ultimate coziness, cotton-poly fleece blends are a customer favorite.
Breathability
Natural fibers like cotton lead the way in breathability. The higher the cotton content, the better the airflow. If breathability is a priority, look for blends with more cotton—or opt for fleece, which naturally breathes better than other knits.
Durability
When cotton and polyester come together, you get the best of both: strength and softness. For long-lasting wear, pay attention to fabric weight and construction. Heavier knits wear better over time, and ring-spun or preshrunk cotton holds up better than standard cotton.
100% cotton hoodie fabric
Cotton, like many natural materials, is hypoallergenic, making cotton hoodies ideal for people with sensitive skin. Cotton also has incredible sweat-absorbing abilities, which means that 100% cotton hoodies are great for keeping you dry during physical activities. That said, you probably wouldn’t want to wear it when it’s raining or for exercising in colder weather since wet clothing can make you feel chilly fast.
Here’s a quick analysis of hoodies with 100% cotton fabric:
- Comfort and softness: Cotton provides the ultimate softness and comfort.
- Breathability: In comparison with synthetic materials, cotton is exceptionally breathable.
- Longevity: With proper care, cotton hoodies can last for a long time. However, prints tend to fade more quickly than on synthetic fabric.
Other Materials
100% Recycled Polyester
Lightweight, breathable, and ideal for performance wear. Often used in athletic apparel, this fabric features moisture-wicking technology and UPF protection, making it great for outdoor or training use. It’s also embroidery-friendly and often branded by performance names like Adidas.
Wool
Known for its exceptional insulation and breathability, wool is a natural fiber that keeps you warm without overheating. It's great for colder weather but requires gentle care and may not be suitable for those with wool sensitivities.
Corduroy
A durable, ribbed fabric known for its rich texture and retro vibe. Corduroy hoodies are uncommon but offer a unique, cozy style for cooler months. Made primarily from cotton, this material is both rugged and fashion-forward.
Jersey Knit Fabric
Soft, stretchy, and commonly used in casual wear and light activewear. Jersey hoodies vary by knit type—single-knit for flexibility, double-knit for structure—but both offer comfort. Be aware that jersey is more prone to pilling over time.
Note: Arc Diverse doesn’t currently offer hoodies in these materials—this guide is here to help you stay informed as you explore your options.
Pick a Hoodie That Fits Your Needs
Now that you’ve got a better feel for different hoodie materials, it’s time to choose the one that fits your style, purpose, and design goals. Start by looking at fabric weight—this tells you how light or heavy the hoodie will feel. Then think about the use:
- Lightweight synthetics are great for workouts and layering
- Natural fibers like cotton are perfect for everyday comfort
Keep in mind that a hoodie’s performance is shaped by more than just material. The fabric blend, knit style, and production quality all impact how it feels, fits, and lasts.