Why Hoodie Weight Matters When You’re Shopping
Shopping for a hoodie? You’re in good company. Hoodies are one of the most popular and versatile pieces in any wardrobe—perfect for layering, lounging, or stepping out in style. But here’s something most shoppers don’t think about: hoodie weight actually makes a big difference in how it feels, fits, and even ships.
If you’ve ever wondered why some hoodies feel super light while others are thick and cozy, it all comes down to fabric weight—measured in GSM (grams per square meter) or oz/yd². Lighter hoodies are great for warmer climates or indoor layering, while heavier ones are ideal for cold weather and outdoor wear.
Weight also affects shipping. A heavier hoodie might cost a bit more to ship, especially if you're ordering internationally or adding multiple items to your cart. But the tradeoff is often a more durable, warmer hoodie that lasts longer and feels more substantial.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how much a hoodie typically weighs, what impacts that weight, and how to choose the right one based on how (and where) you plan to wear it.
By the end, you’ll be able to pick a hoodie that feels just right—without any surprises at checkout.
How Much Does a Hoodie Weigh?
If you're shopping for a hoodie and wondering why some feel light and breezy while others are thick and cozy, it all comes down to fabric weight.
On average, a hoodie weighs between 340 and 450 grams—or about 12 to 16 ounces. The exact weight depends on the material and design details. Lighter hoodies are great for layering or warmer weather, while heavier ones offer more warmth and durability.
For international shoppers, weight is typically measured in grams (g) or ounces (oz)—and 1 gram equals about 0.035 ounces. Many brands list both to make it easier for everyone to compare.
To keep things simple, hoodies generally fall into three categories:
- Lightweight hoodies – great for layering or mild weather
- Midweight hoodies – versatile for year-round wear
- Heavyweight hoodies – best for colder climates and a premium, structured feel
One term you might come across is GSM (grams per square meter). It refers to how dense the fabric is—basically, how heavy it feels based on the material’s size. A higher GSM usually means a thicker, warmer hoodie.
So whether you’re after a hoodie to throw on at the gym, something soft for lounging, or a heavy-duty layer for winter, knowing the weight can help you choose the right fit for your comfort and climate.
Lightweight hoodies average up to 280 g/m², medium-weight hoodies average anywhere between 280 and 350 g/m², and heavyweight hoodies will weigh 350 g/m² and beyond.
Alternatively, there is oz/yd² or ounces per yard squared. By converting the measurement from GSM, we see that lightweight hoodies average up to 8.258 oz/yd², medium hoodies average between 8.258 oz/yd² and 10.322 oz/yd², and anything beyond 10.322 oz/yd² is considered heavyweight.
It’s also important to understand singles. Single is a term that refers to the diameter of a yarn, determined by the number of times you twist the fiber. The higher the single, the finer the yarn and the softer the resulting garment. You might have heard of the term ‘thread count’, and these are similar terms, however ‘thread count’ is used in reference to bed sheets, while singles are used in reference to clothes.
Now that we have a basic grasp of the terminology, let’s take a look at the different weight categories of hoodies, and what each of them can offer your customers.
Lightweight hoodies
The main advantages of this category are breathability and increased range of motion, making them ideal for customers who enjoy a more active lifestyle. To achieve a lighter weight, it’s often necessary to mix cotton with a polyester blend. This also makes lightweight hoodies very soft to the touch. The lighter material means a lighter average weight.
This hoodie, made from 52% airlume combed ring-spun cotton and 48% poly fleece, demonstrates the benefits of lightweight hoodies perfectly. Weighing in at 220.4 g/m² (6.5 oz/yd²), this hoodie is incredibly soft to the touch, thanks to the poly fleece lining. This makes it comfortable and cozy for your potential customers.
Medium hoodies
Most adult-sized hoodies will fall into this category, their main advantage being budget-friendly materials. You will also often find a lot of sweatshirts in this weight category for roughly the same reason.
Cotton is the most common material, but it’s still often combined with synthetic materials like polyester. This also makes them the best quality hoodies for printing. Popular brands frequently opt for medium-weight hoodies, a choice that resonates with a diverse customer base and contributes to their widespread popularity.
This hoodie, with a front pouch pocket and matching flat drawstrings, is a Printful bestseller. Made from 65% ring-spun cotton and 35% polyester, it weighs in at 288.2 g/m² (8.5 oz./yd.²), placing it on the lighter side of the medium weight category. It also offers lots of customization options, such as putting your logo on the custom inside label.
Heavyweight hoodies
Because these kinds of hoodies tend to use thicker fabrics, like heavyweight cotton, fleece, or wool blends, they offer much more warmth and insulation, making them ideal for colder climates. They also tend to be more durable, offering better value for money to your customers. You can also spot the occasional sweatshirt in this category.
This hoodie, made from 85% organic ring-spun combed cotton and 15% recycled polyester produced from recycled plastic bottles, offers a thicker, warmer, more eco-friendly option. The double-layered hood offers more warmth and protection to the neck and head.
Other Weight Factors to Keep in Mind
When it comes to hoodie weight, it’s not just the fabric that matters. Design features and added details can also influence how heavy a hoodie feels—and how much it costs to ship.
For example:
- Front-pouch pockets use extra fabric
- Zippers (especially metal ones) add noticeable weight
- Embroidery, rhinestones, or even metal drawstring tips can increase the total weight
- Even the amount of ink used in printing—like with direct-to-garment (DTG) designs—can make a small difference
These might sound like minor details, but if you're ordering in bulk or managing a business, those extra grams can quickly add up. Keeping an eye on these components helps you make smarter choices for comfort, style, and shipping efficiency.
Final Thoughts: How Much Does a Hoodie Weigh?
So, how much does a hoodie really weigh? The truth is—it depends. From the type of fabric to the design details and even how it’s packaged, a lot of factors can influence the final weight of your hoodie.
This guide gave you a breakdown of the basics, so whether you're shopping for your next favorite layer or planning to customize hoodies for your own brand, you’re now better equipped to make a smart choice.
At Arc Diverse, we believe that knowing the details helps you get the best fit, style, and value—without surprises at checkout. Whether you're after something light and breathable or warm and heavyweight, there's a hoodie out there that’s just right for you.
Ready to find yours? Explore our hoodie collection and choose the one that fits your life best.