When you order team hoodies, the fabric weight is listed in GSM. Hoodie GSM tells you how heavy, warm and durable the fleece is, and it makes a big difference to how the hoodie feels. Here is how to choose.
What does GSM mean?
GSM stands for grams per square meter. It measures fabric weight: the higher the number, the heavier and usually thicker the fabric. GSM does not measure quality on its own, but it is the clearest way to compare one fleece with another.
Hoodie GSM at a glance
| Weight | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 220 GSM | Lightweight, easy to layer | Warm climates, training, spring and early fall |
| 250 GSM | Light midweight | Everyday team wear in mild weather |
| 300 GSM | Midweight, the all-round standard | Sidelines, travel and fan wear most of the year |
| 400 GSM | Heavyweight, structured and warm | Cold rinks and fields, winter travel, premium merch |
Polyester fleece vs cotton-poly fleece
The blend matters as much as the weight.
- 100% polyester fleece (220 or 300 GSM): holds color well, dries quickly and can be fully sublimated, so the whole hoodie can carry your design, stripes and graphics.
- 80/20 cotton-poly fleece (250, 300 or 400 GSM): softer, with a classic cotton feel. It is decorated with embroidery, screen printing or tackle twill rather than full sublimation. See how these decoration methods compare.
Which hoodie GSM should your team choose?
- Warm-weather teams or layering under jackets: 220 GSM polyester.
- Most teams and fan stores: 300 GSM, in polyester for full designs or cotton-poly for a classic feel.
- Hockey, winter sports and premium merch: 400 GSM cotton-poly.
Other details that make a good team hoodie
- A lined hood for warmth and shape
- Ribbed cuffs and hem that match the body color inside and out
- Kangaroo or zip pockets
- Drawcords placed so they never cover your lettering
Browse styles such as the pullover hoodie, full zip hoodie and crewneck sweatshirt, or request a quote and tell us your climate and use. We will recommend the right hoodie GSM and blend.
How hoodie GSM affects price
Heavier fleece uses more fabric, so a 300 or 400 GSM hoodie costs more than a 220 GSM one in the same style. A zip adds material and sewing time too. Our custom pullover hoodies start at $25 per piece and full zip hoodies at $27 per piece for orders of 20 or more, with standard shipping included. Smaller orders are welcome at a higher per-piece price. See the full custom team apparel price guide.
How to keep team hoodies looking new
- Wash inside out in cold or warm water, not hot.
- Skip bleach and fabric softener, which can dull colors and flatten fleece.
- Tumble dry on low or hang to dry. High heat can damage embroidery backing and screen prints.
- Do not iron directly over prints, tackle twill or embroidery.
Planning a hoodie order
Hoodies are often ordered with warm-ups and fan wear, so it pays to plan them with the rest of your season. Check when to order team uniforms and our team uniform sizing guide before you collect sizes.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good GSM for a hoodie?
300 GSM is a good all-round choice. Go lighter for warm climates and layering, and heavier (400 GSM) for cold weather and premium merch.
Is higher GSM always better?
No. Higher GSM is warmer and more structured, but heavier. The best weight depends on climate and how the hoodie will be worn.
Can a cotton hoodie be sublimated?
Not fully. Sublimation needs polyester, so cotton-poly hoodies are decorated with embroidery, screen printing or tackle twill.
How much does a custom team hoodie cost?
Our custom pullover hoodies start at $25 per piece and full zip hoodies at $27 per piece for orders of 20 or more, including standard shipping.