Two fabrics can both be labelled “350 GSM brushed fleece” and still feel different. One may feel compact and structured, while another feels softer and more flexible.
For a clothing brand developing hoodies, joggers or sweatshirts, choosing fleece means looking beyond weight. The composition, construction, surface finish and performance after washing all deserve attention.
Start with the garment you want to create
Before choosing fabric, describe the finished product. Are you developing a structured oversized hoodie, relaxed everyday joggers or a softer sweatshirt?
Share reference images, your intended fit and the season in which customers will wear the garment. A physical reference sample can also help communicate a particular feel more clearly than descriptions such as “premium” or “heavy.”
Understand what GSM tells you
GSM means grams per square metre: the weight of a measured area of fabric.
It is useful for comparing fabric weights, but it does not tell you everything about thickness, softness, warmth or durability. Yarn and knit construction, together with finishing, influence how the fabric behaves.
Use GSM as one part of your specification. Compare swatches side by side, handling and folding them to assess their structure and drape.
Check the outside and inside separately
Brushed sweatshirt fleece typically combines a relatively smooth knitted face with a soft, raised interior.
The outer surface should suit the appearance you want for your collection. Examine it for evenness, visible defects and consistency. If you plan to print or embroider the garment, request a decorated sample using the proposed fabric.
Turn the swatch over and inspect the brushed interior. Look for an even finish and consider how it feels against the skin. Avoid approving fabric only because it feels soft when new.
Confirm the fabric composition
Ask for the exact fibre percentages rather than a description such as “cotton blend.”
Cotton and polyester can be combined in different proportions, but composition alone does not determine the finished result. Consider it alongside construction, finishing and sample performance.
When comparing quotations, make sure suppliers are quoting against the same fabric brief. Matching GSM without matching composition and finish can lead to misleading comparisons.
Review performance after washing
Before approving bulk production, evaluate a sample using the intended washing and drying instructions.
Check:
- Size changes: measure garment length and width before and after washing.
- Shape: look for twisting, uneven hems or changes in fit.
- Surface appearance: assess pilling, fuzzing and changes to the brushed interior.
- Colour: examine fading or colour transfer.
- Decoration: check how printing or embroidery holds up.
Agree on acceptable performance with your manufacturer before production. Where testing is required, specify the method and acceptance criteria; an informal wash check does not replace laboratory testing.
Prepare a clear fabric brief
A useful enquiry includes the garment design, preferred composition, target GSM, desired feel, colours, quantities, size range and decoration requirements.
If some details are undecided, explain the result you want. Reviewing fabric options and a development sample can help turn that idea into a production specification.
Discuss your collection with SouthWest Trade
SouthWest Trade manufactures custom apparel in Pakistan, including hoodies, joggers, sweatshirts and T-shirts, with printing, embroidery, private labels and packaging options.
Flexible MOQ. Send your design or tech pack, fabric preferences and estimated quantities to info@southwestrade.net to discuss your project.