Product Guides 7 min readMay 15, 2025

Hoodie Manufacturing in India: Fabrics, GSM, Fits & What to Specify

Everything you need to know before ordering custom hoodies from an Indian manufacturer — fabric selection, GSM guide, fit options, printing methods, and a complete brief checklist.

Hoodies are one of the most ordered products from Indian manufacturers right now — driven by the growth of streetwear brands, athleisure labels, and corporate merchandise buyers. But a bad brief leads to a bad hoodie. Here's what to specify so your first sample is close to what you actually want.

Fabric options for hoodies

FabricGSM rangeFeelBest forCost/metre
Fleece (brushed)240–450 GSMSoft, warm, napped interiorWinter hoodies, warmth-first products₹180–₹350/metre
French Terry260–380 GSMLooped interior, breathable, premium drapeFashion hoodies, year-round streetwear₹220–₹400/metre
Waffle Knit200–280 GSMTextured grid pattern, distinctive lookOversized textured hoodies, layering₹200–₹350/metre
Cotton-Poly Blend220–320 GSMBalanced — cotton softness + poly durabilityAll-season, most common blend₹150–₹280/metre

GSM guide — which weight for which product

220–260 GSM
Lightweight / budget
Summer hoodies, low price point products, fast fashion. Feels thin — not ideal for premium positioning.
280–320 GSM
Mid-weight / standard
Most Indian brands in the ₹799–₹1,499 range. Good balance of feel and cost.
340–380 GSM
Heavy / premium
Streetwear brands at ₹1,500–₹3,000+. Feels substantial, holds shape, looks premium in photos.
400–450 GSM
Extra heavy
Winter-specific products, niche heavy-fabric brands. Expensive — for justified premium positioning only.

Fit guide

Regular fit
Standard chest and sleeve measurements. Shoulder seam sits at natural shoulder point.
Best for: Basics, gym wear, everyday hoodies
Oversized
Chest 6–8 inches wider than regular. Sleeves longer, body longer. Shoulder seam drops 2–3 inches.
Best for: Streetwear, unisex styling, fashion-forward brands
Drop shoulder
Shoulder seam intentionally moved down the arm. Creates a relaxed, casual silhouette.
Best for: Contemporary streetwear, Japanese-inspired aesthetics
Boxy / cropped
Short body length, wide chest. Often paired with high-waist bottoms.
Best for: Women's streetwear, cropped styling

Printing methods for hoodies

Screen printingBest for bold, simple graphics with 1–4 colours. Most cost-effective at scale. Minimum ₹25–₹60 per piece depending on colours and placement.
DTF — Direct to FilmBest for detailed, multicolour, photographic artwork. No colour limits. Slightly higher cost per piece than screen printing but no screen setup cost.
Puff printingRaised 3D effect — popular for streetwear logos and text. Applied over screen printing. Adds ₹15–₹40 per piece.
EmbroideryPremium chest or sleeve logo. Best for 'quality brand' positioning. Costs ₹30–₹100 per piece depending on stitch count. Slower to produce.

Complete brief checklist

Send this information when contacting a manufacturer. The more complete your brief, the more accurate your quote and the faster your sample:

  • Fabric type — fleece, French terry, waffle knit, or cotton-poly
  • GSM — exact weight or a range (e.g. 320–360 GSM)
  • Colour — Pantone code or physical swatch (avoid 'just navy blue')
  • Fit — regular, oversized, drop shoulder, boxy. Include measurements or a reference garment
  • Style — pullover or zip-up, kangaroo pocket or no pocket, ribbed cuffs or open hem
  • Print artwork — AI/EPS vector file, print placement (chest, back, sleeve), print method preference
  • Label spec — woven or printed, label size, label artwork
  • Quantity — total pieces, size breakdown (S/M/L/XL/XXL split)
  • Target delivery date

Manufacture your hoodie line with us

The Urban Charm manufactures custom hoodies and sweatshirts from Ghaziabad, Delhi NCR — pullover, zip-up, oversized, drop-shoulder, French terry or fleece. MOQ from 200 pieces. DTF, screen, and puff printing available. Private label included.

Frequently asked questions

What GSM is best for hoodies in India?

For Indian weather and the premium streetwear segment, 320–360 GSM fleece or French terry is the sweet spot. It feels substantial and premium without being too heavy for India's climate. Budget hoodies typically use 240–280 GSM, while premium and heavy hoodies go up to 400–450 GSM. French terry at 300–340 GSM is increasingly popular for its softer handfeel compared to fleece.

What is the difference between fleece and French terry for hoodies?

Fleece has a soft, napped surface on the inside — the brushed interior that creates warmth. French terry has a looped, textured inside without the brushing — it's lighter, more breathable, and has a slightly premium look and feel. French terry drapes better and is preferred for fashion-forward hoodies. Fleece is better for warmth-focused winter products.

What is the MOQ for hoodie manufacturing in India?

Most hoodie manufacturers in India set MOQ at 200–500 pieces per style per colour. At The Urban Charm, we manufacture hoodies from approximately 200 pieces per design. Oversized and drop-shoulder styles have the same MOQ as regular fit — fit specifications don't change the minimum quantity.

Can Indian manufacturers make oversized and streetwear-fit hoodies?

Yes. Oversized, drop-shoulder, and boxy hoodies are well within the capability of most Indian garment manufacturers. Provide a reference sample or a tech pack with your preferred measurements — chest width, body length, sleeve length, shoulder drop for oversized fits — and the manufacturer grades the pattern to your spec.

What printing methods are available for hoodies in India?

The main printing methods for hoodies in India are screen printing (best for bold, simple graphics), DTF — Direct to Film (best for detailed multicolour artwork), puff printing (raised 3D effect), embroidery (premium look, common for chest logos), and heat transfer. Screen printing and DTF are most common for streetwear brands. Embroidery adds ₹30–₹100 per piece depending on stitch count.

More manufacturing guides

View all guides