Brands describe their hoodie as heavyweight and then ship 320 GSM. Buyers who have handled a real 450 GSM fleece can feel the gap instantly. Heavyweight is a fabric spec, and it changes the pattern, the rib, the hardware and the price.
We manufacture heavyweight hoodies in 400 to 550 GSM brushed cotton fleece with structural reinforcements: a heavier rib with higher spandex, bar-tacked stress points, a double-layer hood in the same fleece and seams sewn with a heavier thread. Mike Apparel manufactures hoodies for brands that need a custom heavyweight hoodie manufacturer willing to start at 50 pieces, ship in 2–3 weeks and keep the block consistent on every reorder.
Heavyweight Hoodie fabrics and weights
Choosing the cloth for a custom hoodie is a trade-off between hand feel, weight, print behaviour and cost. These are the fabrics we run most often for this product, with what each one is best at. On this product the two fabrics we quote most are 400 GSM brushed fleece (entry heavyweight) and 450 GSM brushed fleece (the premium heavyweight standard).
| Fabric | Specification | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 400 GSM brushed fleece | 100% cotton, 3-end | entry heavyweight |
| 450 GSM brushed fleece | 100% cotton | the premium heavyweight standard |
| 500–550 GSM ultra-heavy fleece | 100% cotton, 4-end | the heaviest hoodie we make |
| 420 GSM cotton-poly fleece | 80/20 | heavyweight with lower shrink for uniform programmes |
Heavyweight Hoodie fits we build
We build the pattern on one of the blocks below or from your own measurements, grade it across XS to 3XL for the US market, and confirm every size on the sample before cutting bulk. Heavyweight Hoodie buyers most often specify: oversized heavyweight.
- Oversized heavyweight
- Boxy heavyweight
- Regular heavyweight
- Longline heavyweight
Heavyweight Hoodie construction
Our default build for hoodies. Change any line in the tech pack; the sample confirms it. The single most important line in a heavyweight hoodie spec is: 2×2 rib at 8 cm with 5% spandex to carry the fabric weight.
- 2×2 rib at 8 cm with 5% spandex to carry the fabric weight
- Heavier 30/2 thread and 4-thread overlock throughout
- Bar tacks at pocket openings, hood base and side seam ends
- Double-layer hood in full fleece, not jersey
- Pre-shrunk and compacted fleece to control the higher shrink of heavy cotton
Embellishment and wash
Every embellishment listed here is produced in our own print, embroidery and wash departments in Sialkot. Panels are decorated before assembly where placement demands it. Heavyweight Hoodie artwork usually goes on as puff and high-density prints that stand off the thick fabric.
- Puff and high-density prints that stand off the thick fabric
- Chenille and 3D embroidery
- Stone, acid and enzyme washes
- Garment dye in heavy cotton for deep tones
- Leather or woven patches
For a method-by-method comparison on hoodies, read screen printing vs DTG vs embroidery.
Private label, labels and packaging
Your brand, not ours, is on the finished hoodie. We sew in woven neck labels, size tabs and care labels to your artwork, attach hang tags and pack in branded poly bags or boxes. No Mike Apparel branding appears anywhere on the product. Our private label clothing page covers label options and minimums. For heavyweight hoodie orders we recommend a woven neck label plus a printed care label as the minimum; hang tags and structured hoodie packaging are added at your choice.
Custom hoodie price bands
Pricing for a custom hoodie is driven by fabric weight, decoration and quantity. The bands below are per piece for the constructions on this page at typical spec, and every quote is itemised so you can see exactly what moves the number. For reference, a heavyweight hoodie run of 50 pieces in 400 GSM brushed fleece with one embroidery and private labels sits close to the middle of the first band.
| Quantity | Price per piece (USD) |
|---|---|
| 50–100 pieces | $18.00 – $32 |
| 100–300 pieces | $15.84 – $28 |
| 300–1,000 pieces | $14.04 – $25 |
| 1,000+ pieces | $12.60 – $22 |
Quoted prices exclude freight; we quote DDP separately so you see the landed cost to your door. Sample fees are credited against the bulk order. For a full walkthrough of what drives the number, read our how much does it cost to manufacture a hoodie?. For a heavyweight hoodie order of 50 pieces, sampling is billed at roughly $40–$83 and refunded against bulk.
From brief to delivery
The production process for a custom hoodie runs in five steps. Sampling takes 7–10 days; bulk takes 2–3 weeks after approval; DDP air freight to the USA takes another four to seven days. A first heavyweight hoodie order usually moves from brief to delivered goods in five to six weeks.
- Brief and quote (24 hours)Send a tech pack, sketch or reference hoodie with target quantity. We reply with fabric options, MOQ and per-piece pricing.
- Pre-production sample (7–10 days)One hoodie in your fabric, fit, colour and branding. Revisions until approved. Read about the sampling process.
- Approval and depositSign off the sample and size set; 50% deposit reserves fabric and the production slot.
- Bulk production (2–3 weeks)Cutting, sewing, wash, decoration, labelling, QC and packing in-house, with photo updates.
- QC and DDP shipping (4–7 days by air)Inspection against the approved sample, then DDP delivery with duties paid. See our full timeline guide.
Quote a 50-piece heavyweight hoodie run. No tech pack yet? A reference garment or photo is enough to start.
Shipping hoodies DDP
Delivery to the USA is DDP as standard, so the price we quote for a hoodie is the price you pay, landed. Four to seven days by air to Dallas, New York or anywhere else in the country; worldwide shipping is available on the same terms. More on streetwear manufacturing for USA brands and DDP shipping. Heavyweight Hoodie orders to the USA are usually air-freighted; a 50-piece run weighs little enough that air costs only a few dollars per piece more than sea.
Frequently asked questions
What is the heaviest hoodie you can make?
550 GSM brushed cotton fleece. Beyond that the fabric behaves like a coat and the hood does not fold. 450 GSM is where most premium brands land.
Does heavyweight fleece shrink more?
Yes, 100% cotton heavy fleece can shrink 5–8% if not pre-treated. We compact and pre-shrink the fabric and grade the pattern for the residual, so finished pieces measure to spec.
Why are heavyweight hoodies more expensive?
A 450 GSM hoodie uses roughly 40% more cotton than a 320 GSM hoodie, needs heavier rib, thread and hardware, and takes longer to sew. Fabric is 60% of the cost.
What is the price of a custom heavyweight hoodie?
$18 to $32 per piece at 50–100 units for 450 GSM with one embellishment and private labels, falling at 300+ pieces.
Brands ordering the heavyweight hoodie often pair it with: custom hoodie manufacturer, custom boxy fit hoodie manufacturing, custom blank hoodie manufacturing, how much does it cost to manufacture a hoodie?, hoodie gsm guide.
Last updated September 5, 2026 · Mike Apparel, Sialkot. Pricing and lead times reflect current factory capacity; confirm on your quote.