Every winter, I receive the same question from clients preparing their seasonal collections: Which hoodie material actually keeps people warm? It might sound like a basic choice, but believe me—whether you go with fleece or cotton can seriously impact your product’s performance, sales, and customer feedback. In this post, I’ll share what I’ve learned over the years from manufacturing and supplying hoodies for brands across the U.S. and Europe, especially during the cold months.

If you’re trying to decide between fleece and cotton hoodies for your winter lineup, keep reading. I’ll walk you through their real-world performance, how different markets react, and which one might fit your brand—or your buyers—better.

Why Material Choice Isn’t Just a Technical Detail

When someone shops for a winter hoodie, they may be drawn to colors, prints, or the logo on the chest. But once they wear it outside on a frosty morning, the material becomes everything. As a manufacturer, I’ve seen firsthand how the winter hoodie material you choose can affect warmth, comfort, and ultimately—repeat orders.

Let’s start with the two most commonly used fabrics: fleece and cotton.

The Case for Fleece: Lightweight and Built for Warmth

Fleece hoodies are made from synthetic fibers, usually polyester. What sets fleece apart is how it traps heat. Even at lower weights, it holds warmth incredibly well, which makes it a go-to for cold-weather wear. We usually work with fleece between 280 to 350 gsm, depending on where the final product will be sold.

Clients targeting colder regions—think Canada, Northern Europe, or mountain towns in the U.S.—almost always prefer fleece. Why? Because it performs. It’s lightweight, dries quickly, and still provides insulation even if the wearer breaks a sweat or gets caught in light snow.

One of our clients in Norway told me last year that after switching to heavier fleece hoodies, their return rate for “not warm enough” dropped to nearly zero. That same product line sold out two weeks ahead of schedule.

Here’s what fleece offers:

• Retains body heat effectively
• Fast-drying and moisture-wicking
• Holds up well after washing
• Great for outdoor and sports use

Of course, fleece isn’t perfect. It’s synthetic, which some eco-conscious buyers may frown upon, and it can feel a bit less breathable if worn indoors for long stretches.

Cotton Hoodies: The Classic That’s Not Always Winter-Ready

Cotton has a reputation for softness, breathability, and comfort. It’s the go-to fabric for many clothing items year-round—and yes, it’s still a big player in the hoodie market. But when it comes to hoodie material for cold weather, cotton has its limitations.

Pure cotton absorbs moisture. That’s fine on a warm spring day, but in winter? Not so great. A damp cotton hoodie can make a person feel even colder. That’s why we advise most of our winter-focused clients to use brushed cotton or French terry cotton. These versions offer more warmth and structure.

If you’re selling to fashion-forward markets—like California, the U.K., or Italy—where winters are mild, cotton still works. I’ve seen lifestyle brands succeed with brushed cotton hoodies in minimalist designs because they offer cozy comfort for indoor or light outdoor use.

Cotton’s strengths:

• Natural and breathable
• Feels soft and familiar
• Customizes well for prints and embroidery
• Ideal for indoor winter wear

But consider this:

• Loses warmth when wet
• Slower to dry
• May shrink if not properly pre-treated

In short, cotton hoodies work—but you need to match them to the right market and the right use case.

So, Cotton vs Fleece: Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re ordering winter hoodies in bulk and wondering what’s the best warm hoodie fabric, the answer isn’t “one or the other.” It’s “what does your customer actually need?”

Let me give you a simple rule of thumb we share with our buyers:

• If the hoodie is meant for true cold—snow, wind, outdoor use—go fleece.
• If the hoodie is for mild climates or more casual wear—brushed cotton can be ideal.

One of our U.S. clients launched identical hoodie styles in both cotton and fleece, just in different regions. The fleece version sold three times faster in Midwest states, while the cotton version saw higher repeat purchases in Florida and southern California. Same design. Different material. Huge difference in performance.

What I Recommend to Buyers

When I consult with new clients, I always recommend sample testing in at least two fabrics. You don’t need to commit to one type from the start. Try fleece in heavier weights (320gsm or above) for your core winter line, and brushed cotton for style-forward SKUs.

We also advise brands to look beyond just feel. Ask your manufacturer about shrinkage rate, colorfastness after washing, and compatibility with screen printing or embroidery. A comfortable hoodie is one thing—but one that holds up after 20 washes is another.

In most cases, clients who offer both fleece and cotton versions of a popular hoodie design see better average order values and fewer returns. You’re giving your customer a choice without doubling your design costs.

What’s Next: Do Blended or Technical Fabrics Make Sense?

Of course, cotton and fleece aren’t the only options out there. Many of our clients are now exploring cotton-poly blends, thermal knits, and performance fleece with spandex or moisture-wicking layers.

In my next post, I’ll walk through the pros and cons of blended fabrics for winter hoodies, including which ones are actually worth the investment—and which are just buzzwords. If you’re trying to build a more technical or athletic winterwear line, that’ll be worth a look.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right winter hoodie material isn’t just about fabric specs—it’s about matching your product to your customer’s real-world use. Fleece and cotton each have their place, and the best hoodie collections I’ve helped build usually include both.

If you’re preparing for your next winter season and unsure where to start, my honest advice? Sample both. Test the weight, try it on, wash it a few times. Your customer will thank you later.