Your Strategic Partner for
Unlocking China's Sourcing Potential
Choosing and Sourcing Hoodie Materials from China
A hoodie is one of the essential pieces of clothing anyone has. It is part of one’s wardrobe that always stays in style. It is suitable for any wear like sportswear or fashion wear. You can buy a hoodie made of cotton or fleece. There are many clothes you can use to make a hoodie.
There are great choices of hoodies when you buy from China. You can find a seller that sells them at low prices. You can find affordable ones to sell for a good price!
In this blog, you will get a good guide on how to purchase hoodie materials in China. We will give you some pointers and tips to get good suppliers. If you are looking for a supplier of hoodies, do not skip reading this. We can answer your questions too!
1. Introduction
1) What is a hoodie, and why is it essential in the market?
A hoodie is a long-sleeve shirt that comes with a hood. The hood covers the head and neck, or sometimes, the face. It is famous for all ages. It can be worn any time of the year.
People wear hoodies for protection. It protects them from the sun or rain. It is easy and comfortable to wear. This is why companies or clothes shops have hoodies in their product line. The market for selling hoodies is big and expected to grow in the coming years.
The market size value for hoodies reached $186 million per year. It rises every year. The demand for this clothing is enormous. Customers buy them several times a year. This is why a brand or a shop looks for suitable suppliers of hoodies.
2) What material are hoodies made of?
Hoodies are made of different textiles. The most common is cotton. The fabric used depends on the season since hoodies can be worn in hot or cold seasons. If the weather is hot, it has to be soft and comfortable. But it should be thick and warm, like fleece for the cold season.
Hoodies can be made of 1 or 2 blends of fabrics. It can be a 100 percent polyester hoodie or a cotton rayon. Hoodie companies mix fabrics to make it more comfortable.
Hoodie makers also use a blend of materials to be more durable and not break when washed. For example, they can use polyester and cotton. For better stretch, they can also use spandex. Depending on its use, hoodies are made based on its purpose.
The best hoodie material can be based on a user’s choice. It also depends on the weather it is used. But as long as it is comfortable and serves its purpose, you can never go wrong with a hoodie!
2. Sourcing Hoodie
1) Where can you source hoodie materials?
You can find hoodie materials from many sources because there are different fabrics you can choose from when making it. Your local suppliers in the country can produce animal-based or plant-based materials. You can source your textiles from countries like India, Japan, Korea, the US, China, Turkey, and more.
2) Is China a good supplier of fabric for hoodies?
Yes! China is considered the largest maker and producer of all fabrics globally. It can manufacture all hoodie materials and textiles you want to import. Labor in China is cheap, so you can get them at a low and discounted price.
Asia is the top supplier of fabrics or textiles in the world. And China is the biggest supplier worldwide. It is one of the leading export goods they supply to companies. Top brands get their sources from China. It has indeed been a good and reliable supplier for decades.
3) Who manufactures hoodie materials in China?
Shaoxing City in Zhejiang Province is known as the Textile City. It is the biggest center of distribution for many types of fabrics. You can find top manufacturers of fabric materials used to make hoodies in this area.
Guangzhou’s Haizhu district is also a great place to buy clothing materials or ready-made hoodies that you can sell in the market.
3. What are the types of hoodie materials you can purchase from China?
Here are the different fabrics or materials used to make hoodies:
1) Polyester
Synthetic materials like polyester have great strength and resilience. It does not fade easily when used to make hoodies. They are not prone to wrinkling. However, it can create static and absorb dust and dirt. It takes work to dye.
Manufacturers blend materials like lycra, wool, satin, or cotton to make hoodies. It can be 50% polyester and 50% other fabric. When mixed with cotton, it can maintain strength while making the cloth soft and breathable.
2) Cotton
The softness of cotton makes it safe for the skin. It is a good choice because it absorbs sweat. It can keep the body dry when doing exercise or activities like running. Wearing it is safe, comfy, and soft. It is good for babies’ and children’s skin.
Cotton also glides nicely and is thin, ideal for casual wear and light summer hoodies. It’s good for making winter hoodies because of its heat-retaining material. After washing, cotton may shrink. That’s why it is mixed with other fabrics when making hoodies.
3) Nylon
It’s ideal for a winter hoodie because of its resistance to wind and strength. It can be used to create party hoodies because it has a shiny feel. This material has a nice stretch and is also waterproof.
4) Wool
Wool is suitable for cold climates, so it is used as a versatile material for hoodies. It is the hair of an animal and has many types. Because of its crimp, it makes it insulative and worthwhile for cold solid temperatures.
Though the downside is it shrinks, it is resistant to flame. Hoodie makers combine other fabrics to make it last long.
5) Spandex
This fabric is stretchy and is mixed into other fabrics for better design. It does not wrinkle quickly, so it can be a good choice for washing and wearing hoodies.
It also makes it adjustable when the size is not standard for all users. For a more durable finish, they mix it with other fabrics, too.
6) Rayon
Rayon is made from natural plants, so the finish is soft and smooth on the skin. It is used to create a hoodie because it can imitate the qualities of other fabrics. It dyes and prints quickly and nicely.
You can wash or dry clean this fabric. It does not pill or have static, so it is also a good choice for a hoodie.
7) Jersey
Jersey is used to make a hoodie because it is a good sweatshirt choice. Cotton jerseys are excellent for hoodies because they are warm, comfortable, and have enough thickness to maintain. Though it is easy to pill, it has a smooth surface that works well for printing.
8) Fleece
When thinking about winter hoodies, fleece is a common choice. It does not fade easily and shrinks. And then, it is incredibly strong and somewhat waterproof. It is soft and comfy because it contains little air pockets that trap body heat to help keep people warm. Fleece does not pill or shed.
9) Corduroy
This fabric has a ridge pattern, making it stylish for a hoodie. Spandex is combined to make the material more comfy. Thick and velvety, corduroy provides excellent insulation and breathability. It can also absorb water.
10) French Terry
The cloth that looks like the towel fabric is also called terry cloth. It is comfortable, thick, and warm. And then, it is a breathable cloth, so it is great for making hoodies. It is inexpensive and can be mixed with many fabrics like cotton or polyester.
4. Where can you find suppliers of hoodie materials in China?
If you are searching online to find the suppliers of hoodie materials, we will recommend the biggest Chinese platforms. These platforms are Alibaba, AliExpress, Made in China, Global Sources, DH Gate, and Taobao. You will find thousands of suppliers where you can purchase your hoodie materials anywhere in the world!
Remember that when choosing your suppliers, you must practice caution since scams and fraudulent transactions are rampant. You can select the verified suppliers from these platforms. We have some tips below on how to choose the right supplier.
We have a few recommended companies that are reliable and trustworthy regarding hoodie materials and supplies. They are as follows:
- Shenzhen Xinhongyuan Fashion Dress Co., Ltd
- Jiangxi Angmai Industrial Co., Ltd
- Guangzhou Wintex Apparel Co., Ltd
- PapaChina
- Mladen Garment
- Yiwu Sungnan
- Nanchang Oh Young Garment Limited
- Tianhong Textile
- Lotte Garment
- D-Power Garment
5. What are the best qualities of hoodie materials?
When selecting the suitable fabric for a hoodie, think about its purpose. Always choose fabrics that are soft and comfortable to the skin. Always go for materials and textiles that keep you warm and cozy without losing style. Go for choices such as wool, nylon, and cotton blends.
1) Soft and Comfortable
Fabrics with a higher cotton content are softer. However, the weight of the cloth, your local environment, and the intended purpose can affect comfort.
Polyester takes away moisture, while cotton aids in sweat absorption. It is excellent for insulation. Cotton keeps you cool on warmer days. But when you combine the fabrics, it will give you a soft and very comfortable hoodie.
2) Breathable
When the fabric for the hoodie is breathable, it contains more cotton. So, choose plant-based fabrics for a hoodie that doesn’t cause perspiration or allow air to go through.
3) Lasting
Cotton and polyester are perfect for hoodies. Blending them creates strength so the cloth can be used longer. You need to consider the kind of knit, the weight of the fabric, and the manufacturing method. Pre-shrunk cotton is better.
4) Customizable
More cotton-based hoodies produce prints that are more vivid, intricate, and true to color. The prints will be more fade-resistant using 100 percent polyester hoodies.
For embroidery, larger designs work best with thicker materials since they prevent the hoodie from crumpling around the embroidered area.
6. Tips on Choosing the Right Supplier or Manufacturer
1) Research your chosen supplier.
You only want to work with reputable suppliers, so checking their licenses, certifications, and track records is essential. Knowing how long they’ve been in the industry and who they have worked with is crucial. If you are going for a bulk order and need a trustworthy partner, triple-check before transacting.
When choosing a supplier you found on Chinese platforms, check if they are verified and have good customer feedback. If you have time to search them online for red flags, it will help you in making a decision before investing or going for a big purchase.
When researching, you check if your supplier is a factory, manufacturer, trader, or wholesaler. Choosing a direct manufacturer can give lots of benefits. They can provide more significant discounts, and you can count on their reliability.
Choosing a trader or wholesaler is okay if they give you good terms and service. Check how they fix disputes and make a contract that can protect both of you in any circumstance.
2) Be clear about your product requirements.
When dealing with Chinese suppliers, you must ensure they understand the product requirements. For example, if you need a fabric ratio of 50-50 polyester and cotton, they must agree to it so it won’t affect the quality of your hoodie. You mustn’t compromise the quality as it will affect your business’s sales.
3) Ask for a sample and make a small order.
Getting a product sample does not mean getting the items for free. However, some suppliers will give you a fabric swatch or will let you pay a small amount for a product sample. This will help you examine the quality of their product and raise your questions when you think they can improve or provide more.
After examining the product and you feel they are good enough and have passed your standards, make a small order first. The purpose is to see how they process the charges and how quickly they can get to you. If you have some disputes, check how they can resolve issues and how they want to go the extra mile to show your value as a customer.
4) Avoid language barriers.
Some Chinese suppliers cannot speak or understand English perfectly. When there are communication problems, it will be hard to deal with and negotiate. The solution is to hire an agent to help you negotiate if your supplier needs help communicating in English and you have a problem with a sound agreement.
5) Get a sourcing agent or company.
If you want to avoid doing research or having no time to go through tedious searching and checking, hiring a sourcing company that can provide a one-stop solution is best. This means they can give you all the possible suitable suppliers you’re looking for and help you transact.
A sourcing company like JustChinaIt can help you deal with stressful work and get to the sources immediately. They are knowledgeable from the start to the end of the process, so you can quickly get your orders. Work only with companies that are transparent and value their clients.
7. How do you order or purchase hoodie materials from China?
1) Timeline
Ready-made and available stocks can be delivered in as fast as 24 hours, depending on your chosen delivery option. For OEM orders with ready stocks, order processing is as quick as three days with 5-15 business days delivery. For customized orders, it can take from 15 to 30 business days to process, depending on the quantity.
2) Designs and Styles
If you only want the fabric, you can purchase it from a textile factory. You can buy a specific type of blend of cloth for your hoodie business. There are fabric combinations you can choose from or discuss with the factory for your OEM/ODM needs.
3) Pricing
Pricing for a hoodie material varies. The price of cotton textiles is lower or higher than polyester, rayon, or wool, depending on the kind, especially if it’s premium. But to give you an example, a cotton fabric can cost $1.50-$3/meter, and the minimum order is 1000 meters. Some suppliers can allow lower MOQ, but prices go higher.
A fleece fabric can be anywhere from $3-$5/meter, with a minimum of more or less than 500 meters or 1000 meters from other suppliers. Spandex is cheaper; you can buy it for as low as $.50/meter.
Prices differ as well for ready-made or OEM/ODM hoodies. For example, if you buy a 400 Gsm Custom Oversized Hoodie, you’ll get it for $9-$13 per piece with an MOQ of 100 pieces. Prices for embroidered or printed hoodies vary in price and size or color. A fleece jacket can cost $5-$10 per piece, and a French terry costs $9-$12.
4) Shipping
Shipping is available via air or sea/ocean shipping methods. Express delivery using air couriers is more expensive for bulk orders. But for small quantities, there are minimal shipping fees, and you can receive the item in as fast as 2-5 days.
The prices are reasonable for ocean shipping, and you’ll get cheaper options for bulk shipping. Ocean shipping takes a minimum of 15 days up to 45 days. Combined services from carriers are available for faster delivery.
You can use a consolidation shipping service for bulk orders that cannot fill a whole container load. You will only pay for the space your shipment has occupied. This is also the best shipping method if you have two or more suppliers.
5) Customization
Most manufacturers can customize hoodies for your brand. They can print and embroider your designs. They can help you with specific styles, designs, and combinations like hoodies, pants, or short pairs.
You can order your hoodies; they will make it as requested. For example, if you want 100 polyester crewneck sweatshirt hoodies with word prints, they can customize this with complete packaging and labels. Price will depend on the complexities of work, intricateness of designs, thickness of materials, and more.
8. FAQ
1) Is 100 cotton good for hoodies?
Since cotton is hypoallergenic, like many other natural materials, cotton hoodies are perfect for those with sensitive skin. 100% cotton hoodies are excellent for keeping you dry during strenuous activity because cotton is sweat-absorbing. Cotton will shrink a few times after a few washes but will stop at a certain point, so you can be sure it will last a long time.
2) Are hoodies made in China good quality?
Many hoodie manufacturers are based in China and are well-known for providing premium goods at affordable prices. They have export qualities, and many brands collaborate with them. You can confidently buy that the hoodies made in China are high quality and pass standards.
3) Are hoodies in China cheap?
Hoodies in China are cheap when you buy them in bulk. Due to low labor costs and prices of raw materials, it is the top choice of companies and business people when purchasing hoodie materials or ready-made hoodies. You can profit well when you source your hoodies in China and sell them to your shop.
4) Does China make custom-made hoodies?
Most of the Chinese manufacturers of hoodies and materials can make custom-made hoodies. They can do different designs and styles, labels, and packaging. They have a specialized team that can cater these services for clients wanting to customize hoodies.
In fact, most of the hoodies you can purchase from online stores and selling platforms are from Chinese manufacturers. You can purchase directly from these manufacturers and avail of customization packages to boost your brand.
5) What city in China is the biggest manufacturer of hoodie materials?
Zhejiang Province’s Shaoxing City is referred to as the Textile City. It is the largest distribution hub for a wide variety of fabrics. The Haizhu neighborhood of Guangzhou is an excellent location to get apparel supplies or pre-made hoodies you can resell in the marketplace.
Conclusion:
The best material for hoodies is one that gives comfort, is breathable, lasts long, and never goes out of style. It should do its purpose of keeping one warm and protecting from climate. People look for classy and classic designs but comfortable and durable hoodies.
There are different fabrics you can use to make hoodies. You can make 100 polyester hoodies or 100 percent cotton hoodies. But for durability, comfort, and breathability, combining fabric can create the best hoodies.
For instance, a 50-50 ratio of cotton and polyester hoodie is better than a 100 polyester hoodie. It will be softer and more comfortable for the skin. It will shrink and pill so it can last longer. A 100 polyester sweatshirt hoodie without combined fabric can attract static and dust and is hard to dye.
China is the best source for any fabric if you are looking for a hoodie material. You can buy fabrics of any kind to make the best hoodies or ready-to-wear hoodies in different styles, fabrics, and styles. You can get polyester sweatshirts, hoodies, or double or tri-blends.
We’re here to help you with any of your hoodie materials requirements. We can supply reliable and suitable suppliers for your company and brands. We are your one-stop solution for all your hoodie materials needs. Send us your questions, and we will get back to you immediately.