Sweatshirts and hoodies from Pakistan are exported across all market tiers in four primary fleece constructions: French terry (300–360 GSM, mid-weight, the standard for quality retail and athletic programmes — loop pile on the back for thermal efficiency without surface fuzz), brushed fleece (300–400 GSM, soft brushed inner for premium retail and collegiate positioning), polar fleece (240–320 GSM, 100% polyester, fast-drying and lowest cost — the mass-market promotional workhorse), and sherpa (two-sided: smooth outer and pile inner, premium thermal positioning). The most common sourcing error is specifying GSM without specifying loop construction: a 320 GSM brushed fleece and a 320 GSM French terry produce different hand-feels, warmth levels and printing compatibility — brushed fleece accepts screen print and embroidery equally; French terry's loop surface requires higher screen mesh counts for detail print. Pakistan's knitwear mills produce hoodies in cotton, cotton/polyester blends, and 100% polyester for all these markets with 30–45 day production lead times.
Step 1 — Fleece Construction and GSM
French terry (loop-back): smooth face, looped back, 300–400 GSM — the premium construction for retail and fashion programmes. Brushed fleece (standard sweatshirt fleece): the brushed interior creates a napped pile, 340–420 GSM — the most common construction for retail basics. Polar fleece (100% polyester): excellent warmth-to-weight, 200–400 GSM, particularly suited for promotional and outdoor programmes. Sherpa fleece: curly pile interior, 300–500 GSM, premium winter and gift-market positioning.
| Construction | GSM range | Interior | Best application | Markets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| French terry | 300–400 | Smooth loops | Fashion retail, sportswear | USA, UK, EU, Japan |
| Brushed fleece | 340–420 | Napped soft pile | Mass retail basics | USA, EU, Australia, Middle East |
| Polar fleece | 200–400 | Brushed microfibre | Outdoor, promotional | USA, Canada, EU, Russia |
| Sherpa fleece | 300–500 | Curly pile | Premium winter, gift market | USA, UK, EU, Canada |
Step 2 — Hood Construction
Standard hood: two-panel construction with a self-fabric drawstring. Sherpa-lined hood: premium warmth, fashion positioning. Detachable hood (zip attachment): functional for outdoor programmes. Specify drawstring colour (contrasting or matching), drawstring tip type (aglet, sealed or toggle), and eyelet or tunnelled drawstring attachment. Hood drop (depth behind the neck) affects drape — specify or submit a reference garment.
Step 3 — Pocket Options
- Kangaroo pocket (front pouch): standard for hoodies — specify pocket opening width and depth.
- Side seam pockets: for sweatshirts and crewnecks; welt or pouch style.
- Zip pocket: functional; additional seam sealing for outdoor positioning.
- No pocket: athletic and compression styles often omit pockets.
Step 4 — Lining Options
Unlined fleece is the standard. Mesh lining (polyester mesh) adds a sporty character; used in athletic-positioned hoodies. Taffeta lining: waterproof or showerproof treated — for outdoor performance positioning. Faux fur lining: premium fashion; specify pile height and colour separately.
Step 5 — Custom Print and Embroidery
Screen print is the standard for large-format chest graphics on fleece — 6-colour maximum per print location for standard pricing. Embroidery for chest logo, hood, and sleeve placement. All-over sublimation printing is available on 100% polyester fleece only. Puff print (three-dimensional screen print) is used for streetwear and brand programmes on brushed fleece.
Step 6 — Certification
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 for all markets. GRS (Global Recycled Standard) for recycled polyester fleece programmes. GOTS for organic cotton French terry. BSCI/Sedex for EU brand buyers. WRAP for USA buyers. Specify required certifications in the sourcing quote form.
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Disclaimer: This content is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal, customs or compliance advice. Always verify requirements against your buyer specification, applicable regulations and your destination market before making commercial decisions.