Struggling with how to find a hoodie manufacturer? It is the biggest hurdle for new streetwear brands. You’ve probably heard the standard advice: “Just go on Alibaba and message a few factories.”
If you’ve actually tried that, you know the reality is frustrating—slow replies, bad samples, and confusing conversations.
Finding a manufacturer for a hoodie isn’t just about finding a factory; it’s about finding a partner who understands your vision. Whether you want a thick, boxy “Essentials” style streetwear hoodie or a stretchy athletic hoodie like Lululemon, the secret isn’t just where you look—it’s how you prepare.
This guide will walk you through a proven 5-step process to find the right factory without losing your money.
Phase 1: Before You Contact Anyone
Most new brands make a huge mistake: they ask for prices before they know what they want. This makes you look like a beginner, and factories will either ignore you or charge you high prices.
Before you send a single email, you need to define your “Specs” (Specifications).
Fabric: It’s Not Just "Cotton"
The fabric determines the feel, the warmth, and the cost. Here is a simple comparison to help you choose:
Fabric Name | What is it? | Best For… | Cost |
French Terry | Loops on the inside. Breathable and premium. | High-end streetwear, All-season wear. | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Fleece | Fuzzy and soft on the inside. | Winter hoodies, warm & cozy styles. | ⭐⭐ |
Scuba/Interlock | Smooth, stretchy, and synthetic feel. | Sportswear, clean & modern looks. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The Weight (GSM): The Soul of the Hoodie
Why do some hoodies have a hood that stands up perfectly, while others look floppy and sad? The secret is GSM (Grams per Square Meter). It measures how heavy and thick the fabric is.
- 280g – 300g (Lightweight): Good for layering or summer nights. Warning: The hood will likely lay flat on your back.
- 350g – 400g (Mid-weight): The “Standard” for quality streetwear. Warm enough, with a good shape.
- 450g+ (Heavyweight): If you want that stiff, boxy, “oversized” look where the hood stands up by itself, you need this. It is more expensive, but it feels very premium.
The Tech Pack: Your Blueprint
Do not just send a photo of a Supreme hoodie and say “Make this.” You need a Tech Pack—a document that shows every measurement and detail.
- Double-Layer Hood: Explicitly write “Self-fabric lined hood.” This means the inside of the hood uses the same nice fabric as the outside. Cheap hoodies use a single layer, which looks flimsy.
- Pocket Corners: Ask for “Bar tacks” on the corners of the kangaroo pocket. This is a special heavy stitching that stops the pocket from ripping when you put your hands in.
The Eyelets: If you use metal holes for the strings, ask for “Anti-rust” metal. You don’t want rust stains after the first wash.
Phase 2: How to Find a Hoodie Manufacturer
Domestic (USA/EU) vs. Overseas (China/Vietnam)?
Use this simple rule to decide:
- Go Overseas if: You want the best profit margin, you have time (2-3 months), and you can order at least 100 pieces per color.
- Go Domestic if: You want the hoodies fast (2-3 weeks), you want to market “Made in USA/UK,” and you are okay with paying a much higher cost per item.
The Secret Trick: "Copy" the Big Brands
This is the best way to find a high-quality factory in 2026. If you love the quality of a brand like Stüssy or Represent, you can find out who makes their clothes.
- Go to a website called ImportYeti.
- Type in the brand’s name.
- Look at their “Shipments” to see who sends them goods.
- Find the factory name and search for them on Google or Alibaba.
Why this works: These factories are already vetted by top brands. They know how to make high-quality products.
Phase 3: How to Talk
The Email Template
Don’t just say “How much?” Use this professional template to get a reply:
Hi Team,
My name is [Your Name] from [Your Brand]. We are sourcing a partner for our 2026 Hoodie Collection. We are looking for high-quality [e.g., 450gsm French Terry] hoodies.
Please review the attached Tech Pack and answer:
What is your MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) per color?
What is the estimated cost for a sample?
Can you share a video of your factory floor?
Best, [Your Name]
Red Flags
- 🚩 They say “Yes” to everything. Real hoodie factories have specialties. If they say they make hoodies, swimsuits, and wedding dresses, they are likely a middleman, not a factory.
🚩 No Video. In 2026, every honest factory has a smartphone. If they refuse a quick video call to show you the machines, be suspicious.
The "MOQ" Negotiation
If they say “Minimum order is 500 pieces,” don’t panic. Ask for “Stock Fabric.” Ask if they have leftover fabric from other orders. They are often willing to lower the minimum order (e.g., to 100 pieces) if you use fabric they already have in the warehouse.
Phase 4: Checking the Sample
Never approve bulk production until you have held a perfect sample in your hands.
The "Torture Test"
Do not just try it on. You need to test if it will last.
- The Wash Test: Wash and dry the hoodie 3-5 times.
- The Shrinkage Check: Measure the sleeves before and after washing. If it shrinks more than 5% (e.g., loses more than 2-3cm), the quality is bad.
- The “Twist” Test (Torque): Hold the hoodie up by the shoulders. Look at the side seams. Did they twist to the front or back? If the side seams are crooked, reject it. This is a sign of cheap fabric manufacturing.
Visual Checklist
- Hood Symmetry: Fold the hood in half. Do the left and right sides match perfectly?
- Ribbing Elasticity: Pull the cuff hard and let go. It should snap back instantly. If it stays loose, it will look old after one week of wearing.
Phase 5: Production & Shipping
Payment Safety
- The Golden Rule: Never pay 100% upfront.
- Standard Terms: Pay 30% deposit to start, and 70% balance ONLY after the goods are finished and inspected.
- The Contract: Add a simple line in your agreement: “If defect rate is over 3%, supplier must refund or repair items.” This keeps them honest.
Save Money on Shipping
Hoodies are big and heavy. Shipping air freight (like DHL/FedEx) for 500 hoodies will cost a fortune.
- Use Sea Freight: For bulk orders, send it by ship. It takes longer (20-40 days), but it is much cheaper.
- The “Vacuum” Hack: Critical Tip! Ask the factory to use Vacuum Packaging. Hoodies are full of air. Vacuum packing sucks the air out and makes the box 50% smaller. This can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in shipping fees!
Conclusion
Finding hoodies manufacturer is a journey. You will likely kiss a few frogs before you find your prince. But if you follow this guide—prepare your Tech Pack, test your samples aggressively, and negotiate like a pro—you will find a partner who can build your brand with you.
Ready to start? Open your laptop and start writing your Specs, or contact us today to skip the search and start working with a trusted hoodie expert immediately!