Cotton Vs Polyester Hoodie: Unveiling The Best Option 2025

Choosing a hoodie isn’t just about style anymore. Fabric and materials used now heavily impact a customer’s purchasing decision.

Cotton and polyester are two of the most popular fabrics used by hoodie manufacturers. So, picking one isn’t as easy as it may seem.

That’s why we’ll dig deep into the PROS and CONS of cotton vs polyester hoodie. Know which fabric hoodie really resonates with your audience. Make the right choice and invest in hoodies that keep customers coming back for more.

Ready to pick the right hoodie to sell? Keep reading!

Cotton vs Polyester Hoodie

What is Polyester?

Polyester is a synthetic fiber. Simply put, polyester is just plastic turned into FABRIC THREADS.

Imagine a soda bottle squeezed into thin, long threads. That’s how polyester is made.

To be clear, though, I’m not against wearing polyester hoodies. In fact, polyester fabrics have many great applications, more than you can imagine.

It’s durable, water and wrinkle-resistant, and doesn’t stain easily. The best part? It’s inexpensive— even more affordable than cotton!

Where Does Cotton Come From?

Where else would cotton come from if it’s not grown from plants? That’s right—cotton is naturally harvested from the roots compared to polyester.

If you haven’t seen one yet, here’s what it looks like.

You can tell by how delicate and soft cotton looks. No wonder it became the TOP FABRIC CHOICE of expert hoodie and SWEATSHIRT manufacturers.

It’s soft on the skin and free from chemical reactions (unless treated).

Cotton vs Polyester Hoodie: Key Differences

Fabric Feel

Cotton is the softest fabric, and you can’t convince me otherwise.

It’s breathable and lightweight. All thanks to the fabric fibers themselves. Air also seamlessly passes through between the threads and fiber. This regulates the humid temperature and wicks away moisture on the skin.

Now you know why baby clothes are 100% made from cotton.

Polyester, on the other hand, is NOT as breathable as cotton. Yes—even the thinnest polyester fabric doesn’t compare to cotton.

Polyester makes you sweat easily. Odors are also trapped in the fabric, leading to that musty smell.

Fabric Look

You can tell the difference between cotton and polyester just by a single glance.

Cotton has a distinct, rich, matte look. High-quality cotton, in particular, had a rich COLOR DEPTH. The fun thing about cotton is that it ages like fine wine.

I own a 100% cotton hoodie. I’ve had it for about a year now. The fabric just keeps getting softer and softer the more I use it. Even the color variations never fade!

How about polyester?

Well, polyester fabric ages poorly. The fabric is shiny and has a slight oily sheen only when it’s new. Unfortunately, you’ll notice its flaws overtime.

It ages like real plastic. It pills, frays, and loses its color and texture—much like a LIFELESS PLASTIC breaking down.

Here’s a comparison of my cotton and polyester hoodies. Cotton’s the one on the right. Polyester’s the one on the left.

Affordability

Let’s see which one wins the price war of cotton vs polyester hoodies.

Cotton, being a natural, plant-based fiber, is generally pricier than polyester. Why? The price of cotton is subject to seasonal availability, costs, and agricultural policies. In comparison, the price of polyester is only tied to oil price fluctuations. This makes it much cheaper.

However, there are certain instances where this isn’t always the case. Some polyester fabrics can actually be MORE EXPENSIVE than cotton. I’m talking about recycled polyester.

If you’re unsure which one to choose. Just consider your budget and your customer’s needs.

Pro Tip: Cheap prices don’t always equate to cheap quality. Manufacturers are also willing to adjust their prices. So, don’t be afraid to negotiate the price.
Anisul Islam Murad, Apparel Importer & Manufacturer

Environmental Impact

I’ve been leaning toward anything eco-friendly. So, if I’m the one to choose between cotton vs. polyester, I’d choose cotton over polyester hoodies.

Polyester production takes a heavy chunk of our environment’s health. Think about it—more than 70 million barrels of oil are being used in polyester production. That would fill 4.45 million Olympic-sized swimming pools!

Synthetic garments are the biggest contributors to ocean pollution. Every time a synthetic textile is washed, microfibers are released. Up to 1,900 tiny plastic fibers can be flushed into our waterways. And eventually into our ecosystem.

No way to clean it up. No way to undo the damage.

Now, the choice is yours. Sure—polyester is cheap, and choosing it will benefit your business. But think about its long-term impact.

Usage Scenario

Cotton is soft and can easily regulate temperature. That’s why it’s the go-to material for baby clothes.

Another great application is sleepwear. If you find your pajamas soft and gentle, chances are, they’re made of cotton.

Of course, how could I leave summer wear? Cotton is a manufacturer’s favorite for summer clothing. It’s durable, breathable, and resists odors, keeping you cool under the heat.

Polyester, on the other hand, excels in sportswear, everyday wear, and workwear. It’s LIGHTWEIGHT and DURABLE. It’s also wrinkle-resistant. So, polyester is perfect for non-iron clothing.

Pro Tip: Cotton and polyester serve different purposes. So you might want to consider a mix of both hoodies. You’ll cater to a broader range of customers. Higher profit margin for your business.

Advantages of Cotton

Moisture absorbent, soft on the skin, and breathable. These are just three of the TOP advantages of cotton. You can take my word as I sell and wear one.

A hoodie made of cotton guarantees all the three mentioned (and so much more). Customers will love the breathable feel of their hoodies. Even if they sweat when the weather turns humid, odors won’t be trapped.

Customers with sensitive skin will thank you for it, too.

Advantages of Polyester

I know I’ve been biased all this time. But if I were to mention a few things that I love about polyester. It’d be its durability and lightweight properties.

Are you catering to fitness enthusiasts? Or people who wear hoodies for outdoor activities?

I recommend you choose polyester hoodies.

They’re BUILT to withstand wear and tear. And because they’re lightweight, they offer ease of movement. Especially during workouts and outdoor explorations.

Disadvantages of Cotton

Fortunately though, cotton is prone to wrinkling. In some cases, shrinking is even experienced after washing.

I noticed this issue with one of my cotton hoodies. It shrank slightly after a few washes, so I had to be extra careful with my laundry settings.

This downside might be LESS appealing to some customers. So here’s a tip: always include care instructions with your cotton hoodies.

No matter how good the quality of a hoodie is, if it’s not well cared for. It’ll eventually lose its value.

Disadvantages of Polyester

It’s not as breathable as cotton. It is not ideal to wear in hot weather as it traps heat.

Another drawback is that it easily attracts static, dirt, and lint.

Polyester hoodies may not be suitable for certain climates and preferences. So make sure to understand who your customers are. Before deciding if this is what you really need.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Cotton vs Polyester Hoodie

Cotton vs. polyester hoodies is not an easy match. Each hoodie appeals to different customers and needs. And offers unique benefits that others may have. Torn about which one to pick? Remember these factors.

Customer Preferences

Who are you selling to?

This is the first thing you gotta ask yourself. Do your customers prefer comfort OVER durability? Are they looking for lightweight hoodies for their planned outdoor activities?

Knowing these things HELP you pick the right choice. I’m pretty sure you don’t want to invest in hoodies that customers don’t even want to buy.

So, the better you understand your customers’ preferences. The higher the chances of hitting your sales mark.

Intended Use

Hoodies may often be “one-size-fits-all.” But its materials aren’t “one-type-suits-all.”

One might use the hoodie for casual, everyday wear. At the same time, others might need a hoodie suited for an active lifestyle. Both will likely prefer different materials for their hoodie.

If you don’t try to consider how your customers intend to use their hoodie. You’ll just keep on guessing. Worst, you might end up with a product they don’t even need. Read more about Hoodie Size Chart!

Cost and Budget

Don’t let your budget hold you back when picking between cotton vs. polyester hoodies.

Cotton fabrics are expensive. Polyester, on the other hand, is way more affordable. Now, go ahead and evaluate your budget.

Are you willing to invest in premium hoodies? Or does polyester’s cost-effectiveness fit your budget and goals more.

Friendly advice: It’s okay to spend on premium hoodies as long as your budget permits. It’s also okay to opt for CHEAPER ALTERNATIVES and then slowly transition to premium options.
Alam J. S, Exporter & Sourcing

Conclusion

Both cotton and polyester are a great addition to your product line. Regardless of your niche, remember to prioritize what your customers need.

Need an experienced consultant? A reliable hoodie manufacturer? Maybe both?

JaceApparel is just a call away!

We source. Manufacture. And customize all types of hoodies. Our expertise comes close to 20 years. Expect end-to-end hands on support from us. As an added bonus, we’ll recommend the best hoodie colors!

Source:

www.organiccottonmart.com – Why cotton is the preferred natural fabric
www.quora.com – Is cotton expensive or cheap

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