Why 400gsm is the number that actually matters in a hoodie
Most people shop apparel by looks first, fabric weight never. That's backwards.
When I started sourcing for Luxe Threads, the biggest quality gap between a $25 hoodie and one that lasts 5 years wasn't the print or the logo — it was gsm (grams per square meter), the density of the fabric.
Here's the cheat sheet I use when evaluating any piece:
Under 280gsm — thin, drapey, wears through fast. Fine for a summer tee, bad for anything meant to last.
280–350gsm — the "mid-heavy" zone most fast fashion hoodies live in. Decent, but you'll see pilling within a year of regular wash.
400gsm+ — this is where French terry and heavyweight cotton start holding structure wash after wash. Garments feel substantial, drape better, and age into a "worn-in" look instead of a "worn-out" one.
Same logic applies to outerwear — a wool-blend at the right weight holds its shape without needing a stiff interlining to fake structure.
If you're building a capsule wardrobe (5-10 pieces you actually rewear), spend the extra $20-40 to go up a weight class on the pieces you'll wear weekly — hoodie, tee, joggers. You'll replace them a third as often.
That's the whole philosophy behind how we built our line. Happy to answer questions on fabric, fit, or care if anyone's shopping around.