How to Start a Hoodie Brand: Complete Cost, MOQ & Fabric Guide (2025)

Starting a hoodie brand is one of the most rewarding opportunities in today’s booming fashion and athleisure market. Hoodies are timeless, high-demand products worn year-round, making them perfect for both new and established brands. Whether you want to launch premium custom designs, drop limited-edition apparel manufacturers**** pieces, or build a fitness-focused apparel line, the process requires strategic planning—especially regarding fabric choices, MOQ (minimum order quantity), production partners, and overall cost.

This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of launching a profitable hoodie brand with professional manufacturing standards.

1. Understanding the Hoodie Market

The hoodie market continues to grow across global fashion, fitness, and lifestyle segments. Brands choose hoodies because:

• They offer high profit margins

• They work across multiple categories (streetwear, gym wear, casual wear, teamwear)

• They are ideal for customization

• They sell well in drops, collections, or even wholesale

Because the space is competitive, your brand needs strong designs, quality manufacturing, and reliable production partners—especially experienced custom streetwear who understand modern hoodie trends.

2. Key Costs Involved in Starting a Hoodie Brand

Before producing your first batch, it’s crucial to understand the costs that shape your pricing strategy. Here are the major expenses:

a. Design & Tech Pack Cost

If you don't create your own designs, hiring a designer is your first expense. A detailed tech pack includes:

• Measurements

• Fabric type

• Stitching details

• Print/embroidery placement

• Color references

Professional tech packs typically cost between $30 and $150 per design, depending on complexity.

b. Fabric Cost

Fabric makes up a large part of your manufacturing cost. Hoodie fabrics vary in price depending on GSM, cotton blend, and finishing. Expect costs like:

• 100% cotton fleece: mid to high cost

• Cotton/poly fleece: affordable and durable

• Terry cotton: mid-range

• Performance blends: mid to high range

A good hoodie manufacturer can guide you on options based on your budget and style.

c. Sampling Cost

Samples ensure the final bulk production meets your expectations. Sampling often includes:

• Prototype hoodie

• Adjustments

• Revisions

Most manufacturers charge between $30 and $100 per sample.

d. Printing & Embroidery Cost

Your branding method affects both cost and style:

• Screen printing for bulk affordability

• DTG printing for small batches

• Embroidery for premium brands

Complex artwork automatically increases the price.

e. Bulk Production Cost

Your final per-unit price depends on fabrics, MOQ, trims, and customization. Factors affecting unit price include:

• GSM of fabric

• Type of stitching

• Custom labels or patches

• Specialty printing

Production costs typically range from $8 to $25+ per hoodie, depending on the brand’s quality level.

3. Understanding MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)

MOQ affects the flexibility and cost for new clothing brands. Larger quantities usually lower the cost per unit, but small startup brands often prefer lower MOQs to reduce risk.

Typical MOQ categories:

Low MOQ Manufacturers

Some specialized factories—especially sportswear manufacturers in Pakistan and activewear wholesale manufacturers—offer low MOQs of 30–100 units per style.

Standard MOQ

Most apparel manufacturers offer a standard MOQ between 100 and 300 pieces per style.

High-End MOQ

Premium and large-scale factories may require 500–1000 units, depending on fabric and workload.

Choosing the right MOQ depends on:

• Your budget

• Your brand launch strategy

• Target market

• Initial sales forecast

For beginners, lower MOQs help test designs without major investment.

4. Choosing the Right Hoodie Fabric

Fabric selection is one of the most important decisions because it determines comfort, durability, and pricing. Below are the top fabric options to consider:

a. Fleece (Cotton or Cotton-Poly Blend)

This is the most popular option for premium hoodies. It offers:

• Soft interior

• Warmth

• Durability

Fleece hoodies are ideal for lifestyle brands and custom streetwear labels.

b. French Terry

Lighter than fleece and perfect for spring or gym wear. Ideal for:

• Athleisure

• Fitness hoodies

• Lightweight collections

Fitness-focused manufacturers, such as activewear wholesale manufacturers, often recommend terry for breathable performance hoodies.

c. Performance Synthetic Blends

Suitable for training and sports teams. These blends provide:

• Moisture-wicking

• Stretch

• Quick drying

This is why many sportswear manufacturers in Pakistan specialize in fabric blends built for athletes.

d. Heavyweight 450–500 GSM Fabrics

These create luxury hoodies, ideal for high-end streetwear brands looking for a premium feel and elevated pricing.

e. Specialty Fabrics

Some brands experiment with:

• Organic cotton

• Recycled polyester

• Brushed fleece

• Textured fabrics

Your manufacturer can help source the right materials depending on your brand positioning.

5. Working with Reliable Hoodie Manufacturers

Your production partner directly affects your brand’s quality and credibility. Here’s what to look for in the right hoodie manufacturer:

a. Experience in Hoodie Production

Hoodies require:

• Ribbing

• Double stitching

• Premium hood shaping

• Kangaroo pockets

• Metal or custom drawcords

Working with experienced apparel manufacturers ensures consistent quality.

b. Ability to Handle Multiple Customizations

Ask if the factory can handle:

• Screen print

• Puff print

• Silicone print

• 3D embroidery

• Woven patches

• Sublimation (for performance hoodies)

c. Fabric Sourcing Support

Factories should recommend the best fabrics based on your market—whether streetwear, gymwear, or even leggings (some hoodie manufacturers are also a leggings manufacturer in Pakistan, meaning they can manage full activewear lines).

d. Clear Communication & Sampling Process

Sampling must be transparent, timely, and adjustable.

6. Branding & Design for Hoodie Startups

Branding determines how customers perceive your hoodie line. For maximum impact:

• Keep designs cohesive

• Offer seasonal color variations

• Use premium neck labels

• Add custom hang tags

• Craft a strong brand story

Strong design and branding allow you to price your hoodies profitably.

7. Pricing Your Hoodies for Profit

Your retail price depends on:

• Manufacturing cost

• Branding

• Target audience

• Market positioning

A general rule: Retail price = 3x to 4x your production cost

For premium streetwear: Retail price = 5x or more

This ensures enough profit to cover marketing, fulfilment, operations, and future scaling.

8. Launching & Scaling Your Hoodie Brand

Once your hoodies are ready, plan a strategic launch:

a. Pre-Launch Marketing

• Hype teasers

• Social media previews

• Behind-the-scenes videos

b. Influencer & Athlete Seeding

Especially useful if your manufacturer specializes in sportswear or activewear.

c. Limited Drops

Creates urgency and sells out stock faster.

d. Scaling Options

Once you grow, you can expand into:

• Sweatpants

• Gym wear

• Joggers

• Leggings (ideal if your partner is also a leggings manufacturer in Pakistan)

• Full streetwear sets