Fleece Fabric Price per Kg: What Drives It and How to Compare

Fleece fabric price per kg depends on fibre content, yarn count, knitting, dyeing, brushing and finishing, and most hoodie fleece sits at 280–500 GSM. To turn it into garment cost, multiply fabric used per hoodie by the per-kg price and add 10–20% cutting waste; fabric is often the largest line in a hoodie quote.

When a hoodie quote looks too high, the first place to look is fabric. Fleece is usually the largest single cost in a hoodie, and mills quote it per kilogram. That makes comparison tricky: a cheaper price per kg can produce a more expensive hoodie if the fabric is heavier, narrower or wastes more in cutting. This guide explains what drives fleece fabric price per kg, how to convert it into cost per garment and how to compare quotes fairly. We do not quote market prices here, because they move with cotton and energy costs; instead, we show you how to read the numbers you receive.

What is fleece fabric price per kg?

Fleece fabric price per kg is the amount a knitting mill charges for one kilogram of finished fleece, including yarn, knitting, dyeing, brushing and finishing. Because hoodie fleece usually ranges from 280–500 GSM, the same per-kg price buys very different areas of fabric. To compare quotes, convert price per kg into cost per garment using fabric consumption plus about 10–20% cutting waste.

Which factors drive the price per kg?

Several layers of cost stack up inside the per-kg price:

1. Fibre. 100% cotton costs more than CVC (cotton-rich) or polyester-rich blends. Organic, recycled-certified or long-staple cotton costs more again.
2. Yarn count and spinning. Finer, combed or compact-spun yarns cost more than carded or open-end yarns.
3. Construction. Standard 3-thread fleece, cross-grain fleece and loopback French terry differ in knitting speed and yarn use.
4. Dyeing. Reactive dyeing on cotton costs more than disperse dyeing on polyester. Dark and bright shades and tight shade tolerances add cost.
5. Brushing and finishing. Brushing, shearing, anti-pilling, enzyme and silicone finishes each add steps.
6. Testing and certification. Certified fabrics and extra lab tests add cost.
7. Lot size. Small dye lots and short knitting runs carry surcharges.

Our explainer on hoodie GSM quote variables shows how these factors interact with fabric weight.

How do you convert price per kg into cost per hoodie?

Use a simple formula:

Fabric cost per hoodie = fabric consumption per hoodie (kg, including waste) × price per kg

Consumption depends on pattern size, size ratio, fabric width and marker efficiency. A larger oversized hoodie uses more fabric than a regular fit, and a narrow fabric width can increase waste. Ask the factory to give you its consumption figure per size or per average size, and the cutting waste allowance, often 10–20%. Do the same for rib, which is usually priced separately.

When comparing two fabrics, calculate cost per hoodie for each, not just price per kg. A heavier fleece at a lower price per kg can still cost more per garment because each hoodie uses more kilos.

Comparing fleece options for a hoodie line? Weavnora sources and develops cotton and cotton-rich fleece for heavyweight hoodies and sweats. See our fleece fabric page, then request a quote with your target weight and colours.

Why do GSM and width matter so much?

GSM is weight per square metre. Width is the usable width of the fabric roll. Together they tell you how many metres you get per kilogram. A 300 GSM fleece gives many more square metres per kg than a 450 GSM fleece. If one mill quotes a lower price per kg for a heavier fabric, it may still cost you more per garment.

Always check:

• Is GSM quoted before or after finishing and washing?
• What is the tolerance, often ±3–5%?
• Is the width open or tubular, and what is the usable width after trimming edges?

Our guide on how to choose fabric weight for a clothing brand explains how weight choices affect both cost and customer perception.

How do shrinkage and quality affect real cost?

Cheap fleece can become expensive. High shrinkage means the factory must cut larger, using more fabric. Poor pilling resistance leads to complaints. Uneven dyeing causes rejected panels. When comparing quotes, ask for test results: shrinkage, often targeted at 3–6%; pilling grade; colourfastness; and weight consistency. Factor rejection risk into your comparison, not only the headline price.

How do lead time and lot size affect price per kg?

Mills knit and dye fleece in lots. Each dye batch has a practical minimum, and a short run still needs the same machine setup, lab dip and testing as a large one. That is why small quantities in custom colours often carry a surcharge per kg, while stock colours from an existing programme can be cheaper for small runs. Rush orders can also cost more if the mill has to change its schedule.

Plan your colours with this in mind. Concentrating volume in fewer custom colours, and using stock shades for smaller styles, often lowers the average fabric cost across a collection. Ask the mill which colours it runs regularly and what the surcharge is below its standard lot size.

100% cotton fleece vs CVC fleece: which option fits?

The most common price decision is cotton versus a cotton-rich blend. Compare them on clear selection criteria.

The trade-offs are premium feel and wash response versus price and stability. Cotton fleece costs more per kg but suits garment dye, vintage washes and premium positioning, while CVC fleece is cheaper and more dimensionally stable but does not wash down well. Our comparison of French terry vs fleece for hoodies covers the construction choice, and our 400 GSM hoodie manufacturer guide shows a heavyweight example.

How should you compare mill quotes?

Ask every mill to quote on the same specification sheet: composition, yarn count, construction, finished GSM with tolerance, usable width, dye method, brushing, finishes, shrinkage target, price per kg, small-lot surcharge and lead time. Put the quotes in a table and calculate cost per hoodie using the same consumption figure. Then add test results and lead times before deciding. For more cost guides across hoodies, tees and bottoms, start from our apparel manufacturing cost and pricing hub.

Fleece fabric price per kg: typical specs and key numbers

These are typical industry estimate ranges, not quotes; confirm actual figures with your supplier for your fabric, quantity and destination.

Key takeaways

• Fleece fabric price per kg includes fibre, yarn, knitting, dyeing, brushing and finishing.
• Hoodie fleece usually ranges from 280–500 GSM, so compare cost per hoodie, not price per kg.
• Fabric cost per hoodie equals consumption including waste multiplied by price per kg.
• Check GSM tolerance, usable width and shrinkage before comparing.
• Cotton fleece costs more but suits washes and premium lines; CVC is cheaper and more stable.

Request a fleece hoodie quote

Ready to price fleece for your hoodies? Send your target weight, composition, colours, fit and quantities through our quote request form. MOQ depends on style and fabric, so we confirm it in your quote with fabric options, consumption and an itemised price.