When temperatures drop, fabric weight becomes the most important spec on the label. Here's how to stay warm without losing the shape.
Weight guide
- 310–350 gsm: mid-season fleece.
- 375–400 gsm: properly warm.
- 420 gsm and up: the heaviest hoodies and sweats we make.
Cotton vs. blended fleece
100% cotton fleece, like the Snow Washed Distressed Panel Pocket Hoodie (420 gsm) or the Unisex Heavyweight Vintage Wash Boxy Hoodie (420 gsm), feels dense and soft and breathes well. Poly-cotton blends, like the Unisex Vintage Wash Boxy Fleece Hoodie, keep their shape and dry faster.
The warmest pieces
- Hand-Frayed Sunfade Zip Hoodie: 420 gsm zip hoodie.
- Mineral Wash Piping Raw Hem Sweatshirt: 420 gsm sweatshirt.
- Sun Fade Raw Edge Quarter-Zip Sweatshirt: 465 gsm quarter-zip.
- Sun Fade Raw Edge Straight-Leg Sweatpants: 465 gsm sweatpants.
- Flared Sweatpants: 420 gsm flared sweatpants.
Layer smart
A heavyweight hoodie under a denim jacket or coat is warmer than one thick layer. See our layering guide.
Why weight matters more in winter
Thicker fleece traps more air, and trapped air is what keeps you warm. A brushed fleece back adds softness and extra insulation. That's why a 400 gsm hoodie feels so different from a 280 gsm sweatshirt on a cold day.
Winter outfit formulas
- Heavyweight hoodie, denim jacket, heavyweight sweatpants, high-top sneakers.
- Quarter-zip over a long sleeve tee, wide-leg jeans, boots.
- Crewneck over a hoodie, joggers, retro runners.
Care for heavy fleece
Wash inside out on cold, avoid fabric softener (it can flatten the brushed inside) and dry on low or flat.
FAQ
Is 100% cotton fleece warmer than a blend?
At the same weight, they're close. Cotton feels softer and breathes better; blends hold shape and dry faster.
What's the warmest Riot Junkie hoodie?
Our heaviest hoodies are 410–420 gsm, including the Unisex Heavyweight Vintage Wash Boxy Hoodie and the Unisex Camo-Splice Raglan Zip Hoodie.
Can I layer a hoodie under a coat?
Yes. Choose a regular or loose hoodie so it fits comfortably under outerwear.
Shop hoodies and sweatshirts.