We've been supplying streetwear brands out of LA since before "streetwear" was even a word. From one-person startups sewing in their garage to labels you've definitely seen on Instagram — they all come back for the same core fabrics.
Here are the five you need if you're building a streetwear line.
1. Heavyweight cotton jersey (220-280 GSM)
This is your bread and butter. The thick, structured tee that doesn't look like something you got in a 3-pack at Target. Heavyweight jersey is the foundation of every serious streetwear brand.
Look for 100% ring-spun cotton for the best hand feel. Combed cotton is even smoother. At 250+ GSM, the fabric has enough body to hold a boxy silhouette without looking sloppy.
Use it for: tees, tank tops, long sleeves, cropped tops.
2. French terry (320-400 GSM)
The premium hoodie fabric. Smooth on the outside, looped on the inside. French terry drapes better than fleece, looks more refined, and works year-round in most climates.
350 GSM is the goldilocks weight — substantial enough to feel premium but not so heavy you're sweating in it. This is what you want for that clean, modern hoodie look.
Use it for: hoodies, crewnecks, joggers, shorts.
3. Fleece (380-450+ GSM)
When you want that cozy, oversized, winter-ready hoodie — fleece is the move. Brushed on the inside for maximum softness, heavier and warmer than French terry.
The oversized hoodie trend has pushed brands toward 400+ GSM fleece. It's thick, it's heavy, it feels expensive. If you're doing cold-weather drops, you need this in your lineup.
Use it for: heavy hoodies, sweatpants, oversized crewnecks.
4. Rib knit (200-300 GSM)
Rib knit is the unsung hero. You need it for cuffs, waistbands, and collars on your hoodies and crewnecks. But a lot of brands are also using it for full garments — rib knit tanks, long sleeves, and fitted tops are everywhere right now.
1x1 rib has even stretch. 2x1 rib has a more pronounced texture. Both look great. Make sure you color-match your rib to your main fabric — nothing looks more amateur than mismatched cuffs.
Use it for: cuffs and trims, fitted tops, tanks, mock necks.
5. Selvedge denim (12-16 oz)
Not every streetwear brand does denim, but the ones that do set themselves apart. Selvedge denim has a clean finished edge (you can see it when you roll the cuff) and is made on old-school shuttle looms that produce a denser, more characterful fabric.
It's more expensive than regular denim and harder to work with, but the finished product speaks for itself. Start with a 14 oz indigo for a classic jean or a 12 oz for lighter pieces like jackets and shorts.
Use it for: jeans, trucker jackets, shorts, accessories.
Where to start
If you're just launching, start with fabrics #1 and #2 — heavyweight jersey and French terry. Those two cover tees and hoodies, which is where 90% of streetwear brands begin. Add the others as you grow your line.
And always get swatches first. We'll send them to you so you can feel the weight and quality before you commit to a full order.