Heavyweight is the word on every hoodie this fall, and it does not always mean the same thing. Here is what the weight number on a hoodie tells you, how an oversized hoodie should fit, and how to get the size right the first time, using the Living Proof Hoodie as the example.
What makes a hoodie heavyweight
Hoodie fabric is sold by weight: how many ounces one square yard of the fleece weighs. A higher number means more cotton in every inch, a thicker hand and a hoodie that holds its shape instead of hanging flat. Brands use the word loosely, but as a rule a fleece at 12 oz and up wears noticeably heavier than an everyday hoodie.
The Living Proof Hoodie is 12.5 oz heavyweight fleece, 75% cotton and 25% polyester. The cotton gives it the soft, solid feel. The polyester in the blend helps it hold its shape.
Ounces vs GSM
Some brands list weight in GSM, grams per square meter, instead of ounces. To compare, multiply ounces by about 34. A 12.5 oz fleece is roughly 424 GSM. If two hoodies list their weight in different units, convert one before you compare.
How an oversized hoodie should fit
An oversized hoodie is cut wider through the body with dropped shoulders, so the shoulder seam sits down on the upper arm instead of on top of the shoulder. The sleeves and body hang loose and the hoodie looks relaxed, not tight. That is the cut on the Living Proof Hoodie: it wears roomier than a standard hoodie in the same size.
True to size gives you that full oversized look. If you want it closer to a regular fit, check the chest numbers below before you choose, rather than guessing from the size you usually buy.
The details that matter
Weight is the start. The build is the rest. The Living Proof Hoodie has a double-layer hood with no drawcord, so the hood sits clean and full. It has a kangaroo pocket and cotton rib cuffs and waistband that hold the sleeves and hem in place. The design is printed large across the back, with a brush-script print on the chest. It comes in Chocolate, Ivory and Faded Black.
How to find your size
Do not go by the size on your tags. Every brand measures differently. Take a hoodie you already own and like the fit of, lay it flat on a table and measure straight across from armpit to armpit. Then match that number to the chest column below.
Chest, laid flat: S 23 1/4", M 24 1/2", L 25 1/4", XL 26 3/4", XXL 28", 3XL 29".
Length: S 27 1/2", M 28 1/2", L 29 1/2", XL 30 1/2", XXL 32", 3XL 33".
Sleeve, from the center of the back to the cuff: S 36", M 37", L 38", XL 39", XXL 40", 3XL 41".
Chest is measured across, not around. Measurements are plus or minus one inch. The same chart is on the size guide. Same number as your own hoodie means the same fit; if ours is bigger, it wears looser by that much.
Caring for a heavyweight hoodie
Machine wash cold, inside out, with like colors. Tumble dry low. Do not iron directly on the print. Washing inside out keeps the print facing in, away from the rubbing in the drum, and low heat is easier on the print and the fleece. More on why in How to Wash a Graphic Tee So the Print Lasts; the same rules keep a hoodie print sharp.
Buying one as a gift
A heavyweight hoodie is an easy gift for the cold months because it gets worn every week. To get the size right for someone else, measure a hoodie they already wear, the same way as above. Orders are processed in one to three business days, then standard shipping takes five to seven business days, and longer in the busy weeks before the holidays, so order early. NVUS Hearts ships within the United States. Details are on the shipping page.
If the size is wrong, unworn, unwashed items with the original tags can come back within 30 days for store credit. Full terms are on the returns page.
Common questions
What weight is a heavyweight hoodie? Brands use the word loosely, but fleece at 12 oz and up wears heavy. The Living Proof Hoodie is 12.5 oz.
What is 12.5 oz in GSM? About 424 GSM.
Is the Living Proof Hoodie 100% cotton? No. It is 75% cotton and 25% polyester. The blend helps it hold its shape.
Does it run big? It is cut oversized with dropped shoulders, so it wears roomier than a standard hoodie in the same size. Check the chest column against a hoodie you own.
Does the hood have a drawcord? No. It is a double-layer hood with no drawcord.
What sizes and colors are there? S to 3XL, in Chocolate, Ivory and Faded Black.
How do I wash it? Cold, inside out, with like colors. Tumble dry low. No iron on the print.
The short version
Heavyweight means the fleece is heavy enough to hold its shape: 12.5 oz, about 424 GSM, on the Living Proof Hoodie. It is cut oversized, so measure a hoodie you own and match the chest number. Wash it cold and inside out. See all three colors on the hoodie page.
