A hoodie is not just a hoodie. Two VELLURE hoodies can look equally clean on the rail and still feel completely different on your back - one heavy and structured, one soft and easy. The number that explains most of that difference sits in the product description: GSM. Once you understand it, choosing between a heavyweight 500GSM piece and a lighter fleece set stops being guesswork and becomes a decision you can make in seconds.
What does GSM actually mean in a hoodie?
GSM stands for grams per square metre. It measures how much fabric weighs in a single square metre, which is a practical shorthand for density. A higher GSM usually means a thicker, denser knit; a lower GSM means a lighter, more fluid knit.
That matters because density drives the three things streetwear buyers care about most:
Warmth. A denser knit traps more air, so a 500GSM hoodie holds heat where a lighter fleece lets it escape.
Structure and shape retention. Heavy fabric holds its own shape, so shoulders stay sharp and the hood keeps its volume wash after wash. Lighter fabric follows the body more closely and softens faster.
Weight in the hand. That dense, substantial feel is a big part of why heavyweight fleece reads as premium the moment you pick it up.
The heavyweight end: what 500GSM changes
The Grey Acid-Wash 500GSM Signature Hoodie - Limited Edition sits at the top of the VELLURE weight range. At 500GSM the fabric has real body to it: the acid-wash finish gives each piece its own tonal depth, and the density is what makes the hood stand up, the shoulders hold their line and the whole silhouette look considered rather than slouched.
That weight is not for everyone, and it is not meant to be. It is a layering piece. It works best when you want the hoodie to be the main event - over a tee in cooler months, under a jacket when the temperature drops further, or on its own when you want the fit to do the talking. Because it is a limited edition, availability moves with the drop rather than the season, so if this is the weight you want, it is worth checking the product page for your size.
Lighter fleece: where softer-weight hoodies win
Lighter fleece is not the lesser option - it is the more versatile one. The Vision Over Noise hooded tracksuits in cream, brown and pastel pink use a premium soft-feel fabric with a relaxed hoodie and open-bottom pants, built for comfort and movement rather than maximum weight. The cotton-fleece V2 sets, including the Black and Navy versions, take a similar approach with a regular streetwear fit: soft handfeel, clean lines, signature VL and VELLURE branding, and a fit that stays comfortable without going oversized or baggy.
Lighter fleece earns its place in three situations:
Warmer weather and transitional months, when a 500GSM piece would simply be too much.
All-day wear - travel, long days on your feet, everything in between - where a softer knit moves with you instead of sitting on you.
Layering under outerwear, where a thinner hood lets a jacket sit cleanly on top.
500GSM vs lighter fleece, side by side
| What you are judging | 500GSM heavyweight fleece | Lighter cotton / soft-feel fleece |
|---|---|---|
| Warmth | Highest, holds heat well | Moderate, best for mild days and layering |
| Structure | Holds shape and volume, sharper silhouette | Follows the body, softer drape |
| Feel in the hand | Dense and substantial | Soft and light |
| Best season | Autumn and winter | Spring, summer evenings and transitional weather |
| Styling role | The statement piece | The everyday staple |
How to choose by season and styling
Start with when you will actually wear it. If you want one hoodie that covers the coldest part of the year and anchors a look, the 500GSM Signature Hoodie is the one. If you want something you can reach for most days without thinking about it - over shorts, with joggers, under a jacket - a lighter fleece set will work harder in your rotation.
Then think about the fit you want to project. Heavyweight fleece creates a wider, more structured line; lighter fleece reads closer to the body and more relaxed. Neither is more correct. They just say different things.
Finally, consider the full set. The Vision Over Noise tracksuits pair a hoodie with matching bottoms in the same fabric and colourway, which is the fastest route to a coordinated look. If you would rather mix, a lighter fleece hoodie over heavyweight joggers keeps the proportions balanced.
Sizing and fit notes
Fit decisions matter more with heavy fabric. Heavyweight fleece has less give, so if you are between sizes and want a relaxed, layered fit, take the larger size. Lighter cotton fleece and soft-feel sets have a little more natural movement, so most people can stay true to size for the fit the product page shows.
Always check the specific product page for the size guide, current availability and the latest price before you commit - stock across the range moves, and limited editions especially.
Frequently asked questions
Is higher GSM always better? No. Higher GSM means heavier, warmer and more structured - great for cold-weather statement pieces, less ideal for summer or for layering under a jacket.
Will a 500GSM hoodie feel too hot indoors? It can, which is why it works best as an outdoor layer in cooler months.
Are lighter fleece hoodies lower quality? Not at all. GSM describes weight, not quality. A well-made lighter fleece with a soft handfeel and clean construction is exactly what you want for warmer days and everyday wear.
The bottom line
Choose 500GSM when you want weight, warmth and a silhouette that holds its shape. Choose lighter fleece when you want softness, movement and a hoodie that works across more of the year. Both live under VISION OVER NOISE - they simply answer different questions.
Explore the full hoodie range to compare colourways and weights, then pick the one that matches how you actually wear it.
Join the vision.