Heavyweight Hoodies & Sweatshirts | gradualbasics
The ultimate guide to heavyweight hoodies in Switzerland
Say goodbye to flimsy fabrics and fast fashion. Discover the world of heavy, durable hoodies (400-850 GSM) built for the Swiss climate.

What you will find in this guide:
- Recognizing quality: Heavyweight vs. cheap hoodie
- Our Heavyweight Collection (400-850 GSM)
- Styling tips: How to wear your hoodie in Switzerland
- Brands in comparison: Nike & Co. vs. heavyweight specialists
- Slow Fashion: Why a good hoodie is sustainable
- Care & Durability: How to keep your hoodie like new
1. Quality you can feel: Heavyweight vs. cheap hoodie
A true heavyweight hoodie is an investment. It differs from fast-fashion alternatives not only in price, but also fundamentally in material, construction, and durability. The key measurement for this is GSM (grams per square meter) .
Standard / cheap hoodie
- Under 350 GSM: Feels thin, lets light through.
- High polyester content: Prone to pilling and static charge.
- Simple seams: tear more quickly under stress.
- Loses shape: Wears out after a few washes.
Real Heavyweight Hoodie
- Over 400 GSM: Substantial, warm and opaque.
- High cotton content: soft, breathable and comfortable.
- Double stitching: Robust and designed for longevity.
- Shape-stable: Retains its fit even after years.
Want to become an expert? Our detailed guide shows you every trick to instantly recognize quality.
To the Quality Guide →2. Our Heavyweight Collection: Built for Switzerland
We specialize in one thing: creating the best and most durable hoodies for the Swiss climate. Our collection covers every need – from a robust everyday companion to a jacket alternative for winter.

Everyday Essential (400 GSM)
The perfect entry into the world of heavyweight quality. Robust, comfortable, and incredibly versatile. Ideal for temperatures from +5°C to +20°C.
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The Gradual (800 GSM)
Our bestseller. The double-layer construction offers extreme warmth and an unbeatable silhouette. Often replaces a jacket in temperatures from -10°C to +15°C.
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To the Matterhorn (850 GSM)
Our warmest and most robust option. Built for alpine conditions and uncompromising durability. Perfect for temperatures from -15°C to +12°C.
View detailsCurious about the technical details behind our GSM values and double-layer construction?
About our quality standards →3. More than just comfortable: How to style your heavyweight hoodie
A high-quality hoodie is a chameleon in your wardrobe. Thanks to its better drape and structured silhouette, it can be worn in anything from ultra-casual to smart-casual.
For men
Pair it with chinos and sleek sneakers for a modern look, or layer it under a wool coat for elegant winter warmth.
To the Men's Style GuideFor women
Play with proportions: Wear an oversized hoodie with leggings and boots or combine it with a blazer for an exciting contrast.
To the women's style guideOversized look
The key to the perfect oversized look lies in the cut, not the size. A deliberately designed oversized hoodie drapes better and looks more stylish.
To the Oversized Guide4. Brand comparison: What sets us apart from Nike & Co.?
Big sports brands dominate the market, but their focus is often on brand image and lightweight fabrics. We consciously chose a different path: maximum transparency and uncompromising quality.
In our comprehensive brand comparison, we analyze the strengths and weaknesses of Nike, Adidas, and more – and show why GSM is the most honest quality indicator.
To the big brand comparison →Are you a Nike fan but looking for more warmth and durability? We've put them to the ultimate test.
To the Nike Hoodie test & alternatives →5. Slow Fashion: A heavyweight hoodie as a statement
Every year, millions of tons of textiles end up in the landfill. Investing in a single, high-quality, and durable garment is the easiest way to counteract this cycle.
The true costs of fast fashion are shocking. Learn more about its environmental and social impacts.
The facts about fast fashion →Our philosophy is simple: quality over quantity. Longevity over short-lived trends.
Why Gradual Basics? →6. Care & Durability: How to keep your hoodie like new for years
A heavyweight hoodie is durable, but proper care can extend its lifespan even further. The most important rules are simple: wash at 30°C, avoid fabric softener, and let it air dry.
For detailed instructions on how to avoid pilling and maintain the perfect shape of your hoodie, visit our care guide.
To the care instructions →Ready for a hoodie that delivers what it promises?
Invest in quality you'll feel with every touch. Discover our collection and find your perfect companion for the Swiss climate.
Discover the Heavyweight Collection