Two products can look identical in photos and feel completely different in your hands. The difference is material. This guide explains how to read fabric and material details for usfans Spreadsheet Sneakers, usfans Spreadsheet Hoodies, usfans Spreadsheet T-Shirts, usfans Spreadsheet Jackets, usfans Spreadsheet Pants and usfans Spreadsheet Jerseys from Taobao, 1688, Weidian and Pinduoduo.
For the full ordering process, start with the usfans Spreadsheet playbook.
Where to find material information
Material details usually appear in three places: the specification table on the listing, the product description, and sometimes a photo of the care label. On 1688, specification tables are often especially detailed because factories sell to businesses that need precise information. Translations can be imperfect, so look for percentages and numbers rather than descriptive words.
Key terms and what they mean
| Term | Meaning | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton % | Share of cotton in the fabric | Higher cotton feels softer and breathes better, but can shrink |
| Polyester % | Share of synthetic fibre | Adds durability and shape retention, less breathable |
| Elastane / spandex | Stretch fibre | Small amounts add comfort and stretch |
| GSM | Grams per square metre | Higher means thicker, heavier fabric |
| Fleece | Brushed inner surface | Warm and soft; common in hoodies |
| French terry | Looped inner surface | Lighter and more breathable than fleece |
T-shirts
Look for cotton percentage and GSM. Around 180–200 GSM is a standard tee; 240 GSM and above feels thick and holds a structured shape. Combed cotton is smoother and more durable than basic carded cotton. Striped tees are often yarn-dyed — the colour is in the yarn rather than printed on top — which keeps stripes sharp after washing.
Hoodies and sweaters
The inner surface matters as much as weight. Fleece-lined hoodies are warmer and softer; French terry hoodies are lighter and better for layering or mild weather. A cotton-rich blend with a little polyester keeps its shape well. Check the ribbing at cuffs and hem: dense ribbing returns to shape after stretching.
Jackets
Jackets vary more than any other category:
- Denim jackets: check the denim weight if listed and whether the fabric contains stretch.
- Tailored and colour jackets: look at outer fabric composition and whether the jacket is lined.
- Shells and windbreakers: nylon and polyester are common; look for mentions of water resistance and taped seams.
- Padded jackets: check the filling type and, where given, fill weight.
Pants and shorts
For jeans, 100% cotton denim is rigid at first and softens with wear; a small amount of elastane adds stretch and comfort. Chinos are usually cotton twill. Shorts in cotton or linen blends are cooler for summer. Rigid denim may relax slightly in the waist, so a snug first fit is normal.
Jerseys
Sports jerseys are usually polyester, often with a textured or mesh structure to manage sweat. This fabric is light, quick-drying and holds colour well. Check whether numbers and crests are printed, heat-pressed or embroidered — each looks and wears differently.
Sneakers
For sneakers, materials are listed by part:
- Upper: canvas, leather, suede, mesh or synthetic. Canvas is light and casual; leather is durable and structured; mesh is breathable.
- Lining: fabric or leather; affects comfort and breathability.
- Sole: rubber is durable and grippy; foam midsoles are lighter and softer.
Look at real photos of the sole and stitching. Material names alone cannot tell you how well a shoe is made.
How materials affect shrinkage and care
Material also decides how a garment behaves after washing. High-cotton tees and hoodies can shrink a little in length after a hot wash or tumble dry, while polyester blends hold their size. Rigid denim relaxes with wear, and stretch denim can lose some recovery if dried on high heat. Wool and knitwear may need hand washing. Before buying, think about whether you are happy to wash cold and air dry; if not, a blend with some polyester may suit you better than pure cotton.
Material choice also affects shipping. Heavy fleece hoodies and thick denim weigh noticeably more than French terry and lighter twills. If you are close to a weight bracket, a lighter fabric can keep the parcel cheaper without changing the look much.
Materials by marketplace
- 1688 listings often include the most detailed specifications, including GSM.
- Taobao listings usually state composition and sometimes weight.
- Weidian sellers often describe materials in their own words; ask for specifics if needed.
- Pinduoduo listings can be vague; rely on buyer photos and QC labels.
Matching material to how you live
Colour and material interact too. Pale cotton shows wear and stains sooner, while darker polyester blends hide them. Bright dyed pieces may fade slightly over many washes; washing them inside out in cold water slows that down considerably.
Think about where and how you will wear each piece. Warm climates suit cotton, linen and French terry. Cold climates suit fleece, heavier denim and padded jackets. Active use suits polyester and mesh. Choosing materials for your real life is the difference between pieces you wear constantly and pieces that stay in the cupboard.
Summary
Read percentages and weights, not just descriptions. Know what fleece, French terry, GSM and elastane mean, and use QC label photos when listings are unclear. With that knowledge, you can judge any product in the spreadsheet with confidence. To understand prices across materials, see the finds by price guide, and to keep your new clothes in good shape, read the unboxing and care guide.