Hoodies have earned a special place in the hearts of many in this country, even to the extent that they have their own dedicated season – the beloved “hoodie season.” The anticipation and excitement it brings are undeniable, and we’re no exception to the thrill of it. There’s truly nothing quite like the comfort of slipping into a soft, brand-new hoodie.
This is precisely why custom hoodies serve as an exceptional and memorable means to promote your brand, outfit your team, boost merchandise sales, or simply show appreciation to your friends, family, and followers by wrapping them in warm, snugly goodness.
However, amidst the plethora of competing brands and countless styles saturating the market, the challenge lies in knowing where to start. Fear not, for this article is here to simplify the process with seven valuable tips pertaining to the beloved hoodie: from exploring the diverse styles and fabrics available to understanding the intricacies of printing on them, and rounding it off with expert product recommendations. So, let’s dive into the world of plush and cozy hoodies.
Exploring the World of Hoodies: Styles, Fabrics, Brands, Printing, Sizes, and Fits
1. The Hoodie Style Showdown: Pullover vs. Zip-Up
Hoodies come in various styles, but the most popular ones are pullovers and zip-ups. Pullovers have a single large front pocket, while zip-ups boast two front pockets. Although there are other styles like quarter-zip, button-down, and sleeveless, these are less common and often brand-specific.
Pullover Hoodies:
- Pros: Cozy, great for chest and front pocket printing, no zipper-related issues.
- Cons: Limited temperature control, either on or off.
Zip-Up Hoodies:
- Pros: Trendy, versatile, temperature control with the zipper.
- Cons: Printing across the zipper can be tricky, zippers may break or warp.
Recommended Pullover Hoodies:
- Good: Gildan Heavy Blend Pullover Hoodie (G185) – Budget-friendly, durable, wide color and size selection.
- Better: Hanes Ultimate Cotton Pullover Hoodie (F170) – Mid-priced, thick, comfy, standard fit, various choices.
- Best: Bella+Canvas Sponge Fleece Pullover Hoodie (3719) – Premium quality, super-soft, slim-fit, limited colors and sizes.
Recommended Zip-Up Hoodies:
- Good: Gildan Heavy Blend Zip-Up Hoodie (G186) – Budget-friendly, durable, wide color and size selection.
- Better: Hanes Ultimate Cotton Zip-up Hoodie (F280) – Mid-priced, thick, comfy, standard fit, various choices.
- Best: Bella+Canvas Tri-blend Fleece Pullover (3909) – Premium quality, super-soft, slim-fit, some color and size limitations.
Pro Tip: If your chosen item lacks the right colors or sizes, our customer support can help you find alternative hoodies and sweatshirts that match your order’s needs.
2. Diving into Hoodie Fabrics
Hoodies are crafted from diverse fabrics, each offering distinct qualities. There’s classic cotton, moisture-wicking polyester, versatile cotton/poly blends, and the coveted tri-blends.
- Sponge Fleece: The softest and warmest hoodie fabric. This sweatshirt fleece is brushed to create a fuzzy, soft texture, making it exceptionally cozy. It’s not as absorbent as Terry.
- French Terry: A lightweight, absorbent fabric with yarn loops intact. While not as soft as fleece, it’s breathable and used in towels.
3. Hoodie Brand Breakdown
Hoodie brands vary in quality and price. Here’s a quick overview:
- Premium Brands: American Apparel, Bella+Canvas, and District offer high-quality, fashion-forward options. American Apparel is slightly pricier, while Bella+Canvas and District offer more competitive prices.
- Mid-Range Brands: Champion, Next Level, and Hanes provide reliable choices. Depending on the product, some fall into the premium price range.
- Budget Brands: Fruit of the Loom, Jerzees, and Gildan offer affordable options without sacrificing quality. While they may not have as many fashion-forward choices, they remain popular.
4. Printing on Hoodies
Printing on hoodies presents challenges due to different styles and construction. Here’s a breakdown:
Hoodie Print Locations:
Standard locations for printing on hoodies with some alternative options.
Zip-Up Hoodie Printing Restrictions:
Printing across the zipper is generally discouraged due to potential issues. However, exceptions can be made with careful design or special equipment.
Pullover Hoodie Print Restrictions:
- Pullover hoodies have limited print height on the front due to the front pocket. Printing on the pocket is considered a separate print area.
Print Methods:
- Screen Printing: Vibrant, durable, suitable for dark fabrics.
- Heat Transfer: Ideal for shiny or full-color designs but reduces breathability.
- Dye-Sublimation: Creates brilliant, permanent prints but works only on polyester.
- Embroidery: Ideal for branding but adds bulk and may be uncomfortable in friction areas.
- Pro Tip: For a breathable and flexible design, consider a distressed effect for larger and multicolored prints.
5. Hoodie Sizes
Hoodie sizes generally align with T-shirt sizes, with 100% cotton hoodies being more prone to shrinkage.
- Consider both actual and preferred sizes and fits.
- Oversized hoodies are trending.
- Ask for preferences in group orders to ensure the right size distribution.
6. Hoodie Fit (Cut)
Hoodies now offer various fits, from traditional to fashion-forward, with men’s and women’s options available.
- Retail fit, slim fit, Euro fit, or fitted styles offer a more tailored look.
- Women’s hoodies are contoured for a more feminine shape.
- Men’s styles may have a roomier fit.
- Carefully read product descriptions for fit details.
7. Men’s and Unisex vs. Women’s Hoodies
When buying in bulk, decide whether to purchase unisex or split between men’s and women’s custom hoodies.
- Unisex and men’s styles may be similar, with occasional variations.
- Women’s hoodies are contoured for a female figure.
- Women’s sizes may run small, so consider size and fit preferences.
Pro Tip: In bulk orders, lean toward larger sizes to avoid inventory issues with smaller sizes.
In the realm of hoodies, understanding styles, fabrics, brands, printing, sizes, and fits empowers you to make informed choices and create custom hoodies that suit your needs and preferences.