Custom hoodies and sweatshirts are a great choice for just about any brand, whether you’re creating merch, unique giveaway pieces, employee uniforms or customizable print-on-demand pieces. But which brand offers the best hoodies for printing?
Each of the many different hoodie brands has its own benefits and drawbacks, so we’ve compiled a list of the best blank hoodies for you to find the best hoodies for your brand and project.
- There’s no one-size-fits-all “best hoodie”—the ideal choice depends on your specific needs.
- Different hoodie materials require different printing methods for best results.
- Consider factors like material, weight, cut and style when selecting a hoodie for printing.
- Our top picks include options for budget-friendly, eco-friendly and premium hoodies.
Factors to consider when choosing your custom hoodie
When choosing the best hoodies and sweatshirts for your project and brand, there are a lot of factors to consider: who is wearing them, what the design is like, how it will be printed, and what type of hoodie is best. Let’s dive deeper into these considerations.
Target audience
First, consider who will wear the hoodies/sweatshirts and when:
- Are they athletes who will wear them to the gym or on the field?
- Are they fashion-forward and looking for a sharper fit?
- Are they a single demographic, i.e., adult men, or are they all ages and sexes? Inclusive sizing is an important factor to consider.
- Are they your brand’s customers or employees? If it’s the latter, are the hoodies part of their uniform? Think about durability and the environment where they’ll be worn—for example, people working outside in cold climates need a heavier weight hoodie.
Not sure that your brand needs hoodies? Check out this guide on choosing the right merch for your brand.
Hoodie design and style
Once you’ve dialed in who the hoodies are for, the consideration is choosing a design and style:
- What will the design be? Your logo? A simple graphic? A photo?
- Where will the design go?
- What hoodie style complements the design? Will they be zip or pullover hoodies? Some brands only offer a few styles, while others offer a range.
- Solid color or multi-colored? Again, some brands offer a variety of colors (and color combinations!), while others offer only a handful.
Consider the best decoration technique to print your design onto a hoodie or sweatshirt—generally, direct-to-garment (DTG) is best for photos and complex designs, while screen printing is often considered ideal for logos and simpler graphics. If you’re planning to embroider designs onto them, a brand like Adidas or Sport-Tek as their products are more conducive to embroidery. Similarly, if your design vision includes backside printing or any specific graphic placement, you need to find a brand that offers the placement you want.
Need some inspiration? Check out these awesome hoodie design ideas to inspire your project!
Hoodie features
After you’ve determined who will wear your hoodies, your design and the best style, think about your technical sweatshirt and hoodie needs. Hoodie features to consider include:
- Do you need moisture-wicking material? This is important for athletic wear.
- Do you need them to be water-resistant? This is important for hoodies and sweatshirts worn outdoors.
- How durable do they need to be? If its wearer will be working in it, it needs to be more durable than a fashion hoodie.
As you consider all these factors, keep your budget in mind. As with almost everything else, a larger budget grants you more options. But if your budget is limited, you may need to determine which factors are the most important and choose the most economical brand that matches your priorities.
Now, you have all the information you need to determine the best hoodie or sweatshirt for your project. Read on to learn more about the best hoodies for printing, organized by brand.
The 10 best blank hoodie and sweatshirt brands for printing
Whether you’re looking for adorable basics, a premium classic look or a brand with many options, we’ve narrowed down the top brands to help you choose the best option for your printing needs.
1. JERZEES: Best brand for variety of styles
JERZEES offers a variety of hoodie and sweatshirt options, many of which are made with their patented pill-resistant NuBlend® fleece. This makes them warm and durable, perfect for cold weather. Because JERZEES offers a range of styles, like zip hoodies, colorblock hoodies, crewneck sweatshirts and more, any brand looking to offer a variety of choices can find what they need with JERZEES. Customize your JERZEES hoodie or sweatshirt with print or embroidery designs to truly make it your own.
Source: Custom JERZEES hoodie via VistaPrint
Key characteristics:
- Fabric weight: Midweight, 7.2 to 8oz
- Material: Soft cotton/poly blend, pre-shrunk NuBlend® pill-resistant fleece
- Sizes available: S-3XL, available for women, men and kids
- Styles: Zip hoodie, pullover hoodie, crewneck sweatshirt, quarter-zip sweatshirt
Popular options:
- NuBlend® Hooded Sweatshirt
- NuBlend® Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt
2. Independent Trading Co.: Best unique hoodies and sweatshirts
Among hoodie and sweatshirt manufacturers, Independent Trading Co. is the fun brand. Check out their raglan-style women’s California sweatshirt, their tie-dye options and their range of other hoodie and sweatshirt styles, many of which offer colors you won’t find elsewhere.
Source: Custom hoodie with full front and left side logo placement via VistaPrint
Key characteristics:
- Weight: Midweight, 7 to 8oz
- Material: Cotton-polyester blend
- Sizes available: XS-3XL, available for women and men
- Styles: Pullover hoodie, zip hoodie, California sweatshirt
Popular options:
- Midweight unisex hoodie
- Heavyweight pigment-dyed hooded sweatshirt
3. Champion: Best for a classic and premium look
Champion has been a key player in the hoodie and sweatshirt world for decades now, so you can rest assured they know a thing or two about making a quality product. They might not have the widest range of styles or the most unique pieces, but when you go with Champion, you’re getting a classic look and feel. Champion is the way to go for brands whose buyers aren’t necessarily looking for something fancy but are looking for something solid from a longtime industry leader.
Source: Custom Champion hoodie via VistaPrint
Key characteristics:
- Weight: Midweight, 9 to 12oz
- Material: Cotton-polyester blend
- Sizes available: S-4XL, available for men and women
- Styles: Pullover hoodie, crewneck sweatshirt
Popular options:
- Powerblend® Unisex Hoodie
- Crewneck Sweatshirt
4. Carhartt: Best brand for workwear
Carhartt is best known for workwear, and their hoodies and sweatshirts are no exception. Their durable offerings include the Rain Defender® Rutland Thermal-Lined Hooded Zip-Front Sweatshirt and their midweight crewneck sweatshirt. Carhartt doesn’t offer as many color choices as other brands, but they’re the way to go if you’re looking for something that’ll stand up to the elements.
Source: Grey custom hoodie with logo via VistaPrint
Key characteristics:
- Weight: Midweight, 10.5 to 13oz
- Material: Cotton/polyester blend
- Sizes available: S-4XL, available for men
- Styles: Zip hoodie, pullover hoodie, crewneck sweatshirt
Popular options:
- Rain Defender® Paxton Heavyweight Hooded Zip Mock Sweatshirt
- Loose-Fit Midweight Hoodie
- Midweight Crewneck Sweatshirt
5. Gildan: Best brand if you’re on a budget
Gildan offers lots of color, size, and style options, which makes it great for any brand that wants to give its buyers lots of variety. It’s a reliable, affordable option that doesn’t compromise on quality. Certain Gildan styles are made with a moisture-wicking finish, making them an awesome choice for sports teams and anyone who’ll wear them outdoors.
Source: Custom crew neck sweatshirt via VistaPrint
Key characteristics:
- Weight: Midweight, up to 15oz
- Material: Cotton-polyester blend, DryBlend™ moisture-wicking fabric
- Sizes available: S-5XL, available for women, men and kids
- Styles: Crewneck sweatshirt, pullover hoodie, zip hoodie
Popular options:
- Heavy Blend™ Crew Neck Sweatshirt
- DryBlend™ Hoodie
- DryBlend™ Crewneck Sweatshirt
6. Bella + Canvas: Best hoodies and sweatshirts for a stylish look
When you want a tailored, stylish crewneck sweatshirt, zip hoodie or pullover, Bella + Canvas has you covered. These hoodies and sweatshirts are available in solid as well as heather colors, the latter of which have a higher cotton content for a softer feel. Between this, the raglan sleeves on their sweatshirt and other small, yet fashion-forward details, Bella + Canvas is the best choice for stylish brands.
Source: Custom zip-up hoodie via VistaPrint
Key characteristics:
- Weight: 17.64oz
- Material: Ring-spun cotton-polyester blend
- Sizes available: S-2XL, unisex
- Styles: Pullover hoodie, crewneck sweatshirt, zip hoodie
Popular options:
- Unisex Poly/Cotton Hooded Pullover Sweatshirt
- Unisex Sponge Fleece Crewneck Sweatshirt
- Unisex Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt
7. District V.I.T.: Best brand for a soft, cozy feel
District V.I.T. is known for its super-soft fleece hoodies and sweatshirts. Among the best blank hoodies, District V.I.T. products are 100% cotton (or really close in their unique colors). District V.I.T.’s comfy fleece options can easily promote any brand, whether you’re designing hoodies for the team to wear at work or a coveted giveaway for your loyal followers.
Source: Custom fleece hoodie via VistaPrint
Key characteristics:
- Weight: Midweight, 8.3oz
- Material: 100% cotton solids, cotton-polyester blends for heathers and royal frost
- Sizes available: XS-4XL
- Styles: Crewneck sweatshirt, pullover hoodie, zip hoodie, quarter-zip hoodie
Popular options:
- Fleece Quarter-Zip
- French Terry™ Hoodie
- Fleece Hoodie
8. Port & Company: Best brand for options in shapes and sizes
Port & Company offers a lot of hoodie and sweatshirt options, including a few you won’t find offered by other brands. For example, the Port & Company® Tall Essential Fleece Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt is available in a range of large and tall sizes. They also offer styles specifically cut for women and multiple styles in kids’ sizes. All in all, Port & Company is an awesome choice if you need to offer something for everybody.
Source: Custom crew neck hoodie via VistaPrint
Key characteristics:
- Weight: 7.8-9oz
- Materials: Cotton blends (varies by style)
- Sizes available: XS-4XLT, available for men, women and kids
- Styles: Half zip pullover, crewneck sweatshirt, pullover hoodie, sweater vest, v-neck sweatshirt, zip hoodie, quarter-zip sweatshirt, quarter-zip polo
Popular options:
- Fan Favorite Fleece Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt
- Fan Favorite Fleece Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt
9. Sport-Tek: Best brand for sports and fitness
Sport-Tek hoodies and sweatshirts were designed with athletes in mind. Many of their styles are made with moisture-wicking material that keeps wearers dry and comfortable during and after workouts. Sport-Tek doesn’t just offer a variety of hoodie and sweatshirt options. They also offer styles you won’t find elsewhere, like short-sleeved hoodies and a moisture-wicking raglan. Go with Sport-Tek if you’re printing hoodies or sweatshirts for a sports team or a sporty team of employees.
Source: Custom quarter-zip hoodie via VistaPrint
Key characteristics:
- Weight: Lightweight, 4.4 to 7.4 oz
- Material: Tri-blend, moisture-wicking performance
- Sizes available: XS-4XL, available for women and men
- Styles: Quarter-zip pullover, half-zip pullover, pullover hoodie, crewneck sweatshirt
Popular options:
- Sport-Wick® Flex Fleece 1/4-Zip
- Quarter-Zip Pullover
10. Adidas: Best for casual athletic wear
Adidas is an activewear brand, and this shows in the hoodie and sweatshirt options they offer. Adidas offers regular hoodie styles and quarter-zip sweatshirts, a popular choice for runners and athletes. There are many ways to add designs to Adidas hoodies and sweatshirts, like embroidery and heat transfer. These hoodies and sweatshirts are designed for activity and are perfect for any sporty brand.
Source: Custom Adidas quarter-zip sweatshirt via VistaPrint
Key characteristics:
- Weight: 6-8.5oz
- Material: Cotton-elastic blend
- Sizes available: S-4XL
- Styles: Pullover hoodie, crewneck sweatshirt, quarter-zip sweatshirt
Popular options:
- Lightweight Hooded Sweatshirt
- Fleece Hooded Sweatshirt
Best hoodie and sweatshirt brands comparison chart
| Brand | Best for | Styles | Material | Sizes | Popular styles |
| JERZEES | Variety of colors and style choices | Zip hoodie, pullover hoodie, crewneck sweatshirt, quarter-zip sweatshirt | Cotton/poly blend, pre-shrunk NuBlend® pill-resistant fleece | S-3XL, available for women, men and kids | NuBlend® Hooded Sweatshirt, Zip Hooded Sweatshirt |
| Independent Trading Co. | Unique colors and styles | Pullover hoodie, zip hoodie, California sweatshirt | Cotton-polyester blend | XS-3XL, Unisex, Men, Women | Midweight unisex hoodie, Heavyweight pigment-dyed hooded sweatshirt |
| Champion | Classic and premium design | Pullover hoodie, crewneck sweatshirt | Cotton-polyester blend | S-4XL, Unisex, Men, Women | Powerblend® Unisex Hoodie, Crewneck Sweatshirt |
| Carhartt | Heavy duty, durable warm | Workwear | Cotton-polyester blend | S-4XL | Rain Defender® Paxton Heavyweight Hooded Zip Mock Sweatshirt, Loose-Fit Midweight Hoodie |
| Gildan | Affordable everyday wear | Crewneck sweatshirt, pullover hoodie, zip hoodie | Cotton-polyester blend, DryBlend™ moisture-wicking fabric | S-5XL, available for women, men and kids | Heavy Blend™ Crew Neck Sweatshirt, DryBlend™ Hoodie, DryBlend™ Crewneck Sweatshirt |
| Bella + Canvas | Creative and fashion-forward brands | Pullover hoodie, crewneck sweatshirt, zip hoodies | Ring-spun cotton-polyester blend | S-2XL, available in unisex sizes | Unisex Poly/Cotton Hooded Pullover Sweatshirt, Unisex Sponge Fleece Crewneck Sweatshirt, Unisex Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt |
| District V.I.T. | Cozy, very soft material, great for cold weather | Crewneck sweatshirt, pullover hoodie, zip hoodie, quarter-zip hoodie | Cotton-polyester blend | S-4XL | Fleece Quarter-Zip, French Terry™ Hoodie, Fleece Hoodie |
| Port & Company | Many options available, from style and sizes, including tall fits | Half zip pullover, crewneck sweatshirt, v-neck sweatshirt, zip hoodie, quarter-zip sweatshirt | Cotton blends (varies by style) | XS-4XLT, available for men, women and kids | Fan Favorite Fleece Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt, Fan Favorite Fleece Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt |
| Sport-Tek | Moisture-wicking, sports and fitness | Quarter-zip pullover, half-zip pullover, pullover hoodie, crewneck sweatshirt | Tri-blend, moisture-wicking performance | XS-4XL, available for women and men | Sport-Wick® Flex Fleece 1/4-Zip, Quarter-Zip Pullover |
| Adidas | Casual athletic wear | Pullover hoodie, crewneck sweatshirt, quarter-zip sweatshirt | Cotton-elasticine blend | XS-4XL | Lightweight Hooded Sweatshirt, Fleece Hooded Sweatshirt |
Create custom hoodies and sweatshirts for your business
Custom hoodies are an awesome way to showcase your brand. The better the hoodie, the more effective it is as a piece of branding—and with hoodies, “better” means thoughtfully designed. Choosing the right brand is the first step in hoodie design, so find the right brand and style that provides the canvas best suited for the type of printing you need at a cost that fits your (and your buyers’) budget.
FAQ
Which brand is best for hoodies?
The best brand for hoodies depends on your goals for the hoodies. If you want sportier hoodies, opt for brands made with moisture-wicking materials, while if you want fashion-forward or everyday hoodies, choose brands that offer soft and cozy materials.
Which printing is best on hoodies?
There are a variety of ways to print on hoodies and sweatshirts. These include direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, embroidery and heat transfer. The best method depends on the complexity of the design and the material of the hoodie or sweatshirt. Learn more about decoration techniques to choose the right one for your printing project.
What should I look for in hoodie printing options?
Look for brands that offer what you want, like unisex hoodies, a wide variety of colors or printing on both sides. Then, determine which brands fit your budget.
Which brands offer the best blank hoodies for high-quality custom prints?
JERZEES, Carhartt and Independent Trading Co. are just three of the 10+ brands that offer the best blank hoodies for printing. Explore our selection of custom hoodie brands and styles to find which fits your brand and goals best.
What fabric types for hoodies are best for printing?
Generally, cotton is best for printing, especially direct-to-garment and heat transfer methods. Most hoodies available are made from a combination of cotton and polyester.
Are there eco-friendly options for blank hoodies?
Yes. Choose hoodies made with recycled materials for an eco-friendly option.
Can I order blank hoodies in bulk for a better price?
Yes. The discount varies by style, quality and brand. We offer bulk pricing for most hoodies and sweatshirts.
