Hoodies are a casual wardrobe staple. But they can also be a versatile tool for branding and promotion. Whether you’re looking to create team uniforms, event giveaways or branded merchandise you can sell in-store or online, hooded sweatshirts are comfortable, practical and stylish with a large canvas for branding. Because there are different types of hoodies available, we’ll explore hoodie types by style, material, fit and purpose, and explain how each type can help elevate your business.
- A great branding tool, hoodies are versatile, comfortable and durable. They allow businesses to create memorable, wearable merchandise that resonates with their audience.
- Different hoodie styles include pullover, full-zip, oversized and fitted. Different types of hoodies have a different purpose, whether it’s everyday casual wear, employee uniforms or activewear.
- Hooded sweatshirts vary by material, such as lightweight, heavyweight, performance or fleece. Different fabrics suit different audiences, seasons and events.
- High-quality hoodies look professional and are great for long-term brand visibility. By investing in durable materials and premium printing, your hoodies will leave a lasting impression on customers.
Different types of hoodie by style
Hoodies come in different styles, from pullovers to short sleeves, with each one offering something unique for your business branding. Whether you’re after a classic or on-trend look, choosing the right hoodie style for your business depends on the intended use, your audience and branding needs. Oversized hoodies suit younger customers, while professional full-zip options are ideal for employees.
1. Pullover hoodies
A timeless choice, pullover hoodies are simple, cozy and versatile. With no zippers, this classic hoodie style is perfect for team uniforms or premium promotional giveaways. The universal appeal of pullover hoodies means they work well for casual and professional settings, making them a great option for most branding needs.
Source: via VistaPrint
2. Full-zip hoodies
Hooded sweatshirts with full-length zippers combine practicality with style, making them a popular choice for versatile branded merch. These hoodies can be layered over branded T-shirts or polos, allowing employees or customers to adjust their look. Zip-up hoodies appeal to a wide audience and are especially useful for outdoor events or everyday use.
Source: via VistaPrint
3. Oversized hoodies
Oversized hoodies have a modern, relaxed vibe that’s popular with younger audiences. Their roomy fit makes them comfortable and easy to wear, whether at home or on the go, and offers an even larger canvas to print your logo on. A great choice for branded casual wear, these hoodies give businesses a trendy edge while offering maximum comfort.
Source: Hoodie by Digital Man via 99designs by Vista
4. Short-sleeve hoodies
Sleeveless hoodies are a twist on the traditional hoodie style, combining the comfort of a pullover hoodie with the breathability of shorter sleeves. This modern hoodie style is perfect for gym merchandise, fitness apparel brands or summer event promotions where the full coverage of classic types of hoodies isn’t necessary. This hoodie style stands out as a fun and memorable choice for your branding or merch collection.
Source: For fitness brands, try this Sport-Tek short-sleeved hoodie via VistaPrint
5. Fitted hoodies
Fitted hoodies are a stylish option that offers a sleek, tailored look that works well for premium branding, job fair giveaways or corporate gifts. Designed to fit snugly to the body, fitted hoodies are a great way to showcase your brand in a modern and professional way. Fitted hoodies are also often made from lightweight materials, making them easier to transport.
Source: Branded fitted hoodie via VistaPrint
Types of hoodies by material
The type of material you choose can influence its functionality, comfort and overall appeal. Choosing the right fabric will mean that your hoodies meet the needs of your target audience while reflecting the quality of your brand, improving brand perception.
6. Lightweight hoodies
Lightweight hoodies are ideal for layering, especially in warmer climates. Breathable, lightweight fabric means these hooded sweatshirts can be worn year-round and are more practical for team uniforms or trade shows. Lightweight hoodies are also more compact, making them easier to store and transport in bulk, perfect for event giveaways or on-the-go branding efforts.
Source: Hoodie design by R28 via 99designs by Vista
7. Heavyweight hoodies
Heavyweight hoodies are designed for durability and warmth—the thick material means they last longer and provide extra comfort—making them an excellent choice for cold weather climates or winter promotions in colder months. Premium brands like Carhartt are known for their high-quality heavyweight hoodies, making them a trusted choice for businesses that want to leave a lasting impression with their branded apparel.
Source: via VistaPrint
8. Performance hoodies
Designed for active lifestyles, performance hoodies feature moisture-wicking and breathable fabrics that keep wearers comfortable during physical and outdoor activities, perfect for fitness or sports brands. Some performance hoodie brands combine practicality with style to represent your brand in the best light.
Source: via VistaPrint
9. Fleece hoodies
Fleece is the ultimate comfort material, making it the go-to choice for cozy branded hoodies and cold climate giveaways. The soft, plush fabric adds a luxurious feel that appeals to audiences who value comfort. Fleece hoodies are particularly popular for employee gifts or premium merchandise.
Source: via VistaPrint
Hoodies by design
Custom hoodie designs can help make your branding shine. With options for bold graphics, minimalist logos and creative layouts, the design possibilities are endless.
10. Color block hoodies
Color block hoodies combine contrasting colors to create a striking visual effect. This works well for brands wanting to stand out while maintaining a clean, modern look.
Use your brand colors for the color blocks, increasing brand recognition.
Source: via VistaPrint
11. Hoodies with a back design
Hoodies with back designs are perfect for showcasing large logos, taglines or artwork. The back of hoodies has plenty of space to communicate your brand message in a bold, eye-catching and impactful way. Back designs are subtle enough that promotional hoodies can become everyday wear.
These awesome hoodie design ideas will help create merchandise that leaves a lasting impression.
Source: via VistaPrint
12. Hoodies with a front design and pocket
Combining functionality and style, hoodies with a front design and kangaroo pocket are a great way to print your brand logo on a practical piece of clothing. These types of hoodies are especially effective for casual wear, as they help your branded hoodie design get noticed without feeling overly promotional.
Logos, bold graphics, trending fonts and on-trend colors or color combinations are popular ways to help your brand stand out, while back designs and color-block hoodies are creative ways to display your logo.
Source: via VistaPrint
Hoodies by use and purpose
Different types of hoodies can serve various purposes, from promotional tools to practical employee uniforms. Choosing the right type of hoodie for your business depends on how and where you plan to use it.
13. Event promotion
Branded hoodies are an excellent way to build excitement and awareness around an event or when you’re launching a business. With your logo and event details prominently displayed, these types of hoodies can act as walking marketing tools. They’re especially useful for launch events, trade shows or seasonal campaigns, where creating a sense of exclusivity can boost engagement.
14. Event giveaways
Hoodies make fantastic small business promotional items for event giveaways because they’re practical, memorable and highly valued by recipients, providing long-lasting exposure. High-quality giveaways at events, like product launches or local events and pop-ups, help attendees create positive associations with your brand.
Source: via VistaPrint
Discover more company swag ideas to help turn event attendees into brand ambassadors and check out our guide to the best promotional products and trends to help choose the best swag for your brand.
15. Employee uniforms
Branded hoodies are also a great way to create a professional look for your team. They’re comfortable enough for day-to-day wear and versatile enough for events or customer-facing roles. Hoodies can also create a sense of unity and pride among employees, improving your company culture while promoting your brand.
Source: via VistaPrint
16. Merchandise
Selling branded hoodies as merchandise can transform your customers into brand ambassadors while increasing revenue. Print your logo on hoodies to promote your business in a subtle yet impactful way. Hoodies make a great addition to your merchandise line because they combine functionality and style and are popular wearable merch customers love.
Source: via VistaPrint
Which type of hoodie is best for your needs?
Choosing the right hoodie style for your business depends on several factors, including its intended use, your audience and budget. Understanding these factors can help your hoodies align with your branding pillars and goals.
Hoodies for corporate events, for example, should be practical and versatile, such as pullover hoodies that appeal to a broad audience. For team uniforms, lightweight or layerable options like full-zip or fitted hoodies are comfy and functional, while performance hoodies work well for sports events or team-building activities. If you’re creating promotional items, lightweight hoodies can be cost-effective and are easier to distribute at trade shows or events.
Consider your audience
Your audience also plays a key role in your hoodie design. Younger customers might prefer oversized designs or bold color-block styles, while corporate audiences might appreciate high-quality, fitted hoodies. For event attendees, a simple pullover hoodie with your logo can strike the right balance between practical and wearable.
Select the right hoodie brand
Finally, think about the brand of hoodie you want to print your branding on, so make sure to choose from the best blank hoodies for printing, including trusted names like Carhartt, Bella + Canvas, Sport-Tek and Port Authority. These brands are known for their high-quality materials and reliable fits, so your hoodies look professional and last longer. Using a reputable brand reflects positively on your business and helps communicate quality, building trust.
Why your hoodies should be high-quality
When it comes to branded hoodies, quality matters. A high-quality hoodie looks better and guarantees comfort and durability, which translates to longer-lasting brand exposure. Cheaper materials can lead to fading designs, shrinking or discomfort, which could negatively impact how people perceive your brand. Performance, fleece and heavyweight hoodies are excellent premium choices, especially for businesses that want to make a lasting impression and build meaningful relationships with employees, customers or clients.
Ready to create your custom hoodies?
Creating branded hoodies has never been easier. With VistaPrint’s design templates and intuitive design tools, it’s easy to customize hoodies with your branding, whether you’re uploading your logo or creating an entirely new artwork. With our wide range of customizable hoodie styles, from classic pullovers to performance styles designed for activewear, you’ll find options to suit your audience and purpose.
Each hoodie is designed with quality in mind, so your final product is as comfortable as it is stylish. Considering the style and functionality of the hoodie alongside your business needs means your design will make a lasting impact. Help your hoodie design to stand out by partnering with a premium printing service.
FAQs
Which type of hoodie is best for merchandise?
The best hoodie for merchandise depends on your branding needs and audience. Pullover hoodies are a classic choice for their universal appeal, while full-zip hoodies are practical and work well layered over branded T-shirts. Oversized hoodies can appeal to younger audiences and performance hoodies with moisture-wicking materials are a great option for fitness brands.
What are the most popular hoodies?
Popular hoodie types include fleece and heavyweight hoodies, which offer durability and comfort. Color block patterns, minimalist logos and hoodies with back designs are currently trending. Read our article on the best blank hoodies for printing to help pick the right hoodie for your brand!
What are high-quality hoodies?
High-quality hoodies are made from durable materials like heavyweight cotton, fleece or moisture-wicking performance blends. Look for trusted brands like Carharrt or Sport-Tek for reliable hoodies that last longer and maintain their shape and comfort over time. Explore our selection of custom hoodies and sweatshirts, and enjoy easy steps from personalization with our intuitive design studio to print.
How do I print a design on a hoodie?
Printing a design on a hoodie is easy with VistaPrint. Start by selecting the hoodie style and color that best fits your brand. Then, use the intuitive design tools to upload your logo or create a custom design. Preview how your design will look on the hoodie before printing.
