What to Know Before Ordering Custom Hoodies for Your Team

What to Know Before Ordering Custom Hoodies for Your Team

Custom hoodies are one of the most requested merch items we produce, and it makes sense. People love hoodies. They're comfortable, practical, and they get worn constantly. A good branded hoodie doesn't sit in a drawer. It becomes someone's go-to layer for the office, weekends, and everything in between.

But there's a lot to think about before you place an order. Fabric weight, style, decoration, sizing. Getting these details right is the difference between a hoodie your team fights over and one that collects dust.

Pullover vs. Full-Zip: Which One?

Pullover Hoodies

The classic hoodie. Pullovers have a larger, uninterrupted front surface which gives you more room for logo placement and design. They tend to look more casual and feel cozier. If your goal is a hoodie that people throw on over a t-shirt on lazy Sundays, pullovers are the way to go.

• Best for: Casual teams, events, giveaways, streetwear-inspired brands
• Logo placement: Front chest (left or center), back, or large front graphic

Full-Zip Hoodies

Zip-ups are more versatile for layering, especially in office environments where people might want to take it on and off throughout the day. They're also easier to put on (no messing up your hair). The zipper does split the front, so large chest designs don't work as well. Left chest embroidery or a back print is the standard.

• Best for: Corporate environments, employee uniforms, layering
• Logo placement: Left chest, back, or sleeve

Fabric Types and Weight

Fleece (Most Popular)

The vast majority of custom hoodies are made from fleece, either cotton-poly blend or 100% cotton. Fleece is warm, soft, and takes both screen printing and embroidery well.

• Midweight fleece (7 to 8oz): Great for three-season wear. Not too heavy, not too light.
• Heavyweight fleece (9 to 10oz): Thick, warm, and premium feeling. Best for cold climates or when you want that substantial, high-quality feel.

French Terry

Lighter and more breathable than traditional fleece. French terry hoodies have a looped interior instead of a brushed one. They're ideal for spring and fall, indoor environments, or climates that don't get too cold. They have a more modern, fitted look.

Performance / Athletic

Brands like Nike and Under Armour offer moisture-wicking hoodies made from polyester blends. These are great for athletic teams, gyms, and active lifestyles. They dry faster and resist odor better than cotton, but they don't have the same cozy feel.

Decoration Options

Screen Printing

The most common method for hoodies. Screen printing gives you bold, vibrant colors and works great for chest logos, back prints, and sleeve details. It's cost-effective at higher quantities and the print lays flat on the fabric.

Embroidery

Embroidery adds a premium, textured look that screen printing can't replicate. It's the standard for corporate hoodies and anything that needs to look polished. Keep designs simple for embroidery since fine details and small text can get lost in the stitching. Left chest placement is the classic move.

DTG (Direct to Garment)

Best for full-color, detailed designs or photo prints. DTG works like an inkjet printer for fabric. It's more expensive per unit than screen printing but there are no setup fees, making it a good option for small orders or one-off designs.

Sizing: Don't Guess

Sizing is where a lot of hoodie orders go wrong. Here are some tips:

• Always order a size run sample before committing to a large order. Different brands fit differently. A Large in Gildan fits nothing like a Large in Nike.
• Account for unisex sizing. Most wholesale hoodies are unisex (men's cut). If you have a mixed team, consider offering women's cut as well or going with a more relaxed fit that works for everyone.
• Collect sizes in advance. Don't guess. Send a quick form to your team and let them pick their own size. It avoids the inevitable "can I exchange this?" emails.
• Order a few extras in M, L, and XL. These are the most common sizes and having spares on hand saves you from placing a small reorder later.

Pricing: What to Budget

• Budget hoodies (Gildan Heavy Blend): $20 to $35 each with decoration
• Mid-range (Independent Trading, Bella Canvas): $30 to $55 each
• Premium (Champion Powerblend, Nike Club Fleece): $50 to $95 each
• Performance (Nike Therma-FIT, Under Armour): $60 to $110 each

Prices drop significantly at 72 and 144 unit quantities. If you're ordering for a company of any size, you're likely hitting those price breaks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Going too cheap: A thin, scratchy hoodie reflects poorly on your brand. People won't wear it and you've wasted your money.
• Overdesigning: A giant logo covering the entire chest isn't a good look. Keep it clean. Left chest logo or a tasteful back print. Less is more.
• Ignoring fabric color: Dark logos on dark hoodies don't pop. Make sure your logo color contrasts well with the hoodie color.
• Not planning for sizes: Ordering a flat distribution of S through XXL never matches reality. Most orders skew M, L, XL.

The Bottom Line

A custom hoodie is one of the best investments you can make in branded merch. Done right, it becomes the most-worn piece of clothing in someone's closet. Focus on quality, keep the design clean, and get the sizing right. Everything else is details.

Ready to get started on custom hoodies for your team? Hit us up at orders@gocustommerch.com and we'll help you pick the perfect setup.