Bring your design ideas to life
Custom hoodies are one of the best-selling print-on-demand products and a smart way to level up your apparel line. But to get the quality and look your customers expect, it all starts with the right blank.
Printify makes it easy. With the largest selection of print-on-demand products – including tons of hoodie styles for DTG and all-over prints – you’ll find the perfect fit for your brand.
This guide will help you select the best blank hoodies for printing. Discover top picks, quality hoodie features, and tips on how to make a hoodie people love wearing.
Best hoodies for printing
Whether you’re looking for classic pullovers with spacious kangaroo pockets or a zip-up with adjustable drawstrings, we’ve got hoodie styles to match your brand – and your print method.
Printify’s hoodie selection is designed to work with direct-to-garment (DTG), dye sublimation (AOP), screen printing, and embroidery. Most combine cotton and polyester for durability, comfort, and a smooth surface for crisp, vibrant prints.
Want to know more about these universally worn garments? Here are our top hoodie picks to create your custom products.
1. Independent Trading Company SS4500 Unisex Hooded Sweatshirt
Independent Trading Company’s SS4500 is one of our best blank hoodies for custom printing, loved for its quality and speedy fulfillment.
It has ribbed cuffs, a shape-retaining waistband, and double-stitched seams for extra durability. The fleece-lined hood and twill neck tape provide a soft, secure fit, ideal for all-day comfort.
This midweight hoodie, made from an 80% cotton, 20% polyester fleece blend with a 100% cotton surface, provides a smooth, breathable base for DTG printing. It’s a great choice for both style and functionality.
2. AWDIS JH001 Unisex College Hoodie
This AWDIS hoodie has one of the most versatile color choices, making it an excellent choice for designing high-quality fleeces with unique designs.
The Unisex College Hoodie features a loose fit for a casual look. It’s lightweight and comfy, offering a relaxed style with a spacious pouch pocket. Added side seams help the fabric retain its shape even after repeated use.
The 80% cotton and 20% polyester mixed blend is perfect for custom designs using DTG printing.
3. Stanley/Stella Unisex Cruiser 2.0 Hoodie
This hoodie is a premium, environmentally friendly option for anyone looking to sell high-quality sweatshirts.
The heavyweight hoodie is made from 100% organic ringspun and combed cotton for a luxurious feel. It’s also fabric-washed, making the garment extra soft and durable.
It has a regular fit, a kangaroo pocket, and fashionable design details such as round drawcords with metal tipping, metal eyelets, and a half-moon panel at the neck for a polished look.
With its smooth surface and sustainable materials, this hoodie makes an ideal canvas for DTG printing. Great for customers who value comfort, quality, and responsible sourcing.
4. AS Colour 5101 Unisex Supply Hoodie
The AS Colour 5101 blank hoodie is manufactured with heavier fabrics for extra warmth – ideal for layering in cooler weather.
It has an 80% cotton and 20% polyester anti-pill fleece composition, treated to prevent thread clumping on the fabric surface. The Supply Hoodie is also preshrunk, giving you a long-lasting garment that’ll hold its shape over time.
The ribbed cuffs at the sleeves limit excessive stretching after daily use. It’s a simple, great-quality hoodie for everyday wear.
5. Champion S700 Champion Hoodie
A go-to for fans of classic streetwear, the Champion S700 is a regular-fit hoodie built for everyday comfort. It features the brand’s signature Double Dry® technology to keep wearers warm and dry throughout the day.
Ribbed cuffs and a stretchy waistband help the hoodie retain its shape, while the iconic “C” logo design on the left sleeve adds a subtle, premium branding element that shoppers love.
The hoodie is also super durable, with a 50/50 cotton and polyester blend. It’s knitted without any side seams, giving the garment a clean and seamless look while reducing fabric waste.
How to choose which blank hoodies to print on
Not sure which hoodie to add to your store? Each product listing in our Catalog has all the information you need, from colors and customization techniques to Print Provider locations and estimated delivery times – helping you shortlist your hoodie selection.
or a deeper dive, check out some of our dedicated product reviews. These articles break down standout features and help you compare our top hoodie choices head-to-head:
– Champion sweatshirt and hoodie review
– Hanes vs Fruit of the Loom review
– Gildan hoodies product review
Here’s a quick outline of some of the most crucial criteria to help you choose from the best hoodies on the market:
- Printing techniques: DTG is great for cotton, sublimation needs polyester, and embroidery works best on heavyweight styles.
- Material and color: Choose ringspun cotton for softness and cotton-polyester blends for added durability. For color choices, light tones complement vibrant prints, while black hoodies are a staple for bold, minimalist designs.
- Hoodie styles: Classic pullovers are a great choice for large prints, whereas zip-ups are ideal for layering and simpler logos.
- Print area: Hoodies with large front and back panels give you more space for bold, detailed designs. Just be mindful of seams, pockets, and stitching that can disrupt the print.
- Size and fit: Regular, classic, athletic fit, and loose fits each offer a different silhouette and comfort level. Check the product’s fit description and size chart to match customer expectations.
- Brand and Print Provider: Stick with trusted clothing brands known for their premium materials and quality fabric. To save time and money on shipping, look for Print Providers with fulfillment locations in your area.
Hoodie printing techniques
We use various printing techniques to produce quality hoodies, each with its own strengths for different styles and aesthetics.
Direct-to-garment (DTG) uses water-based inks to apply prints directly to the fabric surface, much like printing on paper. It’s excellent for creating one-off designs and detailed artwork at affordable price points.
DTG prints will look better on garments that are either 100% cotton or have a high cotton fiber percentage, allowing the water-based ink to properly absorb.
Embroidery uses tightly stitched threads to create textured, raised designs – ideal for logos, monograms, or minimalist graphics.
It works best on thicker fabrics and adds a premium, long-lasting finish to hoodies that stands out without fading or peeling over time.
Dye sublimation (AOP) uses an all-over print technique – a heat-press method that applies dyes under high pressure. The process transforms the inks to become part of the fabric surface, leaving a soft finish on polyester garments.
You can apply prints on the entire fabric surface, like camo, tie-dye, or patterned designs. Here are our top AOP sublimation hoodie picks:
- AOP Unisex Pullover Hoodie: Custom cut before sewing for a seamless all-over print and relaxed fit. Made from an 86% polyester, 14% cotton blend that holds its shape and stays soft after washing.
- AOP Fashion Hoodie: Lightweight and budget-friendly with a double-needle top-stitch for added durability. Made from a 75% polyester, 20% cotton, 5% spandex blend for a flexible, comfortable fit.
- AOP Unisex Zip Hoodie: A classic fit zip-up with bold contrast details. It’s great for layering over graphic tees – just remember to design with the center zipper in mind. Features an 86% polyester, 14% cotton blend.
Best materials and colors for printing on blank hoodies
When picking hoodie blanks for your store, fabric weight and fiber content directly affect comfort, durability, and how the garment wears over time. Most wholesale hoodies fall in the 8-9 oz medium to medium-heavyweight range, offering a cozy feel without being too bulky.
Material breakdown
- Cotton-heavy blends (or 100% cotton) feel soft, breathable, and are ideal for casual wear. They tend to age well with washing, getting even softer over time.
- Polyester blends add durability, wrinkle resistance, and help hoodies retain their shape. These are great for activewear or streetwear styles that need to withstand frequent use.
- Fabrics with added spandex offer more stretch, especially for quality blank activewear, which enhances flexibility and comfort.
Color options
Base color availability varies by Print Provider. Some offer a limited set of neutrals for minimal or brand-focused designs, while others provide bolder shades like navy, fire red, bottle green, or sun yellow to help your products stand out. For full color freedom, select an AOP-compatible hoodie.
Hoodie style options: Pullover vs zip-up
Hoodies generally come in two main styles – pullover hoodies and zip-up hoodies. The Printify Catalog offers both options.
Pullover hoodies are a timeless staple with a cozy, laid-back fit. They’re ideal for bold, eye-catching designs across the chest or back and work well for any audience and niche, from streetwear to branded slogans.
Zip-up hoodies offer a more versatile, layer-friendly look. They’re great for minimalist designs like logos, especially when placed on the chest or sleeve. Since the zipper splits the design space, they’re better suited for subtle branding than large, centered graphics.
Whether for streetwear, gym wear, or casual daily wear, always consider your target customers’ preferences.
Hoodie print areas: Front, back, sleeves
All of our DTG blank hoodie options have a front and back print area. The front print area starts a few inches from the neckline and extends to the pouch pocket. The back print begins just above the shoulder blades and extends to the middle back.
In both cases, we recommend centering your design to limit fabric bleed. Strategically use negative space to reduce print distortion and draw focus to your artwork or branding. This creates a clean, professional look.
Hoodie size and fit
Determine the needs of your target demographic and check for exact measurements on the product page, as hoodie sizes will vary by Print Provider.
Unisex hoodies are generally suitable for all body types. Meanwhile, men’s and women’s hoodies are tailored with specific seam placements and proportions (like narrower shoulders or a tapered waist) to provide a more comfortable fit for that specific customer base.
Hoodies also come in a variety of styles, each offering a different look and feel:
- Regular fit: A more tailored cut that follows the body’s shape for a polished, modern look.
- Classic fit: Slightly roomier with a relaxed silhouette, great for that classic pullover style.
- Loose fit: More baggy and oversized for casual, cozy, or streetwear-inspired designs.
Hoodie brands and Print Providers
What sets a hoodie apart as a consistent bestseller? Beyond style and fit, successful POD merchants look for brands and Print Providers that offer reliability, flexibility, and profit potential.
Here are the key factors to consider when choosing:
- Brand awareness: Recognized brands ike Champion, Hanes, Stanley/Stella, or Gildan often carry built-in trust. Customers associate them with quality, which adds perceived value.
- Customization features: With more print areas and color options, merch makers can experiment and produce quality designs that match their creative vision.
- Print locations: Providers with global coverage or a large number of regional fulfillment centers offer quick delivery times and have more affordable shipping options.
- Manufacturing costs: Lower base prices give you room to stay competitive while still growing your profit margins. It’s one of the biggest factors for building a successful hoodie business.
FAQ
Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing is often considered the best for detailed artwork. It’s ideal for hoodies made of ringspun cotton or a cotton-polyester blend with a smooth fabric surface.
Dye sublimation is most effective for vibrant, full-coverage prints on polyester-based hoodies. Meanwhile, embroidery is excellent for subtle branding that adds a premium, durable finish.
Plastisol ink produces bold, long-lasting prints on most materials. For a more breathable and softer feel, use water-based inks on ringspun cotton or midweight hoodies.
Gildan offers durable, versatile garments with reduced pilling that’s great for year-round wear. Jerzees has a lighter feel and is better for warmer weather.
If you’re looking for versatile, universally worn garments with a perfect blend of comfort and durability, Gildan is a solid choice.
DTG for detailed art, sublimation for full-coverage designs, screen printing for bold text or logos, and embroidery for a premium finish. Check out our selection of blank hoodies to print on to discover different styles.
Absolutely. Screen printing works particularly well on midweight hoodies with a tight-knit surface, such as those made of air jet yarn or ringspun cotton. It’s a cost-effective method for bulk orders and creates sharp, long-lasting designs.
For hoodie styles that are ideal for screen printing, visit our custom hoodies page.
Conclusion
The perfect hoodie starts with the right choices – print method, fabric, fit, and style. Our top hoodie picks in this guide offer a solid mix of comfort, quality, and print compatibility, making them ideal for different audiences and designs.
Create your own hoodie line for free with Printify. Choose from a huge selection of blank hoodies, upload your designs, and start selling while we handle printing, packing, and shipping.
Looking for other blank apparel? Explore our guide on the best white label products to build a fully branded, versatile storefront with your custom clothing designs.
