The 101 on hoodies

Of all the outer garments, arguably none is more comforting than the humble hoodie. Simple and snug, they are the extra layer of choice for many during the winter months. So what better choice, then, for your business’ branded merch? 

Thinking about creating custom hoodies for your business but not sure where to start? Got a dream design but not sure how to bring it to life? 

At ICON, we’ve created custom hoodies and sweaters for countless clients, spanning from tech startups to art galleries. Here are our top tips of things to consider when designing and choosing garments for hoodies.

Make some space

You have less space for your design on a hoodie compared to a t-shirt, because it’s not possible to print on the kangaroo pouch pocket on the front. (There are hoodies which offer side pockets on either side as an alternative, giving you some extra space on the front, but we find most clients prefer the classic single pocket style.)  

Want to print on the sleeves?

If you want to print on the sleeves of your hoodies, this is only possible with screen printing. This means that direct-to-garment (DTG) isn’t an option, which could have implications in terms of the style of your design and the number of units you’re planning to print. 

In terms of design, some designs are better suited to one printing method than the other, with simple designs better suited to screen printing, and more complex images better suited to DTG. In terms of cost, DTG is cheaper on small numbers of units, but above a certain number screen printing becomes cheaper per unit. (For more on this, head here for our article weighing up the benefits of screen printing versus DTG.)

How heavy?

It should come as no surprise that many of our clients are particular about the weight of their custom hoodies. After all, you want your customers to be suitably snug and comfortable. ICON can supply hoodies ranging from 280 to 350 GSM (grams per square metre), the top end being a chunky, heavyweight garment catering to those who want their garments especially thick.

Choosing your fabric

Most hoodies are a blend of fabrics, usually around 80% cotton and 20% polyester or other synthetic fabric. The reason for this is that it gives a nice balance in terms of breathable cotton and flexibility. If you’re dead set on 100% natural fibres, however, then it is possible to get straight up cotton too. 

Other customisation ideas

There are other ways in which you can stamp your brand onto your hoodies. One way is to add tags or labels to the cuffs, a great way to give hoodies a bespoke feel. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to print on the hoods or the cuffs. But if you have any other queries about customisation, we can discuss with you and let you know what’s possible.

Want to create custom merch for your brand or business? ICON Printing offer fast turnaround printing on a range of garments, counting clients ranging from the Tate to Boiler Room and WeWork. Get a quote in 2 minutes online.