Custom Hoodie Guide: Fabrics, Fits, Weights and Decoration
Fleece or French terry, which weight, which fit, zip or pullover, and which decoration: everything to decide before ordering custom hoodies.
The hoodie is the best-selling piece in most clothing brands and merch ranges, and the one customers judge most closely. This custom hoodie guide covers every decision, from fabric to finishing.
Fleece or French terry?
- Fleece is brushed inside, which makes it soft and warm. It suits autumn and winter.
- French terry has loops inside, so it is lighter, more breathable and less prone to pilling. It suits spring and summer and pairs well with custom shorts.
Which weight (GSM)?
| Weight | Typical GSM | Feel |
|---|---|---|
| Midweight | 280–350 gsm | Comfortable, all-year |
| Heavyweight | 380–500 gsm | Thick, structured, premium streetwear |
Our custom hoodies are made in midweight to heavyweight fabric. For streetwear, heavyweight is usually the right call.
Fits and styles
- Regular: classic and versatile.
- Boxy or oversized: dropped shoulders and a wider body for streetwear.
- Cropped: popular for womenswear and athleisure.
- Pullover or zip-up: zips are practical for teams and outerwear layering.
Decoration
- Embroidery: a premium chest logo that lasts.
- Puff print: a raised 3D finish loved by streetwear brands.
- Screen print: bold, durable graphics, especially on the back.
- DTF: full-colour artwork with fine detail.
- Chenille patches: a collegiate look that pairs with custom varsity jackets.
Make it a set
Matching joggers turn a hoodie into a higher-value outfit. custom hoodie sets are cut from the same fabric batch so colours match, and custom trousers can be ordered separately. Prefer no hood? custom crewneck sweatshirts and custom crewneck sweat sets offer the same fabrics in a cleaner shape.
Finishing details
Double-layer hoods, flat drawcords, custom aglets, woven neck labels and hang tags make a hoodie feel retail-ready. Pack each one in branded mailer boxes or ecommerce mailer boxes for a premium unboxing.
Ordering checklist
- Fabric: fleece or French terry.
- Weight: midweight or heavyweight.
- Fit and style.
- Colour and decoration.
- Size breakdown (minimum 20 pieces per style, sizes mixed).
- Labels, tags and packaging.
Ready? Get a free apparel quote or browse hoodies and sweatshirts. Building a full range? See our custom merch ideas.
Colours and dyeing
Black, grey marl, navy and washed neutrals are the safest sellers. Bold colours work brilliantly for limited drops. Garment-dyed and pigment-dyed hoodies have a soft, lived-in look that suits streetwear and vintage-inspired brands. Ask for a sample in your chosen colour, because colours can look different in person than on screen.
Sizing and size breakdowns
Hoodie fits vary a lot between brands, so share a size chart with customers. For a first order of 20 pieces, a common split is S 3, M 6, L 6, XL 4, 2XL 1, adjusted for your audience. Oversized fits often sell more in medium and large, because customers size up or down for the look they want.
Caring for custom hoodies
Include a care label and recommend washing inside out at 30°C and avoiding the tumble dryer for printed hoodies. Embroidery is the most durable decoration for frequent washing, which is why it is popular for team and staff hoodies.
Hoodies for different uses
- Streetwear brands: heavyweight, boxy fit, puff print or embroidery.
- Merch drops: midweight to heavyweight, screen-printed back graphic.
- Teams and staff: midweight, embroidered chest logo, zip-up options.
- Gyms: French terry, cropped or regular fit. See our custom gym wear guide.
Frequently asked questions
What GSM is a good hoodie?
Around 280–350 gsm is midweight. 380 gsm and above feels heavyweight and premium.
Is embroidery or print better on a hoodie?
Embroidery is best for small chest logos. Screen print or DTF suit larger graphics.
What is the minimum order for custom hoodies?
20 pieces per style, with sizes mixed.
Can I get matching joggers?
Yes. Our hoodie sets are cut from the same fabric so the colours match.
Do custom hoodies shrink?
Cotton-rich hoodies can shrink slightly on the first wash. Pre-shrunk and blended fabrics reduce this.
Can I add a print on the hood?
Yes. The hood is available as a print or embroidery position.
