Custom hoodies and sweatshirts are a great choice for just about every business, whether you’re creating merch, unique giveaway pieces, employee uniforms or customizable print-on-demand pieces. But which brand offers the best blank hoodies for printing?
Different hoodie brands have different benefits, so we’ve compiled a list of high-quality blank hoodies with selection advice for you to find the best fit for your business or project. In 2026, “best” isn’t just about price or brand name – it’s about how well the hoodie works as a premium canvas for your graphic and print type.
- There’s no one-size-fits-all best blank hoodie: Your ideal pick depends on your audience, budget and the look you want your print to have.
- Fabric matters: A smooth cotton face usually makes prints look cleaner, while polyester-heavy hoodies behave differently and may require different inks or print settings.
- GSM (fabric weight) is a fast shortcut to feel: Whether light, mid or heavy, GSM changes drape, warmth and perceived quality.
- The best hoodie brand is one that fits your needs: We cover budget-friendly options, brands with the best variety and durable hoodies.
What to consider when choosing your custom hoodie
Before we get to our recommendations on hoodie brands, let’s clarify what you need your hoodies to do. When selecting the best hoodies and sweatshirts for your project and brand, there are several factors to consider: who is wearing them, what the design graphic is like, how it will be printed, how much a hoodie costs and what type of hoodie is best for all of the above! To help make sense, let’s dive deeper into each.
Target audience
First, consider who will wear these hoodies and sweatshirts and when:
- Are they athletes who will wear them to the gym or on the field?
- Are they fashion-forward and looking for a sharper fit?
- Are they a single demographic, i.e., adult men, or are they all ages and sexes? Inclusive sizing is an important factor to consider.
- Are they your brand’s customers or employees? If it’s the latter, are the hoodies part of their uniform? Think about durability and the environment where they’ll be worn – for example, people working outside in cold climates need a heavier-weight hoodie.
- Do they want to represent your brand with merch?
Not sure if your brand needs hoodies? Check out this guide on choosing the right merch for your brand.
Hoodie design and style
Once you’ve dialed in who the hoodies are for, the next consideration is design and style:
- What will the design be? Your logo? A simple graphic? A photo?
- Where will the design go?
- What hoodie style complements the design? Will they be zip or pullover hoodies? Some brands only offer a few styles, while others offer a range.
- Solid color or multi-colored? Again, some brands offer a variety of colors (and color combinations!), while others offer only a handful.
Consider which T-shirt printing technique you’ll use to print your design onto your hoodie or sweatshirt. Generally, direct-to-garment (DTG) is best for photos and complex designs, while screen printing is often considered ideal for logos and simpler graphics. If you’re planning to embroider designs onto them, brands like Adidas or Sport-Tek are more conducive to embroidery. Similarly, if your design vision includes backside printing or any specific graphic placement, you need to find a brand that offers the placement you want.
A trending tip for 2026: Oversized and boxy fits give you more flat real estate for front prints and tend to photograph better for product pages.
Need some inspiration? Check out these awesome hoodie design ideas to inspire your project!
Fabric
After you’ve determined who will wear your hoodies, your design and the best style, think about your technical sweatshirt and fabric needs. Hoodie features to consider include:
- Do you need moisture-wicking material? This is important for athletic wear.
- Do you need them to be water-resistant? This is important for hoodies and sweatshirts worn outdoors.
- How durable do they need to be? If the wearer will be working in it, it needs to be more durable than a fashion hoodie.
If you want consistently high-quality blank hoodies, start with the fabric face, because that’s what your ink actually sits on. For the cleanest, most predictable results, most creators prefer a smooth cotton face (often ring-spun cotton or cotton-face blends). It holds detail better, makes colors look richer and usually feels nicer against the skin.
Cotton tends to play well with both DTG and screen printing, while polyester can be more finicky. Polyester still wins for performance and athletic wear, but if you’re chasing that retail-looking graphic, cotton is usually the safer bet.
GSM and weight
GSM (grams per square meter) is basically fabric weight, and it’s one of the fastest ways to predict how a hoodie will feel and wear. Higher GSM usually means thicker, warmer and more substantial: the kind of hoodie that drapes better, holds its shape longer and reads as more premium the moment someone puts it on.
Weight also affects print results: heavier fabrics tend to lay flatter and look more structured, while lighter ones can feel more casual and may show more movement in the print area. If you’re building a clothing line, this is why heavier weight, tighter knits and a smooth cotton-face finish often signal the highest quality blank hoodies.
Print considerations
Design placement isn’t just an art decision. It’s a print decision. For large front graphics, pullovers usually win because you get one uninterrupted print area. Zip-ups can still look great, but you’re designing around the zipper, which often nudges you toward left-chest prints and a larger back print instead.
Fit matters here too, as roomier silhouettes (especially boxier cuts) give you more flat canvas, which helps big designs look cleaner and photograph better.
If you’d like more detailed printing advice, the same logic from T-shirt printing applies. Read our guides to custom T-shirt printing and types of T-shirt printing for comparing fabric feel, fit and finish across products.
Budget considerations
When choosing the best hoodies for printing, a few key factors can affect the final cost. Understanding these can help you balance quality, style and budget.
- Fabric weight: Heavier hoodies (often measured in ounces or GSM) use more material and tend to cost more. Lightweight hoodies are usually more affordable but may feel thinner or less durable.
- Style and construction: Details like full-zip vs. pullover styles, lined hoods, ribbed panels, or premium stitching can increase the price. Simpler styles generally keep costs lower.
- Materials: Cotton blends, fleece linings, and sustainable fabrics can all influence price. For example, organic cotton or specialty performance fabrics usually cost more than standard cotton-poly blends.
- Design complexity: The more detailed your artwork, the more it may cost to produce. Large graphics, multiple colors, or designs printed in several locations can raise production costs.
- Print technique: Different decoration methods vary in price. Screen printing is typically more affordable for bulk orders, while embroidery, puff print, or specialty inks may increase the cost per hoodie.
The 10 best blank hoodie and sweatshirt brands for printing
Whether you’re looking for affordable basics, a premium classic look or a brand with many options, we’ve narrowed down the top brands to help you choose the best option for your printing and small business needs.
1. JERZEES: Best brand for variety of styles
JERZEES offers a variety of hoodie and sweatshirt options, many of which are made with their patented pill-resistant NuBlend® fleece. This makes them warm and durable, perfect for cold weather. Because JERZEES offers a range of styles – like zip hoodies, colorblock hoodies, crewneck sweatshirts and more – any brand looking to offer a variety of choices can find what they need with JERZEES. Customize your JERZEES hoodie or sweatshirt with print or embroidery designs to truly make it your own.
Key characteristics:
- Weight: Midweight, 7.2 to 8 oz
- Materials: Soft cotton/poly blend, pre-shrunk NuBlend® pill-resistant fleece
- Sizes available: S-3XL, available for women, men and kids
- Styles: Zip hoodie, pullover hoodie, crewneck sweatshirt, quarter-zip sweatshirt
- Decoration techniques: Heat transfer, embroidery
- Decoration area: Full front, left chest
Popular options:
- NuBlend® Hooded Sweatshirt
- NuBlend® Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt
2. Independent Trading Co.: Best unique hoodies and sweatshirts
Among hoodie and sweatshirt manufacturers, Independent Trading Co. is the fun brand. Check out their raglan-style women’s California sweatshirt, their tie-dye options and their range of other hoodie and sweatshirt styles, many of which offer colors you won’t find elsewhere.
Key characteristics:
- Weight: Midweight, 7 to 8 oz
- Materials: Cotton-polyester blend
- Sizes available: XS-3XL, available for women and men
- Styles: Pullover hoodie, zip hoodie
- Decoration techniques: Heat transfer, embroidery, direct-to-garment
- Decoration area: Full front, left chest, backside
Popular options:
- Midweight unisex hoodie
- Heavyweight pigment-dyed hooded sweatshirt
3. Champion: Best for a classic and premium look
Champion has been a key player in the hoodie and sweatshirt world for decades now, so you can rest assured they know a thing or two about making a quality product. They might not have the widest range of styles or the most unique pieces, but when you go with Champion, you’re getting a classic look and feel. Champion is the way to go for brands whose buyers aren’t necessarily looking for something fancy but are looking for something solid from a longtime industry leader.
Key characteristics:
- Weight: Midweight, 9 to 12 oz
- Materials: Cotton-polyester blend
- Sizes available: S-4XL, available for men and women
- Styles: Pullover hoodie, crewneck sweatshirt
- Decoration techniques: Direct-to-garment, embroidery
- Decoration area: Full front, left chest, backside
Popular options:
- Powerblend® Unisex Hoodie
- Crewneck Sweatshirt
4. Carhartt: Best brand for workwear
Carhartt is best known for workwear, and their hoodies and sweatshirts are no exception. Carhartt doesn’t offer as many color choices as other brands, but they’re the way to go if you’re looking for something that’ll stand up to the elements.
Key characteristics:
- Weight: Midweight, 10.5 to 13 oz
- Materials: Cotton/polyester blend
- Sizes available: S-4XL, available for men
- Styles: Zip hoodie, pullover hoodie, crewneck sweatshirt
- Decoration techniques: Embroidery
- Decoration area: Left chest
Popular options:
- Loose-Fit Midweight Hoodie
- Midweight Crewneck Sweatshirt
- Loose-Fit Midweight Zip-Up Hoodie
5. Gildan: Best brand on a budget
Gildan offers lots of color, size and style options, which makes it great for any brand that wants to give its buyers lots of variety. It’s a reliable, affordable option that doesn’t compromise on quality. Certain Gildan styles are made with a moisture-wicking finish, making them an awesome choice for sports teams and anyone who’ll wear them outdoors.
Key characteristics:
- Weight: Midweight, up to 15 oz
- Materials: Cotton-polyester blend, DryBlend™ moisture-wicking fabric
- Sizes available: S-5XL, available for women, men and kids
- Styles: Crewneck sweatshirt, pullover hoodie, zip hoodie
- Decoration techniques: Heat transfer, embroidery
- Decoration area: Full front, left chest
Popular options:
- Heavy Blend™ Crew Neck Sweatshirt
- Heavy Blend™ Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt
- DryBlend™ Hoodie
- DryBlend™ Crewneck Sweatshirt
6. Bella + Canvas: Best hoodies and sweatshirts for a stylish look
When you want a tailored, stylish crewneck sweatshirt, zip hoodie or pullover, Bella + Canvas has you covered. These hoodies and sweatshirts are available in solid and heather colors, the latter of which have a higher cotton content for a softer feel. Between this, the raglan sleeves on their sweatshirt and other small yet fashion-forward details, Bella + Canvas is the best choice for stylish brands.
Key characteristics:
- Weight: 17.64 oz
- Materials: Ring-spun cotton-polyester blend
- Sizes available: S-2XL, unisex
- Styles: Pullover hoodie, crewneck sweatshirt, zip hoodie
- Decoration techniques: Embroidery, heat transfer
- Decoration area: Left chest, full front
Popular options:
- Unisex Poly/Cotton Hooded Pullover Sweatshirt
- Unisex Sponge Fleece Crewneck Sweatshirt
- Unisex Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt
7. District V.I.T.: Best brand for a soft, cozy feel
District V.I.T. is known for its super-soft fleece hoodies and sweatshirts. Among the best blank hoodies, District V.I.T. products are 100% cotton (or really close in their unique colors). District V.I.T.’s comfy fleece options can easily promote any brand, whether you’re designing hoodies for the team to wear at work or a coveted giveaway for your loyal followers.
Key characteristics:
- Weight: Midweight, 8.3 oz
- Materials: 100% cotton solids, cotton-polyester blends for heathers and royal frost
- Sizes available: XS-4XL
- Styles: Crewneck sweatshirt, pullover hoodie, zip hoodie, quarter-zip hoodie
- Decoration techniques: Heat transfer, embroidery
- Decoration area: Full front, left chest
Popular options:
- Fleece Quarter-Zip
- French Terry™ Hoodie
- Fleece Hoodie
8. Port & Company: Best brand for options in range of shapes and sizes
Port & Company offers a lot of hoodie and sweatshirt options, including a few you won’t find offered by other brands. For example, the Port & Company® Tall Essential Fleece Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt is available in a range of large and tall sizes. They also offer styles specifically cut for women and multiple styles in kids’ sizes. All in all, Port & Company is an awesome choice if you need to offer something for everybody.
Key characteristics:
- Weight: 7.8-9 oz
- Materials: Cotton blends (varies by style)
- Sizes available: XS-4XLT, available for men, women and kids
- Styles: Half zip pullover, crewneck sweatshirt, pullover hoodie, sweater vest, v-neck sweatshirt, zip hoodie, quarter-zip sweatshirt, quarter-zip polo
- Decoration techniques: Heat transfer
- Decoration area: Full front, left chest
Popular options:
- Fan Favorite Fleece Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt
- Fan Favorite Fleece Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt
9. Sport-Tek: Best brand for sports and fitness
Sport-Tek hoodies and sweatshirts were designed with athletes in mind. Many of their styles are made with moisture-wicking material that keeps wearers dry and comfortable during and after workouts. Sport-Tek doesn’t just offer a variety of hoodie and sweatshirt options. They also offer styles you won’t find elsewhere, like short-sleeved hoodies and a moisture-wicking raglan. Go with Sport-Tek if you’re printing hoodies or sweatshirts for a sports team or a sporty team of employees.
Key characteristics:
- Weight: Lightweight, 4.4 to 7.4 oz
- Materials: Tri-blend, moisture-wicking performance
- Sizes available: XS-4XL, available for women and men
- Styles: Quarter-zip pullover, half-zip pullover, pullover hoodie, crewneck sweatshirt
- Decoration techniques: Embroidery
- Decoration area: Left chest
Popular options:
- Sport-Wick® Flex Fleece 1/4-Zip
- Quarter-Zip Pullover
10. Adidas: Best for casual athletic wear
Adidas is an activewear brand, and it shows in the hoodie and sweatshirt options they offer. Adidas offers regular hoodie styles and quarter-zip sweatshirts, a popular choice for runners and athletes. There are many ways to add designs to Adidas hoodies and sweatshirts, like embroidery and heat transfer. These hoodies and sweatshirts are designed for activity and are perfect for any sporty brand.
Key characteristics:
- Weight: 7 to 8.5 oz
- Materials: Cotton-polyester blend
- Sizes available: S-4XL
- Styles: Pullover hoodie, crewneck sweatshirt, quarter-zip sweatshirt
- Decoration techniques: Heat transfer
- Decoration area: Full front
Popular options:
- Lightweight Hooded Sweatshirt
- Fleece Hooded Sweatshirt
Best hoodie and sweatshirt brands comparison chart
| Brand | Best for | Material options | Sizes | Popular styles | Decoration technique and area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JERZEES | Variety of colors and style choices | Cotton/poly blend, pill-resistant fleece | S-3XL | NuBlend® Hooded Sweatshirt, Zip Hooded Sweatshirt | Technique: Heat transfer, embroidery Area: Full front, left chest |
| Independent Trading Co. | Unique colors and styles | Cotton-poly blend | XS-3XL | Midweight unisex hoodie, Heavyweight pigment-dyed hooded sweatshirt | Technique: Heat transfer, embroidery, direct-to-garment Area: Full front, left chest, backside |
| Champion | Classic and premium design | Cotton-poly blend | S-4XL | Powerblend® Unisex Hoodie, Crewneck Sweatshirt | Technique: Direct-to-garment, embroidery Area: Full front, left chest, backside |
| Carhartt | Heavy-duty, durable, warm | Cotton-poly blend | S-4XL | Loose-Fit Midweight Hoodie, Midweight Crewneck Sweatshirt, Loose-Fit Midweight Zip-Up Hoodie | Technique: Embroidery Area: Left chest |
| Gildan | Affordable everyday wear | Cotton-poly blend, moisture-wicking fabric | S-5XL | Heavy Blend™ Crew Neck Sweatshirt, Heavy Blend™ Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt, DryBlend™ Hoodie, DryBlend™ Crewneck Sweatshirt | Technique: Heat transfer, embroidery Area: Full front, left chest |
| Bella + Canvas | Creative and fashion-forward brands | Ring-spun cotton-poly blend | S-2XL | Unisex Poly/Cotton Hooded Pullover Sweatshirt, Unisex Sponge Fleece Crewneck Sweatshirt, Unisex Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt | Technique: Heat transfer, embroidery Area: Full front, left chest |
| District V.I.T. | Cozy, very soft material, great for cold weather | Cotton-poly blend | S-4XL | Fleece Quarter-Zip, French Terry™ Hoodie, Fleece Hoodie | Technique: Heat transfer, embroidery Area: Full front, left chest |
| Port & Company | Many options available, from style and sizes, including tall fits | Cotton blends (varies by style) | XS-4XLT | Fan Favorite Fleece Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt, Fan Favorite Fleece Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt | Technique: Heat transfer Area: Full front, left chest |
| Sport-Tek | Moisture-wicking, sports and fitness | Tri-blend, moisture-wicking performance | XS-4XL | Sport-Wick® Flex Fleece 1/4-Zip, Quarter-Zip Pullover | Technique: Embroidery Area: Left chest |
| Adidas | Casual athletic wear | Cotton-elastane blend | XS-4XL | Lightweight Hooded Sweatshirt, Fleece Hooded Sweatshirt | Technique: Heat transfer Area: Full front |
Create custom hoodies and sweatshirts for your business
Custom hoodies are an awesome way to showcase your brand. The better the hoodie, thoughtfully designed for your needs and audience, the more effective it is as a piece of branding. Getting the right hoodie brand is the first step, so choose based on which is best suited for the type of printing you need at a cost that fits your (and your buyers’) budget.
Once you’ve matched fabric, weight and fit to your design, the best blank hoodie choice becomes obvious and your print will look and sell like it belongs in retail.
Blank hoodie printing FAQs
Which blank hoodie brand is best for small business budgets?
If you’re optimizing for cost-per-wear and low risk, start with Gildan for affordability and size/color range, then test JERZEES when you need consistent midweight fleece. For a small run but premium vibe, Independent Trading Co. can support a higher retail price.
Can I use direct-to-garment (DTG) printing on 100% polyester hoodies?
Yes, but it’s not recommended. DTG delivers great results on cotton or cotton-face blends. On 100% polyester, results can vary by pretreatment, ink set and the specific garment, so it’s best to order a sample and run a test wash before committing.
How do I prevent custom-printed hoodies from cracking or fading in the wash?
Print on a quality hoodie, choose a reputable printer like VistaPrint and give customers simple care steps: wash inside-out, cold water, gentle cycle and low heat (or hang dry). Also, avoid over-stretching prints when folding or packing; fresh ink needs time to fully cure.
What is the difference between “ring-spun” and “regular” cotton?
Ring-spun cotton is made by continuously twisting and thinning the cotton strands, which usually creates a smoother, stronger, softer yarn. Regular cotton tends to feel a bit coarser. For printing, ring-spun often gives a cleaner surface for detail.
Do blank hoodies shrink after the first wash?
Many hoodies can shrink in the laundry, especially cotton-heavy fabrics. Pre-shrunk helps, but it doesn’t always mean zero shrink. If sizing precision matters, wash-test a sample and consider sizing up for cotton-forward or heavyweight styles that may tighten slightly.
