Nowadays, it seems that every brand has its own customized apparel, whether it be branded T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, or other merchandise. From massive corporations to small start-ups, many businesses have seen the benefits of having branded apparel and it’s not all about making money. For fans of your business, it can be very exciting to wear a custom sweatshirt that shows everyone that they support your cause.
Brands and creators can get free promotion by having their brand on different merchandise. If someone spots you wearing a cool T-shirt design, they’re likely to inquire where you got it. Additionally, company merchandise is great for creating a sense of togetherness and comradery among employees. Wearing the same apparel makes people feel like they’re all on the same team.
In this article, we’ll focus on custom hoodies, exploring the different styles you can choose from and how you can design your own custom apparel for your team.
- What are Custom Hoodies?
- Benefits of Custom Hoodies
- Designing Your Custom Hoodie
- Types of Custom Apparel
- Where to Buy Custom Hoodies
What are Custom Hoodies?
The hoodie has become one of the pillars of modern streetwear, but its origins can be traced back to Medieval Europe when the preferred clothing for Catholic monks included a hood called a cowl attached to a tunic or robes.
However, the modern version of the hoodie that we’ve become most familiar with was born in the 1930s when Champion Products created the first line of hoodies in America targeted towards athletes and laborers in need of extra protection from the cold.
The hoodie was adopted by hip-hop culture in the late 1970s and quickly became a streetwear staple among artists, rappers, and skaters. Since then, it has become a popular fashion item and one of the most well-worn garments in the world. You’d be hard-pressed to walk down the street of a major city in the world and not see at least a few hoodies.
The Branding Opportunities For Hoodies
Because of its prevalence, the hoodie has become a popular option for branded apparel. In 1933, Lacoste became the first brand to feature a visible logo on the outside of a garment. Now, most brands offer merchandise with their company logo plus additional designs and illustrations.
Personalized sweatshirts with a logo, design, or message can be used for promotional purposes, team uniforms, or personal style. They are a versatile and practical choice for any wardrobe, suitable for various occasions.
If you don’t have a company logo yet, LogoMaker‘s AI-powered logo design suite has over 10,000 unique design templates that you can use to design a custom professional logo in just minutes.
Benefits of Custom Hoodies
The benefits of custom hoodies and sweatshirts are vast. The most obvious benefit is that you can sell these branded items and make a profit. Branded merchandise is a $50 billion dollar industry worldwide and can be a great way for businesses of any size to drive additional revenue.
However, the benefits of branded merchandise extend far beyond financial incentives. A study conducted by the British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA) came to these eye-opening conclusions about the effect branded merchandise has on consumers:
- Customers who receive branded merchandise are 75% more likely to buy from you again.
- Over 75% of consumers receiving a branded item from a brand they trust will prompt future purchases.
- 80% are more like to make recommendations to others about your brand or service.
Creating high-quality branded merchandise can boost your brand awareness and help promote your company in ways that you have never imagined.
Custom Hoodies For Your Team
In addition to helping promote your brand, custom hoodies are also perfect for giveaways, events, and team uniforms. Providing your team with hoodies with the company logo can create a cohesive look for your staff while promoting a sense of togetherness. Internally, branded merchandise significantly contributes to cultivating a strong corporate culture and a sense of unity among employees.
Custom hoodies make great giveaway items for events, trade shows, and community activities. Small businesses thrive on creating strong networks with other businesses in their industry. Having branded merchandise shows other companies that you’re a serious venture and will help them remember you, like a wearable business card.
Designing Your Custom Hoodie
Designing your own custom hoodie for your brand can seem daunting, but it doesn’t need to be. In this section, we’ll break the design process step-by-step so that you can create a custom hoodie that you, your team, and your customers will absolutely adore.
Start with Your Team in Mind
When designing branded hoodies, it’s important to consider the people who will be wearing them. After all, the goal is to create something your team will proudly wear on various occasions—whether at a company event, on casual Fridays, or just running errands.
Here’s what to think about:
- Fit: Choose a unisex fit that’s versatile and flattering for everyone. Offering multiple sizes ensures no one feels left out.
- Comfort: Look for high-quality, soft, yet durable fabrics. Your team will appreciate hoodies that are easy to wear and long-lasting.
- Style: Decide between pullover hoodies, zip-ups, or a mix of both to cater to different preferences.
Incorporate Your Brand’s Personality
Your custom hoodies should reflect your company’s personality and values. This is your chance to get creative! Make sure that you have a good grasp of your brand’s unique identity before delving into designing brand merchandise.
- Logo placement: Decide where your logo will stand out the most—on the chest, back, sleeve, or even the pockets of the hoodie.
- Colors: Stick to your brand colors or create a complementary palette that pops. A vibrant or neutral color scheme can make a big difference.
- Design elements: Incorporate taglines, subtle patterns, or custom graphics that align with your brand’s identity.
Pick Practical Features
While the hoodie is a very simple piece of clothing there are various features that you can choose from to make it more functional and more enjoyable to wear.
- Pocket style: Choose a kangaroo pocket, hand pockets, or no pockets for a streamlined look.
- Durability: Opt for quality stitching and materials that can handle frequent washes without losing shape.
- Hood adjustments: Drawstrings can add a nice touch and make the hood more functional.
Choosing the Right Fabric
This might be the most important part of the design process. At the end of the day, if your hoodie is not comfortable to wear, all of your hard work will have been for nothing. Choose a fabric that is comfortable, durable, and suitable for the climate where your hoodies will be worn.
Here are some of the most common fabric options:
- Cotton: Soft, breathable, and absorbent.
- Cotton blend: Can be more durable and wrinkle-resistant than pure cotton.
- Polyester: Lightweight, quick-drying, and wrinkle-resistant.
- Polyester blend: Can offer a balance of softness and durability.
Note: Consider using Organic Cotton for your branded merchandise. Not only does it benefit the environment and the people involved in the production process, but it also enhances your brand’s image. In an era where values-driven decisions resonate deeply with consumers, investing in organic cotton clothing is a powerful way to showcase your commitment to a sustainable future.
Types of Custom Apparel
There is absolutely nothing wrong with creating a standard hoodie with engaging visuals made of high-quality fabric. But if you want to really stand out, here are a few custom apparel ideas that you can try out to really get your team excited!
1. The 2-in-1 Hoodie
A two-in-one hoodie is a hoodie that can be turned into another item as well, most commonly, a drawstring bag. This convertible feature adds another layer of functionality to your hoodie, which your clients or employees will appreciate.
2. The Cropped Hoodie
Ideal for spring and summer adventures, the cropped hooded sweatshirt is a more feminine and stylish alternative to the classic hooded sweatshirt. Cropped T-shirts and other apparel have become very popular in recent years. Adding a cropped hoodie to your merchandise selection will show your team that you are keeping up with modern trends.
3. The Quarter-Zip Hoodie
Another increasingly popular hoodie variation, the quarter-zip hoodie offers the warmth and comfort of a standard hoodie with a slightly more formal style. Employees might feel more comfortable wearing a quarter-zip in an office setting than a standard hoodie.
4. The Raglan Hoodie
In case you haven’t heard of it before, the word raglan refers to the special sleeves that these pieces of clothing feature. More specifically, a raglan sleeve is one that goes in one piece all the way to the collar. This gives a very unique and sporty look to the hoodie, which harkens back to vintage hoodie designs.
5. The Tie-dye Hoodie
Tie-dye is beautiful, unisex, and usually very fun to look at. For that reason, such a hooded sweatshirt could particularly work as a gift for your employees’ kids.
6. The Toddler Hoodie
Speaking of hoodies for children, a special toddler hoodie is a thoughtful and cute way to show your appreciation to your clients or employees. Giving a gift to their kids will help you show that you care about their personal lives and you want them to know that you care about their happiness.
7. The High Visibility Hoodie
This hoodie is incredibly functional but wouldn’t work for every occasion. A high-visibility hoodie is generally more suitable for construction company workers than employees who are working in an office setting. However, high-visibility hoodies are a great gift for team members who love running and want to be extra visible on night runs.
Where to Buy Custom Hoodies
There are many online options where you can order your custom hoodies in bulk. However, there are a few things that you should look out for to ensure you have a good experience.
- Look for online retailers that offer a wide collection of custom hoodies and sweatshirts.
- Check for durable and high-quality materials, as well as comfortable fits and styles.
- Consider the design options and customization features offered by the retailer.
- Read reviews and check the pricing to ensure you’re getting the best value for your custom hoodie.
Printing Method
The printing method used when you create custom hoodies will affect the look and durability of your design. Popular options include:
- Embroidery: Your design is stitched directly into the product’s fabric giving a textured, slightly raised result.
- Heat transfer: Your design is printed on a special type of film and transferred to the fabric using heat and pressure.
- Direct to garment: This imprint method sprays ink directly onto the garment, creating a soft feel and bold, full-color design.
- Single-color Print: Your design is pressed through a mesh screen directly onto the garment.
Ordering Custom Hoodies From LogoMaker
LogoMaker’s custom hoodie maker is perfect for creating a professional and unique look for your team, business, or event. Our hoodies are created with medium-weight, breathable, cotton-poly fabric, which is perfect for cool weather. Our sizing chart goes from small all the way to 5XL to ensure that all members of your team or community feel included.
We also offer premium hoodies that allow you to add embroidery without any additional digitization fees. There is no minimum order quantity for any of our hoodies, so you can order as few or as many as you need.
Making a personalized hoodie design is easy with our intuitive design tools. Use the hoodie editing tool to design logos and create several cool hoodie designs, or upload a logo of your choice if you already have an established brand.
Conclusion
Designing custom hoodies your team will love doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on comfort, style, and brand representation, and you’ll create something that’s both functional and fashionable. Your team will not only appreciate the thought behind the design but also love wearing their custom sweatshirts and hoodies on any occasion.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What’s the best fabric for branded hoodies?
Choose a blend of cotton and polyester for softness, durability, and easy maintenance. This combination offers a great balance of comfort and long-lasting wear.
Can I mix hoodie styles in one order?
Absolutely! Many providers allow you to order a mix of pullovers and zip-ups to cater to your team’s preferences.
How do I ensure the colors match my brand?
Use your company’s Pantone or HEX codes when customizing your hoodies to achieve perfect color accuracy.
What’s the minimum order quantity for custom hoodies?
This varies by provider, but some companies offer low minimums, making it easy for small teams to get custom sweatshirts. LogoMaker has no minimum order quantity, so you can order the exact amount of custom hoodies that you need.
How can I make my branded hoodies stand out?
Incorporate unique design elements like embroidered logos, custom graphics, or personalized touches such as names or monograms.
Can I create eco-friendly branded hoodies?
Yes! Many suppliers offer sustainable options made from organic or recycled materials. This is a great way to align your design with eco-conscious values.
How long does it take to produce custom hoodies?
Production times vary, but most companies can deliver your order within 2-4 weeks. Rush options may be available for faster delivery.
What sizes should I order for my team?
Check with your team for their preferred sizes, or use a size chart provided by the supplier. It’s always good to order a few extra in popular sizes.
Are there special care instructions for custom hoodies?
To maintain the design and fabric quality, wash hoodies in cold water, use mild detergents, and avoid high heat when drying.
Can I see a sample before placing a bulk order?
Many providers offer samples or digital mockups to help you visualize the final product before committing to a full order.
