It is not truly easy to find the right blank hoodies to fit your style. The range of blank hoodies is really big on the market. Each brand has its best option. The “best” varies according to different people’s standards.
Are you the owner of a new clothing line? Are you a screen printer who is looking for a good template? Or do you simply prefer a classic comfortable hoodie without a large logo? It’s all up to your individual requirements.
This tutorial has an unbiased point of view. We will demonstrate the key features of a quality hoodie. We will guide you on our favorite hoodies based on different needs. We will share our expert recommendations. Together we find the ideal blank hoodie for you.
The Primary Features of a Very Good Blank Hoodie
To get the best blank hoodies is achievable if you don’t wear blindfolds. The only place you find quality is in the details. First, learn what to seek for. Then you could easily evaluate any hoodie like an expert. Refer to the 5-item checklist to make a right choice.
Fabric Weight (GSM): Lightness to Heaviness
GSM signals Grams per Square Meter. The measure tells you how heavy and thick the material is. Usually, the higher the GSM, the thicker and the stronger the hoodie would be.
- Light (under 300 GSM): The layer, these jackets are for layering. They are good for cool spring and summer nights. They are less bulky. Thus, they are easy to wear.
- Medium (300-400 GSM): This is the optimal point for a typical hoodie. It feels thick a little, but it’s still warm and not heavy. You can wear it all through the year.
- Heavy (400+ GSM): These types of hoodies are the signs of premium and luxury. They are very warm and strong. They have been a favorite with high-end streetwear brands.
Material: Cotton or Blends
The material of a hoodie is responsible for its comfort level and its printing quality. The most usually used are options made from 100% cotton and from cotton and polyester blends.
100% cotton has good air permeability and is soft. It is the first choice for some printing techniques. On the other hand, cotton/polyester blends are often more durable. They are wrinkle-resistant and sometimes even cheaper.
Construction and Stitching Quality
A hoodie with superior stitching usually lasts for years. Look for double-needle stitching on the seams. Besides shoulders, neck, and waistband, especially don’t forget to validate them. This is an additional strength. Alongside, ribbing also matters for good cuffs and hems. That is why rib lined cuffs and hems also exist to solve the problem of keeping the shape of this hoodie.
Fit and Shape (Standard vs. Streetwear)
How would you like your hoodie to fit? Standard fit is a classic. It is always appropriate for the majority of situations. A streetwear fit looks more contemporary. It is often boxy; it has dropped shoulders. It is like you are wearing somebody else’s clothes. Argumentatively, there is no right or wrong answer. Mode of wearing alone conveys the message of whether it is streetwear or standard.
Shrinking and Color Fading
Nothing can be as annoying as a hoodie that shrinks or loses color after the very first wash. Instead, you should look after products labeled ‘pre-shrunk’. This means the fabric was washed before. It often also prevents the fabric from shrinking at home. Most popular brands known for their quality blank hoodies that carry pre-shrunk varieties are known for their high-quality blank hoodies. This way they can guarantee a perfect fit every time the customer dresses it up.
Top Blank Hoodies of 2024: Category Picks
You have learned the essentials of what to look for. So here are the products we love the most. We ran them through the standard requirements that we think are most pressing for you. You could, therefore, get the optimal blank hoodies for your exact purpose be it 1 or 100.
Best for Budget and Bulk Orders: Gildan and Jerzees
When the price and the quantity to be ordered are of paramount importance, Gildan and Jerzees are the names you can trust. They are also great for the start of new brands. These hoodies are a good solution for big events and promotional giveaways.
A real workhorse is the Gildan 18500. It’s a 50/50 sweats blend. You get it for a very little price, it is consistent, and it is available in a lot of colors. Although it may not be the softest option, it still works great.
Best for All-Around Value and Printing: Independent Trading Co. and Bella + Canvas
These brands are very advantageous for people who seek better quality without spending huge money. They have a fantastic combination of feel, strength, and print-friendliness.
The Independent Trading Co. IND4000 has the most fans. It is a medium-weight hoodie with a soft fleece interior. It has a smooth 100% cotton face. So this hoodie is an ideal printing product. It keeps perfect shape and remains soft after many washes. For this reason, it is a good choice among brands that wish to impress customers.
Bella + Canvas is famous for its fashionable direction. Their hoodies, like the 3719 model, are very self-sufficient due to their softness. This is a model with a modern, retail-ready fit. The clean cotton and eco-friendly dyes make use of it popular among stylish brands.
Best for Premium and Streetwear Brands: Champion and Niche Heavy Options
You will need a hoodie that gives an image of luxury if you are trying to build a premium brand. When talking about a superb name, Champion is at the top of the list. They bring you the Reverse Weave hoodie which is a heavyweight classic. It is a very robust item that is famous for its strength and ability not to shrink.
For a luxury feeling, many brands do the same thing using niche producers. One secret would be the hoodies made of 100% cotton French Terry. A GSM of 400 or more is what you want to look at. These are the truly high-quality blank hoodies that give you a premium product.
Altogether the Best Blank Hoodie Table
To ease your decision-making process, we have collected the key data of our best picks into a clearer template. This table allows for efficient direct comparison of the best blank hoodies.
| Hoodie Model | Fabric Weight (GSM) | Material Blend | Best For (Use Case) | Fit and Feel Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gildan 18500 | ~288 GSM | 50/50 Cotton/Poly | Budget, Bulk, Events | Standard, Reliable |
| Bella + Canvas 3719 | ~237 GSM | 52/48 Cotton/Poly Fleece | Fashion, Softness | Modern, Retail-Fit |
| Independent IND4000 | ~330 GSM | 80/20 Cotton/Poly | All-Around, Printing | Classic, Structured |
| Champion S101 | ~407 GSM | 82/18 Cotton/Poly | Strength, Premium | Boxy, Heavy |
| Luxury Heavy | 450+ GSM | 100% Cotton French Terry | Luxury Streetwear | Oversized, Premium Drape |
A Comprehensive Guide to Hoodie Fabric Types
To purchasing blank hoodies the right way, a customer must have a full understanding of the fabric. The garment’s will be made of a material that keeps the wearer warm, wet, and uncomfortable. As a design consultant, I should share some of the terms that frequently come to mind while shopping.
Fleece vs. French Terry: What’s the Difference?
Both fleece and French Terry are the commonly used inner fabrics in a hoodie. They have a similar appearance from the outside but feel quite different from the inside.
- Fleece: This is a fabric brushed from the inside. Therefore, it gets a soft, fuzzy surface. Think of a cozy classic sweatshirt. The brushing process captures air. This makes fleece very warm.
- French Terry: This kind of a fabric has loops of soft yarn on the inside. Thus, it breathes better and wicks away moisture. French Terry sometimes brings more structure to the garment. It is often considered a premium choice.
The Importance of Ring-Spun Cotton
The feature of “ring-spun cotton” is often mentioned. This is a process of twisting and thinning cotton fibers. This creates much stronger and softer yarn.
Hoodies made of ring-spun cotton have smoother surfaces. They feel softer against the skin. The smooth face is a perfect canvas for printing. It allows for sharper, more detailed images. This is one of the main aspects to take into account when designing your custom hoodie.
Pro-Tips for Customizing Your Blank Hoodies
It is step one to pick a quality blank. For clothing brands, it is paramount to know how to customize to make it different from others. These are pro-tips for you to improve your garment lines.
- Match the Hoodie to the Print: The material of your hoodie has an effect on the best type of printing. 100% cotton blanks are ideal for Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing. The ink adheres well. The blends of cotton/poly are perfect for the methods of screen printing and embroidery.
- Think Outside the Box of Just a Logo: A good design is primary. But changing your print technique can also be a differentiator. Why not investigate specialty techniques such as puff print that add texture and a premium feel that is visible and tangible to the customers?
- Relabel for a Professional Finish: Removing the manufacturer’s tear-away tag and replacing it with your own custom-printed neck label will generate a truly professional product. You will be amazed how much a small detail can do for the perception of your brand.
Reach Final Decision and Follow Subsequent Steps
The quality features of the fabric such as weight and our brand recommendations are what we have covered so far. The ‘best’ blank hoodie is the one that meets your vision of quality, budget, and your way or your customers’ way of using it.
As for individuals, we suggest selecting a hoodie from our list that matches your personal style and trying it. You can not go wrong with an all-around winner like the Independent IND4000.
If you are a brand looking for a partner to source blank hoodies that are exactly what you imagine, you may need an experienced hoodie manufacturer. Such a good partner will help you to navigate all the choices made.
A full-service clothing manufacturing partner can guide you throughout the whole planner process. From fabric selection to final production. This way you contentedly have the product that you had in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best blank hoodie for a streetwear brand?
Look for a heavy hoodie when it comes to the streetwear brand. In general, 400 GSM and above are good. A so-called boxy or oversized fit characterizes them. Champion’s Reverse Weave is a time-tested alternative. A considerable number of leading-edge brands have collaborated with manufacturers to manufacture unique high-GSM French Terry cotton hoodies. This offers a unique product that feels premium.
Do 100% cotton hoodies shrink?
Of course, they can. The 100% cotton material hoodies can shrink. This often happens in hot water or a high-heat clothes dryer. To prevent this, always choose the hoodies that are labeled “pre-shrunk”. And as a precaution, wash them with cold water. You can either tumble dry them on low or hang them to dry.
What’s a good, affordable blank hoodie that doesn’t feel cheap?
The Independent Trading Co. Midweight Hoodie (IND4000) is widely seen as the best blend of quality and price. It is made of exceptional solid material and has good strength. It is soft on the inside and does not break the bank like a premium heavy option. It is a perfect choice for brands that want to make quality products available.
What is the softest material for a blank hoodie?
For a light, creamy softness, a tri-blend (cotton/polyester/rayon) or a CVC (Chief Value Cotton) blend is often the softest. Brands like Bella + Canvas specialize in these fabrics. Alternately, a high-quality brushed fleece made from a cotton/poly blend is extraordinarily warm and plush and feels very nice.
Can I print on a 50/50 cotton/polyester hoodie?
Certainly! A 50/50 blend is one of the most frequently used materials for screen printing. The printers employ different types of inks and special techniques assure the longevity of the print. This blend is usually used because of its strength, cost-efficiency, and color retention properties.
