Complete Customization Guide for Hoodies & Outerwear
From streetwear brands to corporate merchandise - master the art of hoodie and jacket customization.
What Can Be Customized on Hoodies & Jackets
Hoodies
- Hood lining color
- Drawstring color & tips
- Front pocket styles (kangaroo/side)
- Zipper color (for zip-ups)
- Sleeve cuff style
- Body length (regular/oversized/cropped)
- Inside labels & tags
- Chest logos/graphics
- Back prints (full size)
- Sleeve prints
- Hood prints (inside/outside)
Sweatshirts
- Neckline style (crew/V-neck)
- Ribbing color
- Side panels
- Distressed effects
- Vintage washing
- Embossed details
Jackets
- Lining customization
- Zipper & hardware color
- Collar modifications
- Pocket configurations
- Reflective elements
- Waterproofing treatments
- Ventilation zones
Best Printing Methods for Hoodies & Jackets
Embroidery
RECOMMENDEDBest For: Logos, small designs, premium look
Thread stitched directly into fabric for dimensional, professional finish
Pros:
- Premium, professional look
- Extremely durable
- 3D texture effect
- Works on all fabrics
Cons:
- • Limited to simple designs
- • More expensive for large areas
- • Max 15 colors
Cost
+$3-5 per location
Max Size
4" x 4" optimal
DTG (Direct-to-Garment)
Best For: Complex designs, photos, small batches
Digital printing directly onto fabric, like a printer for clothes
Pros:
- Unlimited colors
- Photo-realistic prints
- No setup fees
- Soft hand feel
Cons:
- • Works best on cotton
- • Can fade over time
- • Not ideal for dark colors
Cost
+$4-6 per print
Durability
40-50 washes
Screen Printing
Best For: Bold designs, large quantities
Traditional method pushing ink through mesh screens
Pros:
- Vibrant, opaque colors
- Cost-effective for bulk
- Works on most materials
- Long-lasting
Cons:
- • Setup fees per color
- • Limited colors (1-6)
- • Not good for gradients
Cost
+$2-4 total
Durability
50+ washes
Puff Printing
STREETWEARBest For: Streetwear brands, bold statements
Raised, 3D effect printing using special ink
Pros:
- Unique 3D texture
- Eye-catching effect
- Premium feel
- Great for logos
Cons:
- • Limited colors
- • More expensive
- • Can crack if stretched
Cost
+$3-4 per location
Durability
30-40 washes
Appliqué & Patches
PREMIUMBest For: Varsity style, premium branding
Fabric pieces sewn onto garment
Pros:
- Premium varsity look
- Very durable
- Mix of textures
- Repairable
Cons:
- • Most expensive option
- • Longer production
- • Adds weight
Cost
+$6-10 per piece
Durability
Lifetime
Design Placement Options & Sizes
Left Chest
Center Chest
Full Back
Sleeves
Hood (Outside)
Bottom Hem
Popular Hoodie Customization Styles
Streetwear Style
Features:
- Oversized fit
- Large back prints
- Puff printing
- Custom drawstring tips
- Inside hood prints
Techniques
DTG + Puff printing
MOQ
50 pieces
Corporate/Promotional
Features:
- Embroidered chest logo
- Clean, professional look
- Company colors
- Inside label branding
Techniques
Embroidery + Screen print
MOQ
50 pieces
Sports Team
Features:
- Team logo front
- Player names/numbers back
- Sponsor patches
- Team colors
Techniques
Embroidery + Heat transfer
MOQ
25 pieces
Fashion Brand
Features:
- All-over prints
- Custom tags/labels
- Unique colorways
- Premium finishes
Techniques
Sublimation + Embroidery
MOQ
100 pieces
Hoodie Materials & Customization Impact
Cotton (280-450 GSM)
Best Methods:
Avoid:
Most versatile, all methods work
Polyester
Best Methods:
Avoid:
Best for all-over prints
Cotton-Poly Blend
Best Methods:
Avoid:
Balance of comfort and printability
French Terry
Best Methods:
Avoid:
Premium feel, best with simple designs
Hoodie Customization Pricing
Basic
Included
- 1-color screen print (1 location)
- Standard placement
- Basic colors
Standard
+$3-5
- Multi-color print OR
- Small embroidery OR
- 2 print locations
Premium
+$6-10
- Large embroidery OR
- DTG printing OR
- Multiple locations
- Special effects
Luxury
+$10-15
- All-over printing
- Multiple techniques
- Custom labels/tags
- Premium packaging
Design Tips for Hoodies
File Preparation
- 300 DPI for print files
- Vector for embroidery
- Include bleed for all-over prints
- Convert text to outlines
Color Selection
- Consider hoodie base color
- Light designs on dark hoodies need white underbase
- Embroidery thread colors may vary slightly
- Request Pantone matching for brands
Size & Scale
- Chest logos: 3-4 inches optimal
- Back prints: Leave 2-inch margin
- Consider design visibility when hood is up
- Test placement on sample first
Hoodie Customization Process
Design consultation & mockups
Revisions & approval
Sample production (optional)
Bulk production
Shipping & delivery
Hoodie Customization FAQs
Can I mix customization methods on one hoodie?
Yes! Common combo: embroidered chest logo + screen printed back design.
What is the best method for photographic designs?
DTG printing for cotton hoodies, sublimation for polyester.
Can you match specific Pantone colors?
Yes for screen printing and embroidery thread. DTG is close match.
Do you offer individual names/numbers?
Yes, using heat transfer vinyl or embroidery. No extra charge for 50+ orders.
What is the maximum embroidery size?
Technically 14" but optimal is 4-6" for best quality and cost.
Can you do all-over prints on hoodies?
Yes, using sublimation on polyester or cut-and-sew method.
Start Customizing Your Hoodies
Get a free quote and design mockup within 24 hours. Embroidery, DTG, screen printing - all methods available.