Quick Answers
- Minimum order: 12 pieces for screen printing, no minimum for embroidery or DTF
- Turnaround: 7–10 business days after proof approval
- Most popular decoration: Screen printing (front/back chest), embroidery (left chest logo)
- Premium look: Puff print for raised, textured designs
- Most popular blanks: Gildan 18500 (budget), Independent Trading Co. IND4000 (premium), Lane Seven LS14001 (retail quality)
- No minimum: DTF printing and embroidery
Why Custom Hoodies Are One of the Best Branding Investments
A branded hoodie is not just apparel — it is a walking advertisement with a multi-year lifespan. People wear hoodies everywhere: at work, running errands, at their kids' games, on weekends, and around the house. Unlike a business card that ends up in a drawer, a hoodie with your logo puts your brand in public every time it is worn.
Hoodies also have a higher perceived value than t-shirts, which means they work well as employee appreciation gifts, retail merchandise, and premium promotional items that people actually want to keep.
Hoodie & Sweatshirt Styles
Pullover Hoodies
The classic. Available in lightweight fleece (8–9 oz) and heavyweight fleece (12+ oz). Pullover hoodies are the most popular custom sweatshirt we produce. Kangaroo pocket, drawstring hood, ribbed cuffs. Available in dozens of colors from every major blank brand.
Full-Zip Hoodies
Same warmth, easier to put on and take off. Full-zip hoodies are popular for staff apparel where employees layer throughout the day. The zip closure also makes them more versatile for warmer weather.
Crewneck Sweatshirts
No hood, no zip — just a clean, classic silhouette. Crewnecks have surged in popularity for company merchandise, streetwear-inspired branding, and retail products. They look sharp with a simple logo on the front and a larger graphic on the back.
Quarter-Zip Pullovers
A step above casual — quarter-zips sit in the sweet spot between a hoodie and a jacket. Popular for golf courses, real estate teams, corporate events, and any situation where a hoodie feels too informal but a jacket feels too structured.
Lined & Insulated Hoodies
Carhartt rain defenders, sherpa-lined, and thermal hoodies for outdoor work and cold climates. Heavier, more durable, and typically decorated with embroidery for maximum durability.
Decoration Methods for Hoodies
Screen Printing
Screen printing is the most popular method for hoodies. It produces bold, vibrant prints on the front chest, full back, and sleeves. Best for orders of 12+ pieces with 1–6 ink colors. The per-piece cost drops with quantity.
Embroidery
Embroidery is the premium choice — thread stitched directly into the fabric. It is the standard for left-chest logos on business and corporate hoodies. No minimum order. One-time digitizing fee, then your logo is on file forever.
DTF (Direct-to-Film)
DTF printing delivers full-color, photo-quality prints with no minimum order and no setup fees. Ideal for detailed designs, small runs, and individual pieces.
Puff Print
Puff print uses expandable ink that raises under heat, creating a three-dimensional, textured effect. It is the go-to for premium streetwear-style designs — bold text and logos that literally pop off the garment. Available on screen-printed orders of 12+.
Popular Blank Brands
Budget-Friendly
- Gildan 18500 — the industry workhorse. Heavy blend, wide color range, lowest per-piece cost. Great for events, giveaways, and large orders
- Hanes P170 — EcoSmart fleece, budget-friendly with a soft hand feel
- Port & Company PC78H — core fleece pullover, reliable basic
Premium / Retail Quality
- Independent Trading Co. IND4000 — the standard for premium custom hoodies. Heavyweight, soft brushed fleece, modern fit. Popular for brand merchandise and retail
- Lane Seven LS14001 — retail-quality pullover with a vintage wash and premium feel. Available in our Essentials collection
- Bella+Canvas 3719 — lightweight, soft, modern fit. Popular for fashion-forward brands
- Champion S700 / S171 — the heritage brand. Known quality and brand recognition
Workwear / Heavy Duty
- Carhartt CTK121 / CTK128 — midweight and heavyweight hoodies built for the trades. The standard for contractors, landscapers, and outdoor crews
Browse our full catalogs to compare every style, weight, and color option.
Artwork Tips
- Vector files preferred (.ai, .eps, .pdf) for the sharpest results
- For screen printing: fewer colors = lower setup cost. Bold, clean designs work best on fleece
- For puff print: thick text and bold shapes expand the best. Fine detail does not puff well
- For embroidery: solid shapes and defined outlines. Very fine text may need simplification
- For DTF: unlimited colors and detail — full creative freedom
Need design help? Basic file setup is free under 15 minutes; custom design is $65/hr after. Design fees are non-refundable. Artwork & design services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum order for custom hoodies?
Screen printing requires 12 pieces minimum per design. Embroidery and DTF have no minimum — you can order a single hoodie.
Can I mix hoodie styles in one order?
For screen printing, all pieces in an order need to be the same garment type (mixing pullover and zip-up would require separate setups). You can mix sizes freely within a style. For embroidery and DTF, you can mix garment types.
What is puff print and is it worth the upgrade?
Puff print uses special ink that expands under heat to create a raised, 3D texture. It costs slightly more than standard screen printing but creates a premium, tactile effect that stands out. It is especially popular for bold text and logos on hoodies and crewnecks. Learn more about puff print.
Which blank brand should I choose?
For budget: Gildan 18500. For retail quality: Independent Trading Co. IND4000 or Lane Seven LS14001. For workwear: Carhartt CTK121. For events and giveaways: Gildan or Hanes. Tell us your use case and we will recommend the best fit.
Do you ship nationwide?
Yes. We ship completed orders anywhere in the United States. Local pickup also available at our Petoskey, MI shop.
Why Order From Personal Graphics
Every hoodie order is produced in-house — from screen setup to embroidery to final quality check. We do not outsource your job. That means direct communication with the team printing your order, consistent results on reorders, and your artwork on file for whenever you need more.
Ready to Get Started?
Submit a quote request with your artwork, quantity, and style preference. We will recommend the best blank and decoration method for your project.
Have questions? Chat with us using the button in the lower right — available 8am–10pm. Or call (231) 347-6347 or email us — we're here Mon–Fri 8am–4pm.
