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Whether you’re looking to launch a new clothing line or create some one-of-a-kind personalized pieces, blank hoodies provide an ideal canvas to showcase your original artwork and designs. With the right hoodie, your creativity can truly shine.
But what exactly makes an exceptional blank hoodie for printing on? The fabric needs to be high-quality enough for vivid imagery yet affordable for creators on any budget. The silhouette should come in inclusive sizing for a cool yet comfortable fit. And the colors must pop to make those prints dazzle.
Finding hoodies that check all these boxes can empower you to fully express your vision. To help uncover the best platforms for customization, we researched today’s top blank hoodie styles, comparing critical factors like materials, sizing, aesthetics and price points. Read on for an in-depth look at our 2024 picks for the best hoodies across styles that will inspire you to print boldly!
Best Blank Hoodies for Printing
The following blank hoodies are recognized as the best in the market, offering the perfect blend of quality, comfort, and affordability.
Gildan 18500 Hoodie
As a world-leading manufacturer and marketer of quality blank activewear, Gildan has been setting trends with its broad palette of colors and styles. Among its iconic creations is the Gildan 18500 hoodie – a perfect blend of comfort, durability, and printability.
Manufactured from a balanced 50/50 blend of cotton and polyester, this hoodie is renowned for its softness and enduring quality. The robust yet cozy material ensures it retains its superior comfort and style even after repeated washes, making it an excellent investment piece.
Offering a spectrum of more than 35 colors, the Gildan 18500 hoodie caters to diverse style preferences and branding needs. Its broad color palette combined with the smooth fabric surface makes it an ideal canvas for your unique print color combinations, brand logos, or design elements.
One of Gildan’s distinct offerings under the Heavy Blend™ style, the 18500 hoodie, weighs in at a comfortable 8 oz. This preshrunk cotton/polyester blend is characterized by its air jet yarn, which endows the fabric with a softer feel and reduced pilling. Gildan’s commitment to quality ensures that every 18500 hoodie, much like their DryBlend®, Hammer™, Performance®, and Premium Cotton® styles, meets the highest standards.
Notably, Gildan offers a total of 143 different colors across its 119 styles. However, the 18500 Heavy Blend Hoodie, available in over 35 distinct shades, remains one of the brand’s most sought-after offerings. Crafted for comfort, durable for use, and styled for printability, the Gildan 18500 hoodie is truly a testament to Gildan’s commitment to offering more opportunities to express individuality in color and style.
JERZEES NuBlend Hoodie 996MR
The Jerzees NuBlend 996MR is a solid middle-ground option if you want a classic hoodie that checks all the boxes. The fabric blend means it’s soft but structured enough to hold a print well. And the athletic fit flatters most body types.
I’m average height and found the length near perfect, ending a couple inches below my jean pockets. The sleeves were just right too – not too baggy or tight in the arms. More fitted than something uber slouchy like Champion, but not a compression-like slim fit either. Just a nice balance.
This also lends itself well to side panel printing with the seamless torso and smooth stitching. So you can get creative with a vertical custom design along the side. Very on-trend for brands right now.
The NuBlend fabric is a cotton/poly blend that’s softer than traditional cotton fleece but has a touch more texture than something silky smooth like the Gildan. I’d rate it a 7.5 out of 10 on the softness scale. But it still feels plenty cozy to me.
Overall, this is an appealing year-round blank hoodie choice. It’s a bit warmer than a lightweight option but lighter than a super heavyweight sweatshirt. Fits well, layers nicely, and takes printing beautifully. A versatile wardrobe basic.
Independent Midweight Hoodie SS4500
The Independent Midweight Hoodie SS4500 captures attention as a high-quality garment with a contemporary, stylish flair. This hoodie combines form and function, creating a distinctive appeal for those who value modern style and comfort in their casual attire.
Boasting a soft cotton exterior, the SS4500 provides an exceptional tactile experience, adding a luxurious touch to this midweight hoodie. This feature makes it an ideal companion for those cool, leisurely nights out.
When it comes to fit, the Independent Midweight SS4500 initially impresses with its generous sleeve and torso lengths, offering an easy, relaxed fit. However, post-wash shrinkage can alter the hoodie’s fit to more of a sports hoodie style, which may not suit everyone’s preferences. While the shrunken fit does have its appeal, some may find that they miss the original length.
Despite this, the SS4500 remains a true midweight champion. It finds the perfect middle ground between being too thin and too thick, making it a versatile piece for various climates and occasions. The Independent Midweight Hoodie SS4500 is not just a regular garment, but a stylish statement piece that elevates your everyday fashion game.
Fruit of the Loom Sofspun SF76R
The Fruit of the Loom Sofspun SF76R is a lightweight hoodie ideal for active days. Weighing 7.0 ounces, the SF76R has a thinner feel compared to other popular blanks. But with its breathability, it makes an excellent fitness hoodie to throw on for the gym or outdoor workouts.
True to its “sofspun" name, the cotton fabric provides softness against the skin. And the contrast charcoal grey hood lining gives the design unique visual interest. The standard American cut offers versatility for both casual style and athletic comfort.
In terms of feel, the SF76R has more surface texture than ultra-soft blanks. When you run your hands over the fabric, you can feel noticeable grooves. This textured hand makes the hoodie less plush than high-end fleece options. But it allows greater ease of movement which suits its activewear design.
For those seeking heavyweight, ultra-soft cotton, the lightweight SF76R may disappoint. However, athletes and gym-goers should appreciate its blend of lightness, breathability and mobility. If your goal is performance as much as comfort, the SF76R delivers on that sporty promise.
Hanes Ecosmart Hoodie P170
The Hanes Ecosmart P170 Hoodie is a well-balanced blend of cotton and polyester, ensuring both softness and durability. This 50/50 fabric composition offers a pleasant wearing experience, withstanding frequent washes without compromising its structure.
Designed with a relaxed fit, the Ecosmart P170 delivers a comfortable and stylish silhouette. Neither excessively loose nor uncomfortably tight, it fits subtly over your body. The hoodie’s extended length makes it versatile, pairing well with jeans or leggings for a casual, relaxed look.
This hoodie comes packed with features conducive to custom printing. The ample front pouch pocket, adjustable drawstring hood, ribbed cuffs and waistband, and tag-free neck label make it an ideal canvas for personalization.
Available in an array of colors such as black, navy, gray, red, green, and white, the Ecosmart P170 provides ample choice to find the right shade that suits your preference.
Among its standout qualities is its affordability. Typically priced around $20, it presents an excellent value for a quality hoodie. It’s an economical choice without compromising on comfort, style, or durability.
Bella + Canvas 3719
Renowned for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship, Bella + Canvas offers prime hoodies for printing and everyday fashion. The Bella + Canvas 3719 Unisex Hoodie delivers with its plush feel and versatile silhouette.
Spun from Airlume combed ringspun cotton with polyester, this sponge fleece fabric feels remarkably soft. The loose fit drapes comfortably over the body, suited for both men and women. Design details like the hood drawcords, kangaroo pocket and ribbed trim give it a contemporary edge.
With over 60 color options from solids to heathers, choices abound to complement any brand. The fabric holds up well to repeated wear and washes too. So customers enjoy lasting softness and durability.
For these reasons, the Bella + Canvas 3719 makes an exceptional blank for customization. Its stylish retail fit provides ample room for screenprinting. And the cotton-rich fleece welcomes high-quality image transfer. If you want a go-to hoodie that combines supreme comfort with printability, this versatile pullover checks all the boxes.
If you’re still struggling finding which is the best blank hoodies for your business, we’ve made a handy comparison for you:
Hoodie | Type | Material | Weight | Fit | Features |
Gildan 18500 | Heavyweight | Cotton | 255 GSM | Classic | Spacious fit, double-needle stitching, pill-resistant fabric |
JERZEES NuBlend Hoodie 996MR | Midweight | Cotton and polyester blend | 240 GSM | Relaxed | Soft and comfortable fabric, preshrunk for minimal shrinkage |
Independent Midweight Hoodie SS4500 | Midweight | Cotton and polyester blend | 240 GSM | Regular | Tag-free label for itch-free comfort, ribbed cuffs and hem for a secure fit |
Fruit of the Loom Sofspun SF76R | Midweight | Cotton | 270 GSM | Athletic | Durable and pill-resistant fabric, dropped shoulder design for a relaxed fit |
Hanes Ecosmart Hoodie P170 | Midweight | Cotton and polyester blend | 250 GSM | Athletic | Breathable and eco-friendly fabric, tear-away label for easy customization |
Bella + Canvas 3719 | Lightweight | Cotton and polyester blend | 220 GSM | Relaxed | Unisex fit, soft and smooth fabric, perfect for layering |
Selecting the Optimal Blank Hoodie for Printing: Factors to Consider
When I’m looking for a blank hoodie to use for custom printing, I focus on five key factors:
- Quality and Durability: The hoodie’s materials and stitching need to stand the test of time. Premium cotton-blends that feel soft yet substantial tend to print crispest. I check that seams and hems use double-needle construction too. The better it’s made, the better my designs will look even after repeat wears and washes.
- The Right Fit: An ideal blank should drape well without looking sloppy or boxy. I prefer ones sized generously so they layer nicely. But oversized hoodies will dwarf designs. I also confirm the company’s size chart aligns with my customers’ proportions. Ill-fitting blanks do no favors for custom prints.
- Style Versatility: With so many hoodie styles out there — pullovers, zip-ups, fashion colors, retro vibes — it helps to choose what best suits your niche. Think about your demographic and brand aesthetic. Match the blank’s look and feel to your audience. A simple yet quality hoodie usually guarantees the widest appeal.
- Rich Color Selection: The more color choices the better to open up exciting design ideas. When blanks come in those versatile neutral staples like black, grey and navy plus offer pops like red and teal, it gives my creativity room to explore. I can produce prints my diverse customers will love.
- An Ideal Price Point: I try to balance cost with those other ideal qualities. Premium hoodies allow my designs to shine but slim profit margins for volume orders. Cheap fleece looks and feels, well, cheap. Landing on an affordable mid-tier blank typically delivers the quality I want without breaking budgets.
Keep these factors top of mind when sourcing your next perfect-for-printing blank hoodie. It’ll ensure optimum showcasing of your amazing brand designs!
Top Destinations for Purchasing Blank Hoodies for Printing
When I’m sourcing blank hoodies for printing, I like to shop around a bit to find the best fit, quality and price. A few go-to destinations I frequent:
- Amazon: With its sheer volume of brands and affordable pricing, Amazon is hard to beat for variety. I can easily filter to find well-rated blanks from popular names like Gildan and Hanes. Good for one-off experiments but shipping individual units does add up.
- Custom Ink: For hassle-free custom printing, Custom Ink handles the entire process start to finish. Just pick your favorite hoodie from their selection, upload a design, and they’ll print and ship directly to you or your customers. Takes the work off my plate!
- Spreadshirt: Similar to Custom Ink, I appreciate Spreadshirt for their simple printing services combined with loads of style choices. If I want complete creative freedom to test designs, their diverse blanks plus user-friendly tools are ideal.
- Vistaprint: Known for signage and marketing materials, Vistaprint also lets you customize apparel including hoodies. For small batch orders where I want to quickly mock up ideas, their templates and printing are convenient.
- Wholesale Distributors: When I need higher volumes for an established brand line, buying directly from distributors allows serious cost savings. Brands like S&S, Alphabroder and TSC offer deep discounts for bulk hoodie purchases both in-stock and made to order.
So next time you embark on a custom printed hoodie project, give these handy spots a try. They’ll set you up with an ideal blank canvas every time!
Finding the Perfect Blank Hoodies
When sourcing the best blank hoodies for printing, clearly a lot of factors come into play. Prioritizing quality materials, ideal fit, versatile styling, rich color selection and reasonable pricing ultimately leads you to optimal choices. Trusted brands like Gildan, Independent, Bella+Canvas and Hanes offer hoodies that check those boxes.
Equally important is streamlined fulfillment. Working with an expert printing partner ensures your custom designs transfer onto blank hoodies with vibrant, accurate results every time. Leveraging their knowledge of printing techniques, ink qualities and fabric performance takes the guesswork out of the equation.
Ultimately by carefully evaluating your criteria for blank hoodies while collaborating with industry specialists, you’ll create comfortable, quality pieces tailored to your brand. Mix all the right ingredients of blank hoodie, custom design mastery and seamless production together and get ready to make your branded gear dreams a reality. Your ideal hoodies for standing out while delighting customers are closer than you think.