Unlike other printing methods like DTG or DTF, sublimation works only on certain synthetic fabrics. But when done right, it delivers unmatched color vibrancy and full-coverage designs. That’s why choosing the right material and hoodie style is key to getting the best results.
In this guide, we’ll list the best hoodies for sublimation that not only bring out your creativity with all-over prints but also help your POD business stand out and sell more.
Best hoodies for sublimation
Sublimation printing allows sellers to create vibrant, full-coverage designs that don’t fade or crack. It’s ideal for building standout product lines. Here’s a breakdown of the best hoodies for sublimation to help you build your next winning product line.
1. Classic Unisex Hoodie
Timeless, versatile, and always in demand — the classic unisex hoodie is a staple for any Print-on-Demand store. Designed for everyday comfort, it features a smooth polyester exterior that allows sublimation prints to pop with crisp details and vivid colors. The inside remains soft and cozy, making it perfect for casual wear or year-round collections.
Sublimation printing takes this essential piece to the next level. From bold all-over graphics to subtle gradient patterns, your designs will stay bright and long-lasting, giving your customers both comfort and style. This makes the unisex hoodie a great choice for sellers who want reliable quality and strong repeat sales.
At Merchize, you can find two of the best options:
- All-Over Print Hoodie (Lightweight) — perfect for warmer climates or layering
- All-Over Print Hoodie (Midweight), built with a thicker fabric for a luxurious feel and enhanced durability.
2. Fleece Hoodie
For sellers targeting the colder months and premium apparel lines, the fleece hoodie is a must-have. Its inner layer is ultra-soft, while the outer surface is smooth enough to capture the most detailed sublimation prints.
This line is perfect for artistic collections, winter drops, or lifestyle brands. In addition, sublimation enhances the fleece hoodie’s premium appeal, allowing you to add texture-rich designs or high-contrast color patterns.
At Merchize, the All-Over Print Fleece Hoodie is one of the top picks among sellers, thanks to its cozy fleece fabric and full-print customization that lets designs truly stand out. In addition, there’s the Fleece Zip Hoodie, a versatile option for customers who prefer a front zipper and an easy layering style:
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All-Over Print Fleece Zip Hoodie – features full-print coverage, cozy fleece fabric, and a stylish finish that makes your designs pop.
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All-over Print Fleece Zip Hoodie With Custom Waist Band – offers a seamless, clean look for more flexible design placement and a modern aesthetic.
3. Sleeveless Hoodie
Sleek, modern, and perfect for activewear collections, the sleeveless hoodie brings a sporty edge to your store. Made with lightweight polyester, it’s ideal for workouts, summer wear, or casual layering. Especially, sublimation printing makes every line and gradient of your design stand out.
Check out Merchize’s Sleeveless Hoodie (Midweight), and Lightweight version . They are built for comfort and performance while keeping your prints bright and detailed.
4. Short-sleeve Hoodie
A great option for fashion-forward or streetwear brands, the short sleeve hoodie combines laid-back comfort with unique style. Its midweight fabric provides the perfect base for sublimation, letting sellers experiment with creative designs like gradients, tie-dye effects, or all-over logos. This product helps you diversify your catalog and attract a younger, trendier audience.
All-Over Print Short Sleeve Hoodie can be a standout choice for sellers who want to offer something different from the usual long-sleeve look.
5. Zip Up Hoodie
The zip up hoodie offers a modern, flexible look that almost all customers appreciate for layering and comfort. It’s made with sublimation-ready polyester that ensures your designs stay consistent even around zippers and seams.
Sellers can create everything from minimalist color-block styles to full-cover prints that pop. Because each panel is printed before stitching, the finished result looks clean and professional.
Merchize provides several excellent options, including the All-over Print Zip Hoodie (Midweight) and All-over Print Zip Hoodie (Lightweight), both designed to help you deliver high-end quality to your store.
6. Full Zip Up Hoodie
If you’re looking for complete coverage and maximum design space, the full zip up hoodie is one of the best hoodies for sublimation available. It features a smooth polyester blend that captures rich, vivid colors while keeping the garment soft and durable. Perfect for brands that focus on activewear, streetwear, or custom fashion lines, sublimation allows sellers to print seamless artwork across every inch (even around the zipper area)
Merchize’s lineup includes the Midweight Full Zip Hoodie, Lightweight version, giving you flexible options for different audiences and price points.
7. Long Sleeve Hooded T-Shirt
Light, breathable, and versatile, the long sleeve hooded t-shirt is the perfect crossover between a tee and a hoodie. It’s ideal for customers who want a casual yet sporty look.
The polyester fabric keeps it soft and comfortable while giving your sublimation prints a crisp, full-color finish that won’t fade. This product is a great way to start experimenting with sublimation, offering year-round appeal and strong profit margins.
You can check out All-Over Print Long Sleeve Hooded T-Shirt (or its version with pocket), both optimized for bright and seamless all-over designs.
8. Blanket Hoodie
Nothing says comfort like a blanket hoodie. Oversized and ultra-soft, it’s designed for cozy days at home, making it a perfect addition for seasonal collections or gift-focused niches. Moreover, the sublimation printing process turns this wearable blanket into a fully customizable piece of art, allowing sellers to offer family-themed, pet, or holiday-inspired designs that pop with vibrant color.
With the Blanket Hoodie from Merchize, you can easily create warm, fun, and high-value products that customers can’t resist during the cold season.
9. Gaiter Hoodie
For sellers looking to target outdoor or niche audiences, the gaiter hoodie is a smart and innovative choice. It features a built-in face gaiter that can be customized through sublimation, making it both functional and fashionable. The polyester fabric ensures smooth, high-resolution prints that stay sharp even after repeated use.
Merchize offers some strong options:
Both perfect for travel, hiking, or performance-focused collections.
Best materials for sublimation hoodies
1. 100% Polyester
This is the best fabric for sublimation. Because sublimation ink bonds directly with polyester fibers, prints on 100% polyester hoodies appear bright, sharp, and long-lasting.
However, since this is a high-performance fabric, it requires special care during the printing process, especially temperature and pressure control, to avoid yellowing or melting. These hoodies are ideal for all-over print designs or sporty collections that need durability and vibrant colors.
2. 65/35 Polyester-Cotton Blend
This fabric blend combines 65% polyester and 35% cotton, offering a balance between durability and comfort. It works best in white or light-colored hoodies, as lighter shades allow the sublimation or heat transfer inks to show up clearly and accurately. While the colors may not be as vibrant or intense as on 100% polyester hoodies, this blend still produces good-quality prints that are suitable for a wide range of designs.
3. 50/50 Polyester-Cotton Blend
This fabric blend gives a more natural, softer feel compared to pure polyester while still maintaining decent print quality. The cotton fibers, however, do not absorb sublimation ink as well. That means the print may look slightly faded or vintage — a look that some customers actually prefer.
FAQs
1. Can you sublimate on cotton hoodies?
Pure cotton hoodies don’t work well with sublimation because the ink doesn’t adhere to natural fibers. For the best results, you should sublimate on hoodies with a high polyester content or use sublimation coating sprays designed for cotton fabrics.
2. How long do sublimation prints last on hoodies?
When printed on high-quality polyester, sublimation prints can last as long as the garment itself. The colors won’t fade, crack, or peel, even after multiple washes.
3. Why should I choose sublimation hoodies for my store?
Sublimation hoodies let you offer full-print, eye-catching designs that stand out in the market. They provide higher perceived value and better profit margins compared to regular hoodies, making them a smart product choice for sellers.
4. Are sublimation hoodies good for year-round sales?
Yes! They’re great for both cold seasons and transitional weather. You can also market them as personalized gifts, matching couple hoodies, or limited-edition collections, ensuring steady sales throughout the year.
We hope the insights above help you choose the best sublimation hoodies for your business. By selecting the right materials, applying thoughtful designs, and partnering with a reliable fulfillment service like Merchize, you can confidently grow your Print-on-Demand business.
