Contents

Key Takeaways
What are different types of hoodies currently?
Guide to choosing the ideal hoodie for your store
Make custom hoodies with Merchize
FAQs

When talking about hoodies, we think about some classic, casual, basic wardrobe essentials. But a true hoodie enthusiast knows that there is more to hoodies than just simple, casual winter wear. In fact, there are many different types of hoodies for a wide range of settings and styles.

Now, let’s travel into the world of hoodies and discover the uniqueness and beauty of hoodies.

Key Takeaways

Hoodies are a flexible product line for POD sellers, fitting many niches from streetwear and sportswear to gifts, uniforms, and branded merchandise.
Hoodie styles like pullover, zip-up, cropped, oversized, and blanket hoodies help sellers expand their catalog based on use, style, and shopping season.
Materials, fabric weight, and fits directly affect wearing comfort, so you need to choose products that match your customer base and weather conditions.
Decoration methods like graphic printing, all-over print, and embroidery offer many design options, helping sellers build their own identity and boost competitiveness.
When developing hoodies for a niche, consider print placement, artwork size, and the features of each hoodie style to create designs that look good and are easy to produce.
Before expanding your product line, balance production costs, quality, selling price, and purpose to build a hoodie line that brings good profits and meets customer expectations.

What are different types of hoodies currently?

Base on style

Even with a simple item like a hoodie, you can still leverage your fashion by simply twisting the hoodie style. By playing around with different hoodie styles, you will know how versatile and stylish hoodies can be.

1. Pullover hoodie

Pullover hoodie, the most popular type of hoodie, is somewhat the equivalent of the hoodie for many. It is a hoodie in its simplest form, with no zipper, no button, just a sweater with a hood to cover the head.

Of course, pullover hoodies really deserve their irreplaceable place in everyone’s wardrobe. They are super convenient to wear, taking no more than 2 seconds to get ready. Whenever in doubt, you can just pull it in and sprint out of the house.

Read also: Best Blank Hoodies for Printing: Top Picks in 2026

Hoodies also check the box for being stylish. With their sleek and simple look, hoodies can go with different aesthetics. From casual and sporty to even formal ones, they complement them very well.

Pull-over hoodies are the classic options that can deliver everything you would ever ask for a hoodie – comfort, style, and coziness.

If you are planning to open a hoodie-selling business, pullovers hoodie is a must-have in your store. This, without a doubt, will be one of the most in-demand products in your store.

Some hoodies you can see at Merchize:

2. Zip-up hoodie

Zip-up hoodie is a variation of the standard hoodie that features a full-length zipper up front. This design allows an easy on-and-off, making it easy to adjust to different temperatures or weather conditions. For example, when it’s cold in the morning, you can grab a zip-up hoodie. When it gets warmer later on, you can take it off or partially unzip the hoodie.

Zip-up hoodies are particularly popular in athletic and sports settings as it is perfect for transitioning between pre-workout, actual workout, and post-workout.

In terms of style, zip-up hoodies are open for more ways of styling – you can adjust the zipper to your preference. The zip-up opening allows you to show off the layering underneath – a bold graphic T-shirt, a stylish button-down, or a classy polo. It is a great option for styling and layering your clothes.

Some products at Merchize:

In the market, there are also a few variations of the zip-up hoodie, which provides more unique options for your hoodie wardrobe, for example, a half-zip hoodie or a full-zip-up hoodie. These unique designs can add a twist to your outfit and elevate your style in a way like never before.

You can see:

3. Cropped hoodie

A cropped hoodie is a playful and trendy rendition of the classic hoodie that will give your outfit a refresh. The cropped silhouette makes the hoodie look more youthful and sporty, as well as enhances your outfit’s proportion.

This type of hoodie is more popular among the younger generation. Cropped hoodies are both casual and flattering, which match perfectly with the trendy athleisure fashion. This versatile item can be paired with high-waisted bottoms, skirts, or any other layering pieces, offering countless opportunities to mix and match.

It is also a must-have item to add to your clothing line if you are inspired to build a streetwear or sports apparel clothing line.

4. Tunic hoodie

In contrast to the cropped hoodies, we have the tunic hoodie, which is the longer version of the standard hoodie. The added length provides extra comfort and warmth on the colder days.

With its distinctive silhouette, the tunic hoodie delivers some unique opportunities for your casual fashion. At the same time, this hoodie is also suitable for sleepwear. You can just combine this with comfortable leggings or shorts to wear inside the house – this is the perfect formula for a comfy indoor outfit.

The longer version of the hoodie is also called a hoodie dress (another version Hoodie Dress (Made in China)). The hoodie dress version is the perfect addition to your Women’s clothing category. With this option, your female customers can enjoy a combination of comfort and style.

It is a go-to item for every woman whenever she feels like wearing something feminine but doesn’t want to sacrifice comfort and coziness. A hoodie dress can keep them cozy and comfortable while still looking stylish in an elongated form.

5. Short sleeve/ Sleeveless hoodie

Who says that hoodies aren’t for summer? Short-sleeve and sleeveless hoodies are made specifically for the hotter weather or the transitional season.

Without the full-length sleeves, short-sleeve and sleeveless hoodies feel more comfortable and breathable, making them suitable to wear when the weather is warmer. Plus, it is particularly preferable to wear during gym sessions and workouts for its open and easy-for-movement designs.

The short sleeve or sleeveless design also offers wearers an opportunity to show up their tough muscles. Overall, it is a perfect athleisure item that is both comfortable and stylish to wear.

6. Blanket hoodie

Blanket hoodie is one of the coziest and most comfort-focused variations of the classic hoodie. As the name suggests, it combines the functionality of a hoodie with the warmth of a blanket, featuring an oversized fit that covers most of the body.

Unlike standard hoodies, blanket hoodies are designed with extra room, making them perfect for lounging at home, relaxing on the couch, or staying warm during colder seasons. The loose silhouette allows maximum comfort and freedom of movement, which is why it is often considered a “wearable blanket.”

This type of hoodie is especially popular in fall and winter, when cozy products are in high demand. In terms of materials, blanket hoodies are typically made from soft and warm fabrics such as fleece or sherpa lining, enhancing the overall cozy experience.

For sellers, blanket hoodies are a strong addition to your seasonal product lineup. They work particularly well for holiday campaigns, gift-focused collections, and cozy-themed niches.

Base on decoration

Other than switching between different hoodie styles, hoodie lovers are also provided with different types of hoodie decoration to diversify their hoodie collection.

1. Plain hoodie

A plain hoodie is a simple and unadorned version of a hoodie. Even though their designs seem straightforward and basic, these hoodies are super versatile. They make the perfect canvas from which you can build up your outfit. Whether you want to dress up or dress down, a simple plain hoodie can do it for you.

Don’t underestimate the power of a plain hoodie. Even when there is nothing much going on with the decoration, you will have to ponder a lot to pick out a color as these hoodies can come in all sorts of colors, or sometimes, a combination of a few!

2. Graphic hoodie

Graphic hoodie is the centerpiece of the hoodie fashion. They are particularly popular in streetwear fashion. Compared to the classic basic hoodie, a graphic hoodie not only looks better but also has more character to it.

With graphic hoodies, you can add unique designs, patterns, images, or even text to make it different from others. In terms of style, graphic hoodies can make a good fashion statement piece for your outfit with their visually striking and attention-grabbing design.

These unique additions allow not only designers but also the wearer to express their personal styles, interests, or beliefs. Through the graphic hoodie that you wear, you can show your personality and creativity.

This also is where the money lies. If you want to sell a hoodie, the market for graphic hoodies is where you can sneak in. To be fair, it is unimaginably hard to compete with other competitors if you only sell plain hoodies. To stand out and set yourself apart from others, you can create a beautiful graphic hoodie.

From the standpoint of a brand owner, graphic hoodies are the perfect canvas to incorporate their logo or brand elements. A lot of big fashion brands are offering this type of graphic hoodie. This is possibly the best way to build your brand with graphic hoodie designs.

3. All-over print hoodie

The opposite of a plain hoodie is definitely the all-over print version. With an all-over print hoodie, you can print all over the garment, even the hood, sleeves, or waistband.

With this hoodie decoration type, you can go overboard and create insanely stunning designs that look like no others. There is no limit to what you can do with the all-over print design. It could be geometric patterns, surrealist designs, abstract art,

For customers, these intricately designed all-over print hoodies serve as the focal point of their outfits, allowing them to create a bold and impressive look.

There is no denying that all-over print hoodies have huge commercial potential. Still, there are a few downsides that you might have to consider before deciding to sell an all-over print hoodie:

High cost of production: Unlike the regular graphic hoodie that you can make by simply printing on a ready-made blank hoodie, an all-over print hoodie requires you to build it from scratch. In other words, you will have to print the design onto the garment and then cut and sew the fabric into a hoodie. These processes require a longer process and cost much higher cost.
Higher polyester fabric content: All-over print hoodies are made with sublimation printing technology. This specific printing technique includes exposure to high temperatures. Under this condition, materials with high natural fiber content couldn’t last. That’s why most all-over print hoodies are made with higher polyester fabric content. This type of material is more durable but, at the same time, less comfortable and breathable compared to other cotton types.

4. Embroidered hoodie

If you want something bold and striking that captures attention from all directions, an embroidered hoodie might not be as good an option as a graphic one. However, if you want to create something unique, simple yet elegant, and tasteful, then embroidered hoodies are what you go for!

Compared to traditional printing, embroidery is much more expensive. It also takes more time and effort to make. But in return, you will get intricate, simplistic, and beautiful embroidery designs that instantly elevate the hoodie and make it worth more.

Embroidery carries a sense of delicacy and professionalism, which makes it qualified for formal settings as well. Embroidered hoodies are great for work attire, team uniforms, corporate merch, or promotional goods.

Besides, the customized embroidered hoodies with their exquisite details also make a thoughtful gift for loved ones. Embroidered names, dates, or even special messages can turn a simple hoodie into a meaningful, lasting keepsake.

Base on fit

Fit is also an important criterion for many customers when choosing the right hoodie. Different fits will change the look of an outfit entirely. Here are the three popular fits for the hoodie:

Classic fit hoodie: This is the classic, most common form of hoodie for everyday fashion. The classic fit offers a relaxed silhouette that looks simple and flattering. A classic fit hoodie is also easy to layer over a t-shirt or a button-down and match with all different types of bottoms.
Slim-fit hoodie: Slim-fit hoodie is tailored for a closer fit to the body, creating a modern and neat appearance. With a slimmer fit, this type of hoodie doesn’t add too much volume and is perfect to wear under winter jackets.
Oversized hoodie: Oversized hoodie is characterized by a loose, relaxed fit, often chosen for a casual and comfortable style. They are also a great option for plus-size people.
Athletic hoodie: Athletic hoodies are designed to maximize comfort and breathability – two important factors when it comes to sporty clothing. This specific fit looks slim yet offers generous shoulder and chest room to create an optimal, stretchy design that is suitable for heavy exercise and physical activity.

Base on materials

Hoodies come in various materials, and each material comes with its unique characteristics. Let’s explore the different types of hoodies in terms of materials:

Cotton hoodie: Cotton is soft, comfortable, and moisture-wicking, which makes it an ideal material for a daily wear item like a hoodie. For hoodies, heavyweight cottons are usually selected to match the weather conditions.
Fleece hoodie: Hoodies with fleece inner are great companions for the cold weather. The soft and warm fleece adds insulation and comfort for wearers and helps them through the cold.
Sherpa-lined hoodie: A Sherpa-lined hoodie is quite similar to fleece hoodies but with extra coziness and comfort, thanks to the plush sherpa lining.
Polyester hoodie: This material offers incredible durability and wrinkle resistance. They are also great materials for all-over print sublimation printing. Polyester blends are also commonly used for performance and sporty hoodies, thanks to their great quality.

Each variant of hoodie adds a unique touch to your wardrobe. By understanding the versatility and individual characteristics of these different types of hoodies, you can curate a collection that not only keeps you comfortable but also expresses your personal style. Embrace the diversity, experiment with various fits, fabrics, and styles, and let your hoodie collection tell a story as unique as you are.

Base on fabric weight

Fabric weight plays a key role in how a hoodie feels and performs. It is typically measured in ounces per square yard and helps classify hoodies into lightweight, midweight, or heavyweight categories.

Lightweight hoodies: Lightweight hoodies are soft, highly breathable, and easy to layer, making them an ideal choice for spring, early fall, or indoor wear. They offer casual comfort without adding unnecessary warmth or bulk.
Midweight hoodies: Midweight hoodies offer the perfect balance of structure and warmth without feeling overly heavy. This versatile option is ideal for everyday wear during cooler weather and transitions seamlessly across seasons.
Heavyweight hoodies: Thick, plush, and exceptionally warm, heavyweight hoodies deliver a premium feel and a structured silhouette. They are commonly chosen for high-end streetwear collections or heavy layering in cold conditions.

Base on design

The design layout of a hoodie determines its visual impact and how effectively it communicates your message. Here are the most popular design styles for hoodies:

Color-block hoodies: Color-block hoodies combine contrasting colors in bold panels to create a striking visual effect. This design works exceptionally well for brands looking to stand out with a clean, modern aesthetic.

Tip: Incorporate your core brand colors into the color blocks to instantly boost brand recognition.

Hoodies with a back design: Featuring expansive printable area, hoodies with back designs are perfect for showcasing large logos, bold taglines, or intricate artwork. The back panel provides ample room to deliver a statement in an eye-catching way, while keeping the front subtle enough for versatile everyday wear.
Hoodies with a front design and pocket: Combining classic functionality with effortless style, front-design hoodies featuring a kangaroo pocket are a timeless favorite. Placing your logo or artwork on the chest allows your brand to get noticed naturally without feeling overly promotional.

Base on purpose

Hoodies are versatile garments that can serve a wide variety of business goals, ranging from marketing tools to practical team apparel. Selecting the right hoodie depends on its intended use:

Event promotion: Branded hoodies are an excellent way to build excitement and awareness around a new business launch, trade show, or seasonal campaign. With your logo prominently displayed, these hoodies act as walking promotional tools that drive engagement and create a sense of exclusivity.
Event giveaways: High-quality hoodies make memorable and highly valued promotional giveaways for product pop-ups or local events. Because they are practical and built to last, they offer long-term brand exposure and foster positive associations with your business.
Employee uniforms: Branded hoodies provide a cohesive, professional, yet comfortable look for your team. Ideal for day-to-day work, customer-facing roles, or corporate events, team hoodies build unity, strengthen company culture, and represent your brand with pride.
Custom merchandise: Offering custom hoodies as retail merchandise allows you to turn loyal customers into brand ambassadors while generating extra revenue. By combining daily functionality with trend-led aesthetics, custom hoodies remain one of the most sought-after merchandise items that customers love to wear.

Guide to choosing the ideal hoodie for your store

Choosing the right hoodie for your store or clients is about more than just good looks. It is a smart business choice that balances your sales goals, customer tastes, and budget. Understanding these factors will help you guide your clients better or build a product line.

1. Choose based on how the hoodie will be used

First, think about the main purpose of the hoodie, as this decides its design and fabric. If you are making hoodies for large giveaway events, a standard pullover hoodie is your safest pick. It has a classic fit that looks good on almost everyone.

If you are supplying everyday work uniforms, flexibility is key. In this case, zip-up hoodies or slim-fit styles made from lightweight fabrics are better because employees can easily layer them over other clothes.

For sports events or team-building activities, athletic-fit hoodies with stretchy, breathable fabric are the best choice.

Finally, if you are selling retail merchandise, customers expect modern fashion. Going with trending hoodies such as oversized fits or color-block designs made from thick, heavyweight fabric gives the hoodie a premium feel that justifies a higher price.

2. Match your target customer’s taste

Once you know the purpose, focus on what your target buyers actually like to wear. Young buyers and Gen Z love trendy, relaxed styles. Loose fits, bright colors, and bold graphics printed on the back are great ways to catch their attention.

On the other hand, corporate clients and older buyers prefer a clean, neat look. They like simple, neutral colors, smooth fabrics, and small embroidered logos on the chest that look subtle and professional.

For event attendees, a simple, comfortable hoodie is best because they will happily wear it in their daily lives long after the event ends.

3. Plan your printing method and logo placement

A great design must match the right printing method. Embroidery works best for small logos on the chest, sleeve, or hood. It looks high-end and holds up well on thick fabrics like fleece. If your design has big artwork or many colors on the front or back, screen printing or DTG printing is the better option.

In addition, master hoodie logo placement because it depends heavily on the garment style. Kangaroo pockets on pullovers and center zippers on zip-up hoodies reduce the printable space. Make sure to size and position your artwork correctly so it does not get cut off or look misaligned.

4. Balance budget and order size

Your production cost directly affects your profit margin and your customer’s budget. For large, budget-friendly promotional giveaways, choose lightweight cotton-polyester blend fabrics. They are cost-effective to make and ship while still being durable.

If you are building a retail brand or high-end corporate gifts, invest in 100% heavyweight cotton. It holds its shape better, feels much softer, and boosts the perceived value of your brand. Balancing your material choice with your budget ensures good profits and happy customers.

Make custom hoodies with Merchize

If you’re looking to start or scale your print-on-demand business, creating custom hoodies with Merchize is a smart move. With a wide range of hoodie styles, you can easily build a diverse product lineup that fits different niches and customer preferences.

Merchize offers high-quality blank hoodies that are ideal for printing, ensuring your designs come out sharp, vibrant, and long-lasting. You can target from streetwear, seasonal trends to cozy lifestyle products, you’ll find suitable options to match your brand direction.

One of the biggest advantages is the seamless production and fulfillment process. You can focus on design and marketing while Merchize handles printing, packaging, and global shipping. This helps you save time, reduce operational complexity, and scale your business more efficiently.

Additionally, with no minimum order requirement, you can test multiple designs without upfront risk. This is especially useful when exploring trending niches or validating new product ideas.

Start creating your custom hoodies today and turn your ideas into best-selling products with Merchize!

FAQs

1. What are the different types of hoodie fabric?

Wool, Nylon, Spandex, Fleece, French Terry, Cotton, Jersey, Polyester, and Sweatshirt knit are different types of hoodie fabric.

2. What are the different types of hoodie hoods?

Cropped Hoodie, Baja Hoodie, Buttoned Hoodie, Pullover Hoodie, Fleece, Classic hoodies, Sleeveless Hoodie, Asymmetrical Hoodie, and Cardigan Hoodie are different types of hoodie hoods.

3. What is a zip hoodie called?

A zipper hoodie is known as a zip-up hoodie, whereas a pullover hoodie is known as a pullover hoodie. Zip-up hoodies have zippers, while pullover hoodies do not.

Top Different Types of Hoodies for All Styles and Occasions

Key Takeaways