Advertising & Marketing

How to Create Custom Hoodies

As a small business owner, you know that every detail matters. From your logo to your marketing strategy, every aspect of your brand should reflect your company’s values and personality. One often overlooked but highly effective way to promote your brand is through custom apparel, and specifically, custom hoodies. Learn why hoodies for business are a top-notch choice, and how to create custom hoodies your recipients will love. 

Why Custom Hoodies?

Custom hoodies for business are more than just clothing items; they’re powerful marketing tools. Custom hoodies can: 

  • Boost Brand Visibility: Hoodies are versatile pieces of clothing that people wear in a variety of settings, from casual outings to special events to work environments. When your customers and employees wear your branded hoodies, they’re walking billboards for your business.
  • Increase Employee Morale: Gifting custom hoodies to your employees can boost morale and create a sense of unity within your team. It shows that you value their contributions, and gives them a stylish way to show their employee pride. Plus, it can help create a professional, uniform look at events and expos.
  • Encourage Customer Engagement: Sell custom hoodies as souvenirs at your restaurant or boutique, or distribute them to clients and prospects to show gratitude. Custom hoodies for business provide a high quality, tangible product that customers can cherish—while representing your small business wherever they go.
  • Help You Stand Out at Events: Create custom hoodies for a valuable giveaway or promotional item at events, conferences, or trade shows. They’re a practical and stylish way to leave a lasting impression on potential customers.

Pick a Brand & Style for Your Custom Hoodies

When it comes to custom hoodies, there are countless options to choose from. The brand and style you select should align with your company’s image and the desired impression you want to make.  

Some popular brands that offer high-quality custom hoodies include: 

  • Carhartt®: Known for their durability and rugged style, Carhartt hoodies are a great choice for businesses that want a tough, outdoorsy image.
  • Nike®: A global sportswear giant, Nike offers a wide range of stylish and comfortable hoodies that are perfect for active individuals and businesses that want a modern, athletic vibe.
  • Sport-Tek®: Specializing in athletic apparel, Sport-Tek offers a variety of performance-driven hoodies that are ideal for businesses in the sports and fitness industries.
  • Vantage Apparel®: Vantage offers a diverse selection of hoodies in various styles, colors, and fabrics to suit different needs and budgets.
  • Port & Company®: Known for their comfortable and affordable hoodies, Port & Company is a popular choice for businesses that want a classic, everyday style.

When selecting a style, consider factors such as: 

  • Fabric: Choose a fabric that is comfortable, durable, and suitable for the climate where your hoodies will be worn. Options include cotton, cotton blend, polyester, polyester blend, and more. Choose a lightweight fabric for warmer climates and midweight fabric for outdoor environments and colder climates.
    • Cotton: Soft, breathable, and absorbent.
    • Cotton Blend: Can be more durable and wrinkle-resistant than pure cotton.
    • Polyester: Lightweight, quick-drying, and wrinkle-resistant.
    • Polyester Blend: Can offer a balance of softness and durability.
  • Fit: Ensure the hoodies fit well and are flattering for a variety of body types. Consider offering different size options to accommodate everyone.
  • Hoodie Style: Choose a hoodie style that complements your brand’s image. Options include full or partial zipper, adjustable drawstring hood, fixed hood, and more.
  • Pocket Style: Choose a kangaroo pocket, hand pockets, or no pockets for a streamlined look.

Add a Design to Custom Hoodies for Your Business

Once you’ve selected the brand and style, it’s time to focus on the design. Your hoodie design could be a logo, campaign, special event, or other messaging. It should be eye-catching, memorable, and consistent with your brand’s identity. Here are some tips for creating a stunning design: 

  • Keep it Simple: Avoid overcrowding your hoodie with too many elements. A clean, minimalist imprint is often more effective. Less is more!
  • Use High-Quality Graphics: If you upload a logo or graphic, ensure the file is high-resolution and free of pixelation.
  • Branding Consistency: From specific fonts to overall aesthetic, ensure your hoodie design is consistent with your other branded elements, such as your website, social media, and marketing materials.
  • Choose the Right Colors: Select colors that complement your brand’s palette and are easy to see on the hoodie fabric. To get an exact color match, add a hex code specific to your brand’s logo or color palette.
  • Get Feedback: Before finalizing your design, get feedback on your product proof from colleagues, friends, or family members to ensure it resonates with your target audience. You can also take advantage of low minimum order quantities to order one or two as a prototype to get input on size, fit, style, and more.
  • Printing Method: The printing method used when you create custom hoodies will affect the look and durability of your design. Popular options include:
    • Embroidery: Your design is stitched directly into the product’s fabric giving a textured, slightly raised result.
    • Heat Transfer: Your design is printed on a special type of film and transferred to the fabric using heat and pressure.
    • Direct to Garment: This imprint method sprays ink directly on to the garment, creating a soft feel and bold, full color design.
    • Single-Color Print: Your design is pressed through a mesh screen directly onto the garment.

6 Hoodie Styles We Love

For top brands, top quality, and hoodies that go the extra mile in style, check out these must-haves for customers, crew, and you! 

Browse our full collection of custom hoodies to find the perfect fit for your brand, budget, and occasion. 

A Cozy Fit for Your Small Business

By following these guidelines, you can create custom hoodies that are both stylish and effective marketing tools. A well-designed hoodie will add style and comfort to your next giveaway while you build brand awareness, engage with your customers, and create a positive impression. 

Karleen Wise Andersen

From marketing tips to product recommendations, I’m here to help small businesses be their best.

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