Best Budget Blank Hoodie for Printing: Hanes P170 vs JERZEES 996MR
By: YouApparel Posted on: Feb 25, 2026This blog compares two of the most popular budget blank hooded sweatshirts in the wholesale apparel market — the Hanes P170 EcoSmart and the JERZEES 996MR NuBlend. Both hoodies fall within the same midweight 50/50 cotton-poly fleece category, designed for everyday comfort, reliable decoration, and cost-efficient bulk ordering.
The Hanes P170 EcoSmart stands out with PrintPro XP fleece, higher stitch density, and a smoother surface that supports DTG printing and embroidery with consistent results, along with a partial recycled-polyester EcoSmart construction. The JERZEES 996MR NuBlend offers pill-resistant fleece, seamless tubular construction for uninterrupted print areas, and a broader color range suited for team wear and promotional programs.
Both hoodies perform well for screen printing, DTG, DTF transfers, and heat pressing across a wide range of colors and decoration methods. The Hanes P170 is better suited for decorators prioritizing print precision and smoother fabric surfaces, while the JERZEES 996MR is ideal for bulk promotional orders requiring consistent sizing, warmth, and expanded color selection.
Though apparel decorators and resellers can find numerous blank hooded sweatshirts in the wholesale market at various budget ranges, the hard part is finding reliable blank hoodies that check all the right boxes for fabric quality, features, and comfort. That is why finding one under the $12 mark often feels like a gamble.
You want high margins, but you also need a garment that won't disintegrate after one wash or feel like sandpaper against the skin. If you are running a print shop or sourcing merchandise for a local brand, and if you’ve gone on this “hunt” before, you are probably familiar with Hanes and JERZEES as brands that offer hoodies worth checking out.
We are going to compare the two most popular offerings from each brand: the Hanes P170 EcoSmart and the JERZEES 996MR NuBlend.
Both dominate the wholesale market. Both sit in that sweet spot for budget-conscious buyers. But they are not interchangeable. While they look identical on a spreadsheet - both 50/50 cotton-poly blends - they behave differently on the press and on the body.
This guide strips away the marketing jargon to give you a raw, honest look at which hoodie deserves your inventory dollars. We analyzed fiber density, collected feedback from high-volume decorators, and combed through real-world durability tests to settle this debate.
Hanes P170 vs. JERZEES 996MR: An Overview
Before we rip into the seams, let’s set the stage. We would say these two hoodies represent the "Good" tier in the "Good-Better-Best" merchandising hierarchy. They earned a reputation in the marketing for being excellent entry-level standards in their own right.
Hanes P170 EcoSmart Hooded Sweatshirt: This is the sustainable choice and among our top recommendations if you are seeking eco-friendly hoodies wholesale. Hanes built this hoodie around their "EcoSmart" promise. The fabric includes up to 5% polyester made from recycled plastic bottles. It is currently transitioning to CiCLO® polyester. It uses PrintPro® XP fleece, a patented high-stitch-density, low-pill fabric designed specifically for a smoother printing surface with the double-needle seams complementing the print-friendliness by making the hoodie sturdier for work. As a matter of fact, the Hanes P170 is one of the most decorator-friendly blank hoodies in the market today. It feels lighter and leans toward a fashion-forward, retail-ready fit despite its budget price.
JERZEES 996MR NuBlend Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt: Also goes by the style code “996”, this hoodie got a lot of attention in the past few years for delivering excellent decoration results. It’s among the most underrated decoration-friendly hoodies in our stock. If you have ever bought a high school football hoodie or a band tour pullover, you might have shortlisted or even sourced the 996. Its claim to fame is NuBlend technology, which resists pilling. It is slightly heavier than the Hanes option and features a seamless body construction, which is a massive deal for certain print placements.
Fabric Weight and Handfeel: The "Fluff" Factor
The spec sheets show a negligible difference in weight, but your hands will tell a different story.
The Hanes P170 is listed at 7.8 oz/yd². It feels distinctively midweight. The interior isn't overwhelmingly fluffy, with a tighter, cleaner feel. Because of the PrintPro® XP weave, the face of the fabric is exceptionally smooth. This lack of surface fuzz makes it feel thinner, but also more premium in a "streetwear" context with a close-to-body drape.
The JERZEES 996MR comes at 8.0 oz/yd². That 0.2 oz difference seems tiny, but the NuBlend fleece is loftier. It feels thicker and puffier. The interior fleece is softer initially, giving it that classic "cozy sweatpant" vibe. However, that puffiness also made a few of our customers think of it as boxier.
The Verdict: If you want a hoodie for spring/fall layering or a fashion brand that has a solid reputation when it comes to prints and customizations, choose Hanes P170. If you need a hoodie for you or your team that is warm, sturdy, and roomier for the colder months, go JERZEES 996MR. And if you are looking for heavier hoodies that deliver a solid bang for your buck, take a look at our guide on heavyweight sweatshirts to find exceptional, high-value styles to start with.
| Aspect | Hanes P170 | JERZEES 996MR |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 7.8 oz/yd² | 8.0 oz/yd² |
| Weight Category | Midweight-Light | Solid Midweight |
| Handfeel | Soft, light, comfortable for everyday wear | Soft and fluffy, slightly more substantial |
| Fleece | Yes, High-Stitch Density PrintPro XP Fleece | Yes, Pill-Resistant NuBlend Fleece |
| Best Season/Use | Spring/fall layering, lighter use | Winter warmth, everyday wear |
Construction Details: Seams and Hoods
Here is a detail most product descriptions skip: Body Construction.
The JERZEES 996MR features a tubular construction. This means the fabric is knit into a tube, so there are no side seams.
- Why this matters: If you plan to print a design that wraps around the side of the ribs, there is no seam to interrupt your ink or cause a lump on your platen.
- The downside: Tubular garments can sometimes twist (torque) after washing if the manufacturing isn't perfect, meaning the side of the shirt slowly migrates to the front. This however, has not been reported so far by people who bought the JERZEES 996MR from YouApparel.
The Hanes P170 has side seams, double-needle covered-seamed neck and armholes, at that.
- Why this matters: Side seams generally provide a more structured fit and make the hoodie really sturdy for customization projects. The garment also hangs straighter and looks less like a "sack."
- The downside: You cannot easily print over the side seam without specialized platens or risking ink buildup.
The Hood Issue: Reviewers and YouTubers point out a quirk with the Hanes P170: the hood fitting. The neck opening is tighter than average. Some users describe it as "snug" or hard to pull over a large head. The JERZEES 996MR has a more generous, standard neck opening.
| Aspect | Hanes P170 | JERZEES 996MR |
|---|---|---|
| Fit Description | Standard unisex | Athletic/standard unisex fit |
| Body Length | Shorter; standard fit, not oversized | Athletic fit; some length concerns |
| Hood Fit | Tight around neck; snug feel | Comfortable, well-proportioned |
| Sleeve Length | Consistent across sizes | Consistent across sizes |
| Shrinkage | Preshrunk; minimal post-wash | Pre-shrunk NuBlend; minor shrinkage possible |
Printability: Screen, DTG, and DTF
You are buying these to decorate. Here is how they handle ink.
Direct-to-Garment (DTG): The Hanes P170 is a dependable choice for budget DTG. That PrintPro XP face we mentioned? It works. The high stitch density and sturdiness mean fewer loose fibers are sticking up to mess with your pretreatment. You get a flatter surface, which results in crisper white underbases and vibrant CMYK layers. The ink sits on the fabric rather than sinking into the fluff.
| Aspect | Hanes P170 | JERZEES 996MR |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton Face | Yes (50% cotton) | Yes (50% cotton) |
| Pre-treatment Required | Standard | Standard |
| Print Adhesion | Excellent | Excellent |
| Color Saturation | Excellent, vibrant on whites/lights | Excellent, vibrant on whites/lights |
| Specialty Colors (heathers) | Requires care; heather-specific treatment | Requires care; heather-specific treatment |
| Cost per Print | Lower garment cost & sustainability factor = higher margin | Slightly higher garment cost |
Winner: Tie; both perform identically for DTG
Screen Printing: Both are excellent, but the JERZEES 996MR NuBlend is legendary here. The fabric is stable and handles flash curing well. The pill-resistant surface holds plastisol ink beautifully. If you are running an automatic press at high speeds, the 996 loads easily and stays consistent, according to the feedback we gathered from our customers, and from our own decoration experience on the hoodie.
| Aspect | Hanes P170 | JERZEES 996MR |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Smoothness | PrintPro XP = extremely smooth | NuBlend = smooth |
| Stitch Density | High | High |
| Flash Cure Ease | Excellent | Excellent |
| Color Vibrancy | Crisp, vibrant prints | Crisp, vibrant prints |
| Print Longevity | Stays vibrant throughout the life of the garment | Stays vibrant throughout the life of the garment |
| Ink Bleed Risk | Low (high stitch density) | Low |
Winner: Slight edge to P170 due to PrintPro XP being marketed as the "smoothest printing surface".
Direct-to-Film (DTF): DTF is the great equalizer. Since you are pressing a film onto the shirt, the weave matters less than with DTG. However, the JERZEES 996’s 50/50 blend offers a great bond for DTF powder adhesives. Just be aware that the 996’s slightly fuzzier surface means you need a good, heavy pressure on your heat press to matte down the fibers for a clean finish.
| Aspect | Hanes P170 | JERZEES 996MR |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Adhesion | Good | Good |
| Flexibility | Soft hand after cure | Soft hand after cure |
| Heather Care | Heat settings matter | Heat settings matter |
| Best Results | Darker colors | All colors are equally good |
Winner: Slight edge to 996 due to NuBlend weave which gives it slightly better transfer grip.
Color Availability
This is often the deciding factor for school bids and corporate orders.
Hanes P170 comes in 44 colors. You get your standard Navy, Black, White, Red, and a few heathers like Light Steel and Charcoal. It covers the basics. If a client wants a very specific shade, you might hit a wall.
JERZEES 996MR offers 51 colors. It is a rainbow. They stock specific shades like "Scuba Blue," "Classic Pink," "Oxford," and "Oatmeal Heather." If you are building a brand that relies on seasonal color drops, like releasing an "Earth Tone Collection" with Forest Green, Oatmeal, and Cocoa, JERZEES wins hands down.
| Aspect | Hanes P170 | JERZEES 996 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Color Count | 44 | 51 |
| Solids | White, Black, Navy, etc. | Full range of solids |
| Heathers | Charcoal, Dark, Sport Grey | Athletic Heather, Oatmeal Heather, Dark Heather |
| Specialty Shades | Light Steel, limited options | Cocoa, Forest Green, Stone Blue, Oxford, etc. |
| Seasonal/Trendy | Limited | Strong fashion color palette |
| Stock Consistency | Generally good | Excellent availability |
Durability and Pilling: The Real Test
Pilling is the enemy of polyester blends. It happens when short fibers break and tangle into little balls on the surface.
Hanes markets the P170 as "virtually pill-free." Does it hold up? Surprisingly, yes. YouTube reviewers and long-term wear tests suggest the P170 maintains a smoother face after 10+ washes compared to standard blends. The tight weave locks the fibers in.
JERZEES also markets the 996MR as "pill-resistant." Note the difference in wording. It resists pilling, but it is not immune. Real-world feedback indicates that pilling will eventually occur on the 996MR, specifically in high-friction areas like the underarms and across the front pouch pocket. However, the 996MR tends to hold its shape well and shrinks very little thanks to the pre-shrunk NuBlend fabric.
| Aspect | Hanes P170 | JERZEES 996MR |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing Claim | "Virtually pill-free" PrintPro XP | "Pill-resistant" NuBlend |
| Real-World Performance | Holds up well; minimal pilling | Pilling reported on sleeves/pouch, though not common |
| Post-Wash Appearance | Stays soft and smooth | Some surface roughness after multiple washes |
| Sleeve Pilling | Very Rare | Rare |
| Pouch Pocket Pilling | Not mentioned | Reported in some reviews |
When it comes to shrinkage, both the Hanes P170 and the JERZEES 996MR come pre-shrunk. But some of our tests and a little feedback from our customers who love experimenting with these hoodies indicate slight shrinkages when the garments undergo specific treatments. For example, cold washing and air-drying both the P170 and 996MR a few times increase the likelihood of shrinkage, though it’s just minimal.
This table should give you an idea.
| Aspect | Hanes P170 | JERZEES 996MR |
|---|---|---|
| Preshrunk Status | Yes, preshrunk | Yes, pre-shrunk NuBlend |
| Cold Wash + Air Dry | Minimal shrinkage | Minimal shrinkage |
| Cold Wash + Dryer | Slight shrinkage likely | Slight shrinkage + pilling |
| Expected Shrinkage | ~2–3% (typical for cotton blends) | ~2–3% (typical for cotton blends) |
| Sleeve Stability | Good | Good across tests |
| Length Stability | Some reports of shortening | Better stability than P170 |
Common Complaints (Know Before You Buy)
Hanes P170 Issues:
Sizing: It runs a little short in the torso for taller people, according to some of our buyers.
Hood Fit: Many Redditors report a tighter hood fit, though we haven’t heard the same from our buyers. We recommend testing a sample yourself before placing bulk orders.
JERZEES 996 Issues:
Sleeve Fit: The cuffs can lose elasticity over time faster than the Hanes cuffs.
Texture: After many washes, the "soft" interior can become somewhat rough if dried on high heat.
The Final Verdict: Making the Choice
This battle does not have a single winner because the use cases are distinct.
Choose Hanes P170 if you:
- Want an eco-conscious angle for your brand
- Prioritize virtually pill-free durability over color selection
- Run a budget DTG/DTF POD operation and need tight margins with excellent print surface
- Prefer a lighter-weight hoodie feel
- Sell to customers who specifically value eco-friendly apparel
- Target petite-to-average height customers
- Need a hoodie that stays smooth through multiple wash cycles
Choose JERZEES 996 if you:
- Want maximum color count for seasonal color drops and full collections
- Run a print decorating shop, prioritizinga smooth printing surface and stock consistency
- Need a true workhorse budget hoodie for team wear, promo, and bulk orders
- Target average-to-tall height customers
- Value seamless body construction (no side seams for wrap-around prints)
- Sell to athletic/college/Greek life segments (athletic fit positioning)
- Ultimately, both hoodies prove that "budget" does not have to mean "garbage." Whether you lean toward the eco-conscious softness of the Hanes P170 or the colorful ruggedness of the JERZEES 996MR, you are getting a garment that has stood the test of time in the print industry.
Ready to load up your inventory? You can find the full color range for both the Hanes P170 and JERZEES 996MR right here at YouApparel at very low per-unit prices and attractive bulk discounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which hoodie is softer?
Both are soft, but in different ways. The Hanes P170 has a smoother, lighter handfeel due to the PrintPro XP face, making it feel more like a retail fashion garment. The JERZEES 996 feels fluffier and loftier on the inside, offering a traditional, cozy "sweatpant" warmth.
Is Hanes P170 too thin for a quality hoodie?
No. At 7.8 oz/yd², it is a standard budget midweight hoodie. It feels lighter than the 996MR because of its high stitch density (tighter weave), not a lack of quality. This density actually makes it more durable than fluffier alternatives.
What does 'virtually pill-free' mean on the Hanes P170?
It’s a benefit of Hanes’ PrintPro® XP which uses a tighter weave to lock fibers in place. While no 50/50 blend is completely immune to pilling forever, the P170 resists surface fuzzing significantly better than the standard industry average.
Does Hanes P170 shrink?
It is pre-shrunk, so shrinkage is minimal. For the best results, we recommend washing in cold water and air dry (or tumble dry low). High heat degrades the synthetic fibers in all 50/50 blends.
Does JERZEES 996MR shrink more than P170?
They are comparable, though some real-world tests suggest the 996 may experience slightly more shrinkage after multiple wash cycles if dried on high heat. Generally, the NuBlend fabric is stable.
Are these hoodies true to size?
Yes, but the fit differs. The Hanes P170 is true to size but has a shorter torso length. The JERZEES 996 has a standard/athletic fit that offers better length for average-to-tall frames.
Can I discharge print on these?
We don’t recommend it as they are 50% polyester. Discharge printing requires 100% cotton natural fibers for the best results.
Which is better for embroidery?
Hanes P170. The tighter weave supports stitches better with less puckering.
Do they have tear-away tags?
Hanes P170 is transitioning to tear-away (mostly complete). JERZEES 996MR comes with a tear-away label.
Can I use sublimation on P170 and 996MR?
Only if you want a "vintage" faded look. With 50% cotton, half your ink will likely wash out. You need 100% polyester for vibrant sublimation.
Is the Hanes P170 actually eco-friendly?
Technically, it is "Eco-ish" as it uses some recycled polyester and sustainably sourced cotton, but it is not organic. The Hanes P170 is transitioning to CiCLO® polyester which will truly make it eco-friendly.
Which is better for cold weather?
JERZEES 996MR. It is denser and traps heat better.
Do the colors match between sizes?
Generally yes, but dye lots vary. JERZEES is famous for consistent dye lots across batches.
Can I heat press these?
Absolutely. Both handle 300°F+ heat pressing for vinyl and transfers easily.
What is the biggest size available?
JERZEES 996MR and Hanes P170 is available up to 5XL.