When it comes to custom sweatshirts for business, teams, or local events, a few brands that specialize in quality blanks are simply booming. Recent market stats show that in 2025, sweatshirts generated $14.36 billion in U.S. revenue. There is definitely a steadily growing appetite for customized sweatshirts that blends comfort, style, and practicality. But the impact of these garments ultimately comes down to the
blank sweatshirts chosen for the custom project.
Be it lightweight pullovers for staff uniforms,
crewneck sweatshirts for school pride, or
pullover hoodies for sports teams, the blank sweatshirts selected must have the right kind of fabric and features that are enhanced with custom designs.
Why Blank Sweatshirts Dominate the Custom Apparel Market in the United States
Sweatshirts remain favorites for wholesale buyers because they balance warmth and versatility, work for most climates, and support a variety of decoration methods.
The growth of athleisure and streetwear has pushed demand for high-quality blanks, especially among decorators who specialize in print, embroidery, DTF, and DTG techniques.
What Are Wholesale Sweatshirt Features That Matter to Decorators
- Tear-away labels for easy rebranding of apparel.
- Wide size ranges (XS-5XL) for flexible group orders.
- Multiple color choices for branding and team colors.
- Double-needle stitching for strength and long wear.
- Smooth print surfaces, often with a 100% cotton face, guaranteeing sharp artwork.
10 Reliable Customization-Friendly Sweatshirts Based on Buyer Reviews
Not all sweatshirts are the same. The fabric composition, weight, and construction directly impact the final results. That’s why we curated a list of some of the finest blank sweatshirts that earned a reputation in the custom apparel market. This list can still go longer because there are literally a few dozen blank styles from various manufacturers that deserve praise. But these 10 in our list got approval from a lot of decorators for being exceptionally good for the job, and they include a few styles that were
trending in streetwear and among decorators last fall.
1. Gildan 18500 Heavy Blend Hooded Sweatshirt
Standout for: Screen printing, DTF, DTG, embroidery, and heat transfer
Features: Double-lined hood, air-jet spun yarn, tear-away label
Colors: Huge selection (45+)
Sizes: S-5XL
2. Independent Trading Co. SS4500 Midweight Hooded Sweatshirt
A style that went trending really fast in YouApparel’s wholesale apparel collection, and getting rave reviews for the softness, premium quality, and customizability. The
SS4500 packs everything any decorator would expect from a blank sweatshirt. Featuring 80/20 ring-spun cotton/polyester blend fleece with 100% cotton face and 20 singles yarn count, this hoodie is a top pick for merchandising and company swag. Our
Independent Trading Company blanks selection has even more styles worth checking out.
Fabric: Midweight, 80% cotton/20% polyester, 100% cotton face.
Standout for: DTG and DTF especially, but works for all methods
Features: Metal eyelets, jersey-lined hood, tear-away label
Colors: Camo, heathers, and solids (40+)
Sizes: XS-5XL
3. Bella+Canvas 3719C Sponge Fleece Hoodie
A retail-ready fleece hoodie that’s been high up on popularity since it launched. The
3719C blends airlume combed ringspun cotton and polyester in its fabric, with the composition varying for heather colors and DTG colors (70/30 Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton/polyester). Though there are more options to discover in our
Bella + Canvas blank apparel collection, the 3719C by far got more consistently positive feedback from our buyers.
Standout for: DTG, embroidery, screen printing
Features: Retail fit, kangaroo pocket, tear-away label
Colors: Trendy heathers, DTG colors and basics (60+)
Sizes: S-3XL
4. Port & Company PC78H Core Fleece Pullover
Offering the best quality-to-price ratio in the market, the PC78H fleece pullover hoodiePC78H fleece pullover hoodie from Port & Company is all about outstanding value. Made of a 50/50 cotton-polyester fleece with air jet yarn, the hoodie is super soft and engineered for customization. Particularly appeals to decorators that want very budget-friendly but good quality blanks. The Port & Company PC78H is however not available in YouApparel, but we recommend sourcing the garment at market-best per-unit pricing from ShirtsBargain.
Standout for: Screen printing, embroidery, DTF, heat transfer
Features: two-ply hood, air jet yarn
Colors: Huge selection (65+)
Sizes: XS-4XL
5. Gildan 18000 Heavy Blend Crewneck Sweatshirt
Arguably the most popular blank crewneck sweatshirt in this list and among
Gildan’s offerings, the
Gildan 18000 or G180 is the same as the G185 but without the hood and with maximum decoration space. A top pick for schools and corporate orders.
Standout for: Print shops where hood-less blanks are preferred
Features: Air-jet spun yarn, tear-away label
Colors: Huge selection (45+)
Sizes: S-5XL
6. District DT1101 Perfect Weight Fleece Hoodie
An upscale print surface, stylish design featuring dyed-to-match drawcords with metal tips, and quality feel from an 80/20 combed ring spun cotton/poly fleece fabric (65/35 for heathered colors except heathered steel). The
District DT1101 is an on-trend style with a 100% combed ringspun cotton face for decorations. You can find similar quality and trendy styles from
Lane Seven.
Standout for: DTG, embroidery, DTF, screen printing
Features: Premium fabric, jersey-lined hood, tear-away label
Colors: 21 versatile shades
Sizes: XS-4XL
7. Next Level NL9001 Santa Cruz Pocket Crewneck
The
9001 Santa Cruz crewneck sweatshirt from Next Level is built for customization in every sense. It features a curated and limited selection of customization-friendly colors, a 80/20 cotton/polyester fleece fabric, and 100% cotton face - simply checks almost every criteria of every decorator.
Standout for: Fashion crews and pocket prints
Features: Unisex fit, super soft fabric, tear-away label
Colors: 7 custom-friendly options
Sizes: XS-3XL
8. Comfort Colors 1566 Garment-Dyed Crewneck Sweatshirt
Comfort Colors has been steadily growing their presence in the wholesale apparel market, offering premium quality garment-dyed blank apparel with a uniquely appealing “lived-in” finish. The
1566 crewneck sweatshirt is the brand’s most popular style featuring a 3-end cotton face fleece made with 100% cotton threads. Absolutely phenomenal choice for a variety of customization techniques, and particularly in-demand during Fall and Winter.
Standout for: Retro, pigment-dyed looks
Features: Vintage styled, 3-end cotton face fleece, garment-dyed
Colors: 22 colors
Sizes: S-3XL
9. Next Level 9303 Santa Cruz Pullover Hoodie
Like the Santa Cruz crewneck, the
Next Level 9303 Santa Cruz hoodie is also designed to suit customization in almost every way offering a premium feel to the wearer. A great pick for stand-out merchandise.
Standout for: embroidered merchandise, trending looks
Features: super soft fabric, tear-away label
Colors: 14 colors
Sizes: XS-3XL
10. Hanes P170 Ecosmart Hooded Sweatshirt
The
Hanes P170 has a legendary status in the custom sweatshirt market, being one of the most iconic blank sweatshirt styles ever made. It features a classic 50/50 cotton-polyester but also falls under the “wholesale sustainable apparel” category due to having recycled polyester from plastic bottles. It also comes in a full-zip version, which is also a top-selling style in our
blank full-zip hoodies collection. This hoodie can take almost every popular customization method.
Standout for: Sustainability, merchandise, promotions, and company swag
Features: Eco-friendly construction, low-pill PrintPro XP fabric, tear-away label
Colors: Huge selection (40+)
Sizes: S-3XL
If it’s
heavyweight sweatshirts you need, check out YouApparel’s guide on heavyweight sweatshirts packed with useful information and style recommendations for various purposes.
How to Choose Sweatshirts Wholesale for Decoration
Screen Printing: Almost all listed styles work. We recommend using higher cotton content blanks for vivid color output.
Embroidery: Higher-weight sweatshirts are ideal.
DTF/DTG: Styles with a 100% cotton face are ideal (SS4500, DT1101, NL9001).
Heat Transfer: May not be suitable for all but can work with some adjustments to the heat.
Big or small orders, YouApparel is your wholesale hub for blank sweatshirts from top brands.
The U.S. sweatshirt market keeps powering forward, shaped by fashion, comfort, and customization trends. Wholesale buyers found their favorites in styles that offer print-friendliness, durability, and variety. YouApparel makes it easy to go from blank canvas to merchandise-worthy branded sweatshirts. Though this list covers pullovers and
quarter zips, our collection also offers custom-friendly blank full-zip sweatshirts and heavyweight sweatshirts at competitive wholesale prices - styles that will help you get creative with fall and winter layering.
Ready to get started? Dive into the full lineup at YouApparel and discover the possibilities for your brand, business, school, or team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best fabric for custom hoodies and sweatshirts?
The best fabric for custom hoodies and sweatshirts comes down to your preferences and the purpose of the garments. For merchandising, it is typically a cotton-polyester blend like the Gildan 18500 Heavy Blend™. Sports teams and athletes often go for customizable polyester hoodies that are almost as custom-friendly as cotton-poly blends, but also deliver performance features.
How do I choose between DTG and DTF printing for my custom sweatshirt?
DTG (Direct-to-Garment) is best for highly detailed, full-color designs, particularly on cotton-based fabrics. DTF (Direct-to-Film) works well on both light and dark fabrics, offering greater versatility and faster production times. If you need intricate designs on cotton, go for DTG. DTF is better for bulk and diverse fabric choices.
Can I customize my sweatshirt with both embroidery and screen printing?
Yes, you can combine embroidery and screen printing on most blank sweatshirts, like those from Gildan or Bella+Canvas. However, it's important to consider design placement to ensure the two processes don’t overlap. It's common to use embroidery for logos or text and screen printing for larger, full-color designs.
What brands offer the best customization-friendly sweatshirts for bulk orders?
We recommend a few styles from Gildan, Bella+Canvas, and Independent Trading Company. But there are other popular brands in the market like Port & Company and Jerzees.
Are there any eco-friendly blank hoodie options for customization?
Yes, brands like Hanes and eConscious offer eco-friendly options, such as the Hanes EcoSmart® hoodie, which is made with recycled polyester and cotton. eConscious EC5570 is made of an organic cotton-recycled polyester blend. There are even more options in YouApparel for customers looking to reduce their environmental footprint.
Can I print on both the front and back of a sweatshirt?
Yes, most sweatshirts allow for printing on both the front and back.
How do I choose the right fit for a sweatshirt when ordering in bulk?
When ordering bulk sweatshirts, consider the fit that aligns with your target audience. For a relaxed, trendy fit, go for unisex styles like the Bella+Canvas 3719. For a more traditional, classic fit, Gildan offers options with a more standard cut. We recommend checking the product size charts before placing bulk orders.
How can I prevent fading in custom prints over time?
To prevent fading, we recommend using high-quality inks or transfers, like plastisol ink for screen printing or DTF transfer films that are known for their color retention. Washing the garments inside out and air drying them can also help preserve the quality of your custom designs.
What is the difference between a pullover hoodie and a zip-up hoodie for customization?
The primary difference between pullover and zip-up hoodies is the front zipper. Zip-up hoodies are more versatile for layering and offer a more professional look for customization, as both sides of the front panel can be printed. Pullover hoodies, on the other hand, provide a smoother, uninterrupted canvas for prints and are often favored for casual designs.
Are there any special considerations for printing on dark-colored sweatshirts?
Yes, dark-colored sweatshirts require a different approach to ensure vibrant prints. When screen printing or using heat transfer, a white base layer is often needed under the design to help the colors pop. DTF printing doesn’t require a white base though.
How long does the customization process take for bulk orders?
The customization process for bulk orders in YouApparel typically takes anywhere from 5-10 business days depending on the complexity of the design and the method of printing. Feel free to talk to our Customer Support team to get an estimate beforehand.
Can I order custom sweatshirts in kid's sizes for events or teams?
Absolutely. Many brands in YouApparel offer youth sizes in their popular hoodie styles. These are perfect for team uniforms or kids’ events and can be customized just like adult sizes with the same quality results.
How do I determine the correct quantity of sweatshirts to order for a large event?
It’s always a good idea to overestimate the number of sweatshirts required to account for potential last-minute additions. Generally, YouApparel’s bulk buyers order 10-15% more than the number required to be safe. We recommend the same.
