Custom Hoodie Printing: Methods, Costs and Use Cases

Mar 09

Hoodies are the second most popular item we print after T-shirts, and they suit some jobs better. The fabric is heavier, the cut is different, and the pocket area creates printing challenges. Here is what to expect from custom hoodie printing in London.

Why a hoodie over a T-shirt

Hoodies give higher perceived value. A branded £30 hoodie lands differently to a branded £15 tee. For streetwear, team kit, and staff uniforms where the garment is worn regularly, a hoodie earns its price.

They also suit British weather. A T-shirt giveaway in November sits in a drawer; a hoodie gets worn.

Printing method choices

DTG printing

Works on cotton hoodies (80% cotton or higher). Soft finish, unlimited colours. Best for small orders of 1 to 30 pieces.

DTF printing

Works on polyester blends, fleece, and outdoor hoodies. Durable, bright colours. Best for mixed orders and heavy use garments.

Embroidery

Premium finish, common on corporate hoodies and streetwear brands. Works on any fabric. Limited to logos and text, not photos.

Screen printing

Cost-effective from 50+ units. Very durable. Good for bold logo designs.

Print position considerations

Hoodies have more constraints than T-shirts:

  • Front chest: standard, avoid the pocket area
  • Back: full prints work but be aware of the hood seam at the neck
  • Pocket: small prints only, 8cm max
  • Sleeves: good for small logos and names
  • Hood: possible but difficult; fabric is double-layered

Avoid printing across the pocket seam, the design will crack where the fabric bends.

Cost expectations

For a single colour chest print on a 280gsm cotton hoodie:

Quantity Blank + Print
1 £35
10 £28
25 £24
50 £21
100 £18

Premium blanks (Stanley/Stella, Anthem) add £5 to £10. Full front or back prints add £2 to £4 per unit.

Hoodie blanks we recommend

  • AWDis College Hoodie: classic, affordable, 280gsm
  • Gildan Heavy Blend: wide colour range, good for bulk
  • Stanley/Stella Cruiser: premium organic cotton
  • Anthem Heavyweight: 400gsm oversized streetwear fit

Zip hoodies and other variations

We print on:

  • Pullover hoodies (standard)
  • Zip hoodies (printable either side, avoid print across zip)
  • Cropped hoodies (smaller print area)
  • Oversized / boxy fit hoodies
  • Performance / technical fleece hoodies (use DTF)

Common use cases

  1. Staff uniforms: chest logo plus sleeve name, 20 to 100 units
  2. Sports club kit: club badge on chest, sponsor on back
  3. Streetwear drops: large central graphic, premium blank
  4. Stag and hen weekends: simple design, Gildan blank, 10 to 15 units
  5. Corporate Christmas gifts: embroidered logo, premium blank

Care advice to pass on

To make prints last:

  • Wash inside out, 30 degrees or cold
  • No fabric conditioner
  • Tumble dry low or air dry
  • Do not iron directly on the print

Lead time

  • 1 to 30 units: 3 to 5 working days
  • 30 to 100 units: 5 to 7 working days
  • 100+ units: 7 to 10 working days
  • Same-day possible up to 10 pieces with simple design

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