You may ask if custom sublimated hoodies or traditional prints are better. The best choice depends on what you need. Custom sublimated hoodies have bright designs and last a long time. Traditional custom hoodies look classic and are good for some fabrics. Think about design trends, fabric type, how many you need, and price. Each hoodie style has its own good points. What you pick will change how your hoodie looks, feels, and lasts.
Tip: Think about the design and quality you want before you choose your custom hoodie. This helps you find the right style and price for you.
Key Takeaways
Sublimated hoodies use heat to put designs into polyester. The designs are bright and last a long time. These hoodies are good for detailed and colorful prints. The colors stay bright even after many washes.
Traditional printing like screen printing works best on cotton and blends. It gives bold and simple designs. This way is cheap for big orders. But the prints may fade or crack after some time.
Pick sublimation for small or medium orders with complex, full-color designs on polyester. Choose screen printing for big orders with simple logos on cotton. Use DTG for small orders with detailed art on cotton.
Durability is important. Sublimation prints last the longest and do not peel or crack. Screen prints last well but can feel rough. DTG prints may fade faster but feel soft.
Think about your fabric, how hard your design is, your order size, and your budget. This helps you pick the best printing method. You will get hoodies that look nice, feel good, and fit what you want.
Sublimation Printing
How Custom Sublimated Hoodies Are Made
Sublimation printing uses heat and pressure to put dye into the hoodie fabric. First, you pick a polyester or polyester-blend hoodie. Your design is printed on special transfer paper. Then, a heat press uses high heat and pressure. The dye turns into gas and joins with the hoodie fibers. This makes a picture that will not come off. The prints stay bright and do not crack or peel.
Many companies use new machines to make these hoodies. Over 61% of factories now use digital sublimation machines. About 66% of makers have better heat press tools. These upgrades help make good hoodies every time. The chart below shows how new machines help make hoodies faster and better:
Sublimation printing is great for full-color art and photo images. You can put any pattern, logo, or picture on your hoodie. This works best on polyester blends. These hoodies are soft, comfy, and last a long time.
Best Uses for Sublimated Hoodies
Custom sublimated hoodies are popular in sports, fashion, and ads. Sports teams like them because the prints stay bright after many washes. Event planners and brands use sublimation for hoodies with lots of colors and cool designs. People who love fashion enjoy making hoodies with bright and special prints.
Sublimation printing is also good for the planet. New inks and nanotechnology use fewer chemicals and make less waste. This makes these hoodies a smart pick if you care about the earth. The market for sublimation printing is growing and may be worth over $26 billion by 2033. Companies spend money on research and new machines to make it even better.
Note: Sublimation printing lets you make hoodies with bright prints, strong fabric, and many design choices. If you want your hoodie to look cool and last long, this is a great way to go.
Traditional Printing
Screen Printing on Hoodies
Screen printing is a very common way to print on hoodies. People use it when they want bold designs that last. Ink goes through a mesh screen onto the hoodie. Each color in the design needs its own screen. This works best for simple logos or pictures with just a few colors.
Screen printing has many good points. The prints stay bright and strong after many washes. You can print on big areas like the front, back, sleeves, and pockets. It is a good choice for big orders because the price per hoodie goes down when you print more. The colors look bright, and you can match Pantone colors well.
Performance Metric | Traditional Screen Printing (on Hoodies) | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
Durability | High durability; prints withstand frequent wear and washing | Ideal for hoodies needing long-lasting designs |
Color Vibrancy | Vibrant and long-lasting colors | Superior color matching, especially for Pantone/spot colors |
Print Area Size | Supports large print areas including full front, back, sides, sleeves | Allows printing on multiple garment locations, unlike digital printing |
Cost-Effectiveness (Bulk) | Cost-effective for large quantities due to economies of scale | Setup cost spread over many items reduces per-unit cost |
Versatility in Print Location | Can print on sleeves, pockets, neck tags, and other hard-to-reach areas | Digital printing may struggle with these locations |
Design Complexity | Best for simple, bold designs; less suited for intricate, detailed artwork | Screen printing requires separate screens per color, limiting fine detail reproduction |
Production Speed | Longer setup time but faster and cheaper for large runs | Setup involves screen creation and alignment, but cost and speed improve with volume |
New screen printing machines use smart controls and automation. These machines help keep every print the same. Even heat and pressure make sure each hoodie looks right. Fast-loading designs help workers move hoodies in and out quickly. Air-powered presses make the job easier and help the prints look better.
Tip: Pick screen printing if you want bold, simple designs and need lots of hoodies.
Other Traditional Methods
There are other ways to print on hoodies too. Direct-to-garment, or dtg, is a newer way. Dtg uses special printers to put the design right on the hoodie. This is good for small orders or designs with lots of details. Dtg works best on cotton hoodies and lets you use many colors.
Some shops use heat transfer printing. You print the design on special paper. Then you press it onto the hoodie with heat. This is good for small orders or adding names and numbers. It does not last as long as screen printing, but it is flexible.
Dtg and heat transfer printing are quick to set up and easy to change. You can print just one hoodie or a few without spending a lot. These methods help you try new ideas or make samples before a big order.
Note: If you want detailed art, small batches, or want to test designs, dtg and heat transfer printing give you more choices.
Comparison
Print Quality
When you choose a hoodie, print quality matters. Sublimation printing gives you high-quality results with bright, sharp colors. The dye becomes part of the fabric, so the design feels smooth and never cracks or peels. You can get photo-like images, smooth gradients, and detailed designs. This makes sublimation one of the best printing techniques for custom hoodies with complex art.
Screen printing works well for bold, simple graphics. You get strong colors, but each color needs its own screen. This makes it harder to print detailed designs or lots of colors. DTG, another custom printing method, prints directly onto the hoodie. DTG can handle detailed designs and many colors, but the print sits on top of the fabric. Over time, DTG prints may fade or crack, especially after many washes.
Tip: If you want a hoodie with a full-color, detailed design, sublimation printing is the best type of printing for you.
Durability
Durability is important for custom hoodies, especially if you wear them often. Sublimation printing creates long-lasting designs because the dye bonds with the fabric. The design will not peel, crack, or fade easily, even after many washes. This makes sublimation one of the best printing techniques for sportswear and activewear.
Screen printing also gives you good durability. The ink sits on the surface, so it can crack or peel over time, but it still lasts through many washes. DTG prints look great at first, but they may lose quality faster, especially on cotton hoodies. If you want a hoodie that keeps its design looking new, sublimation is the best type of printing for polyester fabrics.
Fabric Compatibility
Not all printing methods work on every fabric. Sublimation printing works best on polyester or polyester-blend hoodies. The dye bonds with the polyester fibers, making the design part of the fabric. You cannot use sublimation on cotton or linen unless you use special polymer-coated transfer papers. Even then, the print may not last as long.
Screen printing and DTG work well on cotton, linen, and blends. DTG is great for cotton hoodies and can print detailed designs. Advanced digital printing techniques now let you print on more types of fabric, including blends. This gives you more choices for your custom hoodie.
Here is a quick table to help you see which printing methods work best on different fabrics:
Fabric Type | Sublimation Printing | Screen Printing / DTG |
|---|---|---|
Polyester | Best | Possible |
Cotton | Not ideal (unless using special paper) | Best |
Linen | Not compatible | Best |
Dark Fabrics | Not suitable | Best |
Polymer-coated | Best | N/A |
Note: Choose sublimation for polyester hoodies. Pick screen printing or DTG for cotton or dark fabrics.
Design Options
Sublimation printing gives you the most design freedom. You can print all-over designs, photo images, and fine details. The colors stay bright, and you can use as many colors as you want. This makes sublimation perfect for custom hoodies with unique, detailed designs.
Screen printing works best for simple logos and bold graphics. Each color adds to the cost and setup time. DTG lets you print detailed designs and many colors, but it works best on light-colored cotton hoodies. If you want a hoodie with a complex or colorful design, sublimation is one of the best printing techniques.
Callout: Sublimation printing is the top choice for high-quality, full-color, and detailed designs on custom hoodies.
Cost and Order Size
Cost depends on the printing method, design, and order size. Sublimation printing has a lower setup cost and is great for small to medium orders. You can change designs quickly, so it is good for custom or personalized hoodies. The cost per hoodie for sublimation printing usually ranges from $4 to $8.
Screen printing has a higher setup cost because each color needs a separate screen. It becomes cheaper per hoodie when you order in bulk. For large orders, screen printing is one of the best printing techniques. DTG is cost-effective for small runs and detailed designs, but the print may not last as long.
Here is a table to show how cost and order size affect your choice:
Printing Method | Cost per Hoodie | Best for Order Size | Setup Cost | Design Complexity Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sublimation Printing | $4 - $8 | Small/Medium | Low | Low |
Screen Printing | $2 - $5 | Large | High | High |
DTG | $4 - $8 | Small/Medium | Low | Low |
Bulk orders get discounts. For example:
25-49 hoodies: 10-15% off
50-99 hoodies: 15-20% off
100+ hoodies: 20-30% off
Tip: For small custom orders or detailed designs, choose sublimation or DTG. For large orders with simple designs, screen printing is the best printing technique.
Pros and Cons
Custom Sublimated Hoodies
Custom sublimated hoodies have many good things. Sublimation printing lets you make hoodies with bright colors everywhere. You can use any pattern, photo, or logo you want. This makes your hoodie special and easy to spot. Sublimation works best on polyester or polyester-blend fabrics. These blends, like 70/27/3 Polyester-Cotton-Elastane, help your hoodie last longer. They also keep it looking new after many washes. The ink goes into the fabric, so the design will not crack, peel, or fade. You can wear your hoodie many times, and the colors stay bright.
🌈 Super bright colors and all-over design choices
🧼 Stays nice after washing and lasts a long time
🏃♂️ Light, dries fast, and does not shrink much
💡 Best for polyester blends that keep their shape
🖼️ Great for detailed art and photo designs
Note: Sublimation printing lets you make hoodies with cool, lasting designs. Polyester blends help your hoodie stay bright and strong.
Traditional Printed Hoodies
Traditional printed hoodies use screen printing or DTG. These hoodies are good for simple logos or bold pictures. You can use cotton or cotton-blend fabrics, which feel soft and comfy. Screen printing gives strong colors, but each color needs its own setup. DTG can print detailed designs, but the print sits on top of the fabric and may fade faster. Traditional prints do not cover the whole hoodie, so you get less space for your design. Cotton hoodies can shrink or wrinkle, and the prints might crack or peel after some time.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Soft, comfy fabrics | Smaller design area |
Good for simple pictures | Prints might fade or crack |
Cheaper for big orders | Not as tough as sublimation |
Works on cotton and blends | Fewer color and detail choices |
Tip: Pick traditional printed hoodies if you want soft cotton, simple designs, or need many hoodies at a lower price.
Choosing the Right Hoodie
Key Considerations
When you choose custom hoodies, you need to match your needs with the right printing method. Start by thinking about the fabric. Cotton feels soft and works well with screen printing and DTG. Polyester is best for sublimation. If you want a hoodie design with bright, all-over colors, sublimation gives you the best results on polyester. For simple logos or bold graphics, screen printing on cotton or blends works well. DTG lets you print detailed designs on cotton, but it may not last as long as other methods.
You should also look at your design complexity. Sublimation handles complex, colorful, and full-coverage designs. Screen printing works best for simple, bold images with fewer colors. DTG is good for detailed, colorful art but only on cotton. Think about your order size. Large orders (50 or more) cost less per hoodie with screen printing. Sublimation and DTG are better for small or medium runs.
Durability needs matter too. Sublimation creates prints that bond with the fabric, so they last a long time and do not peel or crack. Screen printing also gives strong, long-lasting prints, but they may feel a bit textured. DTG prints feel soft but may fade faster. If you want your custom hoodies to stay bright after many washes, sublimation is a top choice.
Print placement and size affect comfort and style. Hoodies with front pockets limit how big your print can be. Large prints can make the hoodie feel heavier and less breathable. Make sure your design fits the hoodie style and size. This helps your custom hoodies look and feel great.
Here is a table to help you compare the main printing methods for custom hoodies:
Printing Method | Best Fabric | Design Complexity | Order Size | Durability & Feel | Cost & Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sublimation | Polyester, light colors | Complex, full-coverage | Small/Medium | Very durable, smooth, lightweight | Higher cost, ideal for small runs |
Screen Printing | Cotton, blends, synthetics | Simple, bold | Large (50+) | Durable, vibrant, textured feel | Cost-effective for bulk orders |
DTG | 100% Cotton | Detailed, colorful | Small batches | Soft feel, less durable | Mid-range cost, low setup cost |
You should also consider your budget. Natural fibers like cotton can cost more. Polyester is often cheaper and works well for sublimation. Large orders get discounts, but small runs may cost more per hoodie. If you want to save money, order in bulk or choose a simple design.
Tip: Match your fabric, design, order size, and durability needs to the right printing method. This helps you get the best value and look for your custom hoodies.
Quick Checklist
Use this checklist to help you pick the best printing method for your custom hoodies:
What fabric do you want?
Cotton: Best for screen printing and DTG
Polyester: Best for sublimation
How complex is your design?
Simple, bold: Screen printing
Detailed, colorful, or photo: Sublimation or DTG
How many hoodies do you need?
Large order (50+): Screen printing saves money
Small/medium order: Sublimation or DTG works well
What are your durability needs?
Long-lasting, no cracking: Sublimation
Good durability, some texture: Screen printing
Soft feel, less durable: DTG
What is your budget?
Bulk order: Screen printing is cost-effective
Small run or custom design: Sublimation or DTG
Do you want to follow trends or create a unique look?
All-over, trendy prints: Sublimation
Classic, simple styles: Screen printing
Where do you want the print?
All-over: Sublimation
Front, back, sleeves: Screen printing or DTG
✅ If you want bright, trendy, and long-lasting custom hoodies, choose sublimation on polyester.
✅ For classic, simple custom hoodies in large orders, pick screen printing on cotton.
✅ For small runs with detailed art, try DTG on cotton.
When ordering custom hoodies, always check the print area and size for your hoodie design. Make sure your design fits the style and size of the hoodie. This helps you get the best results and keeps your custom hoodies comfortable and stylish.
Likeu Clothing
About Likeu Clothing
You want a company that knows custom hoodies well. Likeu Clothing is special because it has lots of experience and cares about quality. You can pick from many hoodie types, like mid-weight, heavy fleece, zipped, and raglan. Likeu Clothing lets you choose sublimation or traditional printing for your design. Their quality is high, with less than 5% of hoodies needing fixes and under 2% having problems. Most hoodies are made right the first time, with scores over 90%. This means you get good hoodies every time.
Custom Hoodies Services
You get lots of choices when you order from Likeu Clothing. They have many hoodie styles and ways to print your design. You can pick screen printing, DTF, DTG, or sublimation. This means you can get a bold logo or a bright, full-color print. Likeu Clothing lets you add things like sleeve prints, custom tags, and earth-friendly fabrics. People say ordering is easy and fast. They use barcodes and computers to check your order is right. Most orders ship in just a few days, so you get your hoodies quickly. Customers are happy, with scores for ordering, website, and delivery all above 75 out of 100.
Note: Likeu Clothing’s sublimation lets you make hoodies with bright, lasting prints. You can also pick traditional printing for a classic look.
Why Choose Likeu Clothing
You want a company that keeps its promises. Likeu Clothing gives you a free digital proof in 24 hours, making approval much faster. They follow ISO rules for safe and fair factories, so your hoodies are made right. You can order as few as 10 hoodies, which helps small groups and teams. Their return rate is only 0.8%, much lower than most companies. You can pick from top fabrics, like organic and recycled ones. They are experts in sublimation, screen printing, embroidery, and DTF. Fast shipping with DHL and FedEx means your hoodies arrive on time, even if you need them soon.
Cool tech for hoodies that fit and last
Many printing choices, like sublimation, for any design
Small orders and big discounts for all budgets
High ratings for comfort, quality, and help
Earth-friendly options for green choices
Feature | Benefit for You |
|---|---|
Sublimation printing | Bright, strong, all-over designs |
Fast shipping | Get your order quickly anywhere |
Quality assurance | Few problems and returns |
Flexible order sizes | Order small or big batches easily |
Responsive support | Get help and answers fast |
Tip: Pick Likeu Clothing if you want great service, top hoodies, and the choice of sublimation or traditional printing for your custom designs.
You can pick from different types of custom hoodies. Some use sublimation, and others use traditional prints. What you choose depends on your design, fabric, and how much you want to spend. The table below shows how each type works:
Performance Aspect | Sublimated Poly-Performance Hoodies | Traditional Printed Hoodies |
|---|---|---|
Durability of Design | No cracking, peeling, or fading | Prone to cracking, peeling, and fading |
Color Vibrancy | Vibrant, long-lasting colors | Colors fade more quickly |
Fabric Properties | Keeps moisture wicking and breathability | Surface inks reduce breathability |
Check the list above to help you decide. You can ask Likeu Clothing for advice or to order your custom hoodie.
FAQ
What is the main difference between sublimation and screen printing?
Sublimation puts the design inside the fabric. Screen printing puts ink on top of the fabric. Sublimation works best for bright, all-over designs. Screen printing works well for bold, simple logos.
Can you use sublimation on cotton hoodies?
No, you cannot use sublimation on cotton. Sublimation only works on polyester or polyester-blend hoodies. If you want cotton, choose screen printing or DTG.
Which method lasts longer after washing?
Sublimation lasts longer. The design becomes part of the fabric, so it does not crack or peel. Screen printing and DTG may fade or crack after many washes.
Is sublimation more expensive than screen printing?
For small orders, sublimation often costs less. For large orders, screen printing becomes cheaper per hoodie. The price depends on your design and how many hoodies you order.
Can I print photos or detailed art on my hoodie?
Yes, you can print photos or detailed art with sublimation or DTG. Sublimation gives you bright, sharp images on polyester. DTG works well for detailed art on cotton.
