Are you looking for the best custom company sweatshirts that last and feel good? The right pick depends on material, print method, and design. If you choose high-quality custom hoodies or sweatshirts with strong build and smart branding, you get better quality and more employee pride.
Companies that use swag platforms where people pick their own custom clothes see up to 50% more happy employees. About 72% of workers say they wear branded custom hoodies more when they can choose the style.
Aspect | Impact on Quality and Durability |
|---|---|
Material | Cotton, polyester, and blends change print method and comfort; cotton-poly blends give a good mix for custom company sweatshirts. |
Print Method | Screen printing and embroidery last a long time for custom company sweatshirts and custom hoodies. |
Design Complexity | Simple, bold logos are best for print quality and brand look. |
If you want the best custom sweatshirt for your team, look for comfort, strength, and custom apparel that fits your brand.
Key Takeaways
Choose cotton/polyester blends for sweatshirts that feel soft, last long, and keep their shape after many washes.
Pick the right print method: screen printing for bold logos, DTG for detailed colorful designs, and embroidery for a premium look.
Place logos where they stand out, like the center or left chest, and keep designs simple for the best print quality.
Order sweatshirts in bulk to save money and ask your team about preferred styles and fits to boost satisfaction.
Wash sweatshirts inside out with cold water and mild detergent, and air dry when possible to keep prints bright and fabric strong.
Material Selection
Cotton vs. Blends
When you look for hoodie material, you have many choices. The most common are 100% cotton, cotton/polyester blends, and tri-blends with rayon. Each fabric feels different and is good for certain needs.
Fabric Type | Comfort & Softness | Breathability | Durability & Care |
|---|---|---|---|
100% Cotton | Soft, natural feel, very comfortable | Highly breathable, good airflow | Absorbs and holds moisture, wrinkles easily, fades faster, less durable |
Polyester | Less soft, synthetic feel | Less breathable | Very durable, wrinkle-resistant, moisture-wicking, fade-resistant |
Cotton/Polyester Blend | Combines softness of cotton with durability of polyester | Balanced breathability and moisture control | More wrinkle-resistant and durable than cotton alone |
Tri-blends (Cotton/Polyester/Rayon) | Extra softness and flexibility, enhanced comfort and drape | Breathable due to cotton and rayon components | More wrinkle-resistant and durable than pure cotton |
If you want a soft feel, 100% cotton is a classic choice. It feels nice but can wrinkle and fade fast. Cotton/polyester blends give you comfort and strength. You get the softness of cotton and the easy care of polyester. Tri-blends add rayon for even more softness and a smooth look. These blends often last longer and look new after many washes.
Tip: If you want sweatshirts that look good for a long time, blends are usually the best hoodie material for busy teams.
Fabric Weight
Fabric weight and texture change how your sweatshirt feels. Heavy fabrics like thick fleece keep you warm and feel soft. Lighter fabrics, like French terry, breathe better and are good for mild weather.
French terry: This fabric is light, soaks up sweat, and dries fast. It has loops on one side and is smooth on the other. It works well in spring or fall.
Sponge fleece: This fabric is midweight and has a soft inside. It feels warm and cozy, so people like it all year.
Performance fleece: This fabric often keeps out rain and dries quickly. It is great if your team works outside or needs extra features.
Heavy fleece also helps your logo or embroidery stand out. If you want your branding to show, pick a smooth-faced fleece. The right hoodie material and fabric weight make your custom company sweatshirts look and feel great.
Comfort and Durability
You want your team to feel good and look good. You also want sweatshirts that last a long time. Comfort comes from soft and stretchy fabric. Durability depends on what the fabric is made of and how it handles washing and wear.
100% cotton is soft and comfy but can shrink, wrinkle, and fade after many washes.
Polyester makes the fabric strong. It does not wrinkle much and dries fast, but it can feel less natural.
Cotton/polyester blends are both comfy and strong. They last longer and need less ironing.
Most sweatshirts last about five years with normal use and washing. You can help them last longer by washing gently, using mild soap, and air drying. The right hoodie material and good care keep your team looking sharp and feeling good for a long time.
Note: Always check the care label. Washing and drying the right way can make your custom company sweatshirts last twice as long.
Print Methods
Choosing the right print method for your custom company sweatshirts can make a big difference in how your hoodie prints look and last. Each method works best with certain materials and gives you different results for color, detail, and durability. Let’s break down the most popular options so you can pick the best one for your team.
Screen Printing
Screen printing is one of the oldest and most trusted ways to create quality hoodie prints. You push ink through a mesh screen onto the fabric. This method works best on cotton and cotton-polyester blends because these materials soak up the ink well and give you high-quality prints that last.
Why choose screen printing?
You get bright, bold colors that pop.
It handles big, simple logos and detailed designs.
The prints feel smooth and can cover large areas.
What to watch out for:
Small orders can cost more because of setup fees.
Prints may crack or fade if you wash them a lot or use harsh detergents.
Polyester needs special inks or prep to get the best results.
Tip: If you want vibrant hoodie prints for a big group, screen printing is a smart pick.
DTG Printing
DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing uses a special printer to spray ink right onto the fabric. This method shines when you want detailed, colorful designs. It works best on 100% cotton sweatshirts, giving you soft, high-quality prints with lots of detail.
Why choose DTG?
You can print photos or complex artwork with lots of colors.
The prints feel soft and lightweight.
No minimum order—great for small batches or one-offs.
What to watch out for:
Works best on cotton; blends and polyester don’t absorb the ink as well.
Prints may not last as long as screen printing or embroidery.
Colors can fade faster if you don’t wash them gently.
If you want a super-soft feel and high-quality prints for detailed designs, DTG is a great choice for your hoodie prints.
Embroidery
Embroidery uses thread to stitch your design right into the fabric. This method gives you a premium, textured look and is perfect for small logos or simple designs on thicker sweatshirts.
Why choose embroidery?
Your hoodie prints will last a long time, even after many washes.
The design looks professional and stands out with a 3D effect.
It’s great for uniforms or when you want a high-end finish.
What to watch out for:
Not ideal for big or very detailed designs.
Fewer color options compared to printing.
Large embroidered areas can make the fabric stiff.
Note: If you want your logo to look sharp and last for years, embroidery is hard to beat.
Method Comparison
Let’s see how these methods stack up for custom company sweatshirts. Here’s a quick table to help you compare:
Method | Print Quality & Detail | Color Vibrancy & Range | Longevity & Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
Screen Printing | Vivid, high-quality prints; handles detail well | Excellent color variety; custom shades | Durable, long-lasting; may crack or fade over time |
Embroidery | Textured, premium look; best for simple logos | Limited by thread colors | Extremely durable; holds up to frequent washing |
DTG Printing | High-resolution, soft prints; great for detail | Bright colors, especially on cotton | Moderate durability; less than screen printing or embroidery |
You might also hear about other methods like sublimation and heat transfer. Sublimation works best on 100% polyester and gives you hoodie prints that stay bright after many washes. Heat transfer can work on many fabrics, but the prints may peel or crack over time, especially if you wash them often.
Here’s a quick guide to which print methods work best with each sweatshirt material:
Sweatshirt Material | Compatible Print Methods | Notes |
|---|---|---|
100% Cotton | DTG, DTF, Screen Printing | Bright, high-definition prints; great ink absorption |
Polyester-Cotton Blends | DTG, DTF, Screen Printing, AOP | Good balance of softness and durability; higher polyester works for all-over prints |
100% Polyester | Sublimation, AOP, DTF | Best for dye bonding; not ideal for DTG; needs special inks for screen printing |
When you compare screen printing vs embroidery, think about your design and how you want your hoodie prints to feel and last. Screen printing gives you bold, colorful prints for big orders. Embroidery gives you a premium, long-lasting look for small logos. DTG is perfect for detailed, colorful designs on cotton.
Remember: The right print method helps you get quality hoodie prints that match your brand and keep your team looking sharp.
Design Choices
Placement
Where you put your logo or design on a sweatshirt can make a big difference. You want people to notice your brand, so pick spots that stand out. The center chest is a classic choice for bold logos. The left chest works well for a smaller, professional look. You can also use the sleeves or the back yoke for extra style or to show off your brand from different angles.
Avoid putting designs on seams, zippers, or folds. These spots can stretch or twist your logo.
Try a mockup before you order. This helps you see how your design fits the curves and folds of the sweatshirt.
For embroidery, stick to the left chest, sleeves, or collar. Screen printing looks great on the center chest or back. If you want a big, edge-to-edge hoodie print design, heat transfer or sublimation works best.
Adjust your logo size. A center chest logo can be about 3.5–4 inches wide. This size is easy to see but does not take over the whole sweatshirt.
If you want your team to look sharp at trade shows, go for a big, central logo. For uniforms, a neat left chest embroidery looks polished. You can even mix placements, like adding a sleeve logo for a modern touch.
Color Matching
Getting your brand colors right is key. You do not want your logo to look off or faded. Pantone color matching helps you get the exact shade every time. This system lets you tell the printer your brand’s color code, so your sweatshirts always match your other gear.
New printing tech, like UV DTF transfer, keeps colors bright and true. These prints stay bold, even after many washes. Big brands use Pantone to keep their colors the same everywhere. When you use color matching, your sweatshirts look professional and help people remember your brand.
Simplicity vs. Detail
Think about how complex your design is. Simple logos work well for embroidery and look clean. If you want lots of colors or tiny details, screen printing or DTG printing is better. Here’s a quick guide:
Print Method | Best For | Final Look |
|---|---|---|
Screen Printing | Bold, multi-color designs | Flat, bright, and smooth |
Embroidery | Simple, small logos | Raised, textured, premium |
DTG/Heat Transfer | Detailed, photo-like images | Soft, high-res, full-color |
Simple designs last longer and look sharp. Detailed designs can pop with the right print method, but they may cost more or fade faster. Always match your design to the print method for the best results.
Custom Company Sweatshirts Styles
When you choose custom company sweatshirts, you have many styles. The right style helps your team feel good and makes your brand stand out. Let’s check out the most popular choices and see what makes each one different.
Sweatshirt Style | Popularity Among Corporate Teams | Key Advantages | Typical Use Cases | Customization Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hoodies | Most popular overall, year-round staple | Warmth, casual comfort, versatile layering | Casual wear, streetwear, cold weather | Left chest logos, front pouch pocket customization |
Crewnecks | Classic style with a comeback in premium and oversized fits | Timeless, versatile, suitable for casual Fridays and gym | Casual Fridays, gym sessions, weekend lounging | Embroidery and prints on chest or back |
Zip-Ups (Full and Quarter-Zip) | Especially quarter-zips popular in professional settings | Adaptability, polished look, layering flexibility, balance of comfort and refinement | Business casual, corporate culture, layering under jackets | Embroidered logos preferred, subtle and refined designs |
Hoodies
Custom hoodies are the favorite for most teams. They keep you warm and feel relaxed. People wear them at work, home, or outside. You can put your logo on the left chest or front pocket. Hoodie prints are bold and help your brand get seen. If you want custom apparel everyone likes, pick custom hoodies.
Crewnecks
Crewnecks give a classic look. They work for both casual and work settings. Many teams wear crewnecks for gym days or casual Fridays. You can use embroidery or hoodie prints on the chest or back. Crewnecks never go out of style and fit most dress codes.
Zip-Ups
Zip-ups, like quarter-zips, look neat and polished. They are easy to layer and work well in business casual offices. You can add a small embroidered logo for a simple look. Zip-ups help your team stay comfy and look sharp.
Fit Options
You can pick unisex, gendered, or activewear fits. Unisex fits work for most people and make ordering easy. Gendered fits give a better shape for men and women. Activewear fits use stretchy fabric and help your team move easily. The right fit makes your custom hoodies and apparel feel even better. When your team feels good, they wear your custom sweatshirts more. That means more people see your brand and your team feels proud.
Tip: Ask your team what styles and fits they like most. When people choose, they wear your custom hoodies and show off your hoodie prints everywhere!
Care and Longevity
Washing Tips
You want your custom company sweatshirts to look sharp and last a long time. The way you wash and dry them makes a big difference. Here are some easy tips to help you keep both the fabric and prints in top shape:
Wash sweatshirts inside out to protect the prints from rubbing and fading.
Use cold water and a gentle cycle. This keeps the colors bright and helps the fabric stay strong.
Always separate dark and light colors to prevent color bleeding.
Choose a mild detergent. Skip bleach and fabric softeners because they can damage both the fabric and the prints.
Air dry your sweatshirts when you can. If you use a dryer, pick low or medium heat and remove them right away.
Never dry in direct sunlight. Sun can fade both the fabric and the prints.
If you need to iron, turn the sweatshirt inside out and use low heat with no steam.
Tip: These simple steps help your sweatshirts keep their color, shape, and prints for years.
Print Maintenance
Taking care of your prints is just as important as caring for the fabric. When you wash sweatshirts inside out, you protect screen-printed designs from cracking or peeling. Cold water keeps the ink from fading and helps the prints stay bright. Gentle detergents and low heat in the dryer also help your prints last longer. For embroidery, turn the sweatshirt inside out before washing and avoid wringing it out. Lay it flat to dry so the threads stay neat and the colors stay true.
Proper care means your prints will look fresh, and your sweatshirts will feel comfortable every time you wear them.
Quality Control
You want every order to meet your standards. Quality control starts before production with fabric checks for defects and colorfastness. Always ask for a sample from the production batch. This lets you check the fabric, stitching, and prints before the full order ships. During production, workers inspect each step, from cutting to sewing, to catch any problems early. After assembly, teams check the stitching, seams, and prints for quality. Final inspections make sure every sweatshirt meets your expectations.
Good quality control means fewer returns, less waste, and a better reputation for your brand. When you deliver high-quality sweatshirts with great prints, your team and clients notice the difference.
Cost and Ordering
Bulk Discounts
Ordering more sweatshirts at once can save you a lot of money. Most suppliers offer big discounts when you buy in bulk. For example, if you order 100 sweatshirts instead of 24, you pay much less for each one. This happens because setup costs, like making screens for printing, get spread out over more items. Suppliers often set minimum order quantities (MOQs), usually between 50 and 100 pieces. Some companies, like likeu Clothing, even start at 20 pieces, which is great for small teams. Bulk orders also help lower shipping and admin costs.
Bulk discounts can cut your price per sweatshirt by 40–60%.
MOQs cover setup and labor costs.
Ordering above the MOQ means more savings for you.
Price vs. Quality
You want your sweatshirts to look good and last. Picking the cheapest option can hurt your brand if the sweatshirts feel rough or fall apart. High-quality sweatshirts cost more at first, but they last longer and make your team proud to wear them. Many companies let employees pick their own styles, which boosts satisfaction and brand loyalty. If you invest in better materials and printing, your sweatshirts become walking ads for your company.
Here’s a quick look at what affects the price:
Cost Factor | Range per Piece |
|---|---|
Material | $4.50 - $25+ |
Printing | $1 - $15 |
Labor | $2 - $20 |
Typical Total Price |
You can balance price and quality by working with trusted vendors, knowing your budget, and choosing the right order size.
Lead Times
Custom sweatshirts take time to make. You should plan for about 30 to 35 days for full production. Shipping adds another 7 to 10 days if you use air, or up to 45 days by ocean. If you want samples first, add 15 to 20 business days. Design and mockups usually take just a few days. If you need special materials or custom colors, production can take longer. Always ask your supplier for a timeline so you know when to expect your order.
Tip: Order early, especially for big events or busy seasons. This gives you time for samples, changes, and shipping.
Likeu Clothing Overview
Company Profile
Likeu Clothing helps you make custom clothes your team will like. They do more than just sweatshirts. They help you from the start to the end. You can get cut and sew, printing, embroidery, and private labeling. You can add your logo, pick your colors, and choose extras like kangaroo pockets or patches. Their services are like what top custom apparel companies offer.
Service Category | Likeu Clothing Offerings | Industry Standard Comparison |
|---|---|---|
Cut and Sew | Pocket tees, liner hoodies, kangaroo pockets, patch hats, patch beanies | Covers typical custom apparel cut and sew options |
Printing | Transfer printing (DTF), digital printing (DTG), screen printing | Matches common printing methods in custom apparel |
Stitching | Embroidery, applique | Standard stitching services offered by industry |
Labeling and Branding | Woven labels, private labels, neck prints, patches, limited edition collections | Extensive branding options, aligning with premium services |
Warehouse & Fulfillment | Custom packaging, product finishing, pack-ins, merchandise storage with 48-hour shipping | Full-service fulfillment comparable to industry leaders |
Sales Integration | Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy apps | Supports major e-commerce platforms, standard practice |
Additional Services | Memberships for graphic design and unlimited embroidery digitization | Value-added services enhancing customer experience |
Material and Print Options
You can pick from many sweatshirt types and fabrics. Likeu Clothing has heavy crews, French terry, quarter-zips, and tie-dye. Most sweatshirts use a cotton and polyester blend. You can also find 100% cotton or special fabrics. This gives you lots of choices for comfort and style. You can pick transfer print, digital print, embroidery, or screen print for your custom clothes.
Sweatshirt Model | Material Composition |
|---|---|
Men's Heavy Crew (5145) | |
Made Crew (5150) | 100% Cotton French Terry |
USA Made Quarter Zip Pullover (BA920) | 80% cotton, 20% polyester |
Icon Loopback Terry Hooded Sweatshirt (SS1000) | 55% cotton, 45% polyester |
Cadet Collar Quarter-Zip Sweatshirt (995MR) | 50% cotton, 50% polyester |
Women's Lightweight Wash Sweatshirt (PRM2000) | 55% cotton, 45% polyester |
Youth Midweight Hooded Sweatshirt (SS4001Y) | 80% cotton, 20% polyester |
Tie Dye Olive Crew Neck (PRM3500TD) | 80% cotton, 20% polyester |
Rugby Jersey (5410) | 100% carded cotton |
Garment Dyed Unisex Crewneck Sweatshirt (GDH400) | 80% cotton, 20% polyester |
Most sweatshirts mix cotton and polyester. This mix makes them soft, strong, and easy to care for.
Customization Process
Making your custom clothes is simple. Here is how it works with Likeu Clothing:
Pick your sweatshirt style and fabric. Choose crewneck, pullover, or zip-up. You can also pick eco-friendly fabrics.
Use the online tool to upload your logo and make a mockup. Check your design to see if it looks good.
Pick your print method. Choose screen printing for bold prints. Pick heat transfer for photo-like images. Choose embroidery for a fancy look.
Order a sample. Check the stitching, print, and feel. Give feedback until you like the sample.
Place your big order. You can start with 20 pieces and get discounts for more.
Wait for your order. Most orders come in 8–14 business days. Rush shipping is available if you need it fast.
Get your custom clothes. Your team will look great and feel comfy.
Supplier List
You have many choices for custom company sweatshirts. Likeu Clothing is special because they offer many services and flexible options. Here are some other top suppliers you can look at:
Supplier | Key Features and Criteria for Selection |
|---|---|
ooShirts | Good prices, many styles and colors, bulk discounts, fast delivery, made in the US. |
Underground Printing | Many materials, expert printing and embroidery, no minimum order, fast delivery, strong support. |
Custom Ink | Easy online design, free clipart, 7-day support, clear pricing, great for groups and events. |
UberPrints | No minimum order, digital printing with many colors, fast turnaround, bulk discounts, high-quality prints. |
Likeu Clothing | Easy design, premium materials, satisfaction guarantee, fast delivery, clear pricing. |
Printify | Print-on-demand, no upfront cost, many choices, global network, works with online stores. |
Broken Arrow Wear | No minimum order, DTG printing, easy design tool, helpful support, works with big brands, custom quotes. |
Look for suppliers with good reviews, lots of custom options, and strong support. Likeu Clothing gives you all this, plus fast delivery and flexible order sizes.
Choosing the best custom sweatshirt for your team means thinking about fabric, print method, and design. Here’s a quick guide to help you:
Aspect | Key Tip |
|---|---|
Material | Cotton works well for screen printing and DTG. Polyester fits sublimation. |
Match your design to the right method for color and detail. | |
Design | Simple logos look great with embroidery. Complex art suits DTG or screen printing. |
Avoid common mistakes like ordering the wrong sizes or skipping design reviews. If you want expert help, reach out to a trusted supplier like Likeu Clothing. They can guide you through every step and make sure your sweatshirts turn out just right!
FAQ
What is the best material for custom company sweatshirts?
You get the best mix of comfort and durability with a cotton/polyester blend. This fabric feels soft, holds up well, and keeps its shape after many washes. If you want extra softness, try a tri-blend with rayon.
How do I choose the right print method?
Think about your design and how you want it to look.
Screen printing works for bold, simple logos.
DTG printing is great for detailed, colorful art.
Embroidery gives a premium, textured finish.
How can I make sure my sweatshirts fit everyone?
Ask your team for their sizes before you order. Unisex fits work for most people. Some suppliers offer size samples. You can also check the size chart and compare it to a sweatshirt you already own.
How do I keep my custom prints from fading?
Wash your sweatshirts inside out with cold water.
Use a gentle cycle and mild detergent.
Air dry when possible.
These steps help your prints stay bright and last longer.
Can I order just a few custom sweatshirts?
Most suppliers have a minimum order, usually 20 to 50 pieces. Some companies let you order just one or two, but the price per piece goes up. Always check with your supplier before you order.
