Businesses can never go wrong with a custom hoodie. They are great for sports teams, employee onboarding gifts, and promotional merchandise. With our years of experience in the industry, we can help you pick the best hoodies for screen printing.
It is important to choose a hoodie that can hold on to the customization well. To do so, go for hoodies that have blended fabrics, consistent surfaces, and the right weight, among other factors.
In this blog, we will talk about the six best hoodies to screen print on. Keep reading to make an informed decision!
“The best hoodies for screen printing have midweight to heavy weight fabric. They are made using cotton blends, with high cotton count. The construction, durability, and budget also determine the best option.”
Why Fabric Matters When Choosing the Best Hoodies for Screen Printing?
Fabric is an important component of the screen printing process. It decides how long the ink stays on the hoodie as well as the vibrancy of colors. Fabric also determines how long the design will last.
- When you are buying the best quality hoodies for screen printing, make sure the fabric is a cotton/polyester blend with more cotton content. Cotton provides an even surface for screen printing while polyester adds structure. You can also choose 100% cotton or 100% polyester, but usually the best hoodies for screen printing have 50/50 and 80/20 cotton polyester blends.
- Another aspect that helps in choosing the best hoodies for screen printing with durable fabric is the fabric weight. Generally, 7-12 oz. fabric is considered ideal for screen printing because it provides a stable surface. Lightweight fabrics tend to stretch and shift, causing the ink to bleed.
- If you want the best lightweight hoodies for screen printing, consider fabrics that weigh around 7-8 oz., as they sit on the midweight end. Still, they are light enough to wear comfortably, all while keeping the ink in place.
These factors can also help if you’re looking to start a hoodie business and aren’t sure where to begin.
6 Best Hoodies for Screen Printing Recommended By Experts
There are many types of hoodies in the market. But which are the best hoodies for screen printing? We have compiled a list so you can pick the best hoodie brand for screen printing based on your preferences.
Champion S700 is among the best blank hoodies for screen printing that comes with a 50% cotton, 25% polyester, and 25% recycled polyester blend. The cotton-rich blend and 9 oz. heavyweight fabric provide a stable surface for screen printing. Â What sets it apart further is the durable cover stitching, which holds the seams in place. This way, the hoodie will maintain its shape over time, and the design will look sharp even after repeated washes.
Best Print Location: Left chest, left sleeves above the “C” logo
Recommended for: Eco-conscious buyers, , employee apparel, and client gifting
At 8 oz., Gildan G185 is a heavyweight hoodie, and that weight matters for screen printing. Heavier fabrics provide a stable surface that keeps the ink from shifting or bleeding. On top of that, the 50/50 cotton/poly blend hooded sweatshirt is made using finer yarns and MVS Air spinning technology. This means the fabric does not pill, which improves durability and puts it among the best sweatshirts for screen printing.
The blended fabric and construction provide a print-friendly surface. This makes Gildan G185 an ideal choice for businesses searching for the best hooded sweatshirts for screen printing.
Best Print Location: Full back is recommended for the best prints
Recommended for: Promotional giveaways, school clubs and teams, nonprofits, employee uniforms
For businesses looking for the best lightweight hoodies for screen printing, Port & Company PC78H is the closest option on this list. It is a 7.8 oz. midweight , made with a 50/50 cotton/poly fleece blend. Unlike 100% cotton, this hoodie shrinks less, so printed designs stay visible for longer. And the blended fabric provides a tight and even base for screen printing as well.
The hoodie is made using air jet yarn, which adds softness and keeps the fabric pill-resistant. For screen printing, this makes a difference because pilling creates an uneven surface that distorts the print over time. Therefore, businesses that need a soft, midweight hoodie for custom apparel can opt for Port & Company’s best hooded sweatshirts for screen printing.
Best Print Location: Â Left chest, 3-4 inches down from the shoulder seam
Recommended for: Customer gifts, volunteer apparel, , and marketing campaigns
Jerzees 996 is an 8 oz. hoodie with a 50/50 cotton-polyester blend. It also resists pilling, which will help graphics stay sharp through repeated wear and washing. The hoodie’s fabric has a high stitch density, which gives a smoother print surface and allows the ink to adhere better.
At $11-$20 per unit, Jerzees 996 comes through as the top budget hoodies for screen printing. Businesses that need quality prints without overspending on bulk custom apparel orders will find it one of the best hoodies for screen printing at this price point
Best Print Location:Â Full front, above kangaroo pocket
Recommended for: Nonprofits, community organizations, and fundraising groups
Sport Tek LST253 Â is among the best heavyweight hoodies for screen printing that features a 9 oz., 65/35 cotton and polyester fleece blend. The fabric gives it enough structure to hold ink well and designs stay vibrant. Beyond the fabric, the 2×2 rib knit collar, Spandex cuffs, and twill-taped neck all point to durable construction. This helps the print area stay firm and resist distortion during and after printing.
Sport Tek LST253 is also colorfast, which means the print can hold up through frequent washes without fading. Companies can look into it for bulk orders to provide their female team members with the best hoodies for screen printing with durable fabric.
Best Print Location:Â Left chest, centered between the shoulder seam and the zipper
Recommended for: , women’s programs, and business retreats
Independent Trading Co. SS4500 is one of the experts’ recommendations and the best sweatshirts for screen printing. Its fabric is made using an 80% ring-spun cotton and 20% polyester fleece blend. The high cotton content allows inks to hold on to the fabric and produce brighter graphics with fine details.
With its 8.5 oz. fabric, the hoodie provides a solid foundation for screen printing. The stable surface helps in making smooth prints and reducing the risk of ink bleeding.
Businesses choose Independent Trading Co. SS4500 among the best hoodies for screen printing. The fabric and weight help maintain the appearance of logos and branded messaging even after repeated use.
Best Print Location:Â Left chest, right chest for employee names
Recommended for: Branded apparel, retail merchandise, and customer
Key Features of Best Hoodies for Screen Printing
Not every brand makes the best hoodies for screen printing. Â Here are the key features to look for when choosing the best hoodies to screen print on.
- The fabric should be a cotton blend, with a high percentage of cotton content. Cotton absorbs ink better and gives a more even surface for detailed prints.
- The surface should be tight. A loose or uneven surface will result in fuzzy edges and uneven print by creating gaps between the fabric and the screen print.
- If the fabric is heavyweight, it will produce quality screen prints. So, look for the best heavyweight hoodies for screen printing.
- The hoodie should have a tightly knit construction with a finished face. This will help create clean and sharp prints.
- The high-quality and best hoodies for screen printing will feature durable construction. The fabric will withstand frequent washes, maintain its shape, and resist piling.
Comparison Table of the Best Hoodies for Screen Printing
Below, we have broken down the best hoodies for screen printing on the basis of material, recommended use, and price. You can decide on the best blank hoodies for screen printing by going through this table:
| Hoodie | Material | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Champion S700 Powerblend® Hooded Sweatshirt | 50% cotton, 25% polyester, 25% recycled polyester | Eco-conscious buyers, retail merchandise, and promotional apparel | $22–$30 |
| Gildan G185 Heavy Blend Hooded Sweatshirt | 50% cotton / 50% polyester | Promotional giveaways, schools, and employee uniforms | $13–$22 |
| Port & Company PC78H Core Fleece Pullover Hoodie | 50% cotton / 50% polyester fleece | Custom apparel, customer gifts, and trade shows | $18–$24 |
| Jerzees 996 NuBlend Fleece Pullover Hoodie | 50% cotton / 50% polyester | Nonprofits and fundraising events | $11–$20 |
| Sport-Tek LST253 Women’s 1/4-Zip Sweatshirt | 65% ring spun combed cotton / 35% polyester fleece | Women’s team apparel, conferences, and corporate events | $29–$30 |
| Independent Trading Co. SS4500 Midweight Hooded Sweatshirt | 80% ring-spun cotton / 20% polyester fleece | Branded merchandise and customer giveaways | $15–$23 |
