Hoodies rank among the most popular custom apparel items for businesses, teams, schools, events, and personal branding. Their larger surface area accommodates bold designs, while the cozy construction encourages frequent wear. The foundation of any successful custom hoodie lies in the material. Selecting the best hoodie material for printing and embroidery ensures vibrant colors, sharp details, durable results, and a premium hand feel that elevates perceived value.

At Custom Tees Now, we produce thousands of custom hoodies annually using screen printing and embroidery techniques. This guide examines leading hoodie fabric types, compares fleece vs cotton hoodies, and provides clear recommendations to match your project needs—whether prioritizing print quality, warmth, comfort, or longevity.

Why Material Choice Drives Custom Hoodie Success

The fabric influences multiple aspects:

  • Ink adhesion and color vibrancy in printing.
  • Thread stability and puckering prevention in embroidery.
  • Overall comfort, weight, and drape.
  • Durability through repeated washing and wear.
  • Perceived quality for branding or resale.

Common hoodie fabrics include cotton, polyester blends, fleece constructions, and specialized knits. Each offers trade-offs in performance, especially under customization.

Primary Hoodie Fabric Types

Cotton (100% or High-Content): Natural fiber prized for softness, breathability, and excellent print receptivity. Ring-spun or combed cotton provides a smooth surface with minimal lint, ideal for detailed designs.

Cotton-Polyester Blends (50/50, 60/40, 80/20): Combine cotton’s comfort with polyester’s strength, shrinkage resistance, and color retention. These blends dominate the market for balanced performance.

Fleece (Brushed Interior): Thick, looped knit with a raised pile on the inside for insulation. Typically cotton-poly blends, fleece prioritizes warmth over lightweight feel.

French Terry: Smooth outer face with uncut loops inside. Offers breathability and moderate warmth, suitable for milder climates or layering.

Polyester (Performance or Fleece): The synthetic option excels in moisture-wicking and quick drying. Often used in athletic hoodies.

Sponge Fleece or Premium Knits: Higher-end variants with ultra-soft, low-pill finishes for luxury appeal.

Comparison Table: Hoodie Fabric Types for Customization

Fabric Type Composition Example Weight Range (GSM) Print Performance (Screen/DTG) Embroidery Performance Warmth & Comfort Durability & Shrinkage Best Applications
100% Cotton Ring-spun/combed 280–350 Excellent (vibrant, soft hand) Good (stable base) Soft, breathable Moderate shrinkage Premium prints, detailed designs
Cotton-Poly Blend 50/50 or 80/20 280–340 Very Good (balanced adhesion) Excellent (minimal pucker) Soft + structured Low shrinkage All-purpose, bulk orders
Brushed Fleece Cotton-poly blend 300–400 Good (thick surface holds ink) Very Good (thick support) High warmth, plush Low shrinkage Winter, cozy branding
French Terry Cotton or blend 250–320 Very Good (smooth face) Good Moderate warmth, breathable Moderate Transitional seasons, active wear
100% Polyester Fleece Performance fleece 280–350 Moderate (special inks needed) Moderate Warm, moisture-wicking Very low shrinkage Athletic, outdoor

Cotton-poly blends frequently emerge as the versatile winner for most custom projects.

Fleece vs Cotton Hoodies: Detailed Breakdown

Fleece Hoodies

Feature a brushed interior for insulation. Often 50/50 or 60/40 cotton-poly, they provide substantial warmth and a plush feel.

Advantages:

  • Superior coziness in cold weather.
  • Thick fabric supports embroidery without distortion.
  • Holds shape well after washing.

Drawbacks for customization:

  • A textured pile can slightly diffuse fine print details.
  • Requires careful ink curing to avoid scorching polyester content.
  • Heavier weight increases shipping costs.

Cotton Hoodies (or High-Cotton Blends)

Emphasize natural softness and breathability. Pure cotton or 80/20 blends offer a premium hand feel.

Advantages:

  • A smoother surface yields crisper screen prints and richer DTG colors.
  • Excellent ink absorption for vibrant, long-lasting results.
  • Breathable for year-round wear in moderate climates.

Drawbacks:

  • Higher shrinkage potential without pre-shrunk treatment.
  • Less insulating than full fleece.
  • May pill over time if lower quality.

For printing-heavy projects, high-cotton options deliver superior visual impact. For embroidered hoodies needing structure, fleece or denser blends provide better support. Understanding the performance differences between fleece vs cotton hoodies helps determine which material best supports printing or embroidery goals.

Best Hoodie Material for Printing

Screen printing thrives on absorbent, stable surfaces. Top choices:

  • 80/20 or 70/30 cotton-poly blends — Smooth face accepts ink evenly, resists cracking, and offers low shrinkage.
  • Ring-spun cotton face fleece — Combines plush interior with printable exterior.
  • Combed and ring-spun cotton — Minimizes lint for clean, detailed prints.

DTG printing favors higher cotton content (80%+) for ink bonding without pretreatment issues.

Avoid 100% polyester unless using specialized inks, as adhesion can falter.

Best Hoodie Material for Embroidery

Embroidery demands density to prevent puckering around stitches. Dense fleece and cotton-poly blends provide the structure needed for clean stitching when using expert Embroidery Services.

  • Thick cotton-poly fleece (300+ GSM) — Provides firm backing for clean, raised logos.
  • 50/50 blends — Balance stability and softness.
  • High-cotton face yarns — Ensure smooth stitching without stretching.

Use stabilizers during embroidery to maintain flatness on knit fabrics.

Additional Factors to Consider

  • Weight and GSM: 280–340 GSM suits most custom hoodies—warm yet not overly bulky. Knowing how GSM fabric weight is explained allows buyers to choose hoodies that balance warmth, durability, and print performance.
  • Construction: 3-end fleece offers better durability; French terry adds breathability.
  • Season and Use: Fleece for winter branding; lighter blends for transitional or athletic needs.
  • Sustainability: Organic cotton or recycled polyester appeals to eco-conscious clients.
  • Testing: Always request samples to evaluate print/embroidery results and hand feel.

Tips for Ordering Custom Hoodies

  • Define priorities—print vibrancy, embroidery durability, warmth, or budget.
  • Choose blends for most versatile results.
  • Limit colors for screen printing to control costs.
  • Request proofs and swatches early.
  • Opt for pre-shrunk fabrics to minimize fit issues post-wash.

Custom Tees Now stocks quality hoodie blanks in various fabrics, offering expert matching to your design and use case.

Conclusion: Select the Ideal Material for Outstanding Results

The best hoodie material for printing and embroidery balances printability, comfort, and durability. Cotton-poly blends lead for versatility, delivering excellent screen printing results and strong embroidery support. Hoodies made from durable blends are especially popular for Branded Company Shirts, where comfort and professional presentation both matter.

By aligning fabric with your goals—vibrant graphics, professional logos, or cozy everyday wear—you create custom pieces that impress and endure.

Ready to bring your hoodie vision to life? Contact Custom Tees Now for personalized recommendations, free design assistance, instant quotes, and professional screen printing or embroidery. Our team ensures every detail—from fabric selection to final finish—meets your expectations.