Hoodies are the garment people keep. A good one gets worn for years, which makes it prime real estate for a design. But printing a hoodie is not the same as printing a tee. The fabric is thicker, the surface is interrupted by pockets, seams and zippers, and dark colors are the norm.
Which hoodie styles can be printed?
- Pullover. A hood and a front pouch pocket. The most popular style for custom prints.
- Zip-up. A front zipper splits the chest, so placement works around it.
- Sleeveless. Also called a gym or muscle hoodie. Great for training and team gear.
- Oversized. Cut intentionally large for comfort and street style. Bigger canvas, bigger prints.
- Cropped. Ends at or above the waist. Placement sits higher to stay balanced.
- Tech or performance. Moisture-wicking synthetic fabric for activity. Needs inks and curing suited to synthetics.
- Crewneck sweatshirt. No hood or pocket, so the whole front is open for a print.
Browse blanks in hoodies and sweatshirts or the catalog.
What fabric is best for screen printing hoodies?
Cotton and cotton blends are the easiest to print. They hold ink well, look sharp and stay soft. Fleece is brushed on the inside, but the outside face is usually smooth enough for a clean print.
Polyester-heavy fabrics can be printed, but they need the right ink and lower curing heat, because synthetics react to heat and dye can migrate into the ink.
Where should I place my hoodie print?
- Full front above the pocket: the classic. Keep the design clear of the pocket seam.
- Left chest: a small logo for a clean, branded look. Pair it with a big back print.
- Full back: the largest flat area on the hoodie and perfect for statement art. See large-format screen printing.
- Sleeves: a vertical hit down the arm adds detail.
- Hood: a small mark on the side of the hood is subtle and stylish.
How do printers handle pockets and seams?
The pouch pocket creates an uneven surface. If a screen sits across the pocket edge, ink can skip or smear. Printers adjust placement and screen height so the ink lands smoothly. Designs are usually sized to sit fully above the pocket. On zip-ups, prints go around the zipper or move to the back and chest.
Why do dark hoodies need an underbase?
Most hoodies are dark: black, navy, charcoal, forest. Ink is slightly translucent, so colors printed directly on a dark garment look dull. Printers lay down a white underbase first, cure it briefly, then print the colors on top. The result is bright, opaque color. It does add a screen, so it is part of your quote.
The printing process, hoodie edition
- Prepare the screens. Each color is exposed onto its own screen. The full process is in what is screen printing and how is it done.
- Load the hoodie. It goes on the platen, flat and secure, with the hood and pocket kept out of the way.
- Print each color. Ink is pulled through each screen, lined up with the last.
- Cure the ink. Thick fleece takes longer to heat through, so curing is set to make sure the ink fully sets.
- Quality check. Clean edges, correct placement and no smudges.
Want the step-by-step tee version? See how to do t-shirt screen printing.
Specialty looks for hoodies
Hoodies are made for texture. Puff ink gives a raised, 3D print. Water-based and discharge inks give a soft, vintage feel on cotton. For a stitched logo on the chest, embroidery is a premium alternative.
How to make a hoodie print last
Wash inside out in cold water, tumble dry low or hang dry, and do not iron the print. A properly cured screen print holds up for years.
Screen printed hoodies at TBSP
Screen printing starts at 6 pieces and is printed in-house at our Los Angeles shop. For full-color or photo art, we usually recommend DTG or DTF. Every order gets a free art check.
Ready to print hoodies? Get a free quote.