Choosing the Best Hoodie Blanks for Your Streetwear Brand
Starting a streetwear brand can be an exciting and rewarding venture, but one of the most important early decisions is choosing the right hoodie blanks to serve as the foundation of your clothing line. The quality and style of your hoodies will be a major factor in determining the success of your brand, so selecting hoodies that align with your brand identity and target demographic is essential.
The Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Hoodie Blanks
With so many hoodie blank options on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones are the best choices for your brand. Here are some of the key factors to take into account:
Fit
Consider the fit you want your hoodies to have. Do you want an athletic, slim fit or a boxier, oversized look? The blank's original fit will impact how your custom hoodies look when printed and embellished.
Fabric and Quality
Pay attention to the fabric blend and construction quality. A midweight cotton/poly fleece blend typically provides an ideal softness, durability and feel. Watch out for hoodies that seem too thin or flimsy.
Customization Ability
Test out the blank hoodie to see how it handles printing, embroidery, distressing and other customization techniques. Blanks that take to embellishments well will make your designing process easier.
Affordability
Factor in the per unit cost of the blank and minimum order quantities. A more expensive hoodie blank can be worthwhile for quality, but may not be feasible when first starting out.
Brand Alignment
Choose hoodies that complement your brand's aesthetic and identity. If you position as high-end, a premium blank reinforces that. If you're targeting teens, a softer fleece may suit your audience.
Top Hoodie Blank Choices for Streetwear Brands
| Hoodie Blank | Overview |
|---|---|
| Gildan Heavy Blend | Budget friendly blank with classic fit |
| Hanes EcoSmart | Made of eco-friendly fleece blend |
| Cotton Heritage | Premium blank with athletic, slim fit |
| American Apparel Zip Hoodie | Retains brand's signature fitted style |
| Bella + Canvas Unisex Jersey | Super soft viscose/poly blend |
| Champion Reverse Weave | Iconic hoodie known for quality |
While there are many other hoodie blanks on the market, these tend to strike the best balance of quality, fit, and affordability.
-
American Apparel Unisex Flex Fleece Zip Hoodie: Made with a 50/50 blend of cotton and polyester, this hoodie is soft, durable, and has a modern fit. It features a metal zipper and ribbed cuffs and waistband, which add to its quality and style. It also comes in a range of colors, including black, navy, and heather grey.
-
Gildan Heavy Blend Hoodie: This classic hoodie is made with a 50/50 blend of cotton and polyester, making it soft and durable. It has a relaxed fit and features a double-lined hood and ribbed cuffs and waistband. It comes in a range of colors, including black, navy, and heather grey.
-
Bella + Canvas Unisex Jersey Hoodie: If you're looking for a more high-end option, this hoodie is a great choice. It's made with 100% combed and ring-spun cotton, which makes it ultra-soft and comfortable to wear. It has a fitted silhouette and features a three-panel hood and ribbed cuffs and waistband. It comes in a range of colors, including black, navy, and heather grey.
-
Next Level Unisex Premium Fleece Hoodie: This premium hoodie is made with a 60/40 blend of cotton and polyester, making it soft and durable. It has a relaxed fit and features a three-panel hood and ribbed cuffs and waistband. It comes in a range of colors, including black, navy, and heather grey.
-
Champion Reverse Weave Hoodie: This iconic hoodie is made with a heavyweight 12 oz. cotton and features a signature "C" logo on the left sleeve. It has a relaxed fit and features a double-lined hood and ribbed cuffs and waistband. It comes in a range of colors, including black, navy, and heather grey.
- Cotton Heritage UNISEX PREMIUM PULLOVER HOODIE: This iconic hoodie is made with a premium weight 8.5 oz., 3-end fleece, soft-washed. 100% cotton face. 65% cotton/35% polyester, except Oatmeal Heather (55% cotton/45% polyester), and all other Heathers (60% cotton/40% polyester) and features an ultra soft hand, side-seamed, tightly knit, 3-end cotton faced, 3-panel hood, flat draw cords, self fabric 1/2 moon patch on neck for custom branding, 2 needle cover stitching at cuffs and waistband, single needle edge stitch at collar, silver grommets. Superior printability, great for discharging. Below are picture examples of these blanks currently in use.
In addition to these top choices, there are many other high-quality hoodie blanks available on the market. Some other options to consider include the Hanes ComfortBlend EcoSmart Hoodie, the Fruit of the Loom Heavy Cotton HD Hoodie, and the Jerzees NuBlend Hoodie.
Dialing in the Perfect Hoodie for Your Brand
Ultimately there is no "one size fits all" solution - the ideal hoodie blank will depend on your brand's unique needs and preferences. By keeping the key factors like fit, fabric, customization ability and brand alignment in mind, you'll be equipped to select the perfect hoodies to serve as the foundation of your streetwear clothing line. Don't be afraid to order samples of a few different hoodie blanks to see how they compare hands on. Investing the time upfront to test and select the right hoodie blank will pay off enormously as you grow your streetwear brand.
Cotton Heritage Unisex Hoodie 80/20 cotton blend stands out as the top choice for your streetwear brand. This hoodie is known for its premium materials, extra comfort, and great value for money1. It’s one of the bestselling hoodies in the market, making it a reliable choice for your brand1.
When choosing a hoodie, consider these factors:
- Fit: The fit of the hoodie should align with the style you’re aiming for. Whether it’s a snug fit or a loose, oversized style, the fit can significantly impact the overall look of your designs.
- Material: The material of the hoodie contributes to its comfort and durability. Cotton Heritage Hoodie, for example, is made of premium materials that offer an ultra-soft feel1.
- Quality: High-quality hoodies tend to last longer and provide a better base for your designs. They resist wear and tear, making them a favorite among customers.
- Brand Aesthetic: The style and color of the hoodie should match your brand’s aesthetic. You want your designs to complement the hoodie and vice versa.
- Target Market: Consider who you’re selling to. Different age groups and demographics might have different preferences when it comes to style and fit.
Each of these hoodies has its unique features and benefits, so explore each option and see which one fits your brand best. Remember, the hoodie you choose will represent your brand, so choose wisely! Now go out there and make your mark in the streetwear scene.