The Ultimate Guide to Men’s Custom Sweatshirts Everything You Need to Know

Sweatshirts are a versatile clothing choice for many occasions of a man’s life. Whether worn as casual clothing or for professional purposes, they always make the best impression on you. Thanks to this versatility, sweatshirts have also emerged as popular custom apparel choices in the US.

This guide covers everything you need to know about men’s custom sweatshirts. From choosing the right styles and fabrics to customization techniques and maintenance tips, we’ve got you covered.

1. Types of Men’s Custom Sweatshirts for Every Use Case

Choosing the right custom sweatshirt for men depends on how and where you plan to wear it. Here’s a breakdown of different sweatshirt types and their best use cases:

1. Pullovers

Pullovers offer a timeless, comfortable fit for almost any wearer. Their design looks good on any body type and offers many practical features for men. Opt for pullovers like the Core Fleece Pullover Sweatshirt which offers benefits like breathable and lightweight design.

Pullovers withstand the rigors of wear better than others and ensure the print lasts longer. This attribute makes them ideal for creating merch that promotes your brand. They are mostly used for creating custom sweatshirt merch for high schools, universities, and workplaces.

2. Zip-Ups 

Zip-ups offer easy on-and-off stylish wear, making them ideal for active individuals and professional settings. They provide easy layering and breathability during workouts and all sports-related activities for men. Featuring moisture-wicking properties and flexibility, these apparel cater to athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. 

Fitness brands and sports teams favor these for creating men’s custom sweatshirts. Teams can personalize their performance wear for their team members by including team colors, logos, and player names.  

Check out full zip hoodies like the Heavy Blend Full Zip sweatshirt and Re Fleece Zip hoodie for stylish and refined performance wear for men.

3. Hoodies

Hooded sweatshirts are a popular choice among the majority of men. Whatever the venue is, they offer a laid-back yet stylish appeal for the wearer. Features like the oversized fit, dense fabrics, and bold prints convey a casual yet decent vibe for any occasion. The power of customization allows men to decide which vibe they want to portray for the occasion.

This streetwear option is ideal for outdoor events like sports tournaments, concerts, and festivals. Custom hoodies allow you to express yourself using custom slogans, designs, and logos that resonate with the specific event or venue.

4. Crewnecks 

Crewnecks are a staple for everyday casual wear. Favored for their clean look, they are great clothing for men who looking for a less-distracting apparel option. 

Crewnecks are considered a top choice for custom clothing with minimalistic and subtle designs. Therefore, they are often chosen to create custom screen-printed sweatshirts. A simple yet stylish alternative to hoodies, these garments can be used to make premium and limited-edition apparel. We recommend options like the Unisex Organic French Terry Crewneck, which offers 100% organic combed cotton for your limited-edition clothes. 

Customize your t-shirts with intricate designs and stylish colors for your outfits.

2. The Right Fabrics for Men’s Custom Sweatshirts

Each fabric type has its own pros and cons. Understanding fabric types ensures you get the best men’s custom sweatshirts that balance style, comfort, and longevity. 

 Here are the pros and cons of the top fabric choices in the market:

1. Cotton 

Cotton remains the gold standard for making men’s custom sweatshirts. They are a popular choice for everyday wear and casual promotional wear. 

Pros: 

Natural Source

Soft texture

Breathability

Cons: 

Shrink or lose shape over time

Organic-grown cotton is generally more expensive than other fabrics

2. Cotton-Polyester Blends 

This blended fabric brings the perfect balance of both materials into men’s custom sweatshirts.  Cotton polyester is commonly used for corporate apparel, activewear, and fashion-forward streetwear. 

Pros: 

Softness of cotton

Moisture wicking

Resistance to wrinkling, stretching, and shrinkage.

Cons: 

Static cling of polyester

Bonus tip: You can explore other blends like cotton spandex, which focuses on the stretch and elasticity of the fabric.   

3. Fleece

Fleece is a great alternative to expensive cozy fabrics like cotton. They are ideal for winter wear and keep you cozy during outdoor activities. Many performance brands opt for fleece-based men’s custom sweatshirts—ideal for sports teams and athletic wear.

Pros: 

Lightweight

Thermal retention

Less expensive compared to cotton.

Cons: 

Includes synthetic materials

Tend to pill

4. French Terry

French terry fabric is a premium choice for those looking for performance sweatshirts. It’s great for gym wear and warm-weather layering needs. The fabric’s looped interior is a distinctive feature that makes it stand out from other choices in the market.

Pros: 

Smooth and plushy texture

Breathability

Easy to care

Cons: 

Tend to fade and pill over time

Tend to fray

5. Recycled & Sustainable Fabrics

Sustainability is the future of ethical fashion. With sustainability becoming a major focus, brands are increasingly using eco-friendly sweatshirt fabrics for their apparel. Some of the major choices are organic cotton, recycled polyester, and bamboo fibers.

Pros: 

PFAS free

Non-toxic

Promotional appeal

Cons: 

May lose shape and quality over time.

3. How to Care Right For Men’s Custom Sweatshirts

Investing in men’s custom sweatshirts means more than just picking the right design. It’s about ensuring they last, look fresh, and stay comfortable over time. Many men ruin their custom apparel due to common mistakes. Here’s what men should avoid: 

  1. Avoid the Heat 

Unlike regular tees, men’s custom sweatshirts need special treatment.  Avoid using hot water for washing as excessive heat can cause custom prints to fade and shrink quickly. Even when drying, always opt for air drying. Types like fleece-lined can also lose insulation properties due to over-drying. 

  1. Avoid Hanging

Hanging kills the shape of your sweatshirts. Especially heavyweight options stretch out and lose shape due to prolonged hanging. Lay dry your shirts whenever possible and fold them neatly for storage.

  1. Avoid Hard Scrubbing

Gentle washing techniques preserve fabric quality and printed designs. Avoid overwashing and over-scrubbing the apparel. Washing every 2-3 times of wearing is enough if it’s not dirty.

Pro Tip for Active Guys: If your sweatshirt absorbs post-gym sweat or deodorant stains, pre-treat stains with a paste of water and baking soda or vinegar before washing.

Wrapping Up

From choosing the perfect style to selecting the right type of fabric, men’s custom sweatshirts offer endless customization possibilities. Whether you need custom sweatshirts for your brand, sports team, or personal use, investing in high-quality materials and printing methods ensures long-lasting wear. 

Looking for the best men’s custom sweatshirts with top-tier printing? Explore our range of men’s custom sweatshirts and create your perfect design today!