In 2025, hoodies will continue to hold their position as one of the best-selling POD products, especially in key markets such as the U.S., Europe, and Australia. However, to create standout designs, achieve sharp print quality, and maximize conversion rates, selecting the right blank hoodie plays a crucial role. In this article, FlashShip will provide you with a comprehensive guide to choosing high-quality blank hoodies, introduce the best blank hoodies for printing in 2025, and share strategic tips to help you make informed business decisions and optimize profits.
Criteria for Choosing Blank Hoodies for Printing
A good blank hoodie isn’t just about having a nice color or an affordable price. In the POD (Print on Demand) business, there are several more important factors you need to consider. Below are the top criteria you should evaluate before making your decision.
Fabric Material
This is the most crucial factor. High-quality fabric ensures that the print adheres well, stays vibrant, and doesn’t crack or fade after multiple washes. The most common fabric types include:
- 100% Cotton: Natural cotton is highly absorbent, soft, and breathable. It is an ideal choice for printing techniques such as screen printing or DTG (Direct-to-Garment) because it holds ink very well.
However, cotton may shrink slightly after the first wash and is prone to wrinkling. - 100% Polyester: Polyester is durable, wrinkle-resistant, less prone to shrinking, and excellent at retaining color.
However, its surface may not hold DTG ink as effectively as cotton and can build up static electricity.
Polyester is most commonly used for sublimation printing, as it produces vibrant and sharp colors. - Cotton-Polyester Blend (CVC): This blend combines the best of both worlds. The most common ratios are 50/50 or 60/40. CVC fabric offers the softness and comfort of cotton, along with the durability and wrinkle resistance of polyester. It’s a versatile choice, compatible with most printing techniques, and is highly popular among POD sellers.
- Fleece: Typically made from a cotton-polyester blend, fleece features a soft, brushed interior that provides warmth and comfort, making it ideal for winter hoodies. However, the texture of fleece can affect print sharpness, so it’s recommended to test print samples before mass production.
Fabric Weight
Fabric weight, also known as GSM (Grams per Square Meter), directly affects the thickness and feel of the hoodie.
- Lightweight (below 250 GSM): Ideal for summer or hot climates. These hoodies are thin, light, and breathable.
- Medium Weight (250–350 GSM): The most common weight, suitable for most seasons throughout the year. These hoodies have a moderate thickness and provide a comfortable, sturdy feel.
- Heavyweight (above 350 GSM): Often referred to as Heavyweight Hoodies, these are very thick and warm, perfect for cold winter weather. Heavyweight hoodies also feel more premium and durable.
Durability and Shrink Resistance
You don’t want your customers complaining about hoodies shrinking after just a few washes. Choose reputable brands that ensure high durability and have pre-shrunk fabrics, meaning they’ve been treated to minimize shrinkage. This helps the product maintain its original shape and size, increasing customer satisfaction and reducing return rates.
Variety of Colors and Sizes
A wide range of colors and sizes will allow you to reach more customer segments. Check if your supplier offers essential colors such as black, white, and heather gray, as well as trendy, seasonal colors. Similarly, having sizes ranging from S to 5XL or larger will help you cater to diverse customer groups and expand your market reach.
Pricing and Availability
Pricing is a critical factor in the POD business model. You need to strike a balance between quality and cost to maintain healthy profit margins. Additionally, product availability is essential. Work with suppliers who have a stable and reliable inventory to avoid sudden stock-outs that could disrupt your business operations.
Top Best Blank Hoodies For Printing In 2025
Below are some of the most popular blank hoodie styles trusted by top POD sellers for their quality, pricing, and printing compatibility.
1. Gildan 18500 – Heavy Blend™ Hooded Sweatshirt
Gildan is a household name in the blank apparel industry. The Gildan 18500 is one of the brand’s best-sellers, often referred to as the “king” of blank hoodies for POD.
- Material: 50% Cotton / 50% Polyester blend. This combination offers high durability, wrinkle resistance, and excellent shape retention.
- Weight: 271 GSM (Heavy Blend™), thick and warm, suitable for various weather conditions.
- Pros: Affordable price point, over 40 color options, minimal shrinkage. The smooth surface makes it ideal for DTG and screen printing.
- Cons: While reliable, it’s not considered a premium-grade hoodie.
2. Bella+Canvas 3729 – Unisex Fleece Hoodie
Bella+Canvas is known for its premium-quality products, modern fits, and soft feel.
The 3729 is an excellent choice for building a higher-end POD brand.
- Material: Cotton-Polyester blend or 100% Cotton depending on the color.
Features premium fleece for an ultra-soft texture. - Weight: 220 GSM, lighter than the Gildan 18500 but still warm and comfortable.
- Pros:
- Extremely soft fabric with a slim, modern fit.
- Wide variety of unique and trendy colors.
- Smooth surface for sharp, high-quality prints.
- Cons: Higher cost compared to Gildan, which can affect profit margins.
3. Independent Trading Co. PRM3000 – Midweight Fleece Hoodie
If you’re looking for a hoodie with better quality than Gildan but at a more reasonable price point than Bella+Canvas, Independent Trading Co. is worth considering.
The PRM3000 is one of their most popular models.
- Material: 80% Cotton / 20% Polyester blend. The high cotton content provides a soft hand-feel and excellent ink adhesion for printing.
- Weight: 271 GSM (Midweight), gives a solid, warm, and sturdy feel.
- Pros:
- Premium fabric quality with a substantial and cozy texture.
- Metal-tipped drawcords add a premium touch.
- Great for complex print designs due to its smooth surface.
- Cons:
- Pricier than Gildan.
- Color range may not be as extensive as other brands.
4. Champion S700 – Powerblend® Eco Fleece Hooded Sweatshirt
Champion is a well-known athletic wear brand, and its products are highly popular in the POD industry, especially the S700.
- Material: 50% Cotton / 50% Polyester (Eco Fleece), partially made from recycled materials, making it eco-friendly.
- Weight: 255 GSM.
- Pros:
- Recognizable brand name, increasing customer trust and perceived value.
- Powerblend® fabric is ultra-soft, shrink-resistant, and pill-resistant.
- Small Champion logo on the wrist adds a subtle brand accent.
- Cons:
- The logo may limit design flexibility.
- Higher price compared to basic blank hoodies.
Comparison Chart of Top Blank Hoodies
To give POD sellers a clear overview and make it easier to compare options, here’s a summary table highlighting the key features of the most popular blank hoodies.
Criteria |
Gildan Heavy Blend 18500 |
Bella+Canvas 3719 |
Champion Powerblend S700 |
Independent PRM3000 |
Material |
50% Cotton / 50% Polyester |
52% Cotton / 48% Polyester |
50% Cotton / 50% Polyester |
80% Cotton / 20% Polyester |
Weight (GSM) |
270 GSM |
280 GSM |
300 GSM |
330 GSM |
Popularity |
High |
Very High |
High |
Medium |
Best Suited For |
Beginner sellers |
Mid to high-end sellers |
Premium sellers |
Private label brands |
Tips for Choosing the Right Hoodie Based on Your Business Goals
Selecting the right blank hoodie depends heavily on your business objectives and the customer segment you are targeting. Below are some recommendations for POD sellers to consider:
If You’re a Beginner or Targeting the Mass Market
- Top Choice: Gildan 18500
- Why: This is the safest and most cost-effective option.
Its affordable price helps maximize profits while offering consistent quality and high availability, making it easy to manage orders.
The Gildan 18500 is widely used across major POD platforms like FlashShip, allowing for seamless integration and a smooth start to your business.
If You’re Building a Premium Brand
- Top Choices: Bella+Canvas 3729 or Independent Trading Co. PRM3000
- Why: These models feature superior fabric quality and modern, stylish fits, providing a premium experience for customers.
While the upfront cost is higher, you can sell at a higher price point, increase perceived brand value, and attract customers willing to pay more for top-quality products.
Using premium blanks also helps reduce return rates and increase customer loyalty over time.
If Print Quality is Your Top Priority
- Top Choice: Hoodies with high cotton content (above 80%)
- Why: For DTG (Direct to Garment) printing, fabrics with higher cotton content produce the sharpest, most vibrant, and long-lasting prints.
Natural cotton allows the ink to penetrate deeply into the fibers, creating realistic and durable designs.
Look for hoodie models from brands like Independent Trading Co. or certain Bella+Canvas styles with high cotton ratios.
If You’re Targeting a Niche Market or Special Designs
- Sustainable Market (Eco-Friendly): Choose hoodies made from recycled or eco-friendly materials, such as the Champion S700 or brands specializing in sustainable apparel.
- Oversized/Streetwear Market: Look for heavyweight hoodies with a relaxed, oversized fit to match current streetwear trends. Some suppliers offer specific heavyweight styles designed for this fashion segment.
- Sublimation Printing Market: Select hoodies made of 100% polyester to ensure the most vivid and sharp sublimation prints, perfect for complex, colorful designs.
Choosing the best blank hoodie for printing is a crucial factor that directly impacts the success of your Print on Demand (POD) business in 2025. Elements such as fabric quality, weight, fit, and print compatibility all play a significant role in shaping customer experience and driving profits.
With the recommendations provided in this article, you can confidently find high-quality blank hoodies that align with your business strategy and help maximize your revenue potential.
If you’re looking for a reliable POD fulfillment partner, FlashShip is your trusted choice. We offer end-to-end solutions, including printing, quality control, packaging, and shipping, enabling sellers to reduce costs, shorten order processing times, and scale their business sustainably.For more information or to create an account with FlashShip, please contact our hotline at (+84) 943 024 337 or visit seller.FlashShip.net.
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