Hoodie Customisation Guide – What You Must Know Before Custom Printing

Choosing the Right Hoodie for Customisation

Selecting the ideal hoodie goes beyond just picking colours and sizes—it’s about matching your apparel to your purpose. Whether you’re looking to print bold graphics or stitch intricate embroidery, your hoodie choice sets the foundation for a standout design.

Fabric Types & Suitability

Hoodies come in various fabrics, each suited to different uses. From breathable cotton to moisture-wicking polyester, understanding fabric types ensures your custom hoodies stay comfortable and look great, no matter where they’re worn.

Cotton vs. Polyester vs. Blends

Cotton hoodies feel soft, natural, and breathable—perfect for everyday comfort and vibrant printing. Polyester hoodies excel in durability, moisture management, and resisting wrinkles, making them ideal for activewear or outdoor events. Blends combine the best of both worlds, offering versatility, comfort, and printability in one.

Best Materials for Printing vs. Embroidery

For custom prints like screen printing or DTG, pure cotton or high-cotton blends yield vibrant, sharp designs. If you’re aiming for embroidered logos or text, opt for heavier materials such as polyester blends or thicker cotton to support detailed stitching and durability.

Hoodie Styles

Choosing the right hoodie style can make all the difference in fit, fashion, and functionality. Consider your audience, purpose, and current trends when deciding between different cuts and designs.

Pullover vs. Zip-up

Pullover hoodies provide a classic look with more space for uninterrupted designs, ideal for bold prints or large graphics. Zip-ups offer practicality, layering ease, and versatile styling, making them suitable for embroidered logos or subtle branding on chest or sleeves.

Oversized vs. Fitted vs. Crop

Oversized hoodies are on-trend and perfect for casual, streetwear-inspired designs or group apparel. Fitted hoodies offer a sharper, athletic silhouette suited to branded uniforms or activewear. Crop hoodies cater to contemporary fashion preferences, ideal for boutiques, gym wear, or promotional giveaways targeting younger audiences.

Best Brands for Personalisable Hoodies

Not all hoodies are created equal—choosing trusted brands ensures quality, consistency, and durability in your custom apparel. Some of Australia’s favourite brands include AS Colour for premium quality, Gildan for affordable variety, Biz Collection for professional uniforms, Aussie Pacific for active lifestyles, and JB’s Wear for robust, everyday apparel that handles customisation beautifully.

Customisation Methods & Techniques for Hoodies

Picking the right customisation method can elevate your hoodies from ordinary apparel to eye-catching, memorable gear. Let’s break down the most popular hoodie printing and decoration methods to help you choose the perfect technique for your design and budget.

Screen Printing

Screen printing involves pressing ink through a fine mesh screen onto the hoodie fabric, creating bold, vibrant graphics. It’s cost-effective for bulk runs and ensures sharp, lasting prints. The downside? It can be pricey for smaller orders or multiple colours.

Plastisol inks offer bright colours and durability, making them ideal for hoodies, especially on cotton-rich materials. Water-based inks provide softer, eco-friendly prints but may fade faster.

Embroidery

Embroidery looks best on thicker fabrics such as cotton-poly blends or fleece-lined hoodies, offering stability and durability for intricate stitching.

Embroidery generally costs more upfront but delivers unmatched longevity, premium appearance, and professional branding ideal for corporate, sportswear, or promotional apparel.

Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV)

HTV is a go-to method for DIY customisation, letting you press your designs directly onto hoodies using heat and pressure. It’s perfect for one-offs or small batches.

Works best on cotton or cotton-blend hoodies. Ensure your fabric withstands medium-to-high heat, apply firm pressure evenly, and peel carefully to achieve crisp, durable results.

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing

DTG printing digitally applies detailed, full-colour graphics directly onto the fabric. Ideal for intricate artwork, photos, or designs with gradients.

DTG is cost-effective for small runs, offering quick turnaround with high-quality detail. However, large quantities can be pricier compared to screen printing.

Sublimation Printing

Sublimation uses heat to transfer dye directly into polyester fibres, permanently embedding vibrant, fade-resistant graphics into your hoodie.

Unmatched vibrancy and durability on polyester or poly-blend hoodies, ideal for activewear or bold designs. Limited effectiveness on dark or cotton-based garments.

Patches & Appliques

Patches offer a unique, high-quality aesthetic. Leather patches convey ruggedness; chenille adds vintage flair; embroidered patches deliver traditional branding.

Patches can be professionally sewn for maximum durability, or heat-pressed for quicker application. Always match your chosen method to fabric and hoodie use.

Design Planning & Preparation for Custom Decoration on Hoodies

Planning your hoodie design properly ensures your custom apparel captures attention and meets your vision. The right design, placement, and colours can take your hoodie from standard gear to genuinely impressive merch.

Logo placement & size guide:

Positioning your logo correctly is key to visibility and style. The chest area is popular for smaller logos (around 7–10 cm wide), while larger graphics look best on the back (around 25–30 cm wide). For sleeve prints, consider keeping the logo around 5–8 cm in width for clarity.

Popular design styles (minimalist, graffiti, typography, retro):

• Minimalist: Clean, simple, subtle logos perfect for professional branding or understated style.
• Graffiti: Bold, colourful street art styles, ideal for youth-oriented brands or urban-inspired hoodies.
• Typography: Stylish lettering and quotes, excellent for statement pieces or promotional apparel.
• Retro: Nostalgic, vintage-inspired designs great for creating unique merch or event apparel.

Color Theory & Hoodie Customisation

Colours directly influence how well your design stands out. High contrast—such as a white print on a black hoodie—grabs attention. Conversely, subtle colour combinations, like navy print on charcoal, offer a more understated appeal.

Always consider the hoodie’s base colour before finalising your design. Light designs look best on darker fabrics, while vibrant prints stand out better on neutral colours. Avoid similar tones between print and hoodie fabric to prevent designs from fading visually.

Mockups & Proofing

Using online design software helps you visualise exactly how your finished hoodies will look. Tools like Canva and Photoshop are excellent for design customisation, while Printful and Printify offer practical previews directly on hoodie mockups.

Always request a physical sample or proof before placing larger orders. Seeing your design in real life lets you verify colour accuracy, sizing, and print quality, ensuring satisfaction when ordering custom hoodies in bulk.

Tools & Materials for DIY Hoodie Customisation

Going the DIY route with your hoodie customisation can be rewarding, cost-effective, and give you complete control over the design process. However, choosing the right tools and materials is crucial for getting professional-looking results at home.

Heat Press vs. Iron

If you’re planning on regularly customising hoodies, investing in a heat press is the smart choice. Heat presses ensure consistent temperature and even pressure, creating more durable prints that withstand washing and wear.

An iron is budget-friendly and perfect for one-off projects or casual customisations. However, achieving even pressure and consistent heat can be challenging, often leading to less durable results.

Cutting Machines (Cricut, Silhouette Cameo)

Cutting machines make DIY customisation easy, accurate, and fun, especially when working with heat transfer vinyl (HTV):

• Cricut: Beginner-friendly, known for ease of use, precise cutting, and excellent software support.
• Silhouette Cameo: Offers greater flexibility for complex, detailed designs and is popular among seasoned crafters for advanced customisation.

Both machines let you produce professional-quality graphics quickly, perfect for logos, lettering, or intricate artwork.

Best Inks & Threads for DIY Hoodie Customisation

• Plastisol inks: Durable, vibrant, and professional-grade, ideal for DIY screen printing on hoodies.
• Water-based inks: Eco-friendly, softer finish, but less durable; suitable for lighter fabrics or casual wear.
• Opt for polyester embroidery threads for durability, colour-fastness, and a smooth, glossy finish.
• For a matte look and softer feel, use cotton embroidery threads, ideal for vintage-inspired designs.

Online Platforms for Hoodie Customisation

Garment Printing is a leading online custom apparel printing company in Australia, specialising in personalised hoodies and clothing. Known for its easy-to-use online platform, Garment Printing offers customers an intuitive design experience, allowing users to upload designs, logos, or artwork directly onto premium-quality hoodies. They provide multiple customisation methods, including digital printing (DTG), embroidery, vinyl heat transfer, and screen printing, catering to both individual and business customers.

Garment Printing stands out among online hoodie customisation platforms by delivering professional-quality custom apparel, backed by attentive customer service and competitive pricing.

Key benefits of Garment Printing include:

User-Friendly Design Interface: Simple tools for customising hoodies quickly and effectively online.

Quality and Variety: A wide range of hoodie styles, colours, and fabrics from leading brands.

No Minimum Order Requirement: Ideal for both single and bulk orders, offering flexibility for personal projects and business needs.

Quick Turnaround Times: Reliable and speedy delivery across Australia.

Eco-Friendly Practices: Commitment to sustainability through environmentally responsible printing processes.

Step-by-Step Hoodie Customisation Process

Getting your hoodie customisation right means following a clear, step-by-step process. Here’s how to achieve professional-quality results from preparation to post-care, no matter your chosen method.

Prepping the Hoodie

Proper preparation ensures your design adheres correctly, lasts longer, and looks professional.

• Washing:
  Always wash your hoodie first to remove manufacturing residues or sizing agents that could prevent proper adhesion. Avoid fabric softeners or harsh detergents.
• Ironing:
  Iron your hoodie to remove wrinkles, ensuring a flat surface for applying prints or embroidery. This helps avoid uneven designs or bubbling, especially with heat-transfer methods.
• Lint Removal:
  Use a lint roller or tape to remove fibres, dust, or pet hair. A clean surface ensures your design stays crisp and clean-looking.

Applying the Customisation (Based on Chosen Method)

Follow these steps based on your preferred method:

• Screen Printing:
  1. Secure the hoodie onto a flat surface or platen.
  2. Position your prepared screen securely above the hoodie.
  3. Apply ink evenly using a squeegee.
  4. Cure the print under heat (a heat gun or conveyor dryer) for durability.
• Embroidery:
  1. Choose embroidery thread colours and hoop the hoodie fabric tightly.
  2. Load your digitised design into the embroidery machine.
  3. Embroider carefully, ensuring proper tension and placement.
  4. Trim excess threads once finished.
• Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV):
  1. Cut your HTV design using a Cricut or Silhouette cutter.
  2. Weed excess vinyl away carefully.
  3. Position vinyl onto hoodie.
  4. Press firmly using a heat press or iron (according to the vinyl’s specific heat settings), then gently peel away backing when cool.
• Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing:
  1. Pre-treat hoodie fabric (if needed) for brighter colours.
  2. Load hoodie onto DTG printer platen.
  3. Print digital design directly onto the hoodie.
  4. Cure ink with a heat press or dryer.
• Sublimation Printing:
  1. Print your sublimation design onto transfer paper with sublimation inks.
  2. Position paper onto a polyester hoodie.
  3. Heat press at recommended settings (typically high temperature).
  4. Carefully remove paper once cooled slightly.
• Patches & Appliques:
  1. Position your patch or applique precisely onto your hoodie.
  2. Sew around the edges for maximum durability or apply heat-activated adhesive.
  3. If using heat-activated adhesive, press firmly with heat press or iron according to adhesive instructions.

Post-Customisation Care (Washing Instructions for Durability)

Proper care helps your customised hoodies maintain quality and colour vibrancy:

• Always turn hoodies inside out before washing to protect prints or embroidery.
• Wash in cold water using gentle detergents; avoid bleach or harsh chemicals.
• Air-drying is best, but tumble dry on low heat if necessary.
• Avoid ironing directly onto customisation; instead, iron inside-out or use a protective cloth.

Hoodie Customisation for Businesses & Branding

Custom hoodies are powerful branding tools for Aussie businesses, big or small. They create team unity, boost brand visibility, and double as wearable advertising—if you get it right. Here’s everything you need to know about ordering custom hoodies for your business, maximising profit margins, and standing out in the market.

Custom Hoodies for Small Businesses

For small Aussie businesses, custom hoodies are more than merch—they’re brand ambassadors. Whether you’re a café, gym, tradie, or startup, branded hoodies can attract attention, foster employee loyalty, and enhance customer engagement. Opt for quality over quantity to ensure your hoodies become items your team and customers genuinely love wearing.

Bulk Order Customisation: Where to Order?

Ordering in bulk is the smartest, most cost-effective approach for businesses:

• Garment Printing: Offers bulk discounts, high-quality printing methods (screen, DTG, embroidery), quick turnaround times, and reliable local service across Australia.
• AS Colour & JB’s Wear: Excellent hoodie suppliers known for durability and consistency, perfect for bulk orders intended for branding or resale.
• Printful or Printify: Great online options for drop-shipping custom hoodies if you prefer less upfront investment and minimal storage requirements.

Best Hoodie Styles for Branding & Merchandise

Choose hoodie styles aligned with your audience, brand identity, and intended use:

• Pullover Hoodies: Provide uninterrupted space for logos and designs, ideal for bold branding or casual merch.
• Zip-Up Hoodies: Professional and versatile, suitable for smaller embroidered logos and employee uniforms.
• Oversized Hoodies: Popular among younger audiences; ideal for retail or fashion-oriented businesses.
• Fitted & Performance Hoodies: Excellent for gyms, fitness brands, or businesses targeting active lifestyles.

Common Hoodie Customisation Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Customising hoodies is straightforward if you know what pitfalls to avoid. Here’s how to steer clear of common mistakes, ensuring your hoodies look professional, feel comfortable, and stand up to wear.

Avoiding these common hoodie customisation mistakes ensures your apparel remains vibrant, professional-looking, and durable long-term.

Using Low-Quality Designs

Mistake: Using blurry, pixelated, or overly complicated designs leads to disappointing prints.

Solution:
Always use high-resolution, vector-based designs (AI, EPS, SVG files) to ensure crisp, sharp printing or embroidery. Keep designs simple and clear for the best visual impact.

Choosing the Wrong Printing Technique

Mistake: Selecting an unsuitable printing method, causing poor print quality, fading, or peeling.

Solution:
Match your printing technique to your hoodie’s fabric and design complexity. For example:

• Screen Printing: Ideal for large quantities and simpler designs.
• DTG Printing: Perfect for detailed, multicolour prints in small batches.
• Embroidery: Best for thicker, high-quality hoodies and smaller logos.

Ignoring Fabric Compatibility

Mistake: Applying prints or embroidery on incompatible fabrics, causing poor adhesion, shrinking, or distorted results.

Solution:
Always match your chosen method to suitable hoodie materials:

• Cotton/Cotton-blends: Perfect for screen printing, DTG, and HTV.
• Polyester/Poly-blends: Ideal for sublimation printing or embroidery.
• Ensure your hoodie can withstand required heat and pressure for your chosen technique.

Poor Placement of Logos/Text

Mistake: Incorrect placement or sizing of logos or text, resulting in awkward-looking or ineffective branding.

Solution:
Follow these guidelines for ideal logo placement:

• Chest: Centre-left/right alignment, 7–10 cm width for logos.
• Back: Centre-aligned, large designs around 25–30 cm wide.
• Sleeve: Approximately 5–8 cm wide, ideally placed mid-upper sleeve area.

Always preview with a mockup or physical sample before proceeding.

Washing Mistakes That Ruin Designs

Mistake: Incorrect washing methods causing fading, cracking, shrinking, or peeling of printed designs.

Solution:
Always follow proper care instructions:

• Wash custom hoodies inside-out in cold water.
• Avoid harsh detergents, bleach, and fabric softeners.
• Air-dry when possible or use low-heat settings in the dryer.
• Never iron directly on prints—use protective cloth or iron inside-out.