Best Sublimation Sweatshirts & Hoodies (Polyester & Blends)
Are you in the sublimation business, searching for the best sweatshirts and hoodies to turn them into uniquely crafted apparel to promote your brand? Do you want to know the key factors in purchasing the best blank sweatshirts and hoodies for sublimation?
Here are all the best options that can be a pleasing surprise for sports teams, schools, and corporate clients and a perfect fit for all those who want a comfortable, customized outfit.
We have thoroughly discussed all aspects of the sublimation sweatshirts and hoodies, including the fabric type, color, designs, polyester percentage, time, and temperature for the sublimation process for customized printing, best results, etc.
We have culled out all the best quality stuff to give you comfort, style, and a charismatic look.
Let’s have a look at it.
Key Takeaways
Before digging deep, you must take care of the following important points to make your decision more productive.
- Fabric type and polyester percentage are decision-making factors; don’t overlook them.
- Never choose a dark-colored fabric if you want your design to look appealing.
- If you’re looking for an outfit for Rainier, rugged or casual occasions, hoodies are a decent choice.
- For formal, running errands, or exercising, sweatshirts are the best versatile dress.
A Bird’s Eye View Of The Top Sweatshirts and Hoodies for Sublimation
| Product | Fabric Type | Closure Type | Sweatshirt/ Hoodie |
| TOLOER Men’s Hoodie | 100% Polyester | Pullover | Hoodie |
| Southpole Men’s Basic Fleece Polyester Hoodie | 100% Polyester | Pullover | Hoodie |
| JERZEES Men’s NuBlend Fleece Hoodie | 50% Cotton, 50% Polyester | Zipper | Hoodie |
| Hanes Men’s Poly Cotton Fleece Hoodie | 50% Cotton, 50% Polyester | Pull-On | Hoodie |
| Gildan Adult Fleece Hoodie, Style G18500 | 50% Cotton, 50% Polyester | Pull-on | Hoodie |
| Hanes EcoSmart Fleece Crewneck Sweatshirt | 50% Cotton, 50% Polyester | Pullover | Sweatshirt |
| Fruit of the Loom Eversoft Fleece Sweatshirt | 60% Cotton, 40% Polyester | Pull-On | Sweatshirt |
| Gildan Adult Fleece Crewneck Sweatshirt, Style G18000 | 50% cotton and 50% polyester | Pullover | Sweatshirt |
| Amazon Essentials Men’s Fleece Crewneck | 52% Cotton, 48% Polyester | Pullover | Sweatshirt |
| Russell Athletic Men’s Dri-Power Fleece Sweatshirt | 100% Cotton | Pullover | Sweatshirt |
Detailed Overview of the Best Hoodies for Sublimation
1. TOLOER Men’s Hoodie
Key Features:
- Ribbed waistband and cuffs
- Pill-resistant hoodie
- Featuring a fleece-lined drawstring hood
- Medium-weight 9 oz fleece with brushed interior
- Kangaroo pockets
- Pull-on closure
Key Benefits:
Comfortable
Talore’s hoodie combines the best for a warmer and more comfortable softshell – durable and flexible fabrics that fold and drape with movement, as well as double-needle stitching so you can go from chasing mountains to snowboarding back to the slopes in a flash. You will feel the intense warmth of the hoodie’s insides, the comfort of wearing it, and the happiness of looking.
High-quality and Lightweight
It is the best choice for sublimation and features high-quality, lightweight, and durable material for premium comfort. It is comfortable, stylish, and perfect for all seasons. Its design is unique and attractive, loved by both adults and children. It’s a perfect gift for your loved ones.
Form-fitting Design
With a form-fitting design, these hoodies are perfect for an undershirt or just to lounge around the house with your favorite TV show. The Tolore hoodie is made of Polyester. It is ideal for you if you like to stay warm and cozy without feeling too bulky. Whether you’re wearing jeans or leggings, this hoodie is the ideal choice. It’s lightweight! It’s water-repellant! You’ll never want to take it off.
2. Southpole Men’s Basic Fleece Polyester Hoodie
Key Features:
- Pullover hoodie
- Kangaroo pockets
- Brushed-fleece interior for warmth.
- Flexible and cozy fabric
- Made from 100% polyester
Key Benefits:
Polyester and Warm Fleece
The Southpole basic fleece hoodie is a popular polyester hoodie for sublimation. The Southpole Basic Fleece Hoodie, made from 100% polyester, is a timeless piece that will never go out of style. This soft, warm fleece will keep you warm and comfortable on chilly fall and winter days.
Thick Hood
The extra thick hood protects you from the cold, windy air. This unisex hoodie is a great medium coverage piece, perfect for layering. A unique outfit like Southpole Basic Fleece Hoodie is the epitome of medium-coverage fleece.
Kangaroo Pockets and Double-needle Stitching
Southpole’s newest basic fleece hoodie features a cozy front kangaroo pocket, drawstring hood, and double-needle stitching throughout. The classic fit has enough room to wear over a t-shirt without restricting movement yet is also roomy enough to wear alone.
3. JERZEES Men’s NuBlend Fleece Hoodie
Key Features:
- Brand: JERZEES
- Nublend fiber(50% cotton,50% Polyester)
- Washing Instruction: Machine Wash
- Anti-pilling
- Full zip closure
- Smooth outer surface
- Front pouch pocket
- Ribbed collar with spandex
The Jerzees brand offers various styles and colors to soothe your aesthetic and creativity. With 100 years of expertise in the apparel industry, Jerzees are a name of quality and is known for producing stylishly comfortable team wear, uniforms, activewear, and corporate clothing.
This hoodie has been tested and approved by customers as the most popular hoodie for sublimation printing. In addition to being highly durable and very easy to clean, this product is composed of 50% polyester fleece and 50% cotton.
Key Benefits:
Nublend Fiber
The unique blend of polyester and cotton fibers provides a lightweight, durable garment that will stand up to any activity. Plus, it is a good choice if you are looking for an outfit with a vintage look.
Anti-Pilling Feature
With High stitch density for a smooth printing canvas, these hoodies have an anti-pilling surface that makes them aesthetically appealing.
Easy to Clean
Moreover, there is no need to worry about cleaning; just put it into the washing machine and bingo. Warm water may shrink your cloth, so clean it with normal water.
Full zip closure
In addition, it is an excellent fit if you don’t want to ruin your perfectly sculpted haircut while putting on your hoodie. Just open the zipper and put it on without ruining your stylish haircut. You can layer it with other items to create a layered look with an open hoodie.
The only downside of a zip-up while choosing for sublimation printing, it may be tricky to print and customize your hoodie with your favorite graphics.
But if you want an iconic style with pull-up hoodies, you can go for our other product Gildan Adult Fleece Hooded Sweatshirt, Style G18500, which is also a good fit for a classy look.
Front Pouch Pocket
In addition, they have a front pouch pocket that keeps your hands warm on a cold day. Plus, it helps keep keys or ID tucked away during a power walk.
Ribbed collar with spandex
Moreover, its ribbed collar with spandex makes it comfortable to wear, resistant to wear and tear, fade resistant, and retains its original shape.
4. Hanes Men’s Poly Cotton Fleece Hoodie
Key Features:
- Kangaroo pockets
- Ribbed waistband and cuffs
- Soft fleece material
- 50% cotton and 50% polyester
- Pill-resistant
Key Benefits:
Material
The Hanes Ecosmart Fleece Hoodie material is a pleasant combination of cotton and Polyester in the proportion of 50/50. In terms of quality fabric, style, and cost, the Hanes Ecosmart is the best value if you plan to print primarily on the hoodie’s exterior.
Lightweight and Vibrant Colors
The Hanes Ecosmart high-quality blank sublimation hoodies may be lightweight, but they’ll keep you cozy and shielded from the chilly October air just the same. Printed hoodies can be custom-made in a wide variety of colors, and they can look outstanding if they feature bold contrasts between the various elements of the design.
Long Sleeves
In case you suffer from cold hands in the winter, the sleeves are long enough to keep your hands warm.If you want to save money, the Hanes Ecosmart is your best bet.
Polyester Construction
This crewneck hoodie is ideal for everyday use thanks to its comfortable fit and lightweight cotton and polyester construction. It is a big hit due to its excellent cut, comfortable feel, and affordable price.
5. Gildan Adult Fleece Hoodie, Style G18500
Key Features:
- Brand: Gildan
- Fabric: 50% Cotton & 50% Polyester
- Pull-on Closure
- Double-lined hood
- Pouch pocket
- Ribbed cuffs and waistband with spandex
- Air jet yarn
- Versatile
The Gildan Adult Fleece Hoodie is the real deal! This hoodie feels like your best buddy because it’s so comfortable & cozy. You’ll never want to take it off.
Key Benefits:
Best Choice for Sublimation
Gildan adult fleece hoodies are the best choice for sublimation because, without zippers, it has a large canvas front and back for customized printing. In addition, if you want to make apparel for schools, teams, businesses, and more, this blank shirt will never disappoint you.
Pill-Resistant Air Jet Yarn
Its Pill-resistant air jet yarn offers a clear appearance and well as less hairiness. In addition, it is highly resistant to pilling and abrasion. Plus, it has good moisture absorption. Besides, the air Jet yarn is less prone to shrinkage and has high wash resistance.
Best Choice for Cool Weather
Moreover, suppose you are looking for apparel customized for cooler weather. In that case, no hoodies can suit you better than this Gildan hoodie because they are the best fit due to the double lining in the hood and a signature pouch pocket that makes it an excellent fit for warm climates.
Durable
In addition, throughout the seams,double-needle stitching increases the Gildan 18500 to last longer than your expectations.
Ribbed Cuffs and Waistband
Likewise, ribbed cuffs and waistband with spandex make it aesthetically more helpful. It adheres to your body and provides you comfort with a snug fit. It again provides comfort and warmth to protect you from harsh cooling temperatures.
Detailed Overview Of The Sweatshirts For Sublimation
6. Hanes EcoSmart Fleece Crewneck Sweatshirt
Key Features:
- Brand: Hanes
- Fabric: 50% Cotton, 50% Polyester
- Washing: Machine wash
- Neck style: Crew Neck
- Pill-resistant durable fleece
- Holds its shape
- Double-needle stitching
- Tear-away Tags
- Made from Eco-Friendly PolyesterPolyester
Key Benefits:
Cozy Crewneck Style
Hanes Men’s Sweatshirt with a cozy crewneck style is popular given its subtlety and suitability for layering. It is the perfect winter garment since it keeps the chest close to the neck and warm.
Tear-away Tags
Another good thing about it is its tear-away tags that can easily be ripped off without tearing the garment. So it is the best fit for you if you want to relabel it with your custom branding.
Double-Needle Stitching
Moreover, they are stitched with a double needle on all sites that may be prone to breakage of stitches, hence preventing the stitches from breakage.
Great Lightweight Top Layer
In winter, you need to dress up many layers of cloth to protect yourself from harsh weather, and this tremendous lightweight apparel will be an excellent addition to your closet as a top layer. It is perfect for wicking away moisture because it is thin and breathable. You can customize it easily with your favorite graphics and use this top layer to keep out the harsh weather, robbing you of heat.
7. Fruit of the Loom Eversoft Fleece Sweatshirts
Key Features:
- Brand: Fruit of the Loom
- Fabric: 60% Cotton, 40% Polyester
- Ring Spun Cotton
- Double-needle stitching
- Ribbed collar, cuffs, and waistband
- Premium softness
They’re best known for their perfect fit and consumer-driven designs. These Fleece sweatshirts are a blend of cotton and polyester. What more it provides you, is below.
Key Benefits:
Premium Softness
Ring-spun cotton is used to make Eversoft Fleece Sweatshirts that provide durability and softness even after washing.
Warmth and Comfort
Along with premium softness, it is the best choice for cooler fall days and lighter than other brands’ products like Ecosmart. Feel confident with these plush and thick sweatshirts to enjoy your winters.
Keeps You Confident
Its moisture-wicking and odor-protection design pulls the order and sweat to keep you confident. Moisture wicking isn’t just for exercise or an active lifestyle, though. In a variety of sweat-inducing situations, this fabric can help you stay sweat-free, stain-free, and odor-free.
Ribbed collar, Cuffs, and Waistband
Additionally, its ribbed waistband, collar, and cuffs keep the heat in and the cold out while the hem and cuffs adhere to your skin pretty tightly.This ribbing, for example, around the edge of sweaters can stretch without losing shape.
8. Gildan Adult Fleece Crewneck Sweatshirt, Style G18000
Key Features:
- 50% cotton and 50% polyester
- Tear away label
- Double-needle stitching
- Pre-shrunk
- 18 different colors
Key Benefits:
Different Colors
Everyone loves a crewneck sweatshirt like the G18000. It’s available in 18 different hues, and the 50/50 blend fabric is comfortable and flexible. As a classic piece, it will always be a go-to.
Custom Printing
For a good reason, this fleece crewneck has become the go-to blank crewneck for all sorts of custom printing projects. Because it is crafted from air jet yarn, which is resistant to pilling, it will survive several wears during the cold season.
Re-labelling and Double-needle Stitching
This crewneck is traditional and comfy thanks to its double-needle construction, ribbed cuffs, and waistband. Easy relabelling is made possible by the label’s being removable. While this Gildan sweatshirt is one of their more basic designs, without pockets or a hoodie, it has proven to be a popular choice among customers.
Comfort and Style
It is an outfit that will significantly surpass your expectations due to its simplicity, comfort, and current style. Because Gildan has been making quality athletic wear for decades, their crewneck sweatshirt is a fan favorite. Not to mention, you can’t beat the unbelievably low price.
9. Amazon Essentials Men’s Fleece Crewneck Sweatshirt
Key Features:
- 52% Cotton, 48% Polyester
- Ribbing on the collar, hem, and cuffs
- Comfortable to wear
- High-quality materials used
Key Benefits:
Material
You can do almost anything from skiing to sleeping in this crewneck sweatshirt. It comprises 52% cotton and 48% polyester.
Cost-effective
It features an all-around ribbed collar that adds a little style to what would typically be just an ordinary sweatshirt. The Amazon Essential Crewneck Fleece Sweatshirt is cost-effective and has some great features. It’s a great value.
Durable and Comfortable
It fits well; it’s comfortable to wear, and it’s warm and durable. You can feel good about buying it and use it for years to come as an essential wardrobe piece. This crewneck can be worn on its own or layered underneath a jacket, winter coat, or sweater. It is one of the best to sublimate on.
Soft Fleece and Vibrant Colors
The Amazon Essential Crewneck Fleece Sweatshirt gets a lot of praise for its quality and durability. The soft fleece material is comfortable and warm—a beautiful crewneck sweatshirt with an excellent fit and quality. The material is soft and durable, the colors are vibrant and attractive, and it is a hot and comfy sweatshirt.
10. Russell Athletic Men’s Dri-Power Fleece Sweatshirt
Key Features:
- Brand: Russell Athletic
- Fabric: 100% Cotton
- Dri-Power Sweatshirt
- Closure type: Pull-on
- Secure Fit
- V-notch at the crew neck
Russell Athletic Men’s Dri-Power Sweatshirt is made up of medium-weight fleece. It is an excellent addition to your wardrobe if you are looking for a warm and soft outfit.
Key Benefits:
Dri-Power Moisture Wicking
These athletic staples are equipped with Moisture Wicking technology that relieves night sweats and hot flashes, prevents microbial growth, keeps you cool on hot days and nights, and prevents hypothermia. That means customizing this outfit for yourself will benefit you a lot.
Ergonomic Design
In addition, this fashionable garment with ribbed waistband and cuffs provides a secure fit, and v-notch at the neck adds an old-school modern look.
Comfortable & Warm
Moreover, these have quality stitching and a soft feel that comforts the user. You can wear it alone or layer it with another outfit; it will perfectly fit, not too tight or too baggy.
Easy To Wash
Russell Athletic Men’s Dri-Power Sweatshirts are easy to wash via machine; you can tumble dry them without worrying about shrinkage.
Factors You Should Consider When Buying These
Before we tour the critical decision-making factor, we should know some basics, like what sublimation is and how it works. Let’s have a sneak peek at it.
Can You Sublimate On Any Fabric?
The straight answer is no, fellas. But doesn’t this fact seem a little bit hard to push down the throat? Don’t worry. Nothing is set into stones, we have some conditions, and we can use this sublimation technique on various types of fibers.
Let’s go through these details real quick.
Some helpful articles to read If you are interested in any of these fabrics:
- Can you sublimate on Rayon?
- Can you sublimate on Denim?
- Can you sublimate on Nylon?
- Can you sublimate on Leather?
Best Fabric Blends for Sublimation Printing
Nylon Lycra and Spandex are the best fabrics that work well with sublimation printing due to their excellent strength and ability to adhere to dye. However, the main disadvantage is that they are less comfortable than most other blends. So to produce a comfortable customer-driven product, we also have to use different combinations. So, here are some different best fabric types we can use for sublimation printing.
100% Polyester
The best go-to fiber for sublimation printing is 100% polyester fabric because polyester polymers bind perfectly with the sublimation dye during heating.
Furthermore, because they are robust and lightweight, they are the best fabric for sublimation. Plus, they are easy to clean and retain their shape.
In addition, Polyester is stain resistant and economical as well.
The downside is that they are not as breathable as other fabric types; therefore, use is not recommended for athletes and hot weather. Moreover, it tends to hold an odor so it is not a good idea if you are opting for an outfit for summer.
Triblends
Triblends fabric comprises 50% Polyester,25% cotton, and 25% rayon blend. A tri-blend cloth is less likely to shrink and is best for gym wear, team uniforms, large-scale events, etc. And if you choose them as promotional apparel, they have the best material for sublimating on a hoodie to craft a customized outfit.
Moreover, it has the benefits of all three fabrics.
- Cotton gives it durability and breathability.
- Polyester facilitates the sublimation of dye for bonding.
- Rayon gives it softness and helps to drape over the body naturally.
But remember that although it is a comfortable and soft material, the sublimation result will not be as vivid as on the fabric containing high polyester content.
65% Polyester, 35% Cotton
A polyester blend containing 35% cotton with a 65% polyester ratio is the best choice for sublimation if you want a retro or vintage look outfit because results will not be the same as 100% polyester fabric due to the low binding of the dye. Because the rule of thumb for sublimation printing is higher the polyester percentage, the brighter the print.
Generally, we can print pretty well on this fabric, which would be brighter than a 50/50 blend of Polyester and cotton. But it will not be as promising as a 100% polyester material will print.
That said, if you intentionally want a vintage-style outfit, don’t hesitate to print on a 65/35 blend and get a classy outfit.
Heathered 65% Polyester
You can also use heather fabric for sublimation printing, containing 65% polyester. It will turn out a sharper and brighter look, but not as vivid as 100% polyester. Heathered fabric forms when yarns of mixed colors are interwoven to produce streaks of alternate colors. So your outfit will look trendy and work as the best casual wear.
But there is a downside of using heathered fabric; with delicate images, it will not work well, and the results will not be the same as they should be.
50/50 Polyester and Cotton(Poly Cotton)
The recommended poly cotton blends are
✅80% Poly: 20% Cotton
✅75%Poly: 25% Cotton
✅60% Poly: 40% Cotton
Any fabric blend less than this % will give a faded look because, firstly, the dye will not bond with the cotton, and if it binds, it will bleed away after the first wash. So only use a 50/50 polycotton fabric if you want a faded style image.
Vintage or distressed look garments have a big market and remain popular, so it is a perfect choice if you want to print for the vintage fabric industry.
What Color Sweatshirts are Best for Sublimation?
Usually, light colors like white or light-colored shirts like grey are best for sublimation printing. White sweatshirts are suitable for sublimation printing if the design is dark enough. A white background makes the colors pop out more. Likewise, Gray sweatshirts are also great for sublimation printing. You can print on them without worrying about the contrast.
In order to make sublimation work on dark hues, you must employ a special process, such as coating the image with a layer of white heat transfer vinyl. Otherwise, your design will not show up well against the dark fabric.
Can You Sublimate on Cotton Sweatshirts?
Yes, it is possible to sublimate on cotton sweatshirts as well. To help the natural fibers bond with sublimation dyes, you must use specific sublimation fabric sheets or use synthetic spray coatings on cotton to produce a synthetic surface on top of the fabric.
Mistakes You Should Avoid While Sublimating On Them
Hey folks, if you are in the sublimation business, you must know how to grow your business and what mistakes you should avoid when sublimating on sweatshirts and hoodies. Understanding these mistakes and how they affect your business is very important if you are passionate about your craft. Here are some game-changing tips to avoid mistakes while sublimating on sweatshirts and hoodies. Let’s check them out.
- Choosing the wrong sweatshirt fabric type
- Using a bad font for the design
- Using complex designs
- Infringing copyright laws
- Getting the size of the design wrong
- Inappropriate selection of colors
- Poor quality of the Image
- Improper placement of the design on the shirt
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What sweatshirts are best for sublimation?
The best ones are light-colored and should have at least 60% polyester to get a unique,
vibrant design that never peels or flakes off.
2. Does sublimation work on hoodies?
Yes, you can easily customize the hoodies like sweatshirts; you just need a light-color fabric with a high polyester ratio. You can transfer the images and graphics via sublimation to turn them into stunning sublimation apparel.
3. Can you sublimate 50/50 sweatshirts?
Technically, it is possible to sublimate on 50% cotton and 50% polyester sweatshirts. But the outcome will not be as vibrant as it should be. The design fades out after washout, so a fabric with at least 60% is good to get a promising result.
4. Can I sublimate on black sweatshirts?
Yes, you can sublimate on black sweatshirts but via heat transfer vinyl. Besides, EasySubli media can also be used to sublimate dark color fabric.
Read More: Sublimation on dark colors
5. How long does it take to sublimate the hoodie?
To sublimate a hoodie, set the print at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 40-75 seconds at medium pressure, and cover the transfer with paper to protect against the ink going through to the backside.
Wrap-Up
All of the above information is not just a piece of research, but we have written this after taking experts’ opinions in the field, so you are in safe hands now. Keep visiting our page for more reliable information, and don’t forget to subscribe as well because more information is coming your way in the future to raise and shine your business.
