If you’re in the screen printing or custom apparel game, you already know this: not all sweatshirts are created equal. Whether you’re printing for your own brand, reselling custom designs, or shopping for wholesale blanks, identifying good quality sweatshirts is a crucial step that impacts everything from customer satisfaction to the final look of your print.
But how can you tell if a sweatshirt is high quality, especially when browsing online or ordering in bulk?
Let’s break it down so you can confidently shop blank sweatshirts that deliver on both feel and function.
1. Look at the Fabric Composition
One of the biggest indicators of quality starts with the fabric. Most blank sweatshirts are made from:
- 100% Cotton – Soft, breathable, and perfect for traditional screen printing.
- 100% Polyester – Lightweight and moisture-wicking; ideal for sublimation printing.
- Cotton/Polyester Blends – Combine the best of both worlds: softness, durability, and great print surfaces.
For premium feel and durability, check the GSM (grams per square meter). Heavier sweatshirts (250 GSM and up) tend to be more durable and luxurious.
Bonus Tip: At Neil & David Blank Apparel, our 100% polyester fleece blank sweatshirt hoodies are sublimation-ready and built to last.
2. Feel the Fabric (or Know What to Look For)
When buying in person, feel is everything. When shopping online, pay close attention to the product description. High-quality sweatshirts will be:
- Soft and smooth, not scratchy or stiff
- Dense but breathable, not thin or flimsy
- Described with terms like “fleece lining,” “combed cotton,” “brushed interior,” or “premium heavyweight”
These are signs of a well-made blank hoodie or plain sweatshirt that will hold up through printing and washing.
3. Examine the Construction Details
Even the softest sweatshirt can fall flat if it’s poorly made. Here’s what to look for:
Reinforced seams at the shoulders, neck, and cuffs
- Ribbed cuffs and waistbands that bounce back after stretching
- Even stitching with no loose threads
- A neck that holds shape (no floppy collars after wash day)
Flip it inside out if you can. A clean interior is the sign of a blank for printing that’s built to perform.
4. Evaluate the Fit and Cut
Fit may not affect print quality, but it does affect whether your customer wears it more than once. Good quality sweatshirts have:
- Consistent sizing (watch out for weird proportions)
- A roomy but flattering cut
- Well-balanced sleeve and body lengths
- A structured feel that isn’t too boxy or tight
This applies to both blank hoodies and plain sweatshirts—especially if you’re decorating for fashion-forward customers.
5. Test the Performance (If You Can)
If you’re sampling a new supplier or brand, do a quick test:
- Print on it, heat press it, or embroider it
- Wash and dry it a few times
- Check for pilling, fading, shrinking, or warping
You want embroidery blanks and blanks for printing that can handle wear and tear without sacrificing appearance.
6. Consider Brand Reputation and Reviews
Finally, don’t overlook what other decorators and printers are saying. Look for:
- Positive reviews from screen printers and resellers
- Detailed feedback on shrinkage, pilling, and print performance
- Reliable wholesale suppliers that specialize in wholesale blanks
If you’re working with sublimation, make sure the product is clearly labeled as sublimation-friendly.
Good Quality Sweatshirts Are Worth It
Whether you’re printing in your garage or running a full-blown apparel brand, choosing good-quality sweatshirts is a smart investment. They hold color better, feel better, and leave your customers coming back for more.