Custom Hoodie Design Glossary

A printing method where ink is sprayed directly onto the fabric using specialized inkjet technology. DTG is often compared to a giant office printer for clothes. It is ideal for designs with high levels of detail, many colors, or photographic elements. Because there is no setup for physical screens, it is the go-to choice for small batches or one-off print on demand orders. Many high-end DTG prints are praised for their ability to capture intricate artwork that other methods might miss.

The traditional powerhouse of the apparel industry. This process involves creating a stencil (or "screen") for each color in a design and then pushing layers of ink through those screens onto the hoodie. It is highly durable and cost-effective for large bulk orders. While it yields vibrant colors, it is less suited for complex gradients or small-run orders due to the high setup time for each screen.

The process of decorating fabric using a needle and thread to sew a design directly into the garment. Embroidery provides a premium, textured look that is incredibly durable. It is most commonly used for small chest logos, sleeve branding, or hood accents. Designs for embroidery must undergo "digitization" to convert the artwork into a stitch map for the machines.

A specialized screen printing technique where a foaming agent is added to the ink. When exposed to heat during the curing process, the ink expands and rises off the surface of the fabric, creating a 3D, embossed effect. This is a popular choice in streetwear design for adding tactile depth to typography or bold logos.

A method where a design is printed onto a special carrier paper or vinyl and then applied to the hoodie using a heat press. This includes Sublimation, Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV), and Plastisol Transfers. It is excellent for names and numbers on sports hoodies or for adding designs to difficult areas like the brim of a hood or a pocket.

A process where heat turns dye into a gas that then bonds directly with the fibers of the fabric. This results in a print that has "zero hand feel," meaning you cannot feel the ink on top of the cloth. Sublimation only works on polyester or high-polyester blends and is typically used for "all-over print" (AOP) hoodies where the design covers every inch of the garment.

A screen printing technique used on dark garments where a "discharge ink" is used to bleach out the original fabric dye and replace it with a new color. This results in an incredibly soft print that feels like part of the fabric itself, rather than a layer of plastic sitting on top of it.

A style of embroidery characterized by a fuzzy, carpet-like texture created by looped yarn. Most commonly seen on varsity or letterman jackets, chenille patches are often applied to hoodies to give them a vintage or collegiate aesthetic.

A category of screen printing inks that provide unique visual effects. This includes metallic inks (for a gold or silver sheen), glow-in-the-dark inks, and reflective inks that shine when hit by direct light, such as car headlights or camera flashes.

A standard measurement for the weight and thickness of a fabric. A hoodie with a low GSM (200 to 250) is lightweight. A high fabric GSM (350 to 500+) indicates a "heavyweight" hoodie, which is thicker, warmer, and generally perceived as "premium."

The most common fabric used for hoodies. It is a knit fabric that has been brushed on one side to create a soft, fuzzy texture.

A fabric similar to fleece but without the brushed, fuzzy interior. Instead, French Terry features a "loopback" texture. It is more breathable and often used for high-end streetwear.

A type of cotton where the fibers are continuously twisted into fine strands. This process makes the fabric significantly softer and provides a smoother surface for hoodie printing.

A fabric made from a mix of polyester and cotton fibers. The cotton provides comfort, while the polyester adds durability and resistance to shrinking.

Raglan Sleeves extend in one piece to the collar with a diagonal seam. Set-in Sleeves are sewn into the shoulder at a vertical seam for a more structured look.

The large, single pocket located on the lower front of a pullover hoodie. It is sometimes referred to as a "muff" pocket or simply a "pouch" pocket.

The elasticized, textured ribbing fabric at the ends of the sleeves and the bottom of the hoodie. These are designed to help the garment maintain its shape.

Side-seamed hoodies are tailored from several pieces for a retail-quality fit. Tubular hoodies are made from a single "tube" of fabric and have a boxier fit.

The plastic or metal tips at the end of the hoodie drawcords. Premium hoodies often feature metal aglets.

The reinforced holes in the hood where the drawcords emerge. These can be finished with stitching or metal rings (grommets).

Woven Label is a branded fabric tag sewn into the neck for a high-end feel. Tear-away Label is designed to be easily pulled off for "re-branding."

Brand information printed directly onto the inside neck, eliminating the "itchy tag" problem.

The removable cardboard tag attached to a new garment, perfect for marketing and QR codes.

Flatlock Stitching joins fabric edge-to-edge for a flat, strong seam. Double-needle Stitching uses parallel rows of stitching for extra durability at stress points.