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Types of hoodies go far beyond just color or size. From the classic pullover to the versatile zip-up style, there’s a wide range of silhouettes, fits, and features. And don’t forget about fabric, which plays a big role in how a hoodie wears and prints.
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or designing products for your brand, we’ll break down different types of hoodies by style, fit, material, and design details so you can choose with confidence.
What are the different types of hoodies based on their style?
When talking about different styles of hoodies, focus on how they’re built – from the presence of zippers to unique design elements that affect how the hoodie looks and fits.
Let’s start with the most classic hoodie style.
Pullover hoodies
The classic pullover hoodie is simple by design – no zippers, no openings, just a clean silhouette you pull over your head.
They come in different materials, such as soft cotton-polyester blends like our best-selling Cotton Heritage M2580, fleece for colder weather, or woven fibers like those in a Baja hoodie.
Look and feel: Cozy and timeless – the definition of a laid-back vibe.
Ideal for: Layering in cold weather or everyday casual wear.
Design tip: The solid front provides uninterrupted space that’s perfect for bold graphics, big logos, or cool typography.
Selling tip: Pullover hoodies are often more affordable than zip-up styles, making them a smart entry point for new print-on-demand sellers.
Read also: Best blank hoodies for printing: High-quality picks
Zip-up hoodies
With a full-zip front, this popular hoodie offers easy on-and-off wear – ideal for outdoor activities or transitional weather. Styles like the Gildan 18600 are known for their comfort, durability, and casual look.
Look and feel: Practical and easy to adjust based on the climate or layers underneath.
Ideal for: Throwing over t-shirts, warming up at the gym, or any activity where adjustable ventilation comes in handy.
Design tip: Since the full-length zipper splits the front, place graphics on the left chest, sleeves, or back.
Selling tip: Zip-up hoodies are versatile enough for year-round selling. Refresh your designs by season to keep them relevant.
Half-zip hoodies
Compared to full-zip styles, half-zip hoodies offer a more refined vibe. The zipper typically runs to the chest, creating a stylish and preppy look.
Look and feel: Sleek and structured on top, relaxed everywhere else.
Ideal for: Layering over t-shirts or under jackets to achieve an elevated yet casual vibe.
Design tip: Keep it simple with a small chest embroidery or upper-panel logo to complement the zipper detail.
Selling tip: Highlight the half-zip hoodies’ sleek, on-trend style to draw shoppers who want something fresher than a standard pullover or full zip-up hoodie.
Read also: Hoodie design ideas to get you inspired
Sleeveless hoodies
This unique style skips the full sleeves but keeps key features like a hood, kangaroo pocket, and relaxed fit. Some options come with a zipper, but many are simply a hooded sweatshirt without arms.
Look and feel: Athletic and airy.
Ideal for: Warm weather or layering over workout gear.
Design tip: The sleeveless style naturally draws attention to the torso, so go bold with large chest graphics or back prints.
Selling tip: Sleeveless hoodies are excellent for summer drops when your customers want something breathable with some sun protection.
Different types of hoodies by fit
Fit has a big impact on both style and comfort. Whether you want something relaxed or more tailored, the right fit helps match the hoodie to its purpose.
Oversized hoodies
An oversized hoodie is the go-to choice for that effortlessly cool, just-threw-this-on look. It features a roomy fit, dropped shoulders, and longer sleeves that create a relaxed silhouette – just like the Bella + Canvas 4719 in our Catalog.
Ideal for: Staying cozy in chilly weather.
Styling tip: Pair it with matching sweatpants for a laid-back feel.
Design tip: Lean into the cozy theme by using minimalist slogans, cute illustrations, or vintage-inspired prints.
Selling tip: Oversized hoodies are popular with all age groups and styles, making them a low-risk sell. Just focus your messaging around comfort and quality – it’s what makes them a crowd favorite.
Regular-fit hoodies
A regular-fit hoodie offers the best of both worlds – relaxed but not baggy, structured without being tight. It fits true to size and maintains the body’s natural shape without excess fabric or bulk.
Our Bella + Canvas 3719 hoodie is exactly that. Made from high-quality materials, it’s soft, durable, and ideal for all seasons.
Ideal for: Casual wear that still looks put-together.
Styling tip: Works well with jeans, joggers, or tailored pants. Just add clean sneakers or boots for a polished, everyday outfit.
Design tip: Use centered chest prints, simple text-based graphics, or small logos that enhance the hoodie’s clean lines. Avoid oversized artwork that might overwhelm the structured fit.
Selling tip: Promote it as your “universal fit” hoodie that customers can wear anywhere.
Cropped hoodies
A cropped hoodie brings a fashionable edge to a classic silhouette. Most come in pullover styles, like the Bella + Canvas 7502, but you’ll also find zip-up hoodie variations for a more athletic twist.
Ideal for: Fashion-forward casual wear or a sporty look.
Styling tip: This type of hoodie hits right around the belly button line, creating balanced proportions that pair well with high-waisted bottoms.
Design tip: Use smaller, high-placed graphics – like chest-level logos or text – that won’t get cut off by the cropped length.
Selling tip: Cropped hoodies are popular with younger shoppers and trend-conscious audiences. Highlight bold aesthetics with styled product photos that lean into streetwear or athleisure culture.
Slim-fit hoodies
Unlike oversized hoodies, a slim-fit style offers a streamlined, modern silhouette that sits close to the body for a sleek everyday look.
Ideal for: Smart athleisure sets.
Styling tip: Wear with slim-fit pants, then layer under a lightweight jacket for a clean look with zero bunching.
Design tip: Think sleeve placements or minimalist embroidered logos to complement the hoodie’s sleek profile.
Selling tip: Use active lifestyle photos to highlight how the hoodie contours the body.
Read also: The ultimate hoodie design and logo placement guide
Different types of hoodies by material
Let’s explore the most popular hoodie materials to help you choose the right one for your brand or wardrobe.
Cotton-blend hoodies
Cotton is a natural fiber that produces soft, breathable fabrics ideal for everyday wear.
Most hoodies aren’t made from 100% cotton. They’re often blended with synthetic materials to improve durability, stretch, or color retention.
For example, the All-Over Print Cotton Hoodie combines 95% cotton with 5% elastane for comfort and flexibility. Alternatively, consider the Unisex Champion Hoodie, crafted from a 50/50 cotton-polyester blend for a more structured fit.
Ideal for: All-season wear.
Print compatibility: Cotton-blend hoodies are highly versatile, but they’re especially great for direct-to-garment (DTG) printing. That’s because the fabric absorbs the ink directly into the fibers, resulting in soft, vibrant prints that don’t feel heavy or layered on top.
Fleece hoodies
Fleece is known for its soft, brushed interior that adds extra warmth without the bulk. Many brands use it to create heavyweight hoodies that offer maximum comfort for colder climates. That said, you’ll also find midweight fleece hoodies for layering in cooler seasons.
The Independent Trading SS4500Z zip-up hoodie is an excellent example. Made from a cotton-polyester fleece blend, it’s one of our most popular hoodies for effortless layering.
Ideal for: Fall or winter.
Print compatibility: This hoodie fabric is excellent for DTG printing or embroidery. Use bold graphics that stand out against the soft texture so your design doesn’t fade into the fabric.
French terry hoodies
French terry is a knit fabric made with soft loops on the inside and a smooth surface on the outside. Unlike fleece, it doesn’t have a brushed interior, making it lighter and more breathable for in-between seasons.
For instance, the United Athle 5214-01 French terry hoodie features a clean silhouette that works great for streetwear or athleisure-inspired outfits.
Ideal for: Spring and early fall.
Print compatibility: French terry works with both DTG and embroidery. Since it’s less fluffy than fleece, prints come out crisp and stay vibrant over time.
Sustainable materials
Sustainable hoodies are crafted from materials with a lower environmental impact. This can involve recycling synthetic fibers or using organic cotton that’s grown without harmful pesticides, chemicals, or excessive water and energy.
You’ll find several eco-friendly hoodies in Printful’s Catalog, like the Stanley/Stella SASU024 organic relaxed hoodie. Made from 85% organic cotton and 15% recycled polyester, it’s a solid choice for sellers who want to balance comfort, quality, and sustainability.
Ideal for: Eco-conscious brands or shoppers who value ethical fashion.
Print compatibility: Depends on the fabric blend. Organic cotton works well with DTG and embroidery, while recycled polyester is ideal for all-over printing (AOP), such as our AOP Recycled Unisex Hoodie.
Performance hoodies
Performance hoodies are meant for high-intensity exercises. They’re typically made from synthetic materials like polyester or nylon, which are known for being moisture-wicking and quick-drying.
Ideal for: Gym wear or active outdoor activities.
Print compatibility: This type of hoodie usually pairs best with direct-to-film (DTF) printing, which sticks well to synthetic fabrics and keeps your design looking sharp, even after repeated washes.
Read also: How to start a fitness clothing line
Types of hoodies by design
Finally, let’s look at different types of hoodies based on their design elements.
Graphic hoodies
This type of hoodie is all about showing off your personality. Whether it’s an illustration, slogan, or a trending print-on-demand design, the graphic usually sits front and center to grab attention.
Design ideas: These hoodies work well for brands with a strong message. Experiment with bold text-based graphics or artwork that contrasts well with a solid color background.
Embroidered hoodies
Unlike printed designs, embroidered hoodies use stitched threads to create texture and deliver a premium feel.
Design ideas: Embroidery isn’t just for logos. Play around with minimalist motifs, small chest icons, or even text on the cuffs for a subtle but stylish detail.
AOP hoodies
An AOP hoodie features designs that cover the entire garment, giving you complete creative control over the canvas.
Design ideas: Don’t limit yourself to patterns. Use landscape photography, illustrated collages, or seam-to-seam gradients for eye-catching results. Or, mimic the look of color-block hoodies by dividing sections into bold, contrasting shades.
Popular hoodie features and variations
Different styles of hoodies come with small but important features that affect their comfort, function, and visual appeal. These design details can help you match your hoodie to the right audience.
Hood and drawstrings
The hood is the defining feature of a hoodie. It provides a functional layer for coverage and insulation, especially in colder seasons. Some hoods are double-layered for extra warmth, while others use paneled construction for a more tailored fit.
Some hooded sweatshirts also feature adjustable drawstrings – providing wearers with extra protection against wind and rain, especially during colder weather or outdoor activities.
Pockets
Most hoodies feature a pocket for added convenience. The classic kangaroo pocket, typically found on pullover hoodies, is a large front pouch to keep hands cozy or store small items.
On the other hand, zipped or side-entry pockets are common in athletic or zip-up hoodies, offering a more secure option during movement.
Fabric weight
Fabric weight plays a key role in how a hoodie feels and performs. Measured in ounces per square yard, it tells you whether a hoodie is lightweight, midweight, or heavyweight.
Lightweight hoodies are breathable and easy to layer, making them perfect for spring, early fall, or indoor wear.
Midweight hoodies provide structure and warmth without feeling bulky – ideal for everyday wear in cooler seasons.
Heavyweight hoodies are thick and warm, often used for premium streetwear or as a layering piece in cold weather.
How to make custom hoodies with Printful
Now that you know the different types of hoodies available, let’s go over how to create one for yourself – or sell them under your own brand.
The easiest way to make custom hoodies is with Printful. There are no upfront costs or inventory required, making it a low-risk way to launch your apparel line.
Follow these steps to get started.
1. Sign up for a free account
Create a Printful account for free. You won’t pay anything until you place an order, or after connecting your store and a customer makes a purchase.
2. Choose a hoodie
Browse our Catalog of high-quality hoodies. From classic pullovers to zip-up styles, we offer a wide range of options to match your brand or personal style.
Use filters to sort by brand, fit, fabric, price, or printing method. Select the type of hoodie that best suits your vision.
3. Add your design
Open our Design Maker to upload your artwork, logo, or photo. Check the file guidelines to ensure your design prints clearly and accurately.
Don’t have a design? No problem. Use our built-in clipart, fonts, or pre-made templates to customize your hoodie.
Before finalizing, preview your design on our mockups to see how it will look in real life.
Read also: How to design a hoodie with Printful: A step-by-step guide
4. Order or sell online
Once your design is ready, you can place an order for yourself or integrate your store with Printful. We’ll handle the printing, packing, and shipping on demand.
Ready to create your first custom hoodie? Sign up with Printful today.
Conclusion
There are tons of different types of hoodies out there, but once you get to know them, it’s easier to find one that fits your style and purpose.
Here’s a quick recap of what we covered:
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Different styles of hoodies include pullovers, zip-ups, half-zip styles, and sleeveless options.
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They come in oversized, regular-fit, slim-fit, or cropped silhouettes.
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Popular hoodie materials range from cotton-polyester blends and fleece to French terry and sustainable fabrics.
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You can design hoodies with bold graphics, embroidery, or all-over prints.
Whether you’re building a brand or just want something uniquely yours, Printful makes it easy to create custom hoodies without upfront costs or inventory.
FAQ
Common types of hoodies include pullovers, zip-ups, half-zips, and sleeveless styles. When you also factor in different fits, materials, and design features, the variations multiply quickly.
You can classify different hoodie styles based on four main categories:
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Style, like pullovers, zip-ups, half-zips, or sleeveless hoodies.
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Fit, such as regular, oversized, cropped, or slim-fit styles.
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Material, including cotton blends, French terry, or fleece hoodies.
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Design, from bold graphic prints to embroidery or all-over patterns.
The most popular hoodie styles include pullover hoodies for their classic comfort, zip-up hoodies for versatility, and oversized hoodies for a relaxed fit.
A 3-panel hood is made from three separate fabric panels instead of the usual two. This creates a more ergonomic hood that fits the head better and provides a structured look often found in more athletic types of hoodies.
Maisha is a content writer with 6+ years of experience in turning complex topics into clear, search-optimized content. She believes readability always wins, no matter how SEO trends shift. Outside of writing, she’s usually trying new recipes (but never following them), watching niche YouTube videos, or planning food-fueled adventures.
