Custom hoodies are one of the most popular apparel items for branding, events, and fashion. However, hoodies are thicker and more complex than T-shirts, which means printing mistakes can happen easily if the right steps aren’t followed. Whether you’re a printing company, brand owner, or customer ordering custom hoodies, avoiding these common mistakes can save time, money, and frustration. Below are the most common hoodie printing mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Choosing the Wrong Printing Method
One of the biggest mistakes is using the wrong printing method for the design or order size.
- Heat transfer vinyl works well for small designs and personalisation, but may feel heavy on thick hoodies.
- Screen printing is great for bulk orders, but not ideal for highly detailed or multi-colour designs.
- DTG printing can struggle on dark or heavyweight hoodies if not pre-treated properly.
- Embroidery is best for logos but not suitable for large designs.
Tip: Match the printing method to the hoodie fabric, design complexity, and quantity.
2. Ignoring Hoodie Fabric Type
Not all hoodies are the same. Cotton, polyester, and blended fabrics react differently to ink and heat.
Common issues include:
- Ink is not bonding properly
- Vinyl lifting after washing
- Colours are looking dull on certain fabrics
Tip: Always test-print on the exact hoodie material before full production.
3. Poor Design Placement
Hoodies have seams, pockets, zips, and thick cuffs that can affect print placement.
Mistakes include:
- Printing too close to the pocket
- Designs hidden by hoodie drawstrings
- Misaligned chest or back prints
Tip: Adjust artwork placement specifically for hoodies, not T-shirt templates.
4. Using Low-Quality Artwork
Low-resolution designs lead to:
- Blurry prints
- Jagged edges
- Poor professional finish
This mistake is especially visible with DTG and heat transfer printing.
Tip: Use high-resolution files (300 DPI) and vector formats where possible.
5. Incorrect Heat Press Settings
Heat transfer and DTF printing require accurate temperature, pressure, and time.
Common problems include:
- Vinyl peeling (too little heat or pressure)
- Burn marks or fabric damage (too much heat)
Tip: Follow manufacturer guidelines and adjust settings for thicker hoodie fabrics.
6. Skipping Test Prints
Skipping a test print to save time often leads to costly reprints.
Issues that test prints catch:
- Colour inaccuracies
- Placement errors
- Ink bleeding or fading
Tip: Always do at least one test print before bulk production.
7. Overlooking Hoodie Thickness
Hoodies are much thicker than T-shirts, which can affect:
- Pressure distribution
- Ink absorption
- Print durability
Tip: Increase pressure gradually and use proper padding when heat pressing hoodies.
8. Poor Washing & Care Instructions
Even well-printed hoodies can fail if customers aren’t given care instructions.
Common problems:
- Cracking prints
- Fading colours
- Vinyl lifting
Tip: Include clear care instructions such as washing inside out, cold wash, and avoiding tumble dryers.
9. Not Considering Hoodie Colour
Dark hoodies require different printing approaches than light ones.
Mistakes include:
- Dull colours on dark fabric
- Poor contrast between the design and the hoodie colour
Tip: Use underbases for screen printing and white ink layers for DTG and DTF on dark hoodies.
10. Rushing Bulk Orders
Large hoodie orders need planning. Rushing can result in:
- Inconsistent prints
- Missed defects
- Delivery delays
Tip: Schedule production time properly and inspect each batch carefully.
Conclusion
Hoodie printing can deliver high-quality, long-lasting results, but only when done correctly. By avoiding these common mistakes, printing businesses and customers can achieve better print quality, improved durability, and happier results. The key is choosing the right printing method, preparing artwork properly, testing before production, and understanding how hoodies differ from T-shirts.