If you’re wondering how to design a hoodie and want to make something uniquely yours—whether it’s for your team, business, event, or just for fun—you’re in the right place. Designing your own hoodie might seem a bit daunting at first, but once you understand the process, it’s surprisingly straightforward (and actually pretty fun).
This step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right hoodie style to picking design elements and selecting the best customisation method. By the end of this article, you’ll be ready to create something that’s completely your own.
👉 Already keen to get started? Explore our custom hoodie options.
Understanding the Basics of Custom Hoodie Design
Custom hoodies are popular for good reason—they’re practical, versatile, and a great way to showcase your brand, group, or personal style. Whether you’re outfitting a team, promoting your business, or designing something for a special event, a customised hoodie makes an impact.
Before diving into design, it helps to understand a few fundamentals:
Base hoodie: Choose from stocked options, cut and sew, or fully sublimated. Each offers a different level of customisability and feel.
Material: Cotton, polyester, or blends each have their pros and cons. Cotton is breathable, polyester is durable and fast-drying, and blends offer a good balance.
Fit: Slim, standard, or oversized fits are all common. Consider what your group prefers and where the hoodie will be worn.
Purpose: Is it for a team, retail merch, giveaways, or outdoor events? The use will help guide decisions around fabric weight, comfort, and design visibility.
Step 1: Choose the Base Hoodie, Decoration Method, and Design
Your first step is picking a base that suits your vision. Here's a quick breakdown of the main options:
Sublimated: Great for full-colour, all-over designs. Ideal if you want a totally unique look with no limitations on colours or placements.
Cut and Sew: Offers a high level of customisation. Your hoodie is made from scratch, allowing you to choose panel colours, trims, and finishes.
Out of the Box: A stocked hoodie with decoration added. Best for quicker turnarounds or lower minimums.
Think about what design you were wanting and picture the finished look. We can help advise on what is achievable and works within your budget but we need to start on the right track.
Step 2: Select the Right Style and Fabric
Now it’s time to narrow down the actual style and feel of the hoodie. Here are a few of the most common styles:
Pullover: A go-to classic. Popular for casual wear and team uniforms.
Zip-Up: Offers versatility and easy layering.
Crop Hoodie: Trendy and great for fashion-forward groups or merch drops.
For fabric, your key options are:
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Cotton: Soft and breathable—great for everyday use.
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Polyester: Lightweight and quick-drying—ideal for sport or outdoor use.
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Blends: Combines the best of both.
Pick a fabric that matches both your intended use and the comfort level you’re after.
Step 3: Finalise Colour Scheme and Design Elements
This is where the hoodie really comes to life. Keep these points in mind:
Colour Scheme: Choose colours that reflect your brand or theme. Make sure your design contrasts well with the hoodie base to stay visible and clean.
Logos & Text: Always use high-resolution files, and think about placement. Left chest, full back, and sleeves are common spots.
Artwork: If you’re uploading your own artwork, try to use vector files or large PNGs. Keep it simple and scalable—what looks great on screen doesn’t always translate the same to fabric.
Step 4: Pick Your Customisation Method
Your design is ready—now decide how it’ll be applied to the hoodie. Here are the main options:
Screen Printing
Best for larger orders with bold colours and simple designs.
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Pros: Affordable at scale, vibrant colours
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Cons: Not ideal for intricate or detailed designs
Embroidery
Perfect for logos and small text where you want a premium, durable look.
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Pros: Long-lasting, professional finish
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Cons: Higher cost, limited detail
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing
Ideal for smaller orders or multicolour designs.
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Pros: No setup fees, great for complex artwork
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Cons: Works best on 100% cotton, not as durable as embroidery
Match the method to your design, budget, and how the hoodie will be worn.
Step 5: Use Online Tools to Bring It All Together
Once you’ve made your choices, it’s time to create your hoodie using an online design platform.
Look for tools that:
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Offer templates or mock ups
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Show a live preview of your design
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Give cost estimates as you go
At Cheeta Teamwear, our online process is backed by real people. You can build your design, and we’ll help you polish it before it goes into production.
How Much Does It Cost to Make a Custom Hoodie?
Prices vary depending on:
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Quantity: Bulk orders lower the per-unit cost
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Decoration method: Embroidery generally costs more than screen printing
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Fabric & style: Premium fabrics and custom bases increase cost
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Design complexity: Multiple colours or placements may add to the price
As a guide:
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$40–$60 per hoodie for small orders
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$30–$40 each for larger orders
Want a more accurate quote? Reach out and we’ll price it up based on your specific needs.
Tips for Ordering Custom Hoodies Online
Ordering custom hoodies is easy if you’re prepared. Here are a few tips to avoid common pitfalls:
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Low-res files: Blurry artwork won’t print or embroider well.
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Overcrowded designs: Keep it clean and impactful.
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Clashing colours: Make sure your artwork stands out against the fabric.
How to Make Custom Hoodies for a Group or Event
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Stick to a neutral base colour: It’s more likely to suit everyone.
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Gather sizes early: Save time and avoid fit issues.
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Use one core design: It’s simpler and keeps costs down.
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Add names or numbers: Great for teams—just supply a list with your order.
Get Started with Custom Hoodies Today at Cheeta Teamwear!
Now that you know how to customise hoodies online, you're ready to bring your idea to life. Whether you're creating something for a group, brand, or just for fun, the right design makes all the difference.
At Cheeta Teamwear, I’ll help you every step of the way—from design tips to production.
👉 Start designing your hoodie, or get in touch if you’ve got questions. I’m always happy to help.
