However, creating a custom hoodie does not mean slapping a logo on it. No one likes to wear a hoodie that has a poor design, isn't durable, or is uncomfortable. That's money down the drain and a lost opportunity to promote your brand!
Below are some tips to help you design custom hoodies for your team.
- Be Clear on the Purpose
Start with one easy question. Why are you designing hoodies? This will guide all of your future decisions.
Will the hoodies be for:
Daily office wear?
A product launch?
A startup event?
Employee welcome kits?
Corporate gifting?
For office use the hoodies should be made from soft and durable material. For an event the design and brand message will have to be more prominent.
A clearer purpose will lead to better design decisions.
- Select an Appropriate Fabric for Indian Weather
The Indian climate varies from city to city. In some places like Bengaluru, it has mild winters, while in places such as Delhi it is colder. At the same time, Mumbai tends to be humid for most of the year.
Therefore, the selection of fabric is dependent on the location.
Typical fabrics used for hoodies include:
- Cotton
- Cotton-poyester blends
- Fleece
- Terry cotton
In most Indian corporate teams, blends of cotton work best, as it is comfortable, breathable, and durable.
If teams are likely to be in air-conditioned offices for long hours, high fabrics should be avoided. Generally speaking, fabrics that are warm without the added weight are the best choice.
- Prioritize Comfort and Fit
Hoodies that look appealing but are uncomfortable will be confined to the back of the cupboard.
Things to consider include:
- Slim fit vs regular fit
- Stretchable quality
- Inner lining that is soft
- Length of the sleeves
- Neckline comfort
- Sufficient stretch around the neck
It is advisable to order samples before you place a bulk order. Allow a few team members to test the items and gather their feedback.
Hoodies that employees are comfortable in, will be worn more often. This will increase the brand visibility.
- Design should be Simple and Professional
A common mistake made by a lot of companies is to under-design their hoodies.
When a hoodie has a large logo, multiple colors, and busy graphics, it often appears more like a piece of promotional merchandise rather than branded workwear.
When it comes to workwear, corporate branding is best achieved by designs that are understated.
Example:
Discreet sleeve branding.
Simple slogan designs.
Brand color combos that are not overpowering.
Hoodies are more likely to be worn by employees if designs are kept simple.
- Pick a Hoodie Style
Hoodies are generally available in two styles:
Pullover.
Zip-up.
While pullover hoodies offer a more sporty and contemporary feel, zip-up hoodies can be more professional.
Corporate teams tend to prefer zip-up hoodies because:
They can be a bit more formal.
They are great for layering.
They are roomy enough for the office and are super comfy.
Consider the style that best fits your company values.
- Think Print Method Through
Print method impacts the overall look of the hoodie and how long the design will last.
Here are some standard methods of printing.
Screen print.
DTF (Direct to Film) printing.
DTG (Direct to Garment) printing.
Vinyl printing.
Screen printing is the best print method for big orders and simple designs.
DTF printing is a great choice for design details and flexibility in numbers.
Keep in mind the print design that:
Is not too heavy.
Is long-lasting in color.
Is wash durable.
- Use Color Wisely
While colors should align to your brand, their usability should also be considered.
Brighter colors might only be worn at company events. More practical and professional options are neutral colors:
- Black
- Navy
- Grey
- Olive Green
Use your brand color only on the logo to avoid making the whole hoodie bright.
Don't over-brand the pieces.
- Finalize Sizes With Care
When ordering in bulk, there is usually at least one size problem.
To avoid this:
- Ask for size preference early
- Provide clear size charts
- Order a few pieces in standard sizes a sizes
Indian body types are diverse, be sure to not only assume one size distribution for the group. This is complicated, and is a factor in the satisfaction level to price ratio.
- Prepare a Realistic Budget
When planning the budget for your start-up or corporate team, consider:
- Fabric
- Printing
- Packaging
- Delivery
- GST
Hoodies that are high quality may cost more, but are a better investment in the long run.
Cheap options will fade quickly and can lose their shape easily.
Think of this as branding, not only as an expense.
- Show Some Thought to Where You Place Your Brand
How your brand is placed affects the whole picture.
Common placements are
- Left chest
- Center chest
- The back
- The sleeve
For corporate use, left chest placements are small and subtle but professional.
For events and promotions, large back placements are more suitable.
Brand your pieces then discuss the options with your designer.
- Consider Longevity
Consider the likelihood of employees wearing the hoodie again after the event. If the answer is yes, the design should be timeless. Avoid including event/ campaign specific information for the design. Adding a date or a slogan specific to a campaign is only warranted if it is for a limited edition. Timeless designs mean more exposure to the brand longer.
- Vendor Credibility
Not all apparel vendors have the same quality of work. Ask potential suppliers if you can see past work, previous reviews, delivery schedules, and confirm their capacity to produce work in bulk. If you plan to lose potential customers because you don’t have a product to sell for an event, don’t be late to the event.
- Sustainability
A lot of Indian startups are coming up with new, eco friendly ways to do business. If you brand eco friendly, think about organic cotton, recyclable packaging, and eco friendly ways to print. Sustainable practices are a plus for employees and customers.
Closing Comments
When designing custom hoodies for your team, it is a creative branding exercise that shows your company culture, professionalism, and company identity. Before doing an order consider having a clear purpose, a simple design that is professional enough in quality, print method, and fabric to ensure that it doesn't result in the embarrassment of mismatched sizes. If all of these conditions are met, the hoodies can increase team unity enhance your branding and spread the brand name far and wide.'
Quality designed hoodies are more than just an article of clothing, they are an expression of your brand identity.