Workwear Hoodies & Sweatshirts: a must-know guide for clothing decorators

From construction sites to corporate boardrooms, the definition of appropriate workwear is evolving rapidly. This week, we’re exploring how hoodies and sweatshirts are revolutionising workwear across key industries, with practical guidance on choosing the right fabrics, fits and decoration methods.

Understanding technical workwear fabrics

Workwear hoodies and sweatshirts incorporate advanced fabric technologies that traditional casualwear simply can’t match. They’re engineered for performance across demanding environments while maintaining the style standards that modern workplaces require.

Industry-specific recommendations for decorators

Corporate teams

For professional environments, recommend midweight or lightweight cotton/poly blends with smooth finishes. Neutral colours and slimmer fits create a polished appearance that bridges the gap between comfort and professionalism. Nimbus is an excellent brand choice for this market, offering contemporary styling that works in client-facing roles.

Trades and manual work

Heavier weights (typically 300gsm+) provide the warmth and durability essential for demanding physical environments. Looser fits offer freedom of movement but be sure to avoid overly stretchy fabrics when printed branding is required. Set-in sleeves (rather than raglan) and minimal seams around the chest reduce distortion on prints when the garment stretches or moves. The ProRTX range offers excellent options here: RX350 and RX351, or RX750 and Portwest’s PW412 for hi-vis requirements.

Retail and hospitality

Midweight options in modern fits work best, avoiding anything too ‘on trend’ that won’t last beyond a season. Smooth fabrics help branding to ‘pop’ in customer-facing roles, while zipped hoodies layered over branded tees offer versatility for a smart-casual uniform. Consider JH030 and JH050 for these applications.

Sports and leisure

These environments allow decorators to create team identity and visual energy. Slimmer fits may suit gym and studio settings, while regular fits are more effective for clubs or school leavers. JH003, TR603 and JC057 are strong product recommendations for this sector.

Fabric weights and decoration methods

Embroidery

Embroidery is best applied to midweight to heavyweight cotton-rich blends (280gsm+). The fabric should have structure; and avoid overly stretchy or light loopback styles which can pucker under needle tension.

Vinyl application

Vinyl performs excellently on smooth, flat-faced fabrics like ringspun cotton or cotton/poly fleece. Avoid overly textured or brushed surfaces which can reduce adhesion and longevity.

Screen printing

Screen printing suits most cotton or polycotton blends, especially in midweight garments. A smoother surface (not too fuzzy) helps in achieving crisp lines and vibrant colour reproduction.

Surfaces for cleaner results

Ringspun cotton, brushed-back fleece and compact-knit cotton/poly blends consistently produce the best decoration outcomes across all methods.

Fits and placements that minimise print distortion

Regular or slim fits with set-in sleeves provide more stability for chest or back prints. Looser garments tend to stretch more under strain, which can distort designs. Optimal placements include chest centre, left breast and upper back, away from seams or high-flex areas. Kangaroo pockets and hoods can interrupt designs, so opt for garments with flat chest space if that’s a priority for the end client.

Answering frequent decorator questions

“If your client wants a smart-casual hoodie, which fabrics suggest ‘polished’ without looking too casual?”
Look for cotton/poly blends with a smooth face (ringspun cotton, brushed fleece) and midweight construction (260–300gsm). Slimmer fits and refined finishes (no contrast zips/drawstrings) give a neater look which is more suited to officewear or client-facing roles.

“Which hoodie colours work best for bold vinyl or tonal embroidery?”
For bold vinyl, choose mid-to-dark tones (Black, Navy, Forest Green) to make bright or neon colours stand out dramatically. For tonal embroidery, select lighter shades (Heather Grey, Oat, Camel) and pair with thread just one or two tones darker or lighter for a clean, minimal effect.

“Does the shoulder seam placement impact how chest logos sit?”
In a word: yes. Set-in sleeves (where the seam runs along the shoulder) create a flatter, more stable area for chest branding – ideal for embroidery or print. Raglan sleeves (where the seam runs from neck to armpit) can curve logos awkwardly across the chest, compromising the final appearance.

Hoodies & Sweatshirts: the new essential in workwear

Workwear is changing, with hoodies and sweats are leading the charge. Whether you’re supplying construction teams with durable layering options, corporate offices with on-brand professional wear, or retail environments where fashion meets function, these versatile pieces prove that comfort and professionalism aren’t mutually exclusive.