You have heard of the hoodie season. That should tell you that hoodies are so popular that they have their own season. Nothing feels quite as comfortable as a new hoodie’s softness. Plus, there are so many different types of hoodies available you are sure to find the right style for whatever reason you need one. That includes gifting one to that special someone, outfitting friends or the team, or keeping you cozy and warm on a chilly day. This article will review five tips to help you select the best hoodie for your online clothing store.
Tip #1 – The Right Hoodie Style
Hoodies come in two basic styles – pullover and zip-up. The self-explanatory style names originate from the method used to put them on. Aside from the apparent difference of having a zipper, pullover hoodies have a single large front pocket, whereas zip-up hoodies have two smaller front pockets. Several other styles, such as sleeveless hoodies, are popular with teens’ button-down hoodies, but pullovers and zip-ups are the two most popular styles.
Let’s look a bit closer at these styles and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Pullover Style Hoodies
Advantages
This hoodie style is warmer and easier to customize with space across the chest and front pocket. In addition, pullover hoodies are easy to put on and take off and will not develop zipper issues as there aren’t any.
Disadvantages
A pullover hoodie does not help regulate your body temperature. You either have to wear it or take it off. There is no in-between.
Zip-Up Style Hoodie
Advantages
A zip-up hoodie is more versatile in how you can wear it, making it more fashion-forward. Also, you can cool down by unzipping it if you get too warm wearing one.
Disadvantages
Zip-up hoodies are difficult to customize as printing across the zipper can be problematic and typically against the manufacturer’s recommendations. Zippers can also warp, break, or become wavy, impacting the look and fit.
Tip #2 – Fabric Selection
Hoodies are a bit like t-shirts; they come in many fabrics and blends. For example, hoodies come in cotton, 100 percent polyester, 50/50 cotton/poly blends, and even tri-blends. However, two specific fabric types are the best choices for your online clothing store. They are sponge fleece and French terry.
Here’s a closer look at each of these fabric types.
Sponge Fleece
Fleece is the softest and warmest hoodie fabric available, consisting of various materials without frayed and fuzzy yarn loops. These loops become shredded through a brushing process. The downside to sponge fleece, which is softer than sweatshirt fleece, is that it is not absorbent.
French Terry
French terry is the most absorbent of the hoodie fabrics in the market. It is lighter than fleece but not quite as soft. The terry yard loops are not composed of shredded material, making them much more lightweight than fleece. Therefore, it keeps you cooler. Towels consist of French terry; you already know how absorbent those are.
Tip #3 – Different Hoodie Brands
There are three basic tiers of hoodie brands. They go from premium to mid-range to standard. As you can imagine, the quality of each brand differs depending on where they sit on this scale.
Here is a breakdown of each level and brand examples for each.
Premium Brands
The top tier of hoodies is the best-designed in the industry and comes in the most attractive fashion-forward styles available. In addition, they are high-quality, making them durable and comfortable. Brands in this category include American Apparel, Bella + Canvas, and District.
Mid-Range Brands
Brands in this category are still quality products but not as good as the premium offerings. Therefore, you can’t go wrong with the great products from well-known mid-range names, including Champion (which pioneered hoodies in the 1930s), Next Level, and Hanes.
Standard Brands
These brands still offer quality products, but they are at the most affordable end of the scale. Brands found here include Fruit of the Loom, Jerzees, and Gildan. Unfortunately, while each of these names is recognizable, they will have fewer fashion-forward designs.
Tip #4 – The Different Sizes
The sizing you would find in t-shirts will exist in hoodies. Another similarity is that 100 percent cotton hoodies will shrink just like their counterpart tees will. Expect slight size variations comparing heavy-weight hoodies to lightweight options. Different brands, styles, and sizes, including men’s and women’s designs, fit differently.
Tip #5 – Choosing Men’s and Unisex or Women’s Hoodies
The final tip to help you choose the best hoodies for your brand comes from which style to bulk purchase. Not all brands make men’s and women’s styles opting for something unisex to fit. The main difference in women’s hoodies is the cut. It is contoured to fit the female form with smaller shoulders, a taper at the waist, and a flare at the hips.
It is common for online clothing stores to offer unisex sizes for items like hoodies, as it is easier to stock just one style that is suitable for both men and women. However, if the supplier you partner with has access to men’s and women’s styles, order some of each to see how they sell individually.
Final Thoughts
There is no doubt that one of the most popular items you can offer at your online clothing store is hoodies. So, whether you have a pullover or zip-up, ensure that you have fleece and French terry available from quality brands that fit right. In addition, determine if you sell men’s and women’s or just unisex hoodies. Then, your online clothing store will surely be a successful venture with customers who appreciate wearing something fashionable, warm, and comfortable.