Hood, pocket and finish: the details that define a hoodie
Hood shape is the first custom decision, because a hood that is too shallow, too deep or poorly shaped will be noticed every time the hoodie is worn, and it cannot be fixed by a logo change. State the hood style wanted, whether a drawcord is wanted or a cord-free finish is wanted, and how the hood should sit when worn down as well as when worn up. Pocket type is the second decision: a kangaroo pocket, side pockets or no pocket each change the hoodie pattern and the sample check, and the choice should be stated, not left to a default. Cuff and hem finish complete the shape: ribbed, plain or shaped finishes each wear differently, and each should be named in the brief. A hoodie brief that lists only a colour and a logo will be sampled in a default hood, pocket and finish that may not match the team or brand need at all, and the sample will then need to be remade for shape alone.
Logos and colours for a team or brand range
Logo method, size and placement must be stated per colour, with artwork sent in the first brief. A team logo that is clear on a dark hoodie may need a different treatment on a light hoodie, and a chest logo and a back logo need separate size and placement notes, not a single logo note for the whole hoodie. Colour consistency across a team range is equally important. State the team or brand colours with references, assign colours to the hoodie order, and state whether the hoodie must match a sports top or sweatshirt in colour. A hoodie range that matches in logo but not in colour will still look inconsistent as a team range, and colour matching should be confirmed on a sample, not assumed from a colour name. For team orders, add names or numbers now if they are needed, with their placement and size, because personalisation changes sampling and labelling and cannot be added cleanly after a plain team sample has been approved.
Sizes and quantities for team orders
Team hoodie orders need a size split, not just a total quantity. List sizes by person or by size run, state the full run, and name the size to be sampled first. A team order sampled only in a middle size may hide fit problems for smaller and larger team members, and a size run that is never split cannot be planned for production. Quantity band and target date belong in the same brief. Share your quantity and target date to get MOQ and lead time for your order, and ask the supplier to confirm supply for the full size split, not only for the sample size. A team order that needs hoodies before a season or event start should state that date in the first brief, so supply can be confirmed against the real date rather than against an assumed date.
Sampling a custom hoodie as a team product
Judge a custom hoodie sample as a team product, not as a single garment. Check hood shape worn up and worn down, pocket placement and usability, cuff and hem finish, logo clarity on each colour, colour consistency with any matching garments, and size fit across the run, each as a separate check. Ask the supplier how each check will be done, and what the buyer should look for when the sample arrives. A sample that passes appearance but fails hood shape or pocket placement is not a team sample, and it should not be approved on appearance alone. If the hoodie is part of a larger training order, check it alongside the matching top or sweatshirt, so colour and branding consistency can be judged together, not garment by garment in isolation.
Custom hoodie brief to copy
Copy this brief structure for a custom hoodie order. Use: training, team travel or layered training order. Hood style, drawcord or cord-free finish, pocket type, cuff and hem finish. Logo method, size and placement per colour, with artwork attached. Colours with references, with a matching note for any top or sweatshirt. Full size run with a team split if needed, and the sample size named. Names or numbers, if needed, with placement. Quantity band and target date, with a request for MOQ and lead time for your order. Labelling and packaging expectations, if the hoodies are for resale. A brief with every line filled can be sampled as a team product from the first round, because the supplier will have shape, logo, colour and size information together, instead of receiving them in separate messages after sampling has started.
From guide to brief
Turn this guide into a brief by naming the scene, the garments, the construction, the colours and sizes, and the logo placement, then share your quantity and target date to get MOQ and lead time for your order. Certificates available upon request.