When the weather takes a turn for the colder (or maybe just when the AC kicks on), everyone’s got a favorite sweater they reach for. Whether it’s an old reliable graphic hoodie from your alma mater, nostalgic merch from an unforgettable concert, or a crewneck sweater you “borrowed” from a friend years ago, this layer is always there when you need it — and if it’s a heavyweight hoodie or sweatshirt, it’ll be there for years to come.
Heavyweight hoodies are extra durable, soft, and warm: the trifecta of comfort. Beyond just being denser, these premium pieces have unique characteristics and customization properties that distinguish them from standard hoodies.
Here’s more on how to pick the right one, customize it, and care for it.
What Is a Heavyweight Hoodie?
Heavyweight hoodies are thicker and denser than standard hoodies and typically feature a higher GSM (grams per square meter) rating—usually over 300 and ranging from around 10 to 15 ounces in weight. Similar to heavyweight t-shirts, this means they’re warmer, more durable, and more structured than typical hoodies.
The extra heft gives these garments a sturdier feel, better resistance to wear, and a more substantial drape, making them perfect for those who want an outer layer that combines coziness and resilience — or even just anyone looking for a more premium casual look. Think of them as the pickup truck of hoodies — workhorses that are built to last and perform for the long haul.
Heavyweight vs. Standard Sweatshirts: Which One’s Right for You?
You can’t make a blanket (or in this case, hoodie) statement about whether heavyweight or standard versions of this outer layer are universally better or worse than the other. While heavyweight options might be better for people who really want their hoodies to go the extra mile in terms of warmth and size, lighter options might be better for others.
To help you decide which is right for you, here’s a breakdown of some of the key characteristics of each option.
Why Heavyweight Hoodies Are Worth It
If you haven’t yet found that lifelong apparel companion that keeps you warm even as it tastefully fades and softens just a little bit year after year — you need a heavyweight hoodie. Here are just a few of the main benefits of this class of hoodies.
- They resist wear and tear better than lighter-weight options
- They’re more resistant to short-term care effects like frayed cuffs or shrunken shapes
- The extra material traps heat more effectively
- Their heft lends a more substantial, premium feel
- They tend to hold their structure, giving a cleaner, more intentional look
That’s not to say each of these characteristics is desirable for everyone. While there’s certainly a place for thicker, heavier, warmer sweaters, at the end of the day you’ll still want to assess your priorities before you make your choice.
Keep in mind these sweaters come with a premium price tag, may have fewer style and brand options, and may be a bit too warm for those in milder climates to wear year-round.
Customizing Heavyweight Sweatshirts: Printing, Embroidery & Design Tips
As with custom heavyweight t-shirts (https://www.rushordertees.com/t-shirts/heavyweight/), there are some fundamental best practices you should keep in mind when customizing heavyweight sweatshirts. These garments are versatile and can handle a wide range of printing techniques, but their unique characteristics do give them some distinctive traits to think about.
- Consider the Fabric: Opt for high-quality materials like 80/20 cotton-poly blends for a balance of comfort and structure, which holds designs well for both printing and embroidery.
- Keep Design Simple: Keep designs bold and avoid overly intricate patterns, especially for embroidery, where thin lines may not translate well.
- Coordinate Colors: As with any custom garment, you’ll want to align your thread colors with your sweatshirt’s color.
- Limit Design Dimensions and Density: Keep designs between 2-6” for the best results — larger designs may cause puckering on thick fabric.
- Be Mindful of the Shape: Heavyweight hoodies hold their shape well, making them ideal for oversized or boxy designs and printing methods that may be affected by shrinkage. Try experimenting with bold graphics or text styles that complement the structured, throwback silhouette.
Best Heavyweight Hoodie Brands
Not sure where to start on your heavyweight hoodie hunt? Here are some of the top brands producing these garments along with popular products to check out from each of them.
Champion
Maybe the most iconic sweater brand there is, Champion has been in the heavyweight hoodie game since well before the garment class was trending. Available in a huge range of styles and featuring sustainable manufacturing practices like the use of recycled materials, Champion is the perfect choice for casual custom hoodies.
Recommended Style: Champion Reverse Weave® Pullover Hoodie
Carhartt
The quintessential purveyor of custom workwear, Carhartt’s hoodies are predictably durable, substantial, and versatile. As such, even their “midweight” class of hoodies is heavier than standard. Combining exceptional softness with rugged reliability, Carhartt heavyweight hoodies tend to have roomier fits that are ideal for working, relaxing, and just about everything in between.
Recommended Style: Carhartt Midweight Hooded Sweatshirt
Next Level Apparel
One of the leading blank apparel producers, Next Level Apparel is perfect for those looking for top-quality custom sweatshirts of virtually any style or color. Next Level Apparel even has an admirable sustainability program, recycling scraps from their manufacturing process to make sure nothing goes to waste.
Recommended Style: Next Level Apparel Heavyweight Pullover Hoodie
Independent Trading Co.
They may not be the biggest name in the heavyweight hoodie game, but they’re quietly one of the best options out there. With decades of experience crafting this class of sweaters, Independent Trading Co. offers some of the widest selections of colors available, boasting casual drapes, dynamic composition, and premium features.
Recommended Style: Independent Trading Co. Heavyweight Hoodie
Volunteer Knitwear
If you’re looking for something a little different, consider an extra-heavy crewneck from Volunteer Knitwear. While they do also offer exceptional hoodies, their custom crewneck sweaters stand out from the crowd with impressive weight and durability.
Recommended Style: Volunteer Knitwear Chore Fleece Crewneck
Who Heavyweight Hoodies & Crewnecks Are Best For
There may be a lot to love about these garments, but that doesn’t mean everyone will love them. Remember, bigger doesn’t always mean better — while the heavyweight classification brings with it some distinctly positive traits for hoodies and crewnecks, it can also bring about some less than preferable ones for some wearers.
Heavyweight hoodies and crewnecks are best for people who value:
- Durability and longevity
- A consistent shape that resists shrinkage
- High-level warmth and heat retention
- A classic, vintage-style look
- Dynamic printing capabilities
- A boxier, fuller drape
All that means heavyweight garments may not be right if you:
- Prefer cooler garments
- Mainly wear sweatshirts indoors or live in a generally warm climate
- Seek out sleek, fitted garments and tops
- Plan to use the sweater as gym wear
- Are price-sensitive
How to Keep Your Heavyweight Hoodie Looking Fresh
Heavyweight sweatshirts may be exceptionally durable, but that doesn’t make them invincible. As with standard-weight custom sweaters, heat can damage any prints or embroidery on them over time, and extreme heat can still potentially alter their shape or color.
To get the most mileage possible out of your heavyweight hoodie, follow these general recommendations:
- Always check the label for garment-specific care instructions first
- Wash inside-out in cold water
- Air-dry if possible, or tumble dry with low heat
- If possible, fold them to store after washing rather than hang them to prevent their weight from stretching them out
- When in doubt, err toward gentle cleaning and drying practices and products
Sustainability in Heavyweight Hoodie Production
As you might imagine, the heavier the garment, the more resources it takes to produce. Typically made from thick cotton or cotton-blend fabrics, heavyweight sweaters require significant resources like water, energy, and raw materials during production.
To address this, many manufacturers (like those mentioned above) are shifting toward eco-friendly practices like using organic cotton, which eliminates harmful pesticides and potentially reduces water consumption. Additionally, recycled materials — like polyester made from plastic bottles or reclaimed fabric scraps — are being incorporated into hoodie production to minimize waste and reliance on virgin resources.
However, one of the key benefits of heavyweight hoodies could also promote sustainability. Their superior durability also means they can potentially be worn for years longer than traditional hoodies, leading to less waste. Plus, some manufacturers are supplementing that durability with take-back programs, recycling efforts, and even repair initiatives.
Design Custom Heavyweight Hoodies with RushOrderTees
If you’re sold on heavyweight hoodies or crewnecks, you can begin designing and ordering your custom garments today. Here’s how to get started with RushOrderTees:
- Pick the specific brand and style you want.
- Click the “Start Designing” button on the product page.
- Add your text, upload artwork, or have AI design for you.
- Toggle between methods like printing and embroidery.
- Review and save your design, then pick a delivery timeline and get your price estimate.
When you’re satisfied with your order details, just submit. Then, shop the rest of RushOrderTees custom apparel catalog to find your next piece of company swag or employee gift.