Choosing guide for Custom Zip sweatshirts
In recent years, traditional workwear style standards have changed. Companies have become more open to new looks and have rediscovered garments that were previously less common. Among them, custom zip sweatshirts now play an important role in many sectors. Their practicality comes from the wide choice of styles, fits, colours and fabrics. Different print methods can further define the garment, while the broad size range helps companies choose the most suitable option for the people who will wear it.
Sizes and colours
These two aspects are probably the first place to start before choosing a specific style. In the HiGift catalogue you can find almost every common size on the market. The range goes from XXS to 4XL, while each product has its own available size range, such as XS to 2XL or S to XL. Colours also vary from one sweatshirt to another, with a broad selection for each style. Choices range from classics such as black, blue, grey and green to more distinctive shades including burgundy, ebony, sand and chrysanthemum red. Some products are even available in contrasting two-tone combinations: pairing navy blue with fluorescent orange or heather grey with red can create a sweatshirt that stands out while remaining suitable for a variety of work environments.
Fabrics and composition
The number of materials used to make custom zip sweatshirts is smaller than you might expect, but their combinations provide a good range of options. The most common are cotton and polyester. Both are available in standard and recycled versions and are often blended in different proportions, such as 50/50 or 80% cotton and 20% polyester, although some items are made entirely from one of the two. Another combination often appreciated in workwear involves elastane and fleece. Elastane adds stretch to the garment, while fleece can be brushed or unbrushed and provides a pleasant feeling of warmth.
Fit and available styles
The differences are often in the details. Hoods, drawstrings and pockets vary from one style to another. When there is no hood, the sweatshirt may have a crew neck or a raised collar. Pockets require a little more distinction: when present they may be front pockets, separate or kangaroo style, or chest pockets that can hold Personalised Pens and Promotional Badges & pins. Almost all sweatshirts have cuffs and, naturally, all feature a zip, usually full-length or 1/4 length. Fit can mainly be divided into three categories: tailored, when the cut is neat and precise; relaxed, when the garment falls loosely without feeling tight; and fitted, when the sweatshirt follows the body’s lines more closely.
The most suitable print methods
The customisation possibilities for zip sweatshirts are potentially extensive, but the final result depends greatly on the print method chosen. The most common are transfer printing and screen printing, both capable of producing sharp results that resist washing and wear. Their limitation lies in the number of solid colours: up to four for screen printing and eight for transfer printing. Two other frequently used techniques are embroidery, which is precise, durable and elegant and can reproduce up to twelve colours, and DTF textile printing, which is also wash-resistant and suitable for full-colour CMYK printing. However, it is advisable not to iron directly over the printed image because it may be damaged. Digital transfer and full-colour embroidery are available less frequently. An important point to remember is that the available personalisation does not vary only by product, but also according to the chosen print position.
Gift ideas and possible uses
The most immediate use for custom zip sweatshirts is as a company uniform, both for office staff and for people such as technicians, installers and maintenance staff who move between indoor and outdoor environments. The zip is particularly practical because employees can open or remove the garment quickly when the temperature changes. Staff can also wear these garments at trade fairs, roadshows and company promotional activities. This makes the team immediately recognisable and offers a useful alternative to Printed T shirts and Personalised Polo shirts. At similar occasions, such as conventions or annual meetings, custom zip sweatshirts can also be given to visitors and participants so they remember the event and promote it indirectly whenever they wear the garment.
If you need further information and a practical checklist to help you choose your custom zip sweatshirts, download this document.
Custom Zip sweatshirts - FREQUENT QUESTIONS
Yes. Each product has specific characteristics in terms of print methods and print positions, but in general it is almost always possible to use both the sleeves and the back of the sweatshirts. For precise and detailed information, always check the product pages or contact us.
Yes, simply go to the page of the product you want and click BUY SAMPLE. Once the purchase is complete, you will receive the product and can check whether it is the right option for you.
Absolutely! During the purchasing process, you will be asked how many custom zip sweatshirts you want in each colour and size, and you can make your selection based on the available quantity.
Each product page, and sometimes even the product title, specifies whether the model is more suitable for men or women. Some custom zip sweatshirts are even available in both versions.
Certainly. If applicable, the word “unisex” is shown on the product page and sometimes already in the title. In some cases, by clicking through the different photos, you can see the sweatshirt worn by both male and female models to get a better idea of its fit.
It mainly depends on how you plan to use it. A brushed-fleece sweatshirt is generally softer and warmer, but also bulkier. Because it provides greater thermal insulation, it is well suited to cold environments such as open warehouses and cold rooms. An unbrushed-fleece sweatshirt is less insulating but thinner and more compact. Its breathability makes it ideal for people such as couriers who move around a lot in both outdoor and indoor environments.
Once again, how you plan to use it is the deciding factor. Full-zip sweatshirts are ideal for people who move around a lot or who, also because of temperature changes, need to take the garment off and put it back on several times during the working day. A 1/4 zip offers a fit more similar to a traditional sweatshirt, with the advantage that you can cover your neck when you are cold or open it when you are warm.
A lightweight fabric is more suitable for indoor environments and between seasons, while heavier fabric weights are better when you want a warmer and more resistant garment. The exact weight is shown on the relevant product page. However, fabric weight is not the only factor that determines thermal insulation.