Sweatshirts are not created equal. The purpose of this article is to explain the differences between sweatshirts so that you may make an informed purchase.

Sweatshirts, also known as fleece and not to be confused with polar fleece, are classified by weight, weave and material content.

The first category is mid-weight sweatshirts. These sweatshirts are constructed of standard fleece material that is composed of 50% cotton and 50% polyester. The weight of the material used in these sweatshirts is generally between 7.5 ounces and 8 ounces per fabric yard. The weight measurement of sweatshirt material does not mean the sweatshirt itself weighs 7.5 ounces. What this refers to is that one square fabric yard of the sweatshirt material weighs 7.5 ounces when put on a scale. These sweatshirts are generally used for promotional purposes and do not provide the best surface for screen-printing and embroidery. Most of today’s youth sweatshirts are of the mid-weight variety.

The second category of sweatshirts is classified as 9 ounce 50% cotton / 50% polyester. These sweatshirts are substantially better than their lighter mid-weight counterparts. Nine-ounce sweatshirts also start to provide some degree of comfort in colder conditions. Due to advances in weaving technology, these sweatshirts also provide a far superior screen-printing and embroidery surface. For this type of sweatshirt we would recommend Hanes, Jerzees, Gildan and Fruit of The Loom.

The third category of sweatshirts is 9 ounce 90% cotton / 10% polyester blend. This type of sweatshirt weighs exactly the same as 50/50 9 ounce, but its fit and finish is markedly better. The 90/10 sweatshirt is the perfect fabric for screen-printing and embroidery. Because of this sweatshirts higher cotton content you should expect approximately 5% shrinkage. We recommend that all of our sweatshirt customers purchase one size larger to accommodate for this. We recommend Hanes, Lee, Jerzees, Gildan and Fruit of The Loom 9 oz. 90/10 sweatshirts.

The fourth category of sweatshirts is the cream of the crop. These sweatshirts range in weight from 11 – 12 ounces and are both durable and very warm. These heavier sweatshirts are also the most expensive on the market. For customers looking for custom embroidery on sweatshirts we recommend this weight as the best of the best. In this category of sweatshirts you will find proprietary weaves such as cross grains and reverse weaves. For these “super-heavyweight” sweatshirts we recommend Lee and Fruit of The Loom. Again be advised of some shrinkage and order one size larger.

All of the configuration of sweatshirts listed above may be found in our ON-LINE CATALOG! You will also find hooded sweatshirts and full zip sweatshirts in all of the weights listed above.