Hoodies have become one of the most universal pieces of clothing in modern fashion. From streetwear culture to fitness apparel and even corporate merchandise, hoodies are everywhere. They combine comfort, functionality, and style, making them a must-have in every wardrobe.
In the United States, the demand for hoodies continues to grow, especially with the rise of e-commerce apparel stores, athleisure brands, and streetwear labels. Clothing startups looking to enter the market often find hoodies to be one of the easiest and most profitable products to launch.
At Argus Apparel, we specialize in manufacturing all types of hoodies, whether you’re looking for bulk orders, custom branding, or private-label hoodie production. With expertise in every hoodie category, we help startups and established brands bring their designs to life with premium quality.
Why Knowing Hoodie Types Matters for Clothing Brands
Before diving into hoodie categories, it’s important to understand why identifying the right hoodie type is critical for clothing brands. Understanding these differences helps startups make smart decisions when sourcing from hoodie manufacturers.
- Defining Product Lines
Choosing the right hoodie types allows a brand to differentiate its collection. For instance, a streetwear startup may focus on oversized and graphic hoodies, while a fitness label may prioritize slim-fit and performance hoodies.
- Influencing Fabric and Cost Decisions
The material chosen, fleece, French terry, polyester, or organic cotton, directly affects price, durability, and appeal.
- Aligning with Customer Expectations
USA consumers often associate hoodie types with lifestyle choices. Someone shopping for athleisure expects moisture-wicking fabrics, while luxury buyers expect premium cotton blends.
Main Types of Hoodies (Organized by Design & Purpose)
Hoodies can be divided into multiple categories based on design, fit, purpose, material, and current fashion trends. Below, we break down the most common hoodie types every clothing brand should know.
Types of Hoodies by Design
1. Pullover Hoodie
The classic pullover hoodie is the most common style in streetwear and casual fashion. Featuring a kangaroo pocket and drawstring hood, it’s versatile and easy to style. Pullover hoodies are popular for wholesale production in the USA because they suit a wide range of audiences.
2. Zip-Up Hoodie
Zip-up hoodies offer more flexibility than pullovers. They can be worn open over t-shirts or zipped up for warmth. This makes them a staple in fitness and activewear collections. They’re also popular for brands that want layering options.
3. Quarter-Zip Hoodie
A blend of pullover and zip-up, the quarter-zip hoodie has gained popularity in both streetwear and athleisure. It offers a sleek look and works well for corporate or casual collections.
Types of Hoodies by Fit
1. Slim-Fit Hoodie
Designed for an athletic silhouette, slim-fit hoodies use stretch-friendly fabrics like polyester blends or French terry. They are especially popular among fitness brands targeting performance-driven customers.
2. Oversized Hoodie
Oversized hoodies dominate the streetwear scene in the USA. With a relaxed, baggy fit, they appeal to unisex fashion and urban culture. Startups targeting Gen Z often choose this hoodie type to tap into current trends.
3. Cropped Hoodie
Perfect for women’s athleisure and casualwear, cropped hoodies have become a wardrobe essential. They pair well with high-waisted leggings or jeans, making them a strong option for lifestyle brands.
Types of Hoodies by Purpose
Athletic Hoodie
Made from performance fabrics like polyester or spandex blends, athletic hoodies feature moisture-wicking and quick-dry properties. They are ideal for sportswear brands and fitness startups.
Casual Hoodie
Cotton-based hoodies fall into the casual category. Comfortable, soft, and affordable, they’re designed for everyday wear. Clothing brands in the USA often stock these as wardrobe basics.
Luxury Hoodie
Luxury hoodies use premium materials such as heavyweight cotton, cashmere blends, or organic fabrics. They often include high-end detailing like embroidery, custom zippers, or metal drawstring tips. Perfect for premium private labels or upscale fashion startups.
Types of Hoodies by Material
Fleece Hoodie
Known for warmth and softness, fleece hoodies are a winter staple. They are highly popular in colder climates across the USA.
French Terry Hoodie
Lightweight and breathable, French terry hoodies are ideal for spring and summer collections. They are popular with athleisure and loungewear brands.
Polyester Hoodie
Durable, wrinkle-resistant, and lightweight, polyester hoodies are a go-to for sportswear. Their moisture-wicking properties make them functional and stylish.
Organic Cotton Hoodie
With sustainability at the forefront of fashion, organic cotton hoodies have become a strong choice for eco-conscious startups. They appeal to USA consumers who prioritize ethical and sustainable fashion.
Trend-Based & Special Hoodie Types
Graphic Hoodie
A favorite in streetwear, graphic hoodies feature prints, embroidery, or artwork. They allow brands to showcase creativity and connect with niche audiences.
Tie-Dye Hoodie
Tie-dye has made a major comeback in the USA market. It appeals to youth culture, festival wear, and retro-inspired collections.
Tech Hoodie
Designed with smart fabrics, hidden pockets, or headphone slots, tech hoodies are perfect for modern active lifestyles. They are popular among startups targeting innovative apparel solutions.
Hooded Sweatshirt with Pockets (Kangaroo Pocket Hoodie)
This streetwear essential has remained timeless. The kangaroo pocket provides comfort and function, making it one of the best-selling hoodie types worldwide.
2025 Hoodie Trends: What’s Defining the Market This Year
As fashion continues to evolve, 2025 has brought fresh updates to the hoodie market, blending comfort, sustainability, and elevated design. Oversized fits remain the dominant trend, particularly among streetwear and unisex fashion brands catering to Gen Z consumers.
Eco-friendly fabrics (such as organic cotton, bamboo blends, and recycled polyester) are also leading the way as more clothing brands prioritize sustainability and ethical production.
Additionally, premium streetwear is on the rise, with minimalist designs, subtle branding, and high-quality materials redefining how hoodies are perceived in the USA market. For clothing startups and private labels, aligning collections with these 2025 hoodie trends can help build stronger appeal and relevance among trend-conscious buyers.
Choosing the Right Hoodie Type for Your Brand
Selecting the right hoodie type is more than just a design decision; it directly impacts how your brand is perceived in the market, how customers connect with your products, and the sales performance of your collection. Even if you’re a streetwear label, an activewear brand, or an e-commerce startup, every choice you make shapes your identity.
Here are some key factors to guide your decision.
1. Understanding Your Target Audience & Climate
Your target audience should always be at the center of your product decisions. A fitness apparel startup in California may thrive with slim-fit, moisture-wicking hoodies suitable for warm-weather workouts. On the other hand, a streetwear brand in New York may find oversized fleece hoodies more appealing to customers battling colder winters and urban style trends.
By aligning hoodie types with climate and lifestyle preferences, brands not only meet customer expectations but also ensure repeat purchases.
2. Positioning Your Price Point
How you position your brand—basic, luxury, or performance-driven—will determine the hoodie categories you choose.
- Basic collections often focus on cotton pullovers or zip-ups, keeping costs low while targeting mass-market consumers.
- Luxury brands lean toward heavyweight cotton, organic blends, or cashmere hoodies with premium final changes. These command higher prices and cater to style-conscious buyers.
- Performance hoodies use polyester blends or tech fabrics with moisture-wicking, stretching, or thermal properties. They suit activewear startups and fitness-focused audiences.
Setting your price point early helps you avoid costly design or sourcing mistakes later.
3. Choosing the Right Fabric
Fabric selection can make or break your hoodie line. Not only does it affect comfort, but it also defines your brand values.
- Cotton hoodies are soft and breathable, perfect for casual everyday wear.
- Polyester hoodies are durable and quick-drying, ideal for sportswear collections.
- Organic cotton hoodies appeal to eco-conscious consumers, allowing brands to highlight sustainability.
- Fleece hoodies provide warmth, making them popular in colder regions of the USA.
Clothing startups should balance customer demand with sourcing costs to create a lineup that feels authentic and competitive.
4. Aligning with Brand Identity
Your hoodie collection should reflect your overall brand message.
For example:
- Streetwear brands may focus on oversized graphic hoodies to highlight creativity and urban culture.
- A fitness label may prioritize slim-fit polyester hoodies that enhance performance.
- An eco-friendly startup may build its entire collection around organic cotton to reinforce sustainability.
Making sure your hoodie types match your story creates consistency across your brand and helps build long-term trust.
5. Partnering with the Right Manufacturer
Even the best hoodie design won’t succeed without the right manufacturing partner. Reliable custom manufacturers can bring your vision to life by offering flexibility in fabrics, fits, and branding. Startups often benefit from manufacturers that support low minimum order quantities (MOQ), while established brands may require large-scale wholesale hoodies for broader distribution.
Choosing a partner who understands your goals ensures that every hoodie in your collection aligns with your identity and market strategy.
Read More: Best Hoodie Materials: How to Choose the Right Hoodie Fabric for Your Collection
How to Source Hoodies for Your Clothing Brand in the USA
Once you’ve identified the right hoodie types for your collection, the next step is sourcing. For startups and established brands alike, sourcing can be one of the most challenging parts of the process. Making the right decision here ensures your products are high quality, cost-effective, and aligned with your brand vision.
1. Choose Between Wholesale and Custom Manufacturing
- Wholesale hoodies USA – If you want ready-made blanks, wholesale suppliers can provide bulk stock quickly. This option works for screen printing or small private labels that need fast turnaround.
- Custom manufacturers – For brands that want unique designs, full control over fabrics, fits, and branding, custom manufacturing is the better choice. It allows you to differentiate your collection and create hoodies tailored specifically for your target market.
2. Consider Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ)
Startups often hesitate to invest in large bulk orders. The good news is that many USA-based custom hoodie manufacturers, like Argus Apparel, offer low MOQ options, making it easier for new brands to launch without heavy upfront costs. Established brands, on the other hand, can benefit from larger bulk orders that reduce per-unit costs.
3. Prioritize Fabric Quality and Consistency
When sourcing, always ask for fabric swatches or samples. This step ensures the hoodies you order match your quality standards. Whether you’re looking for organic cotton, fleece, or performance polyester, consistency across batches is crucial for building customer trust.
4. Factor in Lead Times and Shipping
Time-to-market is a major consideration. Domestic manufacturers can often deliver faster for USA-based brands, while overseas suppliers may require longer lead times but sometimes offer cost advantages. Partner with a manufacturer that can balance quality with reliable delivery.
5. Align With Your Brand Values
If sustainability is central to your brand, choose manufacturers who specialize in eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton or recycled polyester. If performance is your niche, prioritize suppliers who excel in technical sportswear fabrics.
By carefully selecting the right source strategy, you’ll not only reduce risks but also ensure your hoodie line makes a strong impression on the competitive USA apparel market.
Why Partner with Argus Apparel for Custom Hoodies
At Argus Apparel, we work with startups, streetwear brands, and wholesale buyers across the USA to produce high-quality hoodies in every category.
- Expertise in all hoodie types: From oversized streetwear designs to athletic performance hoodies.
- Full customization: Choose your fabrics, fit, colors, and branding options.
- Flexible order quantities: Low MOQ for startups and bulk orders for established brands.
- Private label hoodie solutions: Helping clothing brands scale with fully branded collections.
With Argus Apparel, you get a reliable manufacturing partner that understands fashion trends, USA market demand, and startup challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the most popular types of hoodies in the USA?
The most popular hoodie types in the USA include pullover hoodies, zip-up hoodies, oversized hoodies, and graphic hoodies. Each serves a different market—from casualwear and streetwear to activewear and luxury fashion. - Which hoodie material is best for my clothing brand?
The best material depends on your target audience and climate:
- Cotton hoodies – Soft and breathable for everyday wear.
- Fleece hoodies – Warm and comfortable for colder regions.
- Polyester hoodies – Durable and moisture-wicking, ideal for sportswear.
- Organic cotton hoodies – Great for eco-friendly and sustainable brands.
- What type of hoodie should a streetwear brand start with?
Streetwear brands often start with oversized hoodies or graphic hoodies, as they align with urban fashion trends and appeal strongly to Gen Z and millennial consumers. - How do I decide between basic, performance, or luxury hoodies?
It depends on your price positioning and customer base.
- Go with basic cotton pullovers for budget-friendly collections.
- Choose performance hoodies with polyester blends for fitness and activewear markets.
- opt for luxury hoodies with heavyweight cotton or organic blends for premium private labels.
- Are wholesale hoodies in the USA available for startups with low order quantities?
Yes. Many custom hoodie manufacturers in the USA, including Argus Apparel, offer low MOQ (minimum order quantity) for startups while also managing bulk wholesale hoodies USA orders for established brands. - What’s the difference between pullovers and zip-up hoodies?
- Pullover hoodies – Classic, casual, and simple with a kangaroo pocket.
- Zip-up hoodies – Versatile and easy to layer, making them ideal for fitness and activewear brands.
- Why should I work with a custom hoodie manufacturer instead of reselling?
Partnering with a custom hoodie manufacturer allows you to:
- Create unique designs that reflect your brand identity.
- Choose your fabrics, fits, and finish details.
- Add custom branding like embroidery, screen printing, or private labels.
This helps your brand stand out and build customer loyalty.
- How do I choose the right hoodie type for different climates?
- Warmer climates – Go for French terry or lightweight cotton hoodies.
- Colder climates – Choose fleece or heavyweight cotton hoodies for warmth.
- All-season wear – Polyester blends work well due to durability and versatility.
Conclusion
Hoodies are versatile, timeless, and essential for today’s apparel industry. Whether your brand is targeting streetwear, athleisure, or luxury fashion, knowing the different hoodie types ensures you choose the right styles for your audience.
If you’re ready to launch or expand your hoodie line, Argus Apparel is here to help. As trusted custom manufacturers and suppliers of wholesale hoodies, we bring your ideas to life with precision, quality, and full customization.
Start your custom hoodie collection with Argus Apparel today.
