Sweatshirts

For transitional weather, spring layering and light merch runs, 240 to 260 g/m² are ideal — the fabric wears like a thick long-sleeve and isn't too warm. The range sweet spot lies at 280 g/m² with 48 models: print- and embroidery-friendly, opaque even in light colours, withstands many washes. 300 g/m² (30 models) is the pragmatic choice for corporate casual with a high requirement for drape and feel. From 310 g/m² the sweatshirt becomes a fully-fledged winter layer under softshellⁱ or hi-vis jacket — dense inner fleeceⁱ, tangible weight, warms even in wind. Rule of thumb: spring and uniform use 240 to 280 g/m², year-round team outfitting 280 to 300 g/m², autumn and winter outdoors from 310 g/m² upwards.

The sweat fabricⁱ consists of two layers: the outside is smooth and colour-fast, the inside is mechanically brushedⁱ after knitting so that a fluffy fleeceⁱ structure with insulating air pockets is created. This classic execution — usually called 'innen angeraut' in German — is the standard construction for all models over 260 g/m². French Terryⁱ is the alternative construction: the fibre loops are not brushed but remain as visible small rings on the inside. The result is lighter, more breathableⁱ and looks visually more elegant — ideal for spring, summer casual and streetwear layering. For club warm-up in November and tradespeople under the hi-vis jacket, brushed inside remains the right answer; for reception, studio and café uniform, French Terry fits better.

Embroidery looks the most premium and is the right choice for corporate merch, club crests and anything with lasting ambition - works best on 100% cottonⁱ or 80/20 blend from 280 g/m². Screen printingⁱ is the standard for large-area, multi-colour motifs and runs from 25 pieces - ideal on 100% cotton or cotton-dominated blends from 280 g/m²; at lighter fabric weights the fabric otherwise visibly shrinks on the first wash. DTGⁱ (direct-to-garment) is the pragmatic choice for small runs under 20 pieces and photorealistic motifs, but likewise requires a cotton base. The following applies to all three processes: left chest area for logos at 8 to 10 cm, back full-area up to 30 cm.

In sublimation print, the colour is embedded directly into the fibre in a gaseous state under heat – this only works chemically with polyesterⁱ, which permanently encloses the colour molecules on cooling. Cottonⁱ fibres do not accept sublimation dye, so motifs on 100% cotton sweatshirts do not remain colourfast after washing. Practically, this means: for sublimation you need at least 50% polyester in the fabric, better 65% or more – in the sweatshirt range these are the sport and performance models, not the classic 80/20 or 100% cotton sweats. The great advantage of sublimation is that the colour does not lie on the fibre but sits inside it – no build-up, no chipping, no perceptible edge. For classic club and corporate sweatshirts, screen print or embroidery remains the more suitable choice.

Sweatshirts tolerate machine washing at 30 to 40 degrees - 50/50 blend models are often also approved for 60 degrees, which is practical for merch in frequent use. Consistently avoid fabric softener, because it coats the fibre and reduces the absorbency of the cottonⁱ; it also mats the brushedⁱ inner fleeceⁱ and takes away its warmth performance. Turn the sweatshirt inside out before washing - this protects print, embroidery and outer colour. Only tumble dry with expressly tumble-dryer-suitable models; with 100% cotton without pre-treatment there is otherwise a risk of shrinkage and neck distortion at the crew neckⁱ. Iron only inside out and at medium temperature, keeping print areas completely clear.

Regular is the safe choice for mixed teams, all age groups and classic corporate environments — straight cut, comfortable fit, lowest return rate on team orders. For clubs with mixed year-groups, trades kit and standard merch, regular is almost always the right answer. Slim lies body-hugging and looks tidier — especially in women's models with light waist shaping. Good for reception, retail, consulting and boutiques where uniform aesthetics count. For women's corporate it is worth filtering specifically for women's cut or slim fitⁱ, because a unisexⁱ regular quickly looks too wide on narrower shoulders. Rule of thumb: if you are placing a large team order with different sizes, choose regular; if the sweatshirt is part of a visible uniform aesthetic, add slim models in a targeted way.

For corporate team orders we recommend a Regular Fitⁱ model in 280 to 300 g/m² and a muted colour that matches the corporate design (anthracite, deep grey, navy or a discreet brand tone). Place the embroidery on the left chest at 8 to 10 cm height — this looks professional and not like merch. Calculate 10 to 15 percent reserve for new starters and re-orders and choose a brand with stable availability over several years — Build Your Brand, B&C; BE INSPIRED and Fruit of the Loom are reliably in the range here. For female colleagues a parallel women's cut model of the same colour is worthwhile. For orders from 50 pieces a sample round with two fabric weights before the main order is sensible to check feel and fit on your own team.

Yes — for two reasons. First, many public and municipal contracting authorities have sustainability requirements written into their tenders (organic cottonⁱ, Fairtrade or Grüner Knopf (German sustainability seal) are frequently mandatory). Second, CSR-oriented corporate customers and young audiences now expect certifications without being told — the absence is a knock-out criterion. The surcharge for organic cotton sweatshirts over standard 80/20 models is usually one to three euros per piece and pays for itself quickly through positioning and tender eligibility. Brands such as Neutral (organic + Fairtrade + EU Ecolabelⁱ), B&C; BE INSPIRED (organic cotton plus recycled polyesterⁱ plus vegan) and Build Your Brand Bio are the reference for credible all-round sustainability; Just Hoods and SOL'S offer affordable entry points with BCI cottonⁱ.