Browse the full range of branded hoodies at Action Promote
Branded hoodies are practical, stylish and designed for regular wear. Find out why they make such effective corporate gifts and how to choose the right option for your team or clients.
Looking for a product that fits seamlessly into your corporate gifting strategy? Look no further than the humble hoodie.
Popularised in the 1930s, we keep coming back to the hoodie for its comfort, versatility and ease of use. Plus, with plenty of space to display your company logo, hoodies make both practical and stylish branded gifts.
In this article, we’ll explore how to choose the right hoodie and some common pitfalls to avoid when making your decision.
In this article, we’re covering:
A brief history of the hoodie
Comfortable, cool and customisable, the hooded sweatshirt serves as a warm layer and a statement of identity.
But where did it all start? Hooded tops have been around for centuries – hooded cloaks and tunics were a 12th-century staple. The hoodie as we know it today was first produced by Champion for New York factory workers in the 1930s. Source: Champion.
Cottoning on to their warmth and durability, the University of Michigan invited Champion to manufacture hooded sweatshirts for their sports teams. Hoodies soon took off among athletes, with Muhammad Ali famously pictured wearing one in 1966.
In the hip-hop scene of the 1970s and 1980s, hoodies became the sweatshirt of choice for emerging DJs, dancers and graffiti artists. Sylvester Stallone brought the hoodie to further prominence as Rocky Balboa in the 1976 film Rocky.
In the early 2000s, hoodies hit the mainstream, with icons like Jay-Z being spotted in one on many occasions. Mark Zuckerberg made a statement in the 2010s by opting for a grey hoodie instead of a business suit.
Today, hoodies are the ultimate in athleisure wear for those who want to keep warm while looking cool. It’s a cultural symbol of casual style that, despite its long history, still feels contemporary.
Why branded hoodies make great corporate gifts
Branded hoodies are one of our most popular corporate gifts – our customers regularly choose them for employees and clients alike. But what makes this everyday garment such a popular gifting choice?
They create a sense of belonging
When gifting hoodies to employees, they can serve as an unofficial uniform that brings teams together and gives a sense of unity.
They’re effortless to wear
Hoodies have that throw-it-on factor that makes them a go-to item of clothing for most casual occasions. As they’re so easy to wear, hoodies are more likely to be used regularly – an essential part of every corporate gifting strategy.
They keep your brand visible
Because they can be worn practically anywhere, hoodies create opportunities to get your brand noticed. Think about the number of people your employees and clients meet each day. When they’re wearing your hoodie, each of these encounters is a chance to boost brand recognition.
The Under Armour Rival Fleece Hoodie, one of our most popular items
They feel like a genuine gift
No gimmicks here – hoodies are one of those versatile items that people actually want to wear. They can be both functional and fun, making them a fabulous branded gift.
They’re suitable for almost any audience
From comfy-loving clients to elite execs, there’s a hoodie for everyone. At Action Promote, our hoodies range from budget-friendly to premium branded options.
The most popular branded hoodies
One of our most popular hoodie options is the Under Armour Rival Fleece Hoodie, available in navy blue, black and grey. The water-resistant North Face Nimble Hoodie is also a firm favourite, as is our 100% Organic Cotton Hoodie.
Budget-friendly branded hoodies (£10-£20)
Mid-range branded hoodies (£20-£50)
Want to see more? Explore our full range of branded hoodies and promotional sweatshirts.
What makes a good branded hoodie?
Not all hoodies are created equal – especially when it comes to corporate gifting. Here are some things to look out for when weighing up options.
Appropriate style
From baggy and relaxed to fitted and smart, there are multiple hoodie styles to choose from. Selecting the right style for your intended wearer can make all the difference – so consider your audience before making your decision.
If you need help, our team is on hand to discuss. Just send us a message or give us a call on 01444 257744.
Good quality
We can all tell when an item of clothing is poorly made – and that makes us less likely to wear it with pride.
Before purchasing branded hoodies, make sure you’re dealing with a reputable supplier. At Action Promote, we’re trusted by well-known organisations across the UK to supply high-quality branded clothing.
Fabric choice
The softness, weight and durability of the hoodie’s fabric can make a big difference to its perceived quality and value.
Many of our clients favour eco-friendly items like our organic cotton hoodies, or super soft options like the cotton/poly blend used in our Classic Hooded Sweatshirt.
The right branding
Having a company’s brand on their hoodie won’t put recipients off wearing it – in fact, that’s kind of the point. Branded hoodies can be a subtle signal to others that the wearer is part of something, whether that’s a movement, an industry or a company.
However, it’s important that the logo is a suitable size. It should be positioned correctly and produced with high-quality printing or embroidery – otherwise, your hoodie might end up at the bottom of the laundry basket indefinitely.
Hoodie branding options
When it comes to our hoodie branding methods, you have three main choices:
Embroidery
If you’d like your branded hoodies to have a more premium feel, embroidery is a good option. It will last as long as the hoodie does, extending the lifetime of your gift.
Sleek and sophisticated: The Ultra Premium Hoodie
Ink printing
We offer two printing options – full and spot colour. Full colour printing lets you print with the same CMYK spectrum as standard paper printing, while spot colour allows for exact colour matching and more vibrant designs.
Transfer print
We can also brand hoodies using heat transfer. This is usually the lowest-cost branding option for small orders, but keep in mind your logo may fade over time.
Common mistakes to avoid
If you’re thinking about placing an order for branded hoodies, get it right the first time by avoiding these common pitfalls.
Low quality material
What’s your favourite cosy piece of clothing – the one you wear time and time again? It’s probably not the one made with scratchy or uncomfy material. Opt for soft-touch options or hoodies made from high-quality materials like organic cotton.
Oversized logos
As with all branded gifts, the key word when it comes to your logo is: subtle. An oversized logo will make recipients feel like a walking advert for your brand, while a smaller logo still gets the message across without being too prominent.
When you place an order with Action Promote, our in-house design team can advise on optimal sizing and placement.
Wrong branding method
Make sure you choose a branding method that’s best suited to your audience – consider how often recipients will wear your gift and the impression you’d like to make.
For example, if you’re opting for a more premium hoodie, coupling it with embroidered branding gives an added sense of luxury.
How to order branded hoodies
Want to place an order? Here’s how it works.
Step 1: Request a quote
Choose the hoodie you’d like to purchase (you’ll find pricing and minimum order guidelines on each product page). Select the quote button – we’ll be back in touch with a speedy price estimate.
Step 2: Send us your logo
After you approve your quote, we’ll ask you to share your brand logo. If you have them, you can also send us your brand guidelines.
Step 3: Approve your free mockup
Our design team will create a mockup of branding options and placement – all you need to do is choose your favourite.
Step 4: Receive your items
We’ll get busy embroidering, printing or transferring your hoodies – you’ll receive them within 2-3 weeks (or sooner, depending on our agreed timeline).
Discuss your order with the Action Promote team
Want to make branded hoodies part of your corporate gifting plan this year? Speak to our team about the best options for you, and discover our range of branding options.
Send us a message or give our team a call on 01444 257744.
Frequently asked questions about branded hoodies
Yes – hoodies are great corporate gifts because they’re practical items that people can wear regularly – resulting in more exposure for your brand.
Our typical lead time is 2-3 weeks, although it’s sometimes possible for us to deliver sooner. If you’re placing a large order, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and allow enough time for custom branding.
Yes, we offer several hoodies made from organic cotton.
Yes, we’re able to fulfil bulk orders for large-scale events, team away days and informal team uniforms. Discuss your order with us at hello@actionpromote.co.uk or call us on 01444 257744.