Custom Sweatshirts Canada - No Minimum Order

Custom pullover hoodies are the single most popular sweatshirt style ordered at T-Shirt Elephant. With a classic kangaroo front pocket, drawstring hood, and ribbed cuffs, the pullover hoodie delivers warmth, comfort, and a massive print area for bold custom designs. Teams in Toronto, corporate groups in Vancouver, and school spirit committees in Calgary all choose custom hoodies as their go-to branded garment.

Gildan 1850 Heavy Blend — The Bestseller at $19.07

The Gildan 1850 Heavy Blend Hooded Sweatshirt ($19.07) is the workhorse of the custom hoodies Canada market. Built with 8 oz 50/50 cotton-polyester fleece, it balances softness, durability, and affordability. Available in 41 colours — from classic Black and Navy to standout shades like Antique Cherry Red, Mint Green, and Sand — the 1850 covers every brand palette imaginable. The double-lined hood with matching drawstrings and a front pouch pocket make it a staple for screen-printed back designs and chest logos.

Champion S700 — Premium Performance at $35.95

For brands that demand a recognizable name, the Champion S700 Pullover Hoodie ($35.95) delivers the prestige of the Champion "C" logo on the sleeve combined with 9 oz powerblend fleece that resists pilling and shrinking. Employees, clients, and event attendees instantly recognize the Champion brand — making the S700 a popular choice for custom sweatshirts used as corporate gifts, employee appreciation rewards, and premium event merchandise in Montreal, Edmonton, and Ottawa.

Best for Large Screen-Printed Designs

The pullover hoodie offers the largest uninterrupted print area of any sweatshirt style. The full back panel accommodates oversized graphics up to 14 inches wide by 16 inches tall — perfect for bold team names, event artwork, and promotional graphics. The front chest area handles logos up to 12 inches across. For maximum visual impact on screen printed hoodies, the pullover silhouette is unmatched.

Budget vs Premium: How to Choose

If your priority is outfitting a large group at the lowest possible cost, the Gildan 1850 at $19.07 offers exceptional value. If you need a hoodie that doubles as a premium gift or retail-quality merchandise, the Champion S700 at $35.95 justifies the investment with superior fabric hand-feel and brand recognition. Both accept screen printing, embroidery, and DTF printing for fully custom pullover hoodies that represent your brand across Canada.

The crewneck sweatshirt is experiencing a massive resurgence in popularity. Once considered a basic layering piece, the crewneck has become a fashion staple — appearing in streetwear collections, vintage-inspired merch, and corporate capsule wardrobes. At T-Shirt Elephant, we have seen orders for custom crewneck sweatshirts double over the past two years as brands in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal embrace the clean, hoodless silhouette.

Gildan 1801 Heavy Blend — Starting at $11.93

The Gildan 1801 Heavy Blend Crewneck ($11.93) is the most affordable crewneck sweatshirt in our catalogue. With 8 oz 50/50 cotton-polyester fleece, set-in sleeves, and a ribbed collar, cuffs, and waistband, the 1801 delivers consistent quality across 35 colours. At under twelve dollars per unit, it is the undisputed champion for large team orders, school spirit wear, and corporate branding programs in Calgary, Edmonton, and Winnipeg where budget matters.

Comfort Colors 1566 — The Garment-Dyed Favourite at $34.40

For a premium, vintage-inspired look, the Comfort Colors 1566 ($34.40) is the top choice among custom crewneck sweatshirts. Garment-dyed for a soft, broken-in feel from day one, the 1566 features ring-spun 100% cotton fleece that gets softer with every wash. The muted, earthy colour palette — including Pepper, Blue Spruce, Berry, and Ivory — is tailor-made for the vintage and retro aesthetic trending in campus bookstores, boutique brands, and lifestyle merchandise.

A Cleaner Canvas for Logos

Without a hood or zipper to compete for visual attention, the crewneck provides the cleanest canvas for your design. Chest logos, centred graphics, and embroidered crests all sit front and centre with nothing to distract the eye. This makes crewneck sweatshirts the preferred choice for corporate uniforms in Ottawa, embroidered school crests in Montreal, and minimalist brand merchandise across Canada.

Trending for Vintage and Retro Designs

The vintage crewneck trend shows no signs of slowing down. Oversized fits, distressed graphics, and garment-dyed fabrics are driving demand for custom crewneck sweatshirts from independent brands, university clubs, and creative agencies. Pair the Comfort Colors 1566 with a DTF-printed vintage graphic for a retail-quality piece that customers will pay a premium to own.

Custom zip-up hoodies offer something that pullover hoodies and crewnecks cannot: the ability to layer on and off without messing up your hair or removing other layers. The full-length front zipper makes zip-ups the preferred choice for staff uniforms, office layering, and outerwear across Canada. From warehouse teams in Calgary to front-of-house staff in Toronto, the zip-up hoodie bridges the gap between casual comfort and professional functionality.

Gildan 1860 Heavy Blend — The Reliable Standard at $20.95

The Gildan 1860 Heavy Blend Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt ($20.95) is the go-to custom zip-up hoodie for Canadian organizations. Built with 8 oz 50/50 cotton-polyester fleece, it features a full-length YKK zipper, split front pouch pockets, and a double-lined hood with matching drawstrings. Available in a wide range of colours, the 1860 serves as a versatile canvas for left chest embroidery, back prints, and sleeve graphics.

Left Chest Embroidery — The Classic Placement

The zip-up hoodie is purpose-built for left chest embroidery. Because the zipper runs down the centre of the garment, large front graphics are not practical. Instead, the left chest becomes the prime real estate for a stitched company logo, team crest, or brand mark. A cleanly embroidered logo on a Gildan 1860 looks professional enough for client-facing staff in Vancouver and Edmonton while remaining comfortable enough for warehouse and production teams.

Back Print for Maximum Impact

While the front zipper limits chest design options, the back panel of a custom zip-up hoodie offers the same oversized print area as a pullover. Many organizations print their company name, event details, or promotional artwork across the full back while keeping the front minimal with an embroidered crest. This front-back combination is the most popular layout for custom sweatshirts ordered by corporate clients in Ottawa, Montreal, and Winnipeg.

Zip-Up vs Pullover: When to Choose Each

Choose a zip-up hoodie when staff need to put on and remove the garment quickly throughout the day, when layering over a uniform or dress shirt, or when a more polished appearance is needed. Choose a pullover hoodie when maximum print area on the front is a priority, when a single cohesive look is preferred, or when the budget needs to stretch further. Both styles accept all decoration methods and both are available from T-Shirt Elephant with no minimum orders and free shipping over $250 CAD.

Screen printing is the most popular decoration method for custom sweatshirts ordered in bulk across Canada. The process pushes ink through a mesh stencil directly onto the fleece fabric, producing thick, vibrant colours with excellent opacity — even on dark garments. If you are ordering 12 or more screen printed hoodies with the same design, screen printing offers the lowest per-unit cost and the boldest visual impact.

How Screen Printing Works on Fleece

Fleece fabric has a napped, textured surface that absorbs ink differently than a flat cotton t-shirt. Our production team adjusts ink deposits, squeegee pressure, and flash-cure temperatures specifically for fleece to ensure a smooth, even print that does not sink into the fibres or sit on top like a stiff patch. The result is a vibrant, soft-hand print on every custom sweatshirt — whether it is a Gildan 1850 pullover hoodie or a Gildan 1801 crewneck.

Best for Large Designs and Bold Graphics

Screen printing excels at large-format designs — oversized back prints, full-chest graphics, and bold team names. For sports teams in Toronto, event promoters in Vancouver, and school groups in Calgary, a large screen-printed design on the back of a hoodie creates a walking billboard that generates attention everywhere the wearer goes. We print designs up to 14 by 16 inches on the back and 12 inches across the chest.

Pricing Gets Better with Quantity

Screen printing uses physical stencils (screens) that are created once per colour in your design. The setup cost is spread across every unit in your order, which means the per-piece price drops significantly as your quantity increases. An order of 24 screen printed hoodies costs noticeably less per piece than an order of 6. For large team orders in Montreal, Edmonton, and Ottawa, screen printing delivers the best combination of quality and value.

Wash Care for Screen-Printed Sweatshirts

To keep your screen-printed sweatshirts looking sharp, turn them inside out before washing, use cold water, and tumble dry on low heat. Avoid bleach and ironing directly over the printed area. With proper care, a screen-printed design on a quality fleece garment will last through hundreds of wash cycles without cracking or fading. Teams in Winnipeg and across Canada who follow these guidelines get years of wear from their custom fleece.

Embroidered sweatshirts deliver a level of professionalism and durability that printed decoration simply cannot match. Instead of applying ink to the surface, embroidery stitches your logo directly into the fleece fabric using commercial thread — creating a raised, textured finish that looks and feels premium. For corporate branding, employee uniforms, and executive gifts across Canada, embroidered sweatshirts are the gold standard.

Why Embroidery Looks Best on Fleece

The thick, plush surface of fleece fabric provides an ideal foundation for embroidery. The stitches nestle into the napped texture, creating a seamless integration between thread and fabric that appears refined and polished. On a Gildan 1850 hoodie or a Champion S700, an embroidered left chest logo elevates the garment from a basic sweatshirt to a branded uniform piece. Businesses in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary choose embroidered sweatshirts for client-facing teams who need to look professional while staying comfortable.

Durability That Outlasts the Garment

Embroidered logos do not crack, peel, fade, or wash out — ever. The thread is physically stitched into the fabric, making the decoration as permanent as the garment itself. Over years of washing and daily wear, an embroidered sweatshirt maintains its crisp, professional appearance while printed alternatives begin to show wear. For organizations in Montreal, Edmonton, and Ottawa that invest in long-term branded apparel, embroidery delivers the best return on investment.

Best Placements for Embroidery

The most popular embroidery placement on custom sweatshirts is the left chest — a 3.5 to 4 inch logo positioned over the heart. Other common placements include the right chest (for name or title), the upper back (below the collar), and the sleeve. Our commercial embroidery machines handle designs up to 12 inches wide for larger applications. For embroidered sweatshirts used as corporate uniforms, the combination of a left chest logo with an employee name on the right chest is the most requested layout.

Ideal for Corporate and Uniform Programs

Embroidery is the preferred method for companies building ongoing uniform programs. Because the decoration is stitched rather than printed, there is no variation between pieces — every logo comes out identical, whether you order 10 today or 50 next quarter. This consistency makes embroidered sweatshirts the top choice for franchises in Winnipeg, retail chains, and multi-location businesses across Canada that need every team member to look the same.

DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing is the newest decoration method available for custom sweatshirts at T-Shirt Elephant, and it is changing how small businesses, creators, and event organizers approach custom fleece. DTF prints your design in full colour onto a special film, which is then heat-pressed onto the garment. The result is a vivid, detailed transfer that reproduces photographic images, complex gradients, and unlimited colours on any fabric colour — with absolutely no minimum order.

Full Colour on Any Colour Fabric

Unlike screen printing, which requires a separate screen for each colour, DTF printing reproduces your entire design — regardless of how many colours it contains — in a single transfer. A complex illustration with 50 colours costs the same as a simple two-colour logo. This makes DTF the ideal method for photographic artwork, detailed mascot illustrations, and multi-colour brand logos on custom sweatshirts. The white under-base layer ensures colours pop on both light and dark garments, from a black Gildan 1801 crewneck to a forest green Independent SS4500 hoodie.

No Minimums — Perfect for Small Runs

Because DTF does not require screens or setup, there is no minimum order requirement. Need one custom hoodie for a birthday gift? Five crewnecks for a podcast launch? Ten zip-ups for a pop-up shop in Toronto? DTF printing on sweatshirts handles every quantity at a consistent per-piece price. This flexibility has made DTF the fastest-growing decoration method for small business owners in Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal who need custom sweatshirts in small quantities without sacrificing quality.

DTF vs Screen Printing: When to Choose Each

For orders under 12 pieces or designs with many colours, DTF printing is almost always the better choice — no setup costs and unlimited colour at a flat rate. For orders over 24 pieces with simple designs (1-4 colours), screen printing delivers a lower per-unit cost and a slightly softer hand-feel. Our production team in Edmonton, Ottawa, and Winnipeg will recommend the best method for your specific order.

Durability and Feel

Modern DTF transfers are remarkably durable. The printed film bonds to the fleece surface through heat and pressure, creating a flexible, stretchable decoration that withstands regular washing without cracking or peeling. The hand-feel is slightly more noticeable than screen printing — you can feel the transfer on the surface — but the trade-off is unlimited design freedom and zero setup cost. For custom sweatshirts produced in small quantities, DTF is the clear winner.

Not all fleece is created equal. The weight of a sweatshirt — measured in ounces per square yard — determines how warm, thick, and substantial it feels. Understanding fleece weights helps you choose the right custom sweatshirt for your climate, activity level, and intended use. At T-Shirt Elephant, we carry sweatshirts ranging from lightweight 6 oz fleece to heavyweight 10+ oz fleece, with midweight options in between.

Lightweight Fleece (6-7 oz) — Layering and Spring Wear

Lightweight fleece sweatshirts weigh between 6 and 7 ounces per square yard. They are thinner, more breathable, and ideal for layering under jackets or wearing on mild spring and fall days. The Independent Trading Co. SS4500 ($32.80) sits at the lighter end of the midweight range, offering a modern, slim-profile hoodie that works well for year-round wear in Vancouver and Toronto. Lightweight fleece is popular for athletic teams, gym wear, and indoor work environments across Canada.

Midweight Fleece (8-9 oz) — Everyday Comfort

Midweight fleece at 8 to 9 ounces is the sweet spot for most custom sweatshirts. It provides enough warmth for Canadian fall and spring weather without being bulky. The Gildan 1850 (8 oz) and Gildan 1801 (8 oz) are classic midweight options that work for everything from school spirit wear in Calgary to corporate giveaways in Montreal. The Champion S700 (9 oz) sits at the upper end of midweight, offering a slightly thicker feel with pill-resistant powerblend fabric.

Heavyweight Fleece (10+ oz) — Winter Warmth

Heavyweight fleece sweatshirts at 10 ounces or more deliver serious warmth for the coldest Canadian winters. These thick, substantial garments are built for outdoor work crews in Edmonton, winter events in Winnipeg, and anyone who needs a sweatshirt that stands up to sub-zero temperatures. Premium options from Under Armour and Nike feature brushed interior fleece that traps body heat for maximum insulation.

Matching Weight to Use Case

For custom sweatshirts that will be worn primarily indoors — offices, schools, trade shows — a midweight 8 oz fleece like the Gildan 1801 is the most versatile choice. For outdoor teams, construction crews, and winter events, step up to a heavyweight 10+ oz option. For athletic use, gym wear, or warm-climate events, a lightweight fleece or French terry will keep wearers comfortable without overheating. Our team is happy to recommend the right weight for your specific needs in Ottawa and across Canada.

Getting the right size on custom sweatshirts is critical — especially when ordering for a group where you will not have every person try on a sample. Most fleece garments in our catalogue are available from Adult Small through 5XL, with select styles offering youth sizes and tall options. Understanding how sweatshirts are measured and how different fabrics behave after washing will help you order the right sizes for your team, staff, or event group.

Standard Size Ranges

The majority of custom sweatshirts in our catalogue follow standard unisex sizing. The Gildan 1850 and Gildan 1801 are available in sizes S through 5XL, covering the widest possible range. Premium styles like the Champion S700 typically run S through 3XL. Each product page on our site includes a detailed size chart with chest width, body length, and sleeve length measurements in both inches and centimetres.

Accounting for Shrinkage

Cotton-blend fleece garments like the Gildan Heavy Blend (50/50 cotton-polyester) may shrink slightly — typically 3 to 5 percent — after the first wash and dry cycle. If your team prefers a looser fit or you are ordering for an event where recipients will wash before wearing, consider sizing up on cotton-heavy blends. Polyester-dominant and performance fleece like the Under Armour 1379757 resist shrinkage almost entirely.

Unisex vs Fitted Cuts

Most custom sweatshirts are cut as unisex (also called "men's standard") — a straight, boxy silhouette designed to fit all body types. For groups in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary that include a mix of men and women, the unisex cut is the safest choice because it accommodates a wider range of body shapes. Some brands offer ladies-cut or fitted sweatshirts with tapered waists and shorter body lengths — check individual product pages for availability.

Extended and Tall Sizes

For groups that need extended sizes, the Gildan Heavy Blend family goes up to 5XL on most colours, making it a reliable choice for inclusive sizing programs. Select styles from Champion and Independent Trading Co. offer tall sizes with 2 to 3 inches of additional body length for taller wearers. When ordering custom sweatshirts for diverse groups in Montreal, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Winnipeg, always check the size range before committing to a specific style to ensure every member of your team is covered.

Tips for Group Orders

When collecting sizes for a group order, ask each person for their preferred sweatshirt size — not their shirt size. Sweatshirts run larger than t-shirts, so someone who wears a Large t-shirt may prefer a Medium sweatshirt for a slimmer fit or stay at Large for a relaxed fit. Providing a size chart link with your order form helps your group make informed choices and reduces exchanges on your custom sweatshirt order.

Custom corporate sweatshirts are one of the most practical and well-received pieces of branded apparel a company can invest in. Unlike dress shirts or polo shirts that stay in the office, a high-quality hoodie or crewneck sweatshirt becomes an employee favourite — worn on weekends, during commutes, and at home. Every wear is a brand impression. T-Shirt Elephant helps businesses across Canada create custom sweatshirts that employees are proud to wear.

Employee Onboarding Kits

First impressions matter. Including a custom branded hoodie in your new hire welcome kit instantly creates a sense of belonging. The Champion S700 ($35.95) is a top choice for corporate onboarding — the Champion name carries recognition and perceived value, making new employees feel valued from day one. Tech companies in Toronto and Vancouver frequently order the S700 with embroidered left-chest logos for their onboarding programs.

Company Retreats and Team Building

Corporate retreats, offsite meetings, and team-building events are perfect occasions for custom sweatshirts. A matching hoodie unifies the group and serves as a lasting memento. The Under Armour 1379757 ($55.70) is the premium choice for executive retreats — the Under Armour brand signals quality and the Rival Fleece fabric feels luxurious. Companies in Calgary and Edmonton regularly order these for annual leadership retreats.

Trade Shows and Giveaways

At trade shows and industry conferences, your booth staff needs to be instantly identifiable. Custom hoodies with your company logo printed on the back make your team visible on the show floor. For giveaway sweatshirts, the Gildan 1801 ($11.93) crewneck provides excellent value — affordable enough to give away in quantity while still delivering a quality branded impression. Marketing teams in Montreal and Ottawa use the 1801 for conference giveaways and promotional campaigns.

Left-Chest Embroidery for a Professional Look

For corporate sweatshirts, left-chest embroidery is the standard placement. A small, clean embroidered logo on the left chest communicates professionalism without being overly promotional. This placement works on both hoodies and crewneck sweatshirts and pairs well with every brand in our catalogue. Embroidery is durable, withstands repeated washing, and maintains a crisp, polished appearance that represents your brand well in any setting.

Bulk Corporate Ordering

Whether you need 25 hoodies for a single department or 500 for an entire organization, T-Shirt Elephant handles corporate sweatshirt orders of every size. Volume pricing tiers reduce your per-unit cost as quantities increase. Free shipping applies to all orders over $250 CAD, and most corporate orders clear that threshold easily. Businesses across Winnipeg, Edmonton, and every major Canadian city trust us with their branded apparel needs.

Custom team sweatshirts are essential gear for sports teams, school groups, and clubs across Canada. Whether your team needs matching warm-ups for the sideline or your school wants spirit wear for homecoming, a custom hoodie brings the group together. T-Shirt Elephant outfits teams from minor league programs to varsity squads with custom sweatshirts that represent their identity.

Sports Team Warm-Ups

Every competitive team needs warm-up gear. A matching team hoodie worn before games, during travel, and on the bench creates a professional, unified look. The Gildan 1850 ($19.07) is the budget-friendly favourite for large team orders — at under $20 per blank, you can outfit an entire roster without breaking the budget. Teams in Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver order the 1850 season after season for its reliability and wide colour selection of 41 options.

School Spirit Wear

School spirit wear programs drive community pride and raise funds. Custom hoodies with your school name, mascot, and colours are the best-selling items at any spirit wear sale. Screen printing is the ideal decoration method for school spirit orders because it handles bold graphics and large quantities efficiently. Schools in Ottawa, Montreal, and Edmonton run annual spirit wear campaigns featuring custom sweatshirts as the flagship product.

Club and Organization Hoodies

Debate clubs, robotics teams, drama departments, student councils, and volunteer organizations all benefit from custom hoodies that identify their members. A club hoodie worn around campus builds visibility and attracts new members. The Nike DR1499 ($63.70) is a premium option that competitive teams and elite student organizations choose when they want the best — the Nike Swoosh on the sleeve adds instant brand appeal.

Budget Options for Large Orders

When ordering for 30, 50, or 100 team members, cost per unit matters. The Gildan 1850 remains the top recommendation for budget team sweatshirts — 8 oz fleece, pill-resistant fabric, and a price point that allows large organizations to outfit everyone affordably. Minor hockey associations in Winnipeg, soccer clubs in Vancouver, and basketball leagues across Ontario rely on the 1850 for team-wide orders.

Premium Team Hoodies

Competitive teams that want to make a statement choose premium brands. The Nike DR1499 and Champion S700 ($35.95) are the top picks for teams that want recognized athletic brands on their warm-up gear. These hoodies look sharp on the sideline and hold up through a full season of wear.

Custom event sweatshirts turn a one-day experience into a lasting memory. Whether you are organizing a charity run, a music festival, a community event, or a family reunion, a custom hoodie or crewneck sweatshirt gives every participant something tangible to take home. T-Shirt Elephant produces custom sweatshirts for events of every size across Canada.

Charity Runs and Walkathons

Charity events thrive on visibility. Custom hoodies with your event logo, sponsor names, and the year make participants feel connected to the cause. The Gildan 1850 ($19.07) is the most popular choice for charity events — affordable enough for large participant counts while still being a garment people will wear long after the event. Charity runs in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver regularly order 200 to 500 hoodies for their participants.

Music Festivals and Community Events

Festival merchandise is a revenue stream and a marketing tool. A well-designed custom sweatshirt with your festival branding becomes a collectible that attendees wear for years. For outdoor festivals where temperatures drop in the evening, hoodies are especially popular sellers. The Gildan 1801 ($11.93) crewneck and Gildan 1850 hoodie are the go-to options for festival merchandise due to their low cost and high margin potential.

Family Reunions and Group Trips

Matching custom sweatshirts for family reunions, bachelor and bachelorette parties, group vacations, and milestone celebrations create a sense of unity and serve as keepsakes. Screen-printed designs with family names, dates, and inside jokes are the most common requests. Groups in Calgary, Edmonton, and Ottawa order matching hoodies for camping trips, cottage weekends, and reunion barbecues.

Fundraiser Hoodies

Selling custom hoodies is one of the most effective fundraising strategies available. A well-designed hoodie can sell for $40 to $60, while your cost on a decorated Gildan 1850 can be as low as $25 to $30 per unit — delivering strong margins. Schools, sports teams, and community organizations across Winnipeg, Toronto, and Montreal use hoodie sales as their primary fundraising method.

Screen Printing for Large Event Runs

Screen printing is the ideal decoration method for event sweatshirts. It handles large quantities efficiently, produces bold and vibrant graphics, and keeps per-unit costs low at volume. For orders of 50 or more, screen printing on custom sweatshirts delivers the best combination of quality and value. Our production team handles event orders with tight deadlines — rush turnaround of 5 to 7 business days is available when you need it.

Colour selection is one of the first decisions when ordering custom sweatshirts. The right colour sets the tone for your design, ensures brand consistency, and impacts decoration options. T-Shirt Elephant carries sweatshirts in a massive range of colours across all our brands — from classic solids to trendy heather blends.

Colour Availability by Brand

The Gildan 1850 leads the pack with 41 colours — the widest selection in our sweatshirt catalogue. This includes core solids like Black, Navy, Sport Grey, and Forest Green, plus trending shades like Indigo Blue, Sunset, and Heliconia. The Gildan 1801 crewneck offers 35 colours, while the Independent SS4500 provides 21 options including popular streetwear tones. Premium brands carry smaller palettes: the Champion S700 has 10 colours, the Under Armour 1379757 has 6, and the Nike DR1499 has 5.

Heather and Blended Options

Heather sweatshirts have become extremely popular in recent years. Heather fabrics blend two or more fibre colours together, creating a textured, vintage-inspired look. The Gildan 1850 and 1801 offer multiple heather options including Sport Grey, Dark Heather, Graphite Heather, and Heather Sport Scarlet. The Independent SS4500 carries distinctive heather shades like Gunmetal Heather and Slate that appeal to fashion-forward brands. Teams and businesses in Toronto and Vancouver frequently choose heather sweatshirts for a modern, casual aesthetic.

Dark vs. Light Garment Printing

The colour of your custom sweatshirt directly affects decoration options and appearance. Dark garments (Black, Navy, Forest Green) require an underbase layer of white ink beneath screen-printed designs, which adds slight texture and can affect fine detail. Light garments (White, Sport Grey, Sand) allow ink to print directly onto the fabric for a softer hand feel and crisper detail. For embroidery, garment colour has minimal impact on the finished result.

Colour Matching Tips

When matching your custom sweatshirts to existing brand colours, request a Pantone colour match. Our production team can match your logo colours precisely using the Pantone Matching System. For organizations in Calgary, Montreal, Edmonton, and Ottawa ordering across multiple sweatshirt styles, maintaining consistent colour across brands requires attention — a "Navy" in Gildan may differ slightly from "Navy" in Champion. Order samples or request swatch comparisons when colour consistency across brands is critical.

T-Shirt Elephant carries custom sweatshirts from the most trusted names in apparel. Our brand lineup spans every price point — from budget-friendly blanks to premium athletic brands — so every customer finds the perfect fit for their project and budget.

Gildan — Best Value

Gildan is the undisputed king of value sweatshirts. The 1850 Pullover Hoodie ($19.07), 1801 Crewneck ($11.93), and 1860 Zip-Up Hoodie ($20.95) deliver reliable 8 oz fleece at the lowest price points in the market. With up to 41 colour options and consistent sizing, Gildan is the first choice for large orders, fundraisers, and budget-conscious teams. Teams and organizations across Toronto, Vancouver, and Winnipeg order Gildan sweatshirts more than any other brand.

Independent Trading Co. — Streetwear Quality

Independent Trading Co. occupies the sweet spot between budget and premium. The SS4500 Midweight Hoodie ($30.95) features a modern fit, a split-stitch double needle sewing throughout, and a jersey-lined hood that appeals to the streetwear and fashion-forward market. It is the top choice for custom clothing brands, retail merchandise, and organizations that want a hoodie with a contemporary silhouette.

Comfort Colors — Garment-Dyed Character

Comfort Colors sweatshirts have a unique lived-in, vintage feel that no other brand replicates. The 1566 Crewneck ($34.40) is garment-dyed for a soft, faded aesthetic that is hugely popular with sororities, fraternities, boutique brands, and anyone who values a relaxed, broken-in look from day one. The garment-dye process means each piece has subtle colour variations that add character.

Champion — Athletic Heritage

Champion brings over 100 years of athletic heritage to the S700 Pullover Hoodie ($35.95). The iconic "C" logo on the sleeve and the Reverse Weave construction make Champion hoodies a favourite for corporate gifts, athletic programs, and anyone who appreciates the brand's legacy. Companies in Calgary, Montreal, and Edmonton choose Champion when they want a name-brand hoodie that employees will actually wear.

Under Armour — Performance Fleece

The Under Armour 1379757 Rival Fleece ($55.70) delivers performance-grade fleece with the Under Armour brand that athletes and fitness enthusiasts recognize. Soft inner fleece, a front kangaroo pocket, and the UA logo on the chest make this a premium choice for athletic teams, gyms, and corporate wellness programs.

Nike — Premium Athletic

The Nike DR1499 Club Fleece ($63.70) is the top of the line. The Swoosh on the sleeve and the Club Fleece fabric deliver the premium Nike experience. This is the hoodie for elite sports teams, high-end corporate gifts, and organizations that want the best available. Teams in Ottawa and Toronto select Nike when budget is secondary to brand impact.

Bella+Canvas and Adidas

Bella+Canvas brings fashion-forward fits and eco-friendly fabrics to the custom sweatshirt market, popular with retail brands and boutique merchandise. Adidas offers athletic hoodies with the iconic three stripes that work well for sports programs and fitness-oriented brands. Both brands are available through our full sweatshirt catalogue.

Transparent pricing is a core value at T-Shirt Elephant. When you order custom sweatshirts, you see real-time pricing in our online designer — no hidden fees, no surprise setup charges. Our custom sweatshirt pricing starts at $11.93 CAD per blank and scales down with volume.

Blank Sweatshirt Pricing

Decoration Pricing

Decoration costs are added to the blank sweatshirt price. Screen printing typically adds $5 to $15 per sweatshirt for 1 to 3 colour designs, depending on the number of print locations. Embroidery adds $5 to $12 per placement, with left-chest logos being the most common. Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing is available for full-colour photographic designs and is priced per print. All decoration pricing is shown in real time in our online designer.

Volume Discounts

The more custom sweatshirts you order, the less you pay per unit. Pricing tiers adjust automatically: 12+ standard team pricing, 24+ moderate volume discount, 48+ best published tier, 100+ contact us for wholesale quotes. Organizations in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal ordering large quantities save significantly with our tiered pricing structure.

Free Shipping Over $250 CAD

All orders over $250 CAD ship free anywhere in Canada. For a typical team order of 12 or more custom sweatshirts with decoration, you will easily clear this threshold. Orders under $250 CAD ship at a flat rate based on destination.

Proper care extends the life of your custom sweatshirts and keeps your printed or embroidered designs looking crisp for years. Whether you ordered screen-printed hoodies, embroidered crewnecks, or DTG-printed sweatshirts, following these care guidelines will protect your investment and maintain the professional appearance of your custom apparel.

Washing Your Custom Sweatshirts

Turn inside out before washing. This is the single most important step for protecting screen-printed and DTG-printed designs. Washing inside out prevents the print surface from rubbing against other garments and the drum of the washing machine. Use cold water on a gentle cycle. Cold water prevents shrinkage, minimizes colour fading, and is gentler on printed designs than warm or hot water. Avoid bleach entirely — bleach damages both the fabric and any printed decoration.

Drying Instructions

Tumble dry on low heat or hang dry for best results. High heat is the enemy of screen-printed designs — it can cause cracking, peeling, and premature deterioration of the ink. Low heat or air drying preserves the print and prevents the fleece from pilling. For Comfort Colors 1566 garment-dyed sweatshirts, tumble dry low is especially important to maintain the soft, lived-in texture that makes the garment unique.

Ironing Custom Sweatshirts

If your custom sweatshirt needs ironing, always iron inside out and avoid placing the iron directly on any printed or embroidered area. Use a low to medium heat setting. For screen-printed designs, place a thin cloth or parchment paper between the iron and the print. Embroidered designs tolerate heat better than prints, but ironing inside out is still recommended to prevent flattening the stitch texture.

Maintaining Print Quality Over Time

With proper care, screen-printed sweatshirts will maintain their appearance through 50 or more washes. Avoid fabric softeners in the wash — they can break down the bond between ink and fabric over time. Do not dry clean custom-printed sweatshirts, as the solvents used in dry cleaning can damage both screen-printed and DTG-printed designs. For embroidered custom sweatshirts, standard washing with cold water and low-heat drying is all that is needed — embroidery is the most durable decoration method and maintains its appearance indefinitely with basic care.

Storage Tips

Store your custom sweatshirts folded in a cool, dry place. Avoid hanging heavy fleece sweatshirts for extended periods, as this can stretch the shoulders and neckline. For seasonal storage, ensure sweatshirts are clean and completely dry before storing to prevent mildew. Teams in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton that store seasonal team gear should keep sweatshirts in a climate-controlled space to preserve both the fabric and the decoration.

Ordering custom sweatshirts from T-Shirt Elephant is straightforward, whether you are a first-time buyer or a repeat customer. Our online designer makes it easy to build your custom sweatshirt from scratch, and our team is available to help at every step. Here is how the process works from start to finish.

Step 1: Browse Our Sweatshirt Collection

Start by browsing our full sweatshirt catalogue to find the right product for your project. Filter by style (pullover hoodies, crewneck sweatshirts, zip-up hoodies), brand (Gildan, Champion, Nike, Under Armour), colour, and price. Each product page shows real-time pricing, available colours, size charts, and detailed specifications.

Step 2: Upload Your Design

Once you have selected your custom sweatshirt, click "Start Designing" to open our online designer. Upload your logo, artwork, or text. Our designer supports PNG, JPG, SVG, AI, EPS, and PDF files. Position your design on the front, back, left chest, right chest, or sleeve. Preview your design on the actual garment colour before adding to cart. If you do not have a design ready, our team offers free design assistance — just send us your idea and we will create a proof for you.

Step 3: Approve Your Proof

Before production begins, you will receive a digital proof showing exactly how your custom sweatshirts will look. Review the design placement, colours, sizes, and quantities. Request revisions if needed — there is no limit on proof revisions. Once you approve the proof, your order enters production. Customers in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Winnipeg all receive the same proof approval process and production timeline.

Step 4: Production and Delivery

Standard production takes approximately 10 business days from proof approval. Rush orders are available with a 5 to 7 business day turnaround for time-sensitive projects. Once production is complete, your custom sweatshirts are quality-checked, carefully packed, and shipped to your door. Orders over $250 CAD ship free anywhere in Canada.

No Minimums and Bulk Discounts

T-Shirt Elephant has no minimum order requirement. Order one custom hoodie for yourself or 1,000 for your organization — we handle orders of every size. Volume discounts kick in automatically at 12, 24, 48, and 100+ units. For large orders, contact our team for custom wholesale pricing. Whether you are in Winnipeg ordering 5 hoodies for a small business or in Toronto ordering 500 for a corporate event, the process is the same — simple, transparent, and backed by over 12 years of experience and 1,500+ five-star Google reviews.