Hoodies & Sweatshirts
Custom Zip-Up Hoodie Manufacturer: Terry or Fleece, YKK/SBS Zips
A custom zip-up hoodie is a zip-through hooded sweatshirt in French terry or brushed fleece, made here at 320–400 GSM (up to 480). We fit YKK or SBS zippers pre-shrunk to prevent puckering, line the double-layer hood with cotton jersey and back every eyelet with interlining.
Specification
- Fabric
- French terry or brushed fleece
- Weight
- 320–400 GSM (up to 480)
- Consumption
- ≈ 0.55–0.85 kg / piece
- Zipper
- YKK / SBS #5 metal, resin or closed-end nylon, pre-shrunk
- Hood lining
- 100% cotton single jersey, 140–180 GSM
- Rib
- 2×2 spandex rib, 380–550 GSM (cuffs & hem)
- Eyelets
- Nickel-free brass or embroidered, interlining-backed
Key takeaways
- Zippers are pre-shrunk to prevent puckering along the front.
- You can choose YKK or SBS #5 zips in metal, resin or closed-end nylon.
- Hoods are double-layer, lined with 140–180 GSM cotton jersey.
- Nickel-free brass or embroidered eyelets are backed with interlining.
- No free-end drawcords on children's and school uniform styles.
The zip-through hoodie is the layering piece in most workwear, team and merch ranges. Its weak points are predictable: a wavy zip, torn eyelets and a hood that collapses. This page shows how we build zip hoodies within our hoodies & sweatshirts range.
What makes a good zip hoodie
The most common complaint is a zip that ripples after the first wash. Pre-shrinking the zipper before sewing removes the mismatch between tape and fabric.
Weight matters too. French terry or brushed fleece from 320 to 480 GSM covers everything from a light layer to a winter hoodie, and our knit fabric GSM guide explains the trade-offs. A double-layer hood lined with 140–180 GSM cotton jersey keeps its shape without adding bulk. For children’s and school styles there are no free-end drawcords; see our EU compliance guide.
Construction details
From our hoodie bill of materials:
- Body: French terry or brushed fleece, 320–480 GSM (≈ 0.55–0.85 kg per piece).
- Rib trims are 2×2 high-stretch spandex rib at 380–550 GSM for cuffs and hem.
- The zipper is YKK / SBS #5 in metal, resin or closed-end nylon, pre-shrunk to prevent puckering.
- The hood is double layer, lined with 100% cotton single jersey.
- Drawcord is cotton round or flat cord with metal tips, resin tips or knotted ends. Eyelets are nickel-free brass or embroidered, backed with interlining.
- Reinforcement is back-neck herringbone tape and fusible reinforcement behind pockets and eyelets.
- Thread is heavy polyester (40/2, or 20/2 for twin-needle topstitch).
Customisation options
| Option | Choices |
|---|---|
| Fabric | French terry or brushed fleece, 320–400 GSM (up to 480) |
| Zipper | YKK / SBS; metal, resin or closed-end nylon |
| Drawcord | Metal tips, resin tips, knotted ends, or no cord |
| Eyelets | Nickel-free brass or embroidered |
| Labels | Woven main label, flag label, care label |
| Decoration | Embroidery, chenille, appliqué, print |
How we make it
Zip hoodies follow our eight-stage manufacturing process:
- Fabric inspection & relaxation: terry and fleece are relaxed before cutting.
- Print & embroidery: chenille and appliqué are stitched over backing so heavy fabric does not pucker.
- Sewing: pre-shrunk zip, lined hood and twin-needle topstitching.
- Inspection & needle detection: 100% needle detection before packing.
Prefer no hood? See crewneck sweatshirts, or go heavier with heavyweight fleece hoodies.
Before you sample
Confirm the zipper brand, material and puller, whether the hood has a cord, and which markets the style will be sold in.
Final thoughts
Specify the fabric weight, the zipper and the cord policy for each market before sampling, and a zip hoodie becomes a reliable reorder item. MOQ, pricing and lead time are confirmed with your quote.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Why do zip hoodies pucker along the zip?
Usually because the zipper tape and the knit shrink at different rates. We pre-shrink zippers before sewing to prevent puckering.
Which zipper should I choose for a zip hoodie?
We fit YKK or SBS #5 zippers in metal, resin or closed-end nylon. The choice depends on look, weight and budget, and we confirm the zipper on your sample.
Can children's zip hoodies have drawcords?
Children's and school uniform styles are made without free-end drawcords. Depending on the destination market's rules, hoods can be made without cords or with fixed alternatives.
French terry or fleece for a zip hoodie?
French terry breathes well for spring, autumn and active use, and brushed fleece is warmer for winter. Both are available from 320 to 480 GSM.
RFQ · Tech pack or brief welcome