Sweatshirts are custom promotional gifts that keep on giving

By Laurie Frees

Sweatshirts are go-tos for many when the temperatures start to drop. These versatile custom promotional gifts come in several silhouettes, making them easy to style casually on the weekends or as layering pieces for the office. And they’re always a big hit with your team’s logo at sporting events! Our apparel expert, Laurie, shares her favourite classic, updated and trending styles. Plus she gives tips on how to make sweatshirts a core part of your branding campaign.

Vintage custom crewneck sweatshirts

Looking for the trendiest silhouette in sweatshirts? Grab a crewneck. From reliable workwear to vintage vibes, there’s a crewneck for every occasion, and the “varsity core” trend adds a retro spin. The Champion^® PowerBlend Crew Sweatshirt has one of the most classic cool-crew silhouettes. For that varsity feel, add a bold, blocked letter graphic.

Relaxed-fit crews provide a lived-in look. Laurie suggested the Comfort Colors^® Garment-Dyed Crew Sweatshirt. “This sweatshirt will immediately feel like a familiar favourite,” she explained. “Plus bright but muted colour options make it easy to match trending vibes and colourways, so your customers and crew will want to wear it right away!” The Gildan^® Softstyle Fleece Crew Sweatshirt is perfect for lounging. For a comfortable, oversized fit, Laurie suggested having recipients go up one or two sizes from what they typically wear.

Much-loved branded hoodies

A popular sweatshirt style, hoodies go just about everywhere. Choosing a heavier fabric can elevate your hoodie promotion and allow it to take the place of a jacket. The Gildan^® Hammer Maxweight Hoodie is a great option. Or showcase your logo against pop of colour on an Everyday Fleece Two-Tone Hooded Sweatshirt. This promo hoodie highlights old-school style with colourblocked sleeves.

“The Primease Tri-Blend Hoodie offers a supersoft feel and will instantly make them feel cozy!” Laurie said. This hoodie features a subtle crossover detail at the hood—a fun twist on the classic silhouette. For another playful style, check out the Bella+Canvas^® Cropped Hoodie. Laurie recommended pairing this boxy style with a matching short or pant to update their loungewear look.

Seasonal layering options

Full-zip sweatshirts are great for layering—indoors or outdoors—and are an equally versatile way to promote your brand. Help them show team spirit at your next event and be comfortable with a colourblocked full-zip. Laurie also recommended the Stormtech^® Omega Full-Zip Hoodie as a heavyweight and durable custom branded gift that will stay in their rotation during chilly months. Under Armour^® can take your promotion to the next level. This sporty brand’s full-zip has contrast detailing on the sleeves and a sleek mock-neck.

Full-zip sweatshirts are year-round advertisers. Laurie suggested offering the Cypress Full-Zip Hoodie to replace their light jacket, or a Garner Full-Zip Lightweight Hoodie for when the air-conditioning is a bit too chilly.

Pullovers make great branded gear

Level-up their layering with a quarter-zip or half-zip pullover. These sophisticated styles can take them from the office to dinner with ease. For an easy-to-wear option, consider the Gildan^® Softstyle Midweight 1/4-Zip Sweatshirt. “Choose tonal embroidery for the ultimate in casual and cool vintage styling,” Laurie said. “The low-profile collar really makes this sweatshirt interesting.” Or reach for the textured adidas^® Spacer 1/4-Zip Pullover. The subtle allover fabric design detail draws eyes to your name.

Pair a branded fleece pullover with your logo for a promotional gift they’ll really want to wear, like the Columbia^® Hart Mountain II ½-Zip Pullover. Or outfit your team for their outdoor adventures with the Vansport Mesh ¼-Zip Tech Pullover. The lightweight performance fabric means they’ll be comfortable wearing this pullover under a rain jacket or as a standalone look.

Reliable promos get your message moving

Imprinted sweatshirts are custom promotional gifts that can really take your logo places. Their versatility means they’re ideal for indoor work, outdoor activities, running errands, relaxing on vacation and so much more! With a variety of high-quality styles and colours, 4imprint’s sweatshirt options make branding easy and effortless—just like the well-loved, familiar sweatshirt.

Laurie Frees

Laurie Frees is a merchandising category manager at 4imprint who specializes in apparel. With over 25 years of experience in merchandising and product development—plus four years in the promotional products industry—she brings deep expertise in fabric construction and logo application. Laurie manages the product assortment across all apparel categories, including T-shirts, polos, outerwear, dress shirts, sweatshirts and more. Her role includes tracking trends, building supplier partnerships and analyzing data to guide decisions. With a strong focus on products made from sustainable materials, Laurie helps drive innovation in core apparel offerings that customers rely on to showcase their brands.