Zip hoodies fail at the zipper. A light tape twists, the slider snags fleece and the chin guard is missing, so the whole garment reads as cheap even in 400 GSM fabric. Hardware choice matters more than on any other hoodie.
We manufacture custom zip-up hoodies with YKK or SBS #5 metal or plastic zippers, a fleece chin guard, zipper garage, split kangaroo pockets and a hood built to sit right when the zip is fully closed. Full-zip and half-zip constructions both available. Mike Apparel is a custom zip-up hoodie manufacturer with a 50-piece minimum per design, a 2–3 weeks production window after sample approval and full private label on every run.
Fabric options for custom hoodies
Fabric decides most of what a customer feels, so we quote every custom hoodie against a specific cloth rather than a vague ‘premium cotton’. The options below are stocked or knitted to order in Sialkot; lab dips and hand-feel swatches ship before sampling. If you are unsure, sample the zip-up hoodie in 350 GSM brushed fleece first; it is the construction we recommend for standard full-zip.
| Fabric | Specification | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 350 GSM brushed fleece | 80/20 cotton-poly | standard full-zip |
| 400 GSM heavyweight fleece | 100% cotton | premium full-zip |
| 380 GSM French terry | 100% cotton | lighter zip hoodie for LA and Miami |
| 420 GSM sherpa-lined fleece | cotton-poly face, polyester sherpa | winter zip hoodie |
Fit options for hoodies
Pick a starting silhouette and we adjust from there. Blocks are graded XS to 3XL in US sizing, and size-set samples are available for brands that want to check the whole run. The most requested zip-up hoodie block is the oversized full-zip.
- Oversized full-zip
- Boxy cropped zip hoodie
- Regular full-zip
- Half-zip pullover with stand collar
Zip-Up Hoodie construction
Our default build for hoodies. Change any line in the tech pack; the sample confirms it. The single most important line in a zip-up hoodie spec is: yKK #5 zipper, metal or Vislon, custom puller on request.
- YKK #5 zipper, metal or Vislon, custom puller on request
- Zipper garage and chin guard in self fabric
- Split pockets with bar tacks and optional hidden phone pocket
- Double-layer hood with rib or self-fabric edge
- Front placket interfaced so the zip line stays straight
Branding the hoodie
We handle all decoration internally, which keeps lead times at 2–3 weeks and removes the hand-off between a blank supplier and a printer. Options that suit a hoodie: Zip-Up Hoodie artwork usually goes on as left-chest and back embroidery.
- Left-chest and back embroidery
- Sleeve and hood prints
- Custom zipper pullers with logo
- Contrast hood lining
- Acid wash and garment dye (with wash-safe zipper)
For a method-by-method comparison on hoodies, read screen printing vs DTG vs embroidery.
Labels, tags and packaging
Private label is included, not an upsell. A custom hoodie from Mike Apparel ships with your woven or printed neck label, size tab, care label and, if you want them, hang tags, custom poly bags and printed boxes. Send vector artwork and we produce label samples alongside the garment sample. See our private label clothing page for label types, minimums and artwork specs. For zip-up hoodie orders we recommend a woven neck label plus a printed care label as the minimum; hang tags and half zip hoodie packaging are added at your choice.
Pricing: custom hoodies
Pricing for a custom hoodie is driven by fabric weight, decoration and quantity. The bands below are per piece for the constructions on this page at typical spec, and every quote is itemised so you can see exactly what moves the number. At the low end a zip-up hoodie in 350 GSM brushed fleece with one placement lands near $17; at the top, 400 GSM heavyweight fleece with multiple placements and full packaging reaches $30.
| Quantity | Price per piece (USD) |
|---|---|
| 50–100 pieces | $17.00 – $30 |
| 100–300 pieces | $14.96 – $26 |
| 300–1,000 pieces | $13.26 – $23 |
| 1,000+ pieces | $11.90 – $21 |
Prices are FOB Sialkot; DDP shipping to the USA adds roughly $1.20–$3.50 per piece by sea or $3–$7 by air depending on weight and volume. Sampling is charged at 2–3x the bulk unit price and credited back on the bulk order. For a zip-up hoodie order of 50 pieces, sampling is billed at roughly $37–$78 and refunded against bulk.
How the order runs
How an order for hoodies moves through the factory, with the timing for each stage. Zip-Up Hoodie samples ship with a swatch of 350 GSM brushed fleece so you can compare weights before bulk.
- Brief and quote (24 hours)Send a tech pack, sketch or reference hoodie with target quantity. We reply with fabric options, MOQ and per-piece pricing.
- Pre-production sample (7–10 days)One hoodie in your fabric, fit, colour and branding. Revisions until approved. Read about the sampling process.
- Approval and depositSign off the sample and size set; 50% deposit reserves fabric and the production slot.
- Bulk production (2–3 weeks)Cutting, sewing, wash, decoration, labelling, QC and packing in-house, with photo updates.
- QC and DDP shipping (4–7 days by air)Inspection against the approved sample, then DDP delivery with duties paid. See our full timeline guide.
Have a zip-up hoodie in mind? Send a tech pack, a sketch or a reference piece with your target quantity and we will reply within 24 hours with fabric options, MOQ and per-piece pricing.
Shipping hoodies DDP
Most of our hoodie production ships to the United States, DDP, meaning duties, taxes and customs clearance are paid by us and included in the quote. Air freight lands in Chicago or Las Vegas in four to seven days after the run ships; sea freight takes four to five weeks and costs less for larger orders. We also ship to the UK, Canada, Australia, the EU and the UAE. See streetwear manufacturing for USA brands and our DDP shipping page. A 50-piece zip-up hoodie order fits in a few cartons and clears US customs as one DDP consignment with a single commercial invoice.
Frequently asked questions
Which zipper do you use?
YKK by default, SBS on request for cost-sensitive runs. #5 gauge on 350 GSM and heavier fleece. Metal for a premium look, Vislon plastic for lighter weight and wash-friendliness.
Can you do a custom zipper puller?
Yes. Engraved or moulded pullers with your logo have a 500-piece minimum from the hardware supplier; below that we use a stock puller with a custom leather or rubber tab.
Can zip hoodies be acid washed?
Yes, with a plastic or coated zipper. Bare metal can mark the fabric during the wash, so we swap to Vislon or apply the wash before inserting the zip.
What is the price of a custom zip-up hoodie?
$17 to $30 per piece at 50–100 units for a 350–400 GSM full-zip with YKK hardware and private labels. The zipper and pocket construction add $3–4 over a pullover.
Related to the zip-up hoodie: custom hoodie manufacturer, custom sherpa lined hoodie manufacturing, custom boxy fit hoodie manufacturing, how much does it cost to manufacture a hoodie?, hoodie gsm guide.
Last updated September 5, 2026 · Mike Apparel, Sialkot. Pricing and lead times reflect current factory capacity; confirm on your quote.