The sweatshirt is the workhorse of team apparel. It goes on over a practice tee, under a jacket in the stands and on the couch for the away game. Because it gets worn so often, a little thought about fabric and fit pays off far more than with a garment that only comes out twice a season.
Fabric: what the inside tells you
Most sweatshirts are knitted fleece. Turn one inside out and you will usually see one of two faces:
- Brushed fleece has a soft, fuzzy inside that traps air and feels warm from the first wear. It can pill over time, especially in blends.
- Loopback or French terry shows small loops on the inside. It is lighter, breathes better and suits spring practices and indoor gyms.
Heavier cotton-rich fleece feels substantial and holds its shape well under stitching. Blends with polyester dry faster, shrink less and keep colors brighter after many washes, which matters for a team that wants every shirt to match.
Crew, hood or quarter-zip
A crewneck gives the cleanest chest for a logo or school name. A hood adds warmth for outdoor games but changes how the back reads, since a hood covers the upper back when it is down. Quarter-zips look a little more dressed up for coaches and staff. Whatever the style, check that ribbed cuffs and waistband are firm; loose ribbing is the first thing to look tired.
Fit
Sweatshirts are often layered, so many people size up one step. For a group, ask everyone to try a sample over what they would actually wear underneath. Our Ordering Wisely page covers sample sizing runs in more detail.
Embroidery and print on fleece
Fleece is stretchy and lofty, so embroidery needs a firm backing and a design that is not too dense. Satin-stitch lettering works well for names; large filled areas can feel stiff and pucker the fabric. Left-chest logos and arched school names are the most forgiving placements. For a deeper look at stitch types, read Embroidery and Lettering, Explained.
Care
- Follow the sewn-in care label first; clothing makers are required to attach one.
- Wash inside out in cold water to protect stitching and limit pilling.
- Skip high heat in the dryer, which shrinks cotton and can scorch thread.
- Never iron directly over embroidery.
For layering ideas on chilly nights, see Layering for Cold Games, or browse the rest of the Jacket Guide, including tees and pullover jackets.