
Fleece Season Is Here, Folks!
November is here, and you know what that means.
Hoodie season is officially in full swing! Whether you're working on team apparel, holiday merchandise,
or a custom collection for your customers, a good hoodie is always worth having in the lineup.
But here's the thing. Not all hoodies are created equal, and the right blank can make a world of difference
for both the printer and the person wearing it. That's why I want to talk about two favorites from our friends
at Independent Trading Co.: the IND4000 and SS4500.
Let's get into what makes these styles worth your attention!



The IND4000. Heavyweight for a Reason.
IND4000
Hooded Sweatshirt
There's something about a good heavyweight hoodie that just feels right.
The IND4000 brings a substantial 10 oz. cotton/polyester blend, premium ring-spun cotton 3-end fleece, and a generous fit that gives it that comfortable, quality feel customers appreciate. We're talking a fleece-lined hood, sturdy construction, and ribbed cuffs and waistband. The kind of details that make a hoodie feel like more than just another basic.
And for decorators? The smooth, stable cotton face on standard colorways provides a great foundation for screen printing, helping your artwork look its best.
For the end user, it's all about that substantial feel, comfortable fit, and a hoodie they'll actually want to keep wearing.
If you're building a premium merchandise collection or creating something with a little more weight and presence, this one's worth a look.


The SS4500.
Everyday Comfort That Makes Sense.
SS4500
Midweight Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt
Now, not everybody wants a heavyweight hoodie. Sometimes you need something comfortable, versatile, and easy to wear just about anywhere. That's where the SS4500 comes in.
With its 8.5 oz. cotton/polyester fleece, ring-spun cotton construction, jersey-lined hood, and classic fit, this style offers a great balance of comfort and everyday practicality.
And here's something printers will appreciate: the smooth cotton face on solid colorways makes it a dependable option for screen printing and other custom decoration methods. Add in a wide range of colors and you've got plenty of possibilities for team orders, company apparel, promotional merchandise, and retail-inspired collections.
For customers, it's a comfortable hoodie that works for everyday wear. For decorators and distributors, it's a versatile blank that can fit a whole lot of different projects. Not a bad combination, right?



Here's why I like having both of these styles in the conversation.
The IND4000 brings that premium heavyweight feel for customers looking for something substantial. The SS4500 delivers a more versatile midweight option that's easy to incorporate into everyday apparel programs.
Both give decorators a solid starting point for customization, and both offer the kind of comfort that makes people want to wear their finished merchandise. And with cooler weather, holiday gifting projects, company apparel, and seasonal merchandise on the calendar, there's no shortage of opportunities to put a good hoodie to work.
The key is knowing what your customer needs. Are they looking for something heavier and more substantial? Or something versatile for everyday wear? That's where choosing the right blank makes all the difference.



