The Hoodie’s New Chapter: A Closer Look at the Wholesale Scene in 2025

If you stop for a second and really look around, it is clear that what people wear these days is not the same as even just five or six years ago. That line we used to draw between dressing up and dressing down has kind of disappeared. And right in the middle of all this change sits the hoodie, just quietly taking over.

At first, hoodies were just made for function. Nothing fancy. Just a way to keep workers warm in cold warehouses or for athletes on the sidelines. Fashion was not really part of the plan. But things changed. Now in 2025, a hoodie is not just for lazy days or cold mornings. It has turned into something people actually choose to wear all the time. For comfort, for confidence, and sometimes just to feel a bit more like themselves.

You will see them everywhere. Students heading to class. Tech people running demos. Travelers sitting around waiting for their next flight. And it is no surprise the wholesale hooded sweatshirts market in the US is booming. If you are someone who runs a clothing brand, works with event merch, or even runs a nonprofit, hoodies are something you gotta pay attention to. This is no longer just about keeping warm. This is about staying part of the culture.

Why Hoodies Seem to Be Well Everywhere

Next time you walk into a café or co-working space or even just a casual meeting, take a look around. Bet you see someone in a hoodie. Probably more than one. And it is not because it is cold. It is because people now see hoodies as totally okay to wear anywhere.

They used to be for weekends and gym days or quick grocery runs. But now people wear them to meetings, hangouts, even dates. It is not because people stopped trying. It is because comfort actually matters now. Confidence and feeling good have taken over the old idea of “look formal to look good.”

And no it is not just something random that happened. Life changed. Work looks different now. Routines are all over the place. So what people wear has to change too. It is not about dressing up. It is about dressing real.

What is Making Hoodie Demand Go Up So Fast

The way we live now is just different. Remote jobs, hybrid work, side gigs, all of it means people are not dressing up like they used to. Nobody wants to wear stiff pants at home. So yeah the 9 to 5 dress code is kinda done.

Imagine someone’s normal weekday. They wake up, stretch, maybe go for a jog. Then work calls, then a quick lunch with a friend, maybe some errands after. Evening comes, and they just want to chill. And guess what, that same hoodie they put on in the morning? Still works for all of it. No need to change.

That is why hoodies are winning. They are good in cold offices, they look okay on Zoom, they are chill to walk in, and they just go with everything. Jeans, joggers, cargos, even skirts. A zip up under a jacket or a big oversized pullover, it all works. Hoodies do not need the person to adjust. The hoodie adjusts to them.

Not Just a Phase, Here Are the Numbers

Some people still think this is just a trend. But the numbers say something else. A SkyQuest report said hoodie and sweatshirt sales in the US hit 22.8 billion dollars in 2023. That is huge. And that is not even the end. It is going to keep growing by over 6 percent every year.

That kind of growth means hoodies are not just a hot item. They are part of the way people live now. It is not about looking fancy. It is about what fits the lifestyle. What lets people move through their day without thinking too much about what they are wearing.

So no, this is not just about comfort. It is about feeling like yourself in what you wear. That is the real reason hoodies are here to stay.

More Than Just Fabric: Hoodies Mean Something

There is a reason people hold on to a certain hoodie for years. It is not just because it is soft or because it keeps them warm. Sometimes, it is about the memories attached to it. That hoodie might remind them of college days, or a trip with friends, or just a really good time in their life. It is emotional. It is familiar. It feels like home.

And that is also why wholesale blank sweatshirts and hoodies are such a popular item in the wholesale world right now. They are a clean slate. Brands can print whatever they want on them. Creators can turn them into art. Companies can use them for team gear. Nonprofits can spread a message through them. There is so much potential in that one piece of clothing. It is not just a hoodie—it is a way to tell a story.

Why Businesses Should Take Notice

For businesses in the apparel space, hoodies represent a huge opportunity. The demand is already there. The only question is, are you meeting it?

It’s not enough to offer hoodies just because everyone else is. Today’s shoppers are more aware, more intentional, and more selective. They want comfort, yes, but they also want quality, good fit, and a style that fits into their life. The brands that succeed will be the ones offering products that blend functionality with cultural relevance.

In other words, this isn’t just about making or selling clothes, it’s about understanding the lifestyle your audience lives, and delivering apparel that keeps up.

Who’s Actually Buying Hoodies in Bulk?

Here’s a quick look at some of the key players in today’s wholesale pullover hoodies market:

  • Boutiques & Local Retailers: These smaller shops often build their own in-house brands using blank hoodies, giving them the freedom to add custom tags, logos, or artwork without investing in manufacturing from scratch.
  • Custom Merch Printers: Think screen printers, embroiderers, and heat press businesses. Hoodies are a top choice for custom orders, whether it’s for a charity run, a school club, or a startup team.
  • Corporate Buyers: More companies are ditching traditional uniforms in favor of branded hoodies. They’re popular for onboarding kits, events, or just boosting internal team spirit.
  • Online Sellers & Dropshippers: Platforms like Etsy, Shopify, and Amazon have made it easy for individuals to start hoodie-focused brands. With low overhead and quick turnarounds, hoodies are often the first product new sellers test in the market.
  • Nonprofits, Schools & Community Groups
    Whether for fundraising or unity, custom hoodies are a reliable go-to for making people feel connected.

Each group shops with slightly different goals, some prioritize price, others value sustainability or turnaround time. Knowing your niche helps refine what kind of product you should offer.

What’s Trending in 2025?

If you want to stock what sells, you need to know what people are loving this year:

  • Classic Pullovers – The all-rounder hoodie that works for almost everyone.
  • Zip-Ups – Great for layering and more popular with fitness and tech-focused crowds.
  • Oversized Fits – A hit with younger audiences, especially on TikTok and Instagram.
  • Crewneck wholesale sweatshirts – Perfect for both minimalist brands and college merch.
  • Eco-Friendly Styles – Recycled fabrics, organic cotton, and low-impact dyes are gaining momentum.
  • Tech-Enhanced Hoodies – Think moisture-wicking, UV protection, and smart pockets.

Offering a mix of core essentials and trend-led styles is your best bet.

How to Know If a Hoodie’s Actually Good

Buying bulk hooded sweatshirts and hoodies is smart, but only if you’re buying something worth wearing. Here’s what to look at:

  • Fabric Composition
    • 100% Cotton: Soft and easy to print, but may shrink.
    • Cotton/Poly Blends: Hold color better and resist wrinkles.
    • Recycled Blends: Good for sustainability, though texture may vary.
  • Weight (GSM)
    • Lightweight: Under 250 GSM, good for layering or warm climates
    • Midweight: 280–320 GSM, great all-rounders
    • Heavyweight: 330+ GSM, for premium or cold-weather collections
  • Construction & Stitching
    • Double-needle seems = longer lifespan
    • Taped necklines = holds shape
    • Ribbed cuffs/waistbands = better fit
  • Interior Fabric Finish
    • Brushed fleece = cozy and plush
    • Loopback/Terry = breathable and better for activewear
  • Fit & Size Range
    • Offer unisex and extended sizing
    • Always test for shrinkage and fit before ordering large quantities

Picking the Right Sizes & Colors

One thing buyers get wrong? Limiting their sizing and color range. Today’s customers expect inclusivity and variety.

Color trends for 2025 include:

  • Earthy tones: Olive, rust, clay
  • Go-to neutrals: Black, grey, navy, white
  • Soft pastels: Mint, peach, lilac
  • Statement brights: Cobalt, red, yellow

Most successful buyers balance it out, half in timeless neutrals, half in fun or seasonal shades.

Smart Tips for Buying Wholesale Hoodies

Want to avoid mistakes? Here’s how:

  • Set Clear Goals: Know your audience and end use before you start sourcing.
  • Order Samples: Never skip trying it out yourself.
  • Check MOQs: Small brands should find suppliers with flexible minimum order quantities.
  • Know the Return Policy: Things go wrong, make sure you’re protected.
  • Ask About Lead Times: Especially important if you’re printing or embroidering.

Why Sustainability Isn’t Optional Anymore

More buyers care about how their clothes are made, and where they come from. Nearly half of U.S. consumers are actively seeking eco-conscious brands.

This is how many companies are responding:

  • Organic fabrics
  • Recycled materials
  • Ethical manufacturing certifications (like Fair Wear or WRAP)
  • Compostable or reduced packaging

Sustainability builds customer trust, and that’s worth the extra margin.

Final Thoughts

Buying wholesale hoodies is more than just a transaction, it’s a strategy. The right hoodie can elevate your brand, increase customer loyalty, and expand your product line in a smart, relevant way.

Focus on quality. Think long-term. And always put your customer’s lifestyle first.

Ready to stock up?Explore the hoodie collection at ThreeLayer.com, carefully chosen, print-ready, and made for real-world comfort.