DTF on hoodies works well. Use the same settings as a t-shirt, but plan around the thick fleece, the pouch pocket seam, the hood and the zipper. Keep the front design 10" to 11" wide above the pocket, and the back design 12" to 13" wide, starting 3" to 4" below the hood seam.
- Front
- 10" to 11" wide
- Back
- 12" to 13" wide
- Press
- 300°F, 10 sec, high
- Peel
- Instant hot peel
Hoodie print sizes and placement
| Width | Where to place it | |
|---|---|---|
| Full front | 10" to 11" | Above the pocket seam |
| Full back | 12" to 13" | 3" to 4" below hood seam |
| Left chest | Usually 3" to 4" | Over the heart |
| Sleeve or hood | A few inches | Fit the flat area |
The front number is narrower than a t-shirt front because the pouch pocket takes up the lower half of the body. The back has no pocket, so it can run bigger. For every other placement, see our DTF transfer size chart.
Size for the smallest hoodie in the run
If one design goes on a small and an XXL, size it so it still fits the small. A back print that looks right on an XXL can wrap into the side seams on a small. If the size range is wide, order two sizes of the same design.
Why hoodies are harder than t-shirts
- Thick fleece. The fabric squishes under the platen, so the pressure you set for tees can feel light on a hoodie.
- The pouch pocket seam. It sits higher than the fabric around it and lifts the platen off part of your design.
- Hood and drawstrings. They hang into the press area and get in the way of a flat lay.
- Zip-ups. A zipper is the tallest thing on the garment. If it sits under the platen, nothing next to it gets full pressure.
- Moisture. Fleece holds more water than a light tee. Steam during the press can weaken the bond.
How to press DTF on a hoodie
- Check your press. Set 300°F. Presses often run cooler than the dial, so check the platen temperature with a thermometer if you can.
- Load it right. Pull the drawstrings out of the way and drape the hood over the back of the press, away from the platen.
- Use a pressing pillow. Slide a pillow inside the hoodie under the print area. It raises the print zone above the pocket seam, side seams and zipper so the platen hits the design evenly.
- Pre-press for 5 seconds. This pulls moisture out of the fleece and flattens the nap.
- Place the transfer. Measure from the hood seam on the back, or from the neckline on the front, and keep the bottom edge clear of the pocket seam.
- Press at high pressure for 10 seconds. If the platen closes too easily, raise the pressure for the thickness of the hoodie.
- Peel hot, right away. Smooth, low angle.
- Post-press for 5 seconds. Use parchment or a Teflon sheet over the print. This pushes the ink into the fleece and gives a softer finish.
These are the same settings we use on cotton, polyester, blends and fleece. The full breakdown is in our DTF heat press settings.
Zip-up hoodies
You have two easy options. A left chest print sits beside the zipper, so you can press it with the zipper hanging off the edge of the platen. A full front design gets split into two halves, one for each side, and pressed separately. Leave a small gap on each side of the zipper so the halves line up when it's closed. Zip it up first and mark your center before you place anything.
Sleeve and hood prints
Sleeves
Slide the sleeve over the end of the platen or put a thin pillow inside it, so you're pressing one layer, not two. Keep the design narrow enough to sit on the flat part of the sleeve, not over the seam. A vertical word or small logo works well.
Hood
Lay the hood flat with one side up and a pillow inside. Small designs on the side panel press best. Keep the transfer away from the center seam of the hood, and keep it small so the curve doesn't pull on the print when the hood is worn.
Back of hoodie design ideas
- Big logo, small front. A left chest logo up front and the full logo on the back. Simple, and it looks like retail.
- Name and number. Team hoodies with a name across the shoulders and a number below.
- Event list. Dates, cities or sponsors in a stacked list for tours, races and reunions.
- Arched text over a graphic. Classic for clubs, gyms and schools.
- Collar drop. A small design just under the hood seam, alone or above a larger back print.
Large solid areas feel heavier on the garment. On big back prints, a distressed texture or halftones keep the print softer and easier to wear.
Caring for DTF hoodies
Wait 24 hours before the first wash. Wash inside out, cold or warm, with mild detergent and no bleach. Tumble dry low or hang dry, and never iron directly on the print. Our DTF washing instructions include a care card you can pass to customers.
FAQ
What size DTF transfer goes on the back of a hoodie?
12" to 13" wide, starting 3" to 4" below the hood seam. Size it for the smallest hoodie in your order.
Do I need different settings for a DTF hoodie?
No. Our transfers press at 300°F for 10 seconds with high pressure on fleece, same as cotton and polyester. Pre-press to remove moisture and use a pressing pillow.
Can I press over the pocket?
Avoid it. The seam lifts the platen and leaves weak spots. Keep the front design above the pocket seam.
Can I put DTF on a polyester hoodie?
Yes. Test dyed performance blanks first for dye migration, and use the same settings.
Ready to print your hoodies?
Upload your front and back at the sizes above, or fit them on one gang sheet. Orders placed before 1PM PT ship the same business day.