Custom Running Club Sweatshirts and Hoodies

Custom running club sweatshirts have the highest per-item purchase rate in most run club shops. Members who would not buy a second shirt will buy the sweatshirt because it serves a different purpose: post-run layering, cold-weather training, casual Saturday wear. The same club logo that is on your shirt looks right on a crewneck or hoodie. Here is a breakdown of the best options for running clubs and when to use each.

Crewneck vs Hoodie: What Running Clubs Should Offer First

Both styles have strong demand in run club shops. Here is how to choose a starting point:

• Crewneck sweatshirts: Slightly more versatile because they layer under a running vest or wind jacket without the hood bunching. The Bear Grips Perfect Soft Crewneck Sweatshirt and Unisex Champion Crewneck are the most popular starting options. The crewneck also works better for logo printing because the full front chest area is uninterrupted by a zipper or drawstring hardware.
• Pullover hoodies: More popular as a standalone casual garment. Members are more likely to wear a hoodie to the coffee shop or grocery run after a Sunday run. The Bear Grips Comfort Soft Hoodie and Unisex Champion Performance Hoodie are both strong performers. Higher base cost means higher potential margin.
• Zip-up hoodies: Best for training clubs that want an outer layer that ventilates easily during runs. The Classic Zip-Up Hoodie (Gildan) is the entry-level option. Zip-ups are easier to put on and take off during a run without stopping.

A strong run club shop typically offers one crewneck and one pullover hoodie. Add a zip-up in year two if demand signals it.

Running Club Sweatshirt and Hoodie Options at Bear Grips Pro Shops

The full list of sweatshirt and hoodie styles available for custom running club apparel:

Style	Brand	VIP Base	Best For
Perfect Soft Crewneck Sweatshirt	Bear Grips	$34.88	Core club identity piece, post-run wear
Comfort Soft Hoodie	Bear Grips	$36.88	Casual weekend and social run clubs
Unisex Champion Crewneck Sweatshirt	Champion	$41.88	Premium feel, corporate run clubs
Unisex Champion Performance Hoodie	Champion	$45.88	High-end club gift, reward for milestones
Classic Zip-Up Hoodie	Gildan	$41.88	Training clubs, ventilated layering
Women's Premium Cropped Hoodie	Bella+Canvas	$47.88	Women's run groups, weekend lifestyle
Youth Hoodie	Gildan	$36.88	Clubs with junior or youth members

Bear Grips Pro Shops: Custom Apparel for Your Team. No Minimums. Free Shipping.

Running Club Sweatshirt Design: Placement and Approach

The same design principles that apply to shirts carry over to sweatshirts, with a few considerations specific to heavier garments:

• Center chest is standard: A 9-12 inch wide print across the center chest is the most common placement. The same design file you use for your club shirt can be reused on the sweatshirt.
• Left chest logo works well on premium styles: For Champion crewnecks and Champion hoodies, a smaller left chest logo has a collegiate quality that matches the fabric weight and feel of the garment.
• Back design option: Some clubs print the club name large across the back of the sweatshirt and use a small chest logo or nothing on front. This creates a streetwear-adjacent look that some lifestyle-oriented clubs prefer.
• Color choices for sweatshirts: Heather gray, black, and navy are the most common choices because they work in casual settings. For running clubs that want high visibility even in a sweatshirt, bright coral or yellow crewnecks print well and photograph strongly.

See the full running club shirt design guide for more on color strategy and logo placement principles.

How to Add Running Club Sweatshirts to Your Shop

Adding a sweatshirt to your existing running club shop takes under five minutes:

1. Log in to your Bear Grips Pro Shops account
2. Select the sweatshirt style from the catalog
3. Apply your existing club logo design (the same file used on your shirt works on sweatshirts)
4. Set your retail price (VIP base costs range from $34.88 to $47.88 depending on style)
5. Publish the product to your shop

Members who already follow your shop link will see the new item immediately. No separate announcement required, though an email or post in your club group chat will drive the initial wave of orders.

For clubs setting up their first shop: see the running club merch shop setup guide for the full process including pricing strategy and revenue expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular sweatshirt style for running clubs?

The Bear Grips Comfort Soft Hoodie and the Perfect Soft Crewneck Sweatshirt are the most popular options because they balance quality and price well. The Champion Crewneck is the preferred choice for clubs that want a premium feel and are comfortable pricing the item at $55-65 retail.

Can I offer both a crewneck and a hoodie in the same running club shop?

Yes. Many clubs offer both styles with the same logo. Members choose based on preference. You can offer them at the same price point or price the hoodie slightly higher to reflect the additional base cost.

Are running club sweatshirts good for actual cold-weather running?

Sweatshirts are better for pre-run, post-run, and casual training days than for active running in cold weather. For active cold-weather running, a moisture-wicking long sleeve base layer is more effective. The Sport-Tek moisture-wicking long sleeve is available in the catalog for that purpose. Most club members buy a sweatshirt for post-run wear and use technical layers for actual running.