Fleece Hoodie Season 2026: DTF Blanks & Press Settings

Impressions magazine's September 2026 fleece trend report says heavyweight fleece in the 10 to 15-plus ounce range now dominates the decorated-apparel market, with lighter French terry growing for year-round layering. For a DTF shop, that is a useful signal: hoodies and crewnecks are the highest-ticket blank most shops press, and fall is when they sell. This guide explains what is changing in fleece, which blanks the trade press and our own style guides point to, and how to press DTF onto them.

What the 2026 fleece trend means for DTF

According to Impressions magazine's report, fleece has moved from a cold-weather item to year-round lifestyle wear, driven by athleisure, hybrid work, and a taste for oversized fits. Three details matter for decorators:

• Weight. Heavyweight fleece of 10 to 15-plus ounces is the center of the market. Mid-weight and lightweight French terry are growing as layering pieces.
• Construction. The report says three-end fleece with a cotton-heavy face gives the best decorating surface.
• Styles named. Blanks mentioned include the JERZEES NuBlend hooded sweatshirt, Cotton Heritage M2635, District's DT6150 V.I.T. Heavyweight Fleece Hoodie, Next Level Apparel's fleece line, Allmade French terry, TriDri's Luxe collection, Lane Seven's Element collection, and a Live & Tell by L.A.T. fleece sweatshirt.

The report is aimed at screen printers and embroiderers, so it recommends puff embroidery and appliqué for many placements. DTF fits the same garments, and it handles full-color artwork on a textured face that is hard to screen print in many colors.

Fleece blanks we already cover

We have style guides for the fleece blanks most shops stock. Weights are the manufacturer's listed weights.

Our blank hoodies and sweatshirts guide lists heavier options such as the 10-ounce Comfort Colors 1566 crewneck and the Hanes F170 pullover for shops that want a premium step above a Gildan.

DTF press settings for fleece

Our canonical press chart lists 50/50 heavy-blend fleece at these starting points. Confirm against your film manufacturer's spec sheet, because film, powder, and press calibration all shift the real number.

Fleece is thicker than a tee, so it needs a longer dwell to push the adhesive through the nap. Use a pressing pillow over seams, pockets, and zippers, and use a lint roller before pressing so loose fibers do not end up under the film. The full chart is in the DTF temperature and time chart, and the DTF heat press tips post covers pillows and pressure.

Mid-weight French terry has a smoother face than brushed fleece. Our chart has no dedicated French terry row, so start from the row that matches its fiber content, pre-press, and run a test garment before a full order.

Placement on hoodies

A kangaroo pocket changes where a chest design can sit. Keep the graphic above the pocket seam and below the neckline, and check the hood drawstring is not in the way. Our placement guide and shirt placement chart give sizes for adult and youth hoodies, and the master chart for hoodies and sweatpants covers the larger blanks.

Selling fleece this season

Fleece orders cluster around events the shop can plan for. Cold-weather races in Texas are one example: the Dallas and Houston marathon guide covers long-sleeve and hoodie spectator shirts. Ugly sweater shirts, team spirit wear, and Black Friday all lean on hoodies and crewnecks, and tariffs are changing blank prices, which our Section 301 tariff post covers.

Frequently asked questions

What temperature should I press DTF on a fleece hoodie?

Our press chart lists 285 to 300°F for 50/50 heavy-blend fleece, held for 15 to 20 seconds at medium pressure, then a cold peel. Pre-press for 3 to 5 seconds first, and use a pressing pillow over seams and pockets. Confirm against your film's spec sheet.

Can you DTF print on French terry?

Yes, French terry can be printed with DTF. Its smooth face is easier to press than brushed fleece, but our chart has no dedicated French terry row, so start with the setting for its fiber content and test a sample garment before pressing a full order.

What weight of fleece is considered heavyweight?

Impressions magazine's 2026 fleece report describes heavyweight fleece as 10 to 15-plus ounces. By that definition the Gildan 18000 crewneck at 8.0 ounces is a standard-weight fleece, while a 10-ounce style such as the Comfort Colors 1566 crewneck is at the start of the heavyweight range.

Should I hot peel or cold peel DTF on fleece?

Our chart lists a cold peel for fleece. The nap can lift with a hot peel, so let the transfer cool before removing the film, then finish with a 10-second press under parchment.

Where can I buy fleece-ready DTF transfers?

Browse the DTF supplier directory for transfer suppliers, and use the gang sheet calculator to size an order before you buy.