You’ve nailed the logo. You’ve picked the hoodie. Now comes the decision that quietly makes or breaks the whole thing: colour. The right garment and print pairing makes your design jump off the fabric. The wrong one can make even great artwork disappear. Here’s how to get it right the first time.
Contrast Is King
The single biggest rule is contrast. Light prints on dark garments and dark prints on light garments are easy to read from a distance, whether that’s across the track, the rink or the bleachers. Pairings that sit too close together, like grey on heather grey or navy on black, can look sharp up close but fade into each other once someone steps back. If your design needs to be recognized at a glance, give it plenty of contrast.
Start With Your Team or Brand Colours
If your club, team or business already has colours, build around them. Pick one as the garment colour and use the others in the print. A two- or three-colour palette usually looks cleaner and more intentional than a rainbow. Tip: if your logo is mostly one dark colour, consider a white or light outline version so it still pops on darker garments.
Think About Where It Will Be Worn
Colour isn’t just about looks, it’s about use. Darker garments hide dirt and grease, which makes them a favourite for pit crews, coaches and anyone working an event all day. Lighter colours feel fresh for warm-weather tournaments and summer events. Bright accents like orange or high-visibility shades help volunteers and staff stand out in a crowd.
Remember That Screens Lie a Little
Colours on your phone or monitor can look different from colours on fabric. Screens glow; garments don’t. Heathered and textured fabrics also change how a print colour reads. If an exact shade matters, mention it when you request a quote so we can talk through options before anything gets printed.
Let’s Make It Pop
Not sure which combo will look best? That’s what we’re here for. Whether it’s jerseys, tees, hoodies, hats or a full team order, on new garments or ones you already own, we’ll help you land a colour combo that leads the pack. Visit Holeshot Outfitters to upload your artwork or request a quote today.