SS4500 vs IND4000: Our Favorite Custom Hoodies (Plus the SS4500Z and IND4000Z Zip-Ups)
Short answer: the Independent Trading Co. SS4500 (midweight) and IND4000 (heavyweight) hoodies, plus their full-zip versions, the SS4500Z and IND4000Z, are the four sweatshirts we recommend most at Battle Born Clothing. Pick the SS4500 when you want a soft, affordable hoodie for a crowd. Pick the IND4000 when you want a thick, premium hoodie people keep for years. Choose the zip version for staff, crews and anyone who layers. All four have a 100% cotton face, so prints come out crisp and bright, and all four embroider beautifully.
These are our shop favorite and our customers' favorite for almost any occasion: company crews, schools and teams, events, retail merch, booster clubs and holiday gifts.
The Four Hoodies at a Glance
| SS4500 | SS4500Z | IND4000 | IND4000Z | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Style | Midweight pullover hoodie | Midweight full-zip | Heavyweight pullover hoodie | Heavyweight full-zip |
| Fabric | 8.5 oz. 80/20 ring-spun cotton/poly, 2-end fleece | 8.5 oz. 80/20 ring-spun cotton/poly, 2-end fleece | 10 oz. 70/30 ring-spun cotton/poly, 3-end fleece | 10 oz. 70/30 ring-spun cotton/poly, 3-end fleece |
| Face yarn | 100% cotton, 20 singles | 100% cotton, 20 singles | 100% cotton, 32 singles | 100% cotton, 32 singles |
| Fit | Classic | Classic | Generous | Generous |
| Hood | Jersey-lined, metal eyelets | Jersey-lined, metal eyelets | Fleece-lined, nickel eyelets | Fleece-lined, nickel eyelets |
| Pocket / zipper | Pouch pocket | #5 metal kissing zipper | Pouch pocket | #5 nickel kissing zipper |
| Colors | About 46 | About 19 | About 48 (incl. camo) | About 15 |
| Feel | Soft, lighter, easy layer | Soft, lighter, easy layer | Thick, warm, premium | Thick, warm, premium |
| Best for | Big runs, events, schools, budget-friendly merch | Staff and crews who layer | Retail merch, gifts, cold-weather crews | Premium staff jackets, outdoor crews |
| Shop it | SS4500 | SS4500Z | IND4000 | IND4000Z |
SS4500 vs IND4000: Which Hoodie Should You Pick?
The SS4500 is the everyday workhorse. At 8.5 oz. it is warm without being bulky, it layers under a jacket, and it is the lower-cost of the two, which matters when you are outfitting a whole school, team or company. The cotton face takes plastisol, water-based and discharge inks cleanly, and the classic fit works for almost everyone.
The IND4000 is the one people keep. The heavier 3-end fleece and fleece-lined hood make it noticeably thicker and warmer, and the 32-singles cotton face gives prints a smooth, retail feel. It runs generous, so many people stay in their normal size for a relaxed fit. It is our pick for retail merch, client gifts and Northern Nevada winters.
| If you need… | Choose |
|---|---|
| The lowest cost per piece for a big group | SS4500 |
| A premium hoodie for retail or gifts | IND4000 |
| Something light enough to layer | SS4500 or SS4500Z |
| The warmest option for outdoor crews | IND4000 or IND4000Z |
| Camo and earth tones | IND4000 (Forest, Black, Duck and Deadwood camo) or SS4500 |
| A matching set with sweatpants | Either; both are close matches to Independent fleece bottoms |
Pullover or Full-Zip?
The zip versions, the SS4500Z and IND4000Z, are the better choice for staff, crews, coaches and anyone who puts a hoodie on and takes it off all day. Both use a #5 kissing zipper that lies flat. The pullovers have a pouch pocket and a clean, uninterrupted front, so they are best for big front prints.
How We Decorate Them
| Placement | Pullover (SS4500, IND4000) | Full-zip (SS4500Z, IND4000Z) |
|---|---|---|
| Front | Big center chest print, or left-chest logo | Left-chest (or right-chest) print or embroidery, kept clear of the zipper |
| Back | Full back print | Full back print |
| Sleeve / hood | Sleeve print or embroidery, hood print | Sleeve print or embroidery |
| Best methods | Screen print (incl. water-based and discharge on solid colors), embroidery, DTF | Embroidery on the chest plus a screen-printed back is the classic combo |
Heather colors are a cotton/poly blend, so on heathers we use plastisol instead of discharge. For full-color or photo art on small runs we use DTF. See custom sweatshirts and custom hoodies in bulk for more options.
What It Costs
Your price is the blank hoodie plus decoration. Screen printing a one-color design is $4.85 a piece at 24, $3.79 at 48 and $2.38 at 120, plus $20 per screen per color. Left-chest embroidery is about $6 a piece at 12–47 and $5.50 at 48+, with digitizing from $16.99 one time. Blank pricing for each style is on its product page: SS4500, SS4500Z, IND4000, IND4000Z. Your quote confirms sizes, colors and stock.
Great For Almost Any Occasion
- Company crews and uniforms: zip hoodies with an embroidered left chest. See uniform programs.
- Schools, teams and booster clubs: SS4500 in team colors with a big front print. See team apparel.
- Events and fundraisers: SS4500 keeps the cost per piece down.
- Retail merch and brands: IND4000 with a soft water-based print. See how to start a clothing brand.
- Holiday and client gifts: IND4000 or IND4000Z with embroidery. See corporate gifting.
What Customers Say
★★★★★
“Great to work with and awesome availability of products. I was able to get my exact same work shirts that I use but with my logo printed through Battle Born Clothing.”
David Avila · Google★★★★★
“Robert has done a great job getting all our new merchandise logo up and ready for sale. Good guy too. Highly recommend him.”
Mark Johnson · Google★★★★★
“High quality, good prices, great people. Thanks for the great products!”
Anthony F. · Verified PurchaseRead all 45 reviews (4.6 average across Google, Etsy and our store)
Free quote · Ships nationwide
Order Custom Independent Hoodies
Tell us which style (SS4500, SS4500Z, IND4000 or IND4000Z), colors, sizes and quantity, and attach your logo. We reply with pricing and a mockup, usually within one business day.
Logo files: .ai, .eps, .pdf, .svg or a high-res .png. Prefer to talk it through? Call 775-230-0211 or email sales@battlebornclothing.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the SS4500 and IND4000?
The SS4500 is an 8.5 oz. midweight 2-end fleece with a jersey-lined hood and classic fit. The IND4000 is a heavier 10 oz. 3-end fleece with a fleece-lined hood and a more generous fit.
Does the IND4000 run big?
It has a generous fit. Many people stay in their normal size for a relaxed fit; size down for a closer fit.
Which hoodie is best for screen printing?
Both. Each has a 100% cotton face on solid colors, which is ideal for plastisol, water-based and discharge printing. The IND4000 has a slightly smoother surface.
Can you embroider on a zip hoodie?
Yes. Left or right chest embroidery on the SS4500Z and IND4000Z is our most popular staff look, often paired with a screen-printed back.
Is there a minimum order?
No minimum on embroidery or DTF. Screen printing is most cost-effective from about 24 pieces.
How long does a custom hoodie order take?
Standard production is 10–14 business days from your approved proof, plus shipping.
Shop all Independent Trading Co. sweatshirts or request a quote.